Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami took part in the 12th convocation ceremony of Graphic Era Deemed University in Dehradun on Tuesday.
While addressing the students, Gadkari praised their achievements and highlighted the significance of their academic journey. Congratulating the graduates, he said the occasion was a symbol of their hard work, dedication, and determination. He also emphasized that earning a degree comes with responsibility.
Speaking to the students, Gadkari stated, "The country is home to the largest population of young, talented, and skilled individuals." He pointed out the global admiration for Indian youth and their critical role in wealth creation for the nation. "Our focus should shift from seeking jobs to creating them," he added, encouraging students to aim high and stay committed to their goals. Gadkari further advised, "Credibility, honesty, and the desire to do well will take you forward."
Highlighting India’s infrastructure growth, Gadkari mentioned the progress in building expressways, tunnels, bridges, and highways in recent years. He also discussed the government's initiatives in green energy, describing hydrogen gas as the "fuel of the future." Sharing a personal insight, he noted that hydrogen is being generated from organic municipal waste, calling it an affordable and sustainable energy source. He also mentioned his use of a hydrogen-powered car.
Gadkari underlined India's growing status in the world as a center of innovation and entrepreneurship. "Indian-origin CEOs heading top global firms reflect the nation's immense talent pool," he said, while also stressing the importance of improving India’s Domestic Happiness Index.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also attended the event and lauded Gadkari as the "Vishwakarma of modern India," crediting him with transforming infrastructure across the country through expressways, green corridors, logistics hubs, and an extensive road network. Dhami urged the youth to apply their knowledge and skills to contribute to India’s development.
He added that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Uttarakhand is advancing in the fields of education and innovation. "The state is implementing the New Education Policy and introducing advanced courses like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Big Data in universities and research institutes. Scientific research is being promoted by developing science centres in Dehradun, Haldwani, and Almora. The government's vision is to make the youth future-ready," said Dhami.
He also pointed out that incubation centres have been set up to support entrepreneurship across the state. Speaking about transparency in recruitment, the Chief Minister noted that Uttarakhand has introduced the most stringent anti-cheating law in the country, which has helped provide over 23,000 government jobs to youth in the last three years.
In a post on X, Gadkari shared his gratitude: "Honoured to receive the Honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) during the 12th Convocation Ceremony of Graphic Era Deemed University, Dehradun, in the presence of Uttarakhand Chief Minister @pushkardhamiJi, Education Minister @drdhansinghukJi, and the University's Chancellor and NITI Aayog Member, Dr VK Saraswat Ji."
“This recognition reflects the journey I've undertaken in sustainable highway infrastructure, clean mobility, and digital innovation--not as a destination, but as a reminder to stay resolute in serving the nation with deeper purpose and quiet determination,” his post read.
Both Union Minister Gadkari and CM Dhami jointly conferred PhD degrees and academic honours during the convocation ceremony.