Dr P.K. Mishra Urges IIT Dhanbad to Lead India’s Innovation Drive for Viksit Bharat 2047
New Delhi, December 3, 2025 – Dr P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, delivered the inaugural address at the Centenary Foundation Week of the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad. This event marks a significant milestone for one of India’s oldest engineering institutions.
Celebrating a Century of Excellence
During his address, Dr Mishra reflected on IIT Dhanbad’s century-long legacy and its evolving role in shaping India’s future as a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. Earlier this year, he was conferred the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by IIT Dhanbad, recognizing his contributions to public administration and national development.
IIT Dhanbad’s Contributions to National Development
Dr Mishra celebrated IIT Dhanbad’s pioneering role in mining education in Asia and its enduring contributions to various sectors, including:
- Mining
- Geology
- Energy
- Petroleum engineering
- Earth sciences
He noted that the institute’s research and expertise have guided national agencies such as Coal India, ONGC, GSI, CMPDI, and NTPC, influencing India’s policy and industrial frameworks for decades. “A centenary is not just a celebration — it is a moment of reflection,” Dr Mishra remarked, urging the institute to deepen its commitment to national transformation.
India’s Vision for 2047
Outlining the Prime Minister’s vision for India@2047, Dr Mishra emphasized the goal of building a nation that is developed, inclusive, technologically advanced, and culturally rooted. Key elements of this vision include:
- Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) across all sectors
- Women-led development
- An innovative, competitive, and inclusive economy
- A society free from corruption, casteism, and communalism
Four Pillars of Strategic Approach
Dr Mishra outlined four pillars guiding the Prime Minister’s strategic approach over the last 11 years:
- Promoting competitiveness
- Leveraging technology and innovation
- Overcoming global challenges with resilience
- Ensuring last-mile delivery of services
Despite global disruptions, including pandemics and trade wars, Dr Mishra affirmed that India has consistently shown resilience. He cited an 8.2% GDP growth in the second quarter of the current fiscal year, stating that India continues to move forward with “courage and confidence in the Amrit Kaal (Golden Era).”
India as an Innovation Powerhouse
Dr Mishra highlighted the rapid transformation of India into a global innovation hub, driven by the expansion of the digital economy, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and a vibrant startup ecosystem. With over 100 unicorns and 200,000 startups, India is now the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world.
He emphasized several strategic initiatives shaping India’s technological future:
- ₹1 lakh crore Anusandhan National Research Fund for high-impact research
- IndiaAI Mission to strengthen national AI capabilities
- Deep Tech Fund of Funds supporting frontier-tech startups
- Investments in quantum science, space exploration, renewable energy, and deep ocean research
These initiatives are expected to form the backbone of a future-ready innovation ecosystem.
Governance Guided by the 4S Mantra
Dr Mishra elaborated on the Prime Minister’s 4S mantra—Scope, Scale, Speed, and Skill—as the foundation of modern governance. He cited large-scale public platforms like:
- Aadhaar
- UPI
- Ayushman Bharat
- CoWIN
- National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR)
These examples illustrate how technology, values, and efficiency are transforming citizen-centric service delivery. India’s achievements in frontier sectors, such as Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, and the National Green Hydrogen Mission, demonstrate the nation’s rising global stature.
IIT Dhanbad’s Unique Responsibility
Dr Mishra emphasized that IIT Dhanbad holds a unique responsibility in shaping India’s strategic priorities. With its advanced laboratories, supercomputing clusters, seismic observatories, and innovation hubs, the institute is well-positioned to lead in:
- Critical minerals and rare earth research
- Energy transition and renewable technologies
- Advanced materials and manufacturing
- Climate research and disaster resilience
Its recognition as a Centre of Excellence under the National Critical Mineral Mission reflects national trust in its capabilities.
Leadership and Collective Effort
Addressing students, Dr Mishra stated, “Technical skill is necessary but not sufficient. Attitude, humility, ethics, teamwork, and the ability to learn continuously define true leadership.” He stressed that India’s progress relies on collective effort, transparency, and respect at all levels of society.
A New Century of Purpose and Possibility
Concluding his address, Dr Mishra remarked that IIT Dhanbad begins its next century at a time when India has unprecedented clarity of purpose and a structured roadmap for the future. “The alignment between IIT Dhanbad’s strengths and the national goals of Viksit Bharat 2047 is unmistakable. The next 25 years will shape how India uses knowledge, technology, and human capital to build a more capable and equitable nation,” he stated.
He expressed gratitude to the Director, Prof. Sukumar Mishra, faculty, students, and alumni,
