IIT Delhi to Host Centenary Seminar on Devendra Bhai Gupta
Nitin Gadkari, Chandi Prasad Bhatt among keynote speakers
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 28th Aug: A national seminar will be held at IIT Delhi on August 31, 2025, to mark the birth centenary of Gandhian thinker and rural technology pioneer Devendra Bhai Gupta (1925–2002). The day-long event will bring together academics, scientists, social workers, and students from across the country to deliberate on his ideas and contributions toward self-reliant rural development.
The seminar will be graced by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari as chief guest and Padma Vibhushan environmentalist and Chipko movement leader Chandi Prasad Bhatt as presiding speaker. On the occasion, a book on the life and works of Devendra Bhai Gupta will also be released. Jain monks Dr. Abhijeet Kumar and Muni Jagrit Kumar will deliver their blessings.
Focus on Rural Technology and Sustainability
Dr. Narendra Mehrotra, former Deputy Director of CDRI Lucknow and chief of the centenary celebrations, said the seminar will provide an opportunity to re-examine Gupta’s scientific approach and his vision of self-reliant villages in today’s context.
The seminar will have three sessions, focusing on:
- Rural economy and sustainable development
- Innovations in rural technology
- Role of youth and academic-scientific institutions in nation-building
Key speakers include Prof. V.K. Vijay (IIT Delhi), Dr. R. Mani (Gandhigram Rural University), Prof. Shirish Kedare (IIT Mumbai), and several rural development experts from academia and industry. Discussions will highlight themes such as solar energy, biogas, MSME innovations, and the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan.
Devendra Bhai’s Legacy
Devendra Bhai Gupta dedicated his life to linking science with rural life. He founded the Young Scientists’ Movement, and through institutions like Magan Sangrahalaya in Wardha, advanced low-cost, sustainable technologies in solar power, biogas, and agriculture. He firmly believed that the true value of science lies in solving rural challenges, generating livelihoods, and fostering sustainable growth.
Closing Session
The seminar will conclude with reflections on “Design Thinking for Rural Development” by Mission Samriddhi CEO Ram Pappu Rao, followed by special addresses by MP Sudhakar Singh and former KVIC Chairman Laxmi Das.
Dr. Mehrotra noted that the seminar will not only celebrate Gupta’s legacy but also chart pathways to adapt his vision for present-day rural India. “The deliberations will help frame new directions for self-reliance and sustainable development in villages,” he added.
