Union Road Transport and Highways Minister, Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday attended the Convocation Ceremony of ISOMES and Conclave, Manthan 2025. In an exclusive conversation with News 24, Editor-in Chief, Anurradha Prasad talked on several topics. He shared his experience and piece of advice with the students. The Union Minister asked everyone to prioritise their health first, honest wealth second and third their work. He quoted Swami Vivekananda while supporting his second priority and said, “No philosophy can be taught to empty stomach.” He shared that there many shortcuts, but one shouldn’t use it as ‘shortcuts cut you short’.
Gadkari also expressed how Covid-19 changed his perspective towards health.
On asked why he doesn’t call himself a professional politician despite being in politics full-time. Gadkari said that the political difference is not the problem in politics, but lack of thought is. He described himself as a student of politics based on conviction, not convenience.
Gadkari On ‘Emergency’
Union Minister further shared his view on the film, Emergency, directed by actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut. He called the film ‘beautiful’. Emergency is set to hit theatres on 17 January. He appreciated Kangana for her portrayal of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the film.
On questioned whether there is any difference between the ‘real’ and ‘reel’ Emergency, Gadkari said, “In the film, good side of Indira Gandhi is also shown.” He emphasized that nothing was done right during the Emergency in reality, whereas the film presents a more positive portrayal. “I did not say that good work was done during the Emergency. I said that good work is shown in the film,” Gadkari added.
Furthermore, he said that one should move forward without repeating mistakes of past.
He highlighted that road safety needs to be followed in the country as 1,80000 die due to road accidents, out of this, 66%, are in the age bracket of 18 -34 years. 10,000 students die because of the unavailability of exit, entry points.
Gadkari added that under his tenure asUnion Road Transport and Highways Minister, they have focused on road engineering.
