Modi at AU Live: Convocation dissolved with National Anthem

Modi, Stalin and others leave the venue.

Governor Ravi dissolves convocation as everyone stands up for National Anthem

Now, the candidates stand to take a pledge

We are lucky that you people will build your future along with India's future. Your growth is India's growth, your learning is India's learning, your future is India's future. Take every opportunity and make the best out of it. Thank you, everyone, Modi concludes.

A strong govt is not restrictive but responsive. It will not move into every domain but will limit itself and make space for people's talent, he says

Take risks on your own or build upon opportunities, he tells the students

Even the poorest of poor are adapting to technology. Homemakers are using it too. Children are learning using tech. Small vendors are using digital payments. If you give them cash, they would say they prefer digital payment. Tech industry is waiting to take forward your innovations: Modi

'The number of start-ups grew by 15,000 per cent. Investment follows where innovations and infrastructure are there. We received record funding post pandemic' Our country recorded highest ever export of goods and services. India is becoming a vital link in global supply chains. We are converting obstacles to opportunities, he adds.

The pandemic was once in a century crisis for which nobody had an user manual. Tough times reveal what we are made of, he says.

How can we forget Bharat Ratna APJ Abdul Kalam now. It's pride that he was closely associated with this university. May his thoughts and values inspire our youth, Prime Minister continues.

The whole world is looking at India's youth because you're the growth engines, the Prime Minister says.

Today, we are here to celebrate the achievements of our youth in the vibrant city of Chennai: Modi

Today is a day of not only achievements but aspirations. It is a special day for everyone here, including support staff. You're the nation builders, he says

Hello to my young friends! Vanakkam, begins Modi

First rank holders across departments receive their medals and certificates from Prime Minister Modi

I wish all the graduates and promise them all the support. I will work continuously for your betterment: Stalin concludes

Education is the only asset nobody else can steal from you (students). This government is so keen in providing education to everyone across the State. The government is working towards this everyday by schemes like Illam Thedi Kalvi, Ennum Ezhuthum, free breakfast scheme, Naan Mudhalvan, the Chief Minister says.

I would like to note something here. When Aringnar Anna spoke during Kamaraj Univ convocation, he said that the graduates are the pillars of the nation: Stalin

Stalin begins his speech. He begins by thanking Modi for inaugurating Chess Olympiad.

Guv R N Ravi declares the convocation, open

My hearty congratulations to rankholder. Vaazhga Thamizhagan, Vaazhga Bharatham, Vaazhga Vaiyaga, Velraj concludes

AU has been working on every aspects competing with global universities. The university occupies 30th position among Indian universities. We thank the govt for its sustained support: Velraj

256 companies took place in recruitment process and 79.4% were placed, Velraj says

The university received 103 sponsored projects so far in this year. We were granted 23 patents this year, he says

Online programme MBA, launched in Oct 2021, and several courses, including Siddha and Ayurvedha, is under progress: Velraj

'With support of 150 experts, we will soon launch revised syllabus'

In this historical event, I now present the major achievements. AU has established 11 new research centres to encourage innovation and product developments: Velraj

I feel very proud to have PM Modi as the chief guest of the convocation today. We truly follow your footsteps, sir, he says

Vice-Chancellor Velraj begins his speech.

I request Prime Minister to extend his support to TN and I welcome him to this event, he concludes.

Rs 1,000 will be given to girl students from villages who will take up higher education. This is the first time any chief minister has done such thing to encourage women to study: Ponmudy

Ponmudy: Out of the 69 gold medalist, 39 are women and 30 are men.

Higher Education Minister Ponmudy addresses the gathering

CM Stalin felicitates PM Modi, presents him Tiruvalluvar statue

Modi, Stalin, RN Ravi and L Murugan assemble on the dias and stand for National Anthem and Tamil Thaai Valthu

Chief Minister MK Stalin, Higher Edu Minister Ponmudy and Governor RN Ravi participate

Modi to honour 69 graduates with gold medals today

This is the first time an Indian Prime Minister is taking part in Anna University convocation in 70 years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inaugurated the 44th Chess Olympiad ceremony last evening, will participate in the 42nd convocation of Anna University before he leaves to Ahmedabad.