NITI Aayog member Bibek Debroy
Noted economist and NITI Aayog member Bibek Debroy today said that India's "huge population" can become an asset if it is properly channelled to fuel the growth of the country, which has the capacity to become a developed power in the next two decades.
Dr Debroy, who was addressing the 4th convocation of Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT-H), said India would be among the developed countries in next 20 years and it is youth who should shoulder the responsibility to take the nation forward in all fields.
"Our country is having huge population which is advantageous to our country because we can use this manpower for the nation's progress and development.
"Many of you dream to go to foreign countries and get residence permits of those countries and when you return after decades to your country, you complain about bad roads and corruption, etc. Instead, you can do something to improve it practically," he said.
Dr Debroy also opined that it is unfair to compare India with the USA in terms of development as the North American country is way ahead of us.
The ceremony was presided over by BVR Mohan Reddy, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT-H and Institute director UB Desai.
Mr Reddy said IIT-Hyderabad is contributing substantially to research with 53 per cent of 358 students graduating are post-graduates and PhDs.
At the convocation held at the institution's newly opened permanent campus at Kandi, about 50 km from Hyderabad, 358 students were awarded various degrees. Compared to last year, 100 more students graduated.