New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday warned that India is witnessing a disturbing rise in what he described as white-collar terrorism, marked by the involvement of highly educated professionals in acts of violence and anti-national activity. Speaking at the 104th foundation day celebrations of Bhupal Nobles’ University in Udaipur, he said academic excellence without moral grounding poses a serious danger to society.
Singh referred to the November 10 car bomb explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort to underline his concern. The attack, which killed fifteen people, shocked the nation not only for its brutality but also for the profile of those allegedly behind it. According to the minister, the accused were trained medical professionals, highlighting a troubling contradiction between their education and actions. He remarked that individuals educated to heal and save lives were instead found handling explosives, reflecting a deeper ethical failure.
Investigations into the Red Fort blast exposed what authorities described as a sophisticated terror network operated by professionals. Several doctors were arrested in connection with the case, including those alleged to have planned and executed the attack. Singh said the episode demonstrates that terrorism is no longer limited to marginalised or uneducated groups, but has found its way into educated sections of society.
The Defence Minister argued that the modern education system must shoulder part of the responsibility. He stressed that education should not be limited to producing degrees and professional success but must also instil values such as integrity, compassion, humility, and a sense of duty. Using the concept of “dharma,” Singh clarified that he was not referring to religious rituals, but to ethical responsibility toward society and the nation. Knowledge without moral wisdom, he said, can become destructive rather than constructive.
Beyond internal security concerns, Singh also spoke about India’s future with cautious optimism. He praised the growing contribution of defence startups and expressed confidence that India could achieve self-reliance in weapons and defence technology within the next fifteen to twenty years. Linking this progress to economic growth, he said India is poised to rise from being the world’s fourth-largest economy to the third-largest by the end of the decade.
He concluded by urging universities and academic institutions to promote multidisciplinary research aimed at solving real social challenges, rather than focusing narrowly on publications or rankings.
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