President of India, Droupadi Murmu, while speaking at the closing ceremony of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of IIT Delhi mentioned that, the Indian Institutes of Technology have been the pride of the nation.
The President said that, “IITs proved to the world the capability of India in the domains of education and technology. In more than one way, the story of the IITs is the story of Independent India. The IITs have contributed immensely to India’s improved standing on the global stage today. Faculty and alumni of IITs have shown the world our brainpower. Some of those who studied in IIT Delhi and in other IITs are now at the forefront of the digital revolution sweeping the world.”
Speaking during the occasion, the President noted that as one of the original IITs, IIT Delhi is a mentor to some of the recent members of the club – IIT Ropar and IIT Jammu. Thus, the IIT Delhi has contributed significantly in building up of the image of the IITs as centres of excellence across the world, she said.
Murmu, also commented on the latest example of the institute’s social concern as seen during the initial phase of the pandemic. Rising to the challenge of containing the virus, the IIT Delhi initiated important research and development projects. It designed and developed rapid antigen test kits, PPEs, antimicrobial fabrics, high efficiency face masks and low-cost ventilators, among other things. The IIT Delhi’s contribution in India’s fight against the Coronavirus has been a model of how engineering and technology institutions, too can play a role in a public health crisis.
Given the growing concerns over climate change, the President also highlighted the serious challenge that climate change poses and as a developing country with a high population base, our energy requirement for economic growth is very high. Hence, the need to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy is felt. In the years to come, as the world anxiously looks for technological solutions to environmental challenges, Murmu trusts India’s young engineers and scientists will help humankind achieve a breakthrough.
Union Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan was also present on the occasion and expressed gratitude to President Murmu for her guidance. The Minister, further congratulated IIT Delhi on its illustrious 60 years journey and noted that it has played a crucial role in furthering national progress.
Pradhan, said that inauguration of the Research & Innovation Park today will further add momentum to amplifying the societal impact of R&D at IIT D. The Minister, further highlighted that India, today, is on a growth path led by innovation. It accounts for the largest number of real-time digital transactions in the world. Indigenously developed 5G is further going to catalyze the digital revolution in India. “Our IITs are epicenters of modern economy. They must reimagine their roles,” he added.
He urged that IIT Delhi must strive to establish India at the forefront of industry 4.0. They must prepare students for providing solutions to challenges of the future and also for taking responsibility of the world, he added.
The Union Minister, further stressed that the ‘Panch Pran’ outlined by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to make India a developed nation by 2047 also lays down the future roadmap for academic institutions. He urged that IITs must accept the challenges and move forward with bigger resolves for realising national goals.
