India and China are expected to play the role of engines of growth for the rest of the world in the 21st century. Though the growth story is not without challenges, it can be said that the 21st century is the century of Asia, C. Rajendiran, Commissioner – Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax, said here on Saturday.
Delivering the graduation day address at Rathinam College of Arts and Science, he said that while the economic growth rate of developed countries had dipped, India and China were growing consistently registering nearly double digit Gross Domestic Product growth.
“This growth is throwing up many opportunities. One has to be alert, continuously upgrade skills and should be constantly on the lookout for these opportunities,” Mr. Rajendiran said.
Referring to the recently concluded National Science Congress in Chennai, he said the outcome was that science had to be pursued for the benefit of humanity cutting across national boundaries. “It is time for India to produce Ramans and Ramanujans of the 21st century”.
He pointed out that in the realisation of the dreams and hopes of students lay the future of the country.
“Some of you may pursue higher education, some others may upgrade skills by taking up some courses, and others may prepare for competitive examinations. What should be common in all these is that all of you ought to look forward to a brighter future with great hope, Mr. Rajendiran said.
Lamenting that patriotic fervour and nationalism were slowly vanishing, he said that the country was at crossroads due to deficit in moral ethics, business ethics, and professional ethics.
“It is said that change is the only constant factor. What distinguishes the present from the past is that the change is very rapid in the recent times. Unless an individual is fully prepared to face the challenges, he will be swept away by the changes,” Mr. Rajendiran said.
