Muslims need education the most, says Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

File photo of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasised the crucial role of education in the upliftment of Muslims and strongly criticised the prevalence of caste-based politics in the country.

Speaking at the convocation ceremony of the Central India Group of Institutions in Nagpur, Mr. Gadkari said education was the cornerstone of development and social progress. He stressed that the Muslim community, in particular, needed to focus more on educational advancement.

“In our society, the community that needs education the most is the Muslim community,” the Union Minister said.

Highlighting occupational patterns, he pointed out that only a limited number of professions were currently dominant within the Muslim community. “Unfortunately, professions like running tea stalls, paan shops, scrap dealing, truck driving, and cleaning have gained prominence,” he added. “If people from our society become engineers, doctors, IAS and IPS officers, then our society will progress. We may offer prayers in the mosque a hundred times, but without embracing science and technology, what will our future look like?” Mr. Gadkari said, referring to the achievements of former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. 

At the event, the Minister expressed his belief that a person’s greatness was not dependent on caste, sect, religion, language, or gender but by their qualities and that was why one must not be discriminated against based on identities.  “I am in politics, and caste leaders often come to meet me. But I am clear — I will live on my own terms, whether or not I get votes,” he said.

He said education uplifted the society in addition to one’s family. “Knowledge is power, and imbibing this power must be your mission,” Mr. Gadkari said.