3 weeks ago

PM Modi urges IIT Delhi graduates: 'Life's not a leaderboard'

PM Modi urges IIT Delhi graduates: 'Life's not a leaderboard'
‘First in my bloodline’ to ‘life’s not a leaderboard’: PM Modi’s key moments from IIT Delhi convocation 2026 · indianexpress.com

India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, gave a big speech at a university ceremony called a convocation.

More than 3,000 students finished their studies and received their degrees that day.

He told them to be proud, especially if they are the first person in their family to do something big.

He talked about young Indians building rockets, computer chips and drones.

He also warned them not to compare themselves with friends on social media.

'Life is not a leaderboard,' he said, meaning life is not a game where you get points.

He said your only real competition is yourself and that everyone should stay healthy in body and mind.

He joked about campus life, like the parathas served at the Satpura mess and the hostel names.

He also said it would be nice to see more girls win medals.

The students laughed and cheered as he told them to take their memories and friendships with them.

Key facts

Event
57th Convocation of IIT Delhi
Chief Guest
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Graduates
More than 3,000 students, including 587 PhD scholars
Guests of Honour
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi and NITI Aayog member Prof Abhay Karandikar
Institute Officials
Harish Salve (Chairperson, Board of Governors) and Director Prof. Rangan Banerjee
First Graduating Cohorts
Bachelor of Design, Executive MBA, MSc Biological Sciences, MA Culture, Society and Thought
Key Phrases
'First in my bloodline' and 'life is not a leaderboard'

Quotes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Chief guest and Prime Minister of India

“"Don’t forget it. Don’t leave it behind. Take it with you."”
indianexpress.com
“"life, he said, “is not a leaderboard.””
indianexpress.com

Sources

Related news