At Fudan University, PM Modi Invokes Gandhiji, Says His Teachings Address Global Warming, Terrorism

The teachings of Mahatma Gandhi have addressed two key concerns of the world, global warming and terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the students of Shanghai's Fudan University , where he launched a Centre for Gandhian and Indian studies today.

"By studying Gandhi's teachings, the Chinese youth will help not only the country but the world in realising that it has innovative solutions for these problems," PM Modi said, addressing the students in Hindi as an interpreter translated.

The Prime Minister had repeatedly remarked on how Gandhiji's life is still relevant. In Australia's Brisbane, he had mentioned how Gandhiji's teachings have solutions to terrorism and global warming. He said he had believed in the ideologies of the Mahatma "even before I was chief minister of Gujarat".

Today's programme had started with the Chinese students reciting verses from Bhagwad Gita. "The students who chanted shlokas from the Hindu scriptures... the fundamentals of life were stated in those shlokas," he said.

Knowledge exchange between India and China goes back a long way, PM Modi said. "To let foreign knowledge flow in is a little difficult, because then we have to make room for new point of views," he said. But China has managed it -- first through the teachings of Buddha, and now, through the teachings of Gandhi.

"Opening doors for business is easy... but to open the doors of knowledge, one needs great inner strength... Trade only helps the Centre run the government, but the exchange of knowledge helps generations," said PM Modi, who had spent the morning addressing various industry leaders in China.

Referring to his meeting with the industry leaders, he said he was very happy to see the "immense enthusiasm" for the Make in India Initiative.

"Had a good interaction with students at Fudan University & launched the 'Centre for Gandhian and Indian Studies'," the Prime Minister later tweeted.  

He also addressed the Indian expat community in Shanghai, who gave him a reception. It was his last official engagement in China.