Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the 66th Convocation of IIT Kharagpur today as Chief Guest through a video conference. Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ and Union Minister of State for Education Shri Sanjay Dhotre were present on the occasion as Guests of Honour.
The Prime Minister said the need of the day is to work while anticipating the needs of the future, to make innovations for tomorrow. He appreciated the quality of engineering students who can easily understand the patterns of problem statements which can lead them to breakthrough discoveries and product developments and patents changing the lives of millions. Shri Narendra Modi asked the students to adopt the mantra of Self 3 to overcome their self-doubts and obstacles in the future. He said Self 3 is Self-awareness, Self-confidence and Selflessness.
The Prime Minister brought the attention of the students to International Solar Alliance and encouraged them to do research on clean energy, solar energy and areas such as electric vehicles, battery storage etc. He also asked them to work in areas of disaster management technologies, especially developing disaster-proof housing and public infrastructure such as bridges. He talked about developing advanced technologies from prevention to cure in the health-tech ecosystem, typically in areas of affordable, mobile, user-friendly home-based healthcare appliances. He talked about the Prime Minister’s Research Fellow scheme and Startup schemes that focus on supporting R&D and innovation opportunities for talented youth.
Union Education Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ talked about the students aiming to become entrepreneurs and job-creators instead of job-seekers. He emphasized how the National Technology Forum will improve research infrastructure in the country. Lauding the inspirational words of the PM, Dr. Nishank talked about how it will intensify the campaign for self-reliant India. It will give new freedom to young startups and innovators of the country.
Union Minister of State for Education Shri Sanjay Dhotre highlighted the importance of the fields like agriculture, energy, water for further R&D. He called ideation, innovation, incubation and development of technological solutions in technology sectors like Telecom, auto-tech, solar cells, fin-tech Space, Defence to strengthen the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
2815 students were awarded degrees today of whom 75 students were invited to receive the gold and silver medals conferred by the Institute. In addition, several dignitaries were present to receive DSc (Honoris Causa), Life Fellow and Distinguished Alumnus Awards.
The Director Prof. V K Tewari, while presenting the report took pride in the recent innovations such as COVIRAP and telemedicine application which are bringing hope to the people of the country. He pledged to work more on product-development-oriented projects to support the cause of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He also talked about setting up more awards for faculty and staff for them to pursue excellence.