Chandigarh, May 23 (IANS) Haryana Energy Minister Anil Vij on Saturday said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has progressed significantly.

He said when Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, India’s economy ranked 14th globally, whereas today it has reached the third position.

He said the Prime Minister has pledged to transform India into a developed nation by 2047.

Vij was addressing a gathering at the annual function of Musaddi Lal Arya Girls High School in Ambala Cantonment. He said that among all forms of service, imparting education is the noblest.

The Energy Minister said earlier the Gurukul system differed greatly from modern schools.

“Schools mainly provide literacy and academic education, whereas Gurukuls also impart values (moral and cultural values).”

Vij said educational institutions shape children into better human beings capable of facing future challenges.

He remarked that those working in educational institutions deserve great respect. He emphasized that educating girls is among the greatest services to society, and the school is doing commendable work by providing quality education to girls.

He said there can be no greater virtue than this. He also appreciated the cultural performances presented by the students during the function.

The Energy Minister said he is merely a “chowkidar” and that the government assistance provided is actually the people’s own trust and wealth.

He said it “is due to the support and strength of the people that extensive development work has been possible in Ambala Cantonment”.

He said the scale of development witnessed in Ambala Cantonment is unmatched and that development work itself speaks louder than words.

Vij further said a national-level Shaheed Smarak is being constructed in Ambala Cantonment, which Prime Minister Modi may inaugurate soon.

He said this would be the country’s first memorial dedicated to the First War of Independence of 1857, whose movement had begun from Ambala Cantonment.

–IANS

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