Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday sounded a strong warning over what he described as a disturbing rise in “white-collar terrorism,” cautioning that education without ethics can turn dangerous for society and the nation.
Speaking at the 104th foundation day समारोह of Bhupal Nobles’ University, Singh said recent investigations have shown that individuals with high academic qualifications are increasingly being found involved in anti-social and anti-national activities. Referring to a recent terror case in Delhi, he remarked that formal degrees alone cannot be a safeguard against radicalisation.
“Today, a new and alarming pattern is emerging. People who are highly educated are being seen working against society and the country,” the Defence Minister said, underlining the urgent need to reconnect education with values and moral responsibility.
Singh highlighted the irony of professionals misusing their knowledge for violent purposes, stating that education must shape character, not just careers. According to him, learning that produces skill but not wisdom can become destructive rather than constructive.
He stressed that the true aim of education is not limited to jobs, income or status. “Education should nurture ethics, humility and a sense of duty. Without these, knowledge becomes hollow and, at times, even dangerous,” he noted.
Clarifying his views on religion and morality, Singh said values should not be confused with rituals. He explained that religion, in its true sense, means responsibility and righteous conduct. “An education system that ignores morality and duty is incomplete and can harm society,” he warned.
The Defence Minister also pointed out that terrorism is no longer confined to the uneducated. He said many individuals involved in extremist activities today hold university degrees but lack wisdom and ethical grounding.
Looking ahead, Singh expressed confidence in India’s future, saying the country is steadily moving towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, driven by innovation, startups and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. He added that universities will play a decisive role in shaping India’s journey towards becoming one of the world’s top economies.
