How Can In-Depth Studies Enhance Rural Development in Mizoram?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- In-depth studies are essential for understanding rural issues.
- The New India Mission Internship Programme fosters innovation among engineering students.
- Collaboration between IIT Madras and NIT Mizoram addresses specific local challenges.
- Students will conduct field research in various critical areas.
- Focused efforts on agriculture can enhance rural development.
Aizawl, Dec 22 (NationPress) Mizoram's Governor, General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd), emphasized the importance of conducting thorough and evidence-based research to gain a deeper understanding of the hurdles faced by rural communities, aiming to create more effective and sustainable development strategies.
On Monday, the Governor engaged in an interactive session with a group of 32 students, including 11 from IIT Madras and 21 from NIT Mizoram, who are part of the New India Mission internship program.
This meeting, held at Durbar Hall, Lok Bhavan, allowed the Governor to discuss the students' projects and experiences.
General Singh (Retd) praised the New India Mission Internship Programme as a commendable initiative that taps into the innovative ideas, skills, and potential of engineering students to devise solutions for rural challenges across India.
He acknowledged IIT Madras for its substantial contributions to the nation and praised its partnership with NIT Mizoram in exploring and addressing rural issues within the state.
The Governor encouraged the students to fully understand the program's goals and aim to contribute their utmost, stating, “Some of the best ideas come from people like you.”
With Mizoram's significant dependence on agriculture, he highlighted the necessity for targeted efforts to enhance production, fortify supply chains, and improve processing techniques.
General Singh (Retd) reiterated the need for comprehensive studies to aid rural communities and devise more effective strategies while extending his best wishes for the students' time in Mizoram.
Sukanta Roy, Dean (Academics) and Faculty In-Charge of Training & Placement at NIT Mizoram, who led the group, detailed the program's objectives and timeline.
The students shared insights and experiences from recent visits to villages and interactions with local residents, leading to meaningful discussions and questions.
In total, 32 students—11 from IIT Madras and 21 from NIT Mizoram—are participating in this pilot internship focused on ‘Technology and Rural Development’.
This program, running from December 16, 2025, to January 10, 2026, entails field research in Mizoram villages. The students will pinpoint challenges in vital areas such as energy, water, health, agriculture, and sustainability, subsequently crafting technical solutions through project-based work.