Centenary Week: PK Mishra Sets Vision for IIT Dhanbad
Dhanbad: The Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, commenced its Centenary Foundation Week on Wednesday, marked by an inaugural address from P.K. Mishra, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. This significant event highlighted the institute’s pivotal role in shaping India’s vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by the year 2047.
Legacy and Contributions of IIT Dhanbad
During his address, Mishra praised the hundred-year legacy of IIT Dhanbad, emphasizing its longstanding contributions to various fields, including mining, energy, earth sciences, and applied engineering. He recalled the institute’s pioneering role as one of Asia’s earliest centers for mining education and noted its consistent provision of technical expertise to key national bodies such as:
- Coal India
- Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
- Geological Survey of India (GSI)
- Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI)
- National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)
Mishra highlighted that the research conducted at IIT Dhanbad has significantly influenced national standards in various critical areas, including:
- Mine safety
- Coal exploration
- Oil and gas operations
- Mineral beneficiation
Vision for a Developed India by 2047
In his address, Mishra articulated the Prime Minister’s vision for India in 2047, which aims for the country to emerge as a developed nation while remaining rooted in its cultural values. He emphasized the importance of India leading globally in science and technology. Key points from his speech included:
- India’s goal of achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) across various sectors.
- The role of women in spearheading economic growth.
- The necessity for inclusive innovation to drive progress.
- Rejection of corruption, casteism, and communalism as part of the nation’s future.
India’s Economic Resilience
Mishra cited India’s economic resilience despite facing global disruptions, including the pandemic, supply chain shocks, and geopolitical tensions. He pointed out that India’s GDP growth rate of 8.2% in the current financial year reflects strong momentum during the period referred to as Amrit Kaal, a term used to denote a golden period for the nation.
The Transformative Impact of Technology
Another focal point of Mishra’s address was the transformative impact of technology on India’s economy and society. He noted that India has risen to become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, boasting over 100 unicorns and more than two lakh startups. This growth is supported by various government initiatives aimed at enhancing the nation’s innovation capacity, including:
- Rs 1 lakh crore Anusandhan National Research Fund
- The IndiaAI Mission
- A dedicated Deep Tech Fund of Funds
The Prime Minister’s “4S” Framework
Mishra highlighted the Prime Minister’s “4S” framework—Scope, Scale, Speed, and Skill—as a guiding principle for governance and development. He cited several successful initiatives that exemplify this framework, including:
- Ayushman Bharat
- Digital India
- Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
- Mission Karmayogi
- Platforms like Aadhaar and CoWIN
These initiatives have drawn global attention, particularly from countries in the Global South, for their efficiency and inclusivity.
Conclusion
The Centenary Foundation Week at IIT Dhanbad serves as a reminder of the institute’s significant contributions to India’s development and its potential to further align with the nation’s aspirations for the future. As India aims to achieve its goals by 2047, the role of educational institutions like IIT Dhanbad will be crucial in shaping a prosperous and inclusive society.
Note: This article is based on the inaugural address delivered by P.K. Mishra during the Centenary Foundation Week at IIT Dhanbad and reflects the vision outlined for India’s future development.
