India must become strong to help establish world peace, says Gadkari

Nagpur: Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday said that while India has no intention of capturing any territory, it must become strong to help establish peace in the world. He said only a powerful nation can ensure peace and protect the values of non-violence. Gadkari was addressing the Sant Namdev Maharaj Rashtriya Ekatmata Vishwa Mahasammelan at Reshimbagh ground here. "If we truly want to protect peace and non-violence, we must make India strong — enriched with knowledge, science and technology," he said.The Nagpur Lok Sabha MP said India must make progress in defence sector. "We must undertake research, not because we want to be authoritarian, expansionist or dictatorial. We do not want to take the land of any country. We do not want to encroach upon anyone. But there is one universal truth: only a powerful nation can establish peace," said Gadkari.To highlight the importance of development in field of defence, Gadkari said wars nowadays are not fought in traditional ways. "Earlier, we would see truckloads of soldiers going and fighting the enemy from close quarters. Nowadays, you have missiles which can travel 3,000kms and strike the target," said Gadkari. Laying emphasis on education, Gadkari said youths must aim to arm themselves with knowledge. "Our youth must become doctors and engineers. Many respected institutions exist and people in society are working continuously. The repositories of knowledge are open to all," said Gadkari.