New Delhi: Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on Sunday, where he interacted with undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students, along with innovators and researchers. He was joined by Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi, IIT Delhi Director Rangan Bannerjee, and senior officials from the Ministry of Education and IIT Delhi.
During the interaction, Pradhan stressed the importance of self-reliance, aligning his message with the vision outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this year’s Independence Day address. He said the current moment offers a rare opportunity to drive collective action towards national priorities and to work towards the goal of a ‘Samridhh Bharat’ by 2047.
Pradhan engaged with students about their aspirations, research interests, and the technological challenges they are working to solve. He encouraged them to push forward with their ideas and innovations. “Bring forward your innovative ideas, work on the challenges and keep hustling until we achieve self-reliance in every sphere,” he told the gathering.
He said the government stands firmly with India’s innovators and researchers, adding that their work is essential for creating a brighter future for the next generation and for positioning India as a global hub of solutions. Sharing his perspective, he added, “The talent, tenacity and resolve of our youth coupled with the pursuit of self-reliance will pave the way for strengthening Bharat’s capabilities as well as enhancing her technological and economic sovereignty.”
Highlighting the crucial role of IITs, Pradhan said they form the foundation of a self-reliant India. “Backed by the rock solid support of PM Narendra Modi, the talented YuvaShakti are going to rewrite the rules of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship and build a ‘Samridhh and self-reliant Bharat’,” he said.
The minister said he would revisit IIT Delhi to review the innovations being developed by students.
Echoing the Prime Minister’s Independence Day message, Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi emphasized the role of youth in building a self-reliant India. He said the Department of Higher Education is providing full support to higher education institutions in strengthening research capacity, driving innovation, and addressing national challenges. He added that IIT Delhi, with its students and faculty, would continue to play a leading role in developing technologies and solutions with global relevance.
BI Bureau
