PM Modi Releases ₹100 Coin on University of Lucknow

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released the ₹100 commemorative coin, postage stamp and special cover to mark the Centennial Foundation Day of University of Lucknow via video conferencing on November 25, 2020.

The Union Defence Minister and Lucknow MP Shri Rajnath Singh, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, were present at the event.

The Prime Minister urged the University to introduce courses centred on local arts and products, with research focused on adding value to traditional crafts such as Lucknow’s Chikankari, Moradabad brassware, Aligarh locks and Bhadohi carpets. He said that training in management, branding and strategy would make these products globally competitive and strengthen the ‘One District, One Product’ vision. He also encouraged continued engagement with arts, culture and spirituality to take them to a global audience.

Citing the example of the Rae Bareli Rail Coach Factory, he stressed the importance of realizing one’s full potential. For years, the factory remained underutilized, producing only minor fittings despite being capable of making full coaches. After 2014, its complete capacity was unlocked, and today it manufactures hundreds of coaches. The Prime Minister said that intention and willpower are as important as capability, and that positivity and a mindset of possibilities must always be maintained.

He also recalled how he promoted Khadi in Gujarat through a student-led fashion show in Porbandar on Gandhi Jayanti, after which Khadi became more fashionable. He noted that Khadi sales in the last six years surpassed those of the previous two decades.

Highlighting the distractions of modern life, he observed that contemplation and self-reflection are diminishing among the youth. He urged students to take time for themselves, saying it strengthens willpower.

The Prime Minister added that the National Education Policy is designed to give students confidence, flexibility and the ability to test their own strengths. He encouraged them to break old moulds, think differently, embrace change, and actively discuss and support the implementation of the new policy.

The University of Lucknow become the third university in the country to be honoured with a commemorative coin on its 100th year, following Banaras Hindu University and University of Mysore.

This marks the fourth commemorative coin released in the year 2020, minted by India Government Mint, Mumbai. The bookings are expected to open soon on the India Government Mint's website and will be updated in the current and upcoming bookings section.