Itanagar, Nov 21 (NationPress) The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt. General K.T. Parnaik (Retd.), emphasized on Friday that the primary goal of the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST) is to cultivate technical talent for the Northeast, a task that is closely linked to national aspirations.

Speaking at the 11th Convocation of NERIST held at its Nirjuli campus in the Papum Pare district, the Governor highlighted that whether it concerns infrastructure, energy, digital education, or local innovation, the efforts of NERIST graduates hold the promise to change lives and elevate the Northeast region.

He encouraged the graduating students to embrace their roles as proud contributors to Viksit Bharat through innovation, integrity, and dedication, aiding in the creation of a resilient, sustainable, and respected India on the global stage.

Lt. General Parnaik (Retd.) also reminded the students of their responsibilities towards society, the state, and the country, urging them to contemplate the fundamental duties outlined in the Constitution.

He advised them to become responsible citizens and aspiring leaders who are academically astute, disciplined, and motivated. As future leaders, they should be physically fit, mentally alert, and morally upright, remaining calm on the surface while being deeply driven in their pursuits. They should plan with clarity and foresight, guiding others with insight, empathy, and profound understanding.

The Governor, who is also the President of the NERIST Society, stated that the institution represents the nation's visionary commitment to the advancement of the Northeastern region.

Emphasizing the necessity for expansion, he advocated for the introduction of new programs such as Sustainable Development, Environmental Management, Artificial Intelligence, and IoT applications to equip the upcoming generation for a competitive job market. He mentioned that NERIST should establish Centres of Excellence for Future Growth in fields like Geospatial AI, Remote Sensing, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science.

He also highlighted the significance of increasing women’s involvement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and called for proactive initiatives to support women in these disciplines.

Stating that NERIST plays a vital role in fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Governor affirmed that its mission of developing technical talent for the Northeast is crucial for national advancement. During this period of Amrit Kaal, he urged NERIST to be proactive, forward-thinking, and embody a spirit of "In pursuit of excellence," viewing every challenge as an opportunity.

Addressing the faculty of NERIST, the Governor encouraged them to adopt interdisciplinary teaching and research. He stated that they must connect academic expertise with societal needs, creating an ecosystem where innovation seamlessly transitions from the classroom to the community.

Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, Prof. (Retd.) M.S.M. Rawat, Chairman of the NERIST Board of Management, and Prof. Narendranath S., Director of NERIST, also shared their insights during the ceremony.

A total of 713 students were conferred their Ph.D., Postgraduate, and Undergraduate degrees at the 11th Convocation of NERIST.