Defence Minister Encourages IIT-Mandi Students to Advance R&D
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Synopsis
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged IIT-Mandi students to take the lead in research and development, emphasizing India's growing technological sector, projected to reach $300-350 billion in the next five years. He highlighted the importance of innovation and urged students to contribute significantly to the nation's technological advancements.
Key Takeaways
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's call for IIT-Mandi students to lead in R&D.
- India's technological sector expected to reach $300-350 billion in five years.
- Importance of entrepreneurship and innovation in emerging technologies.
- Collaboration with DRDO for advancements in defence technologies.
- IIT-Mandi's role in blending ancient heritage with modern education.
New Delhi, Feb 24 (NationPress) Encouraging students of IIT-Mandi to spearhead R&D, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated on Monday that India's technological sector is on an upward trajectory and is projected to reach $300-350 billion over the next five years.
"With more than 1.25 lakh start-ups and 110 unicorns, our nation is evolving into the world's third-largest start-up ecosystem," he remarked during the 16th Foundation Day celebration of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Mandi, located in Himachal Pradesh.
The Defence Minister urged students to capitalize on this phase of growth and opportunity, ensuring they not only contribute to India’s technological progress but also take the lead in global research and development.
Rajnath Singh emphasized the need for students to excel in technological innovation to help India become a developed nation by 2047, encouraging them to adhere to the principles of “Initiate, Improve, and Transform (IIT).”
He highlighted the significance of cultivating a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, which would empower India to lead in emerging sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and digital technologies.
The Defence Minister also pointed out IIT-Mandi’s crucial role in promoting innovation and research, stressing India’s growing reputation as a global leader in technology.
He urged IIT-Mandi to enhance its engagement in Defence-related technologies, praising the existing collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and calling for further advancements in areas like AI-driven warfare, indigenous AI chip development, cybersecurity, and quantum technology.
“In the past 15 years, this institution has carved out a distinguished position on the educational landscape, not just within India but globally. It represents a perfect amalgamation of ancient heritage and modern technological education,” he remarked.
He also acknowledged the region's rich historical context, stating that the establishment of IIT-Mandi in such a culturally and historically significant area symbolizes a blend of antiquity and modernity.
Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that the institution, with its robust foundation in academics, research, and innovation, will continue to play a pivotal role in propelling both India’s growth and global technological advancements.
