Modi: I feel ‘pain’ of Rohith family... India has lost a son

Students protest at PM venue, removed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence over the suicide of Hyderabad research scholar Rohith Vemula on Friday, and said that he “deeply felt the family’s pain”.

Addressing the convocation at the Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Mr Modi said: “India has lost a son and I can imagine what his family must be going through. I feel for his mother, and know what she must be feeling having lost her son. Youth power is priceless. At the same time, we hear news that our young son Rohith is compelled to commit suicide. The loss is great and this is not the time for going into the reasons and politics.”

Earlier, as soon as the PM began his speech, a group of students started shouting slogans against Mr Modi. They were trying to raise the issue of Rohith Vemula’s suicide.

The five students were immediately bundled out of the auditorium by security personnel and later taken to the Ashiana police station. The PM did not directly respond to this, and continued with his speech.

Recalling the contribution of Dr B.R. Ambedkar to the nation, Mr Modi said he had done a lot for the education and upliftment of the poor. “Dr Ambedkar was a global leader. He was the first Indian to complete his doctorate in the United States. He faced difficulties, ridicule, insults and rejection, but he chose to illuminate himself with education and did not complain about it. Every failure is a step towards success and each one of you must realise this,” he said.

Mr Modi said that education teaches one to differentiate between right and wrong. “This is the Age of Information and the age of Google Guru, who is emerging as the biggest teacher. There are too many sources of information today and you have to select the right one”, he said.

The Prime Minister went on to say that for every student, life actually begins after he or she gets a degree. “That is when you move out of a protective atmosphere, and venture out into the world. Leading a balanced life is important and it is also important to remember all those who have contributed to your success — whether it is your parents, teachers or even the chaiwala who served you tea,” he pointed out.

Later, the PM distributed e-rickshaws, where he interacted with the beneficiaries and asked them to make the most of their new venture. He also paid tributes to Dr Ambedkar at the Ambedkar Mahasabha office, where an urn containing the ashes of the late leader is kept.