Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed the convocation of Visva-Bharati University today via video conferencing. West Bengal Governor and Rector of Visva-Bharati, Jagdeep Dhankhar, Union Education Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and Union Minister of State for Education Sanjay Dhotre were also present on the occasion.

"Visva-Bharati is a prized centre of learning. It is closely associated with the ideals of the great Gurudev Tagore. Those who have studied there have distinguished themselves in many fields. At 11 AM tomorrow, 19th February, will be speaking at Visva-Bharati’s convocation," PM Modi wrote on Twitter on Thursday.

As many as 2,535 students will receive their degrees during today's ceremony. Visva-Bharati was founded by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore in 1921 and it is the oldest Central university in the country. PM Modi is also the Chancellor of the University.

Here are the live updates of Modi's address to Visva-Bharati University students:

The new 'National Education Policy' is a major step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. It gives strength to research and innovation, PM Modi said while addressing the convocation ceremony of Visva Bharati University.

PM Modi: "Many people who are spreading terror and violence across the world are highly educated, highly skilled. On the other hand, there are people who are risking their lives and stationed at hospitals and labs to save people from a pandemic like Covid-19. It's not about ideology but a mindset."

"What you do depends on whether your mindset is positive or negative. There is scope for both of them. The path is open for both of them. It is in our hands to decide if we want to be a part of the problem or the solution," says PM Modi.

Addressing the Visva-Bharati. Watch. https://t.co/HDxyZLMVc7

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 19, 2021

"There is no boundary for creativity" - with this thought, Gurudev laid the foundation of this university: PM Modi

"It is not just a university, but a part of a vibrant tradition. If Gurudev wanted to see Vishwa Bharati as just a university, he could have named it Global University, but he named it Vishwa Bharati," the PM said.

For Gurudev Tagore, Visva Bharati was not merely a place of knowledge, it was an attempt to reach the topmost goal of Indian culture, says PM Modi.

Taking part in the convocation ceremony, PM Modi said, "It would have been good if I had come there personally to take part in the ceremony today but due to the new rules (COVID19) I am taking part in this event through video conferencing."

The PM wished the countrymen on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's birth anniversary. "Gurudev Tagore had also drawn inspiration from the Shivaji Maharaj's indomitable courage, marvellous valour and extraordinary intelligence," Modi said.