There was an urgent need to reduce dependence on crude and promote bio-diesel and ethanol which could boost India's rural economy, union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said here on Tuesday.
Addressing students at the fourth convocation of GLA University in Mathura, the minister said educational institutions had to play a big role in the development of the nation and society.
"We all need to work unitedly for uplifting the poor farmers, villagers and the common man. New technology and science have made this possible," he said.
"We spend crores on import of crude, why can't we promote use of bio-diesel, ethanol as fuel for vehicles? Our farmers have to be empowered. When villages and farmers prosper, the nation too will prosper and move ahead, and pollution too would be contained. We have to promote both knowledge-oriented and job-oriented courses."
Gadkari said education should inculcate "sanskar" (values).
"Our age-old values, culture and family sanskar have to be nurtured to guide life."
He also said the Yamuna river water could be cleaned and reused by industries.
