India witnessing historic transformations, eliminating poverty faster: Modi to Bhutanese students

"India is eliminating poverty faster than ever before. The pace of infrastructure construction has doubled in the last five years," said the PM.

Modi said it is natural that the people of Bhutan and India experience great attachment to each other. 

"After all, we are close not just due to our geography. Our history, culture and spiritual traditions have created unique and deep bonds between our peoples and nations," Modi said.

He said India is also home to among the biggest start-up eco-systems in the world.

"This is indeed a great time to innovate in India! These, and many other transformations have dreams and aspirations of the youth of India at their core," said he.

Speaking about the Indo-Bhutan ties, Modi said: "A few days back, my good friend, Prime Minister Dr. Tshering wrote a Facebook post that touched my heart. In that post he mentioned about Exam Warriors, a book I wrote to advise youngsters about how to face exams without stress."

"Can I tell you something? Much of what I wrote in Exam Warriors is influenced by the teachings of Lord Buddha, especially the importance of positivity, overcoming fear and living in oneness, be it with the present moment or with Mother Nature," said he.

Modi urged the young generation to innovate solutions for overcoming challenges.

"Yes, we have challenges. But for every challenge, we have young minds to find innovative solutions to overcome them. Let no limitation constrain you. I want to tell you all- there is no better time to be young than now," said he.

The Indian PM said that going beyond the traditional sectors of cooperation, he is seeking to cooperate extensively in new frontiers, from schools to space, digital payments to disaster management.

"It is even a matter of great happiness that young Bhutanese scientists will travel to India to work on designing and launching Bhutan’s own small satellite. I hope that someday soon, many of you will be scientists, engineers and innovators," Modi shared.

The PM said the bond of learning between the two countries is as modern as it is ancient.

"In the 20th century, many Indians came to Bhutan as teachers. Most Bhutanese citizens of older generations would have had at least one India teacher during their education," said he.