R&D Must Deliver Tangible Outcomes, Corporate Investment Crucial: VP Dhankhar Hyderabad- Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar, addressing students and faculty at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad, underscored the significance of innovation, economic nationalism, and the transformative role of youth in shaping India’s future. Speaking at the prestigious institution, the Vice-President lauded IIT Hyderabad for its rapid rise in the academic and research landscape. “Amongst IITs, you may not have been there at the beginning, but by your achievements and accomplishments, you have reached the top league,” he remarked. He highlighted the role of faculty and research in driving progress and called upon students to leverage their education for national development. The Vice-President placed a strong emphasis on innovation as a panacea for sustainable progress, urging students to adopt a problem-solving mindset. Citing India’s rapid technological advancements, he stated, “Artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and green hydrogen are reshaping industries. This era presents immense opportunities for you to lead and create impact.” Addressing economic challenges, he pointed out India’s trade deficit concerns and urged young minds to foster self-reliance. “We must reduce our dependence on imports and add value to our raw materials. Avoidable imports and unprocessed exports deprive our workforce of opportunities. The mindset of entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency must dominate us,” he asserted. Reflecting on India’s transformation, the Vice-President recalled the financial crisis of the 1990s when India had to pledge its gold reserves to sustain fiscal credibility. “Back then, our forex reserves hovered around $1 billion. Today, we stand strong with reserves of over $700 billion. This is the progress you are inheriting,” he said. He also highlighted India’s strides in digital adoption, particularly in rural areas, attributing it to the accessibility and adaptability of technology. “If our service delivery is efficient today, it is because of the technological integration in our villages. As the son of a farmer, I take immense pride in the fact that millions of farmers now receive direct benefit transfers seamlessly.” The Vice-President stressed the need for increased investment in research and innovation. Calling upon corporates, he urged them to step up funding for research, following the example of global institutions with endowment funds worth billions. He also proposed a Confederation of Alumni Associations across IITs and IIMs to drive policy-making and research funding. He ended his address with a call to action for students. “Your mind is not a parking space for ideas. Fear of failure is a myth. Be the epicentre of change. You have the power to shape India’s future and take it to unparalleled heights.” The address received an enthusiastic response from students and faculty, reinforcing IIT Hyderabad’s commitment to technological excellence and national progress.
Hyderabad- Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar, addressing students and faculty at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad, underscored the significance of innovation, economic nationalism, and the transformative role of youth in shaping India’s future.
Speaking at the prestigious institution, the Vice-President lauded IIT Hyderabad for its rapid rise in the academic and research landscape. “Amongst IITs, you may not have been there at the beginning, but by your achievements and accomplishments, you have reached the top league,” he remarked. He highlighted the role of faculty and research in driving progress and called upon students to leverage their education for national development.
The Vice-President placed a strong emphasis on innovation as a panacea for sustainable progress, urging students to adopt a problem-solving mindset. Citing India’s rapid technological advancements, he stated, “Artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and green hydrogen are reshaping industries. This era presents immense opportunities for you to lead and create impact.”
Addressing economic challenges, he pointed out India’s trade deficit concerns and urged young minds to foster self-reliance. “We must reduce our dependence on imports and add value to our raw materials. Avoidable imports and unprocessed exports deprive our workforce of opportunities. The mindset of entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency must dominate us,” he asserted.
Reflecting on India’s transformation, the Vice-President recalled the financial crisis of the 1990s when India had to pledge its gold reserves to sustain fiscal credibility. “Back then, our forex reserves hovered around $1 billion. Today, we stand strong with reserves of over $700 billion. This is the progress you are inheriting,” he said.
He also highlighted India’s strides in digital adoption, particularly in rural areas, attributing it to the accessibility and adaptability of technology. “If our service delivery is efficient today, it is because of the technological integration in our villages. As the son of a farmer, I take immense pride in the fact that millions of farmers now receive direct benefit transfers seamlessly.”
The Vice-President stressed the need for increased investment in research and innovation. Calling upon corporates, he urged them to step up funding for research, following the example of global institutions with endowment funds worth billions. He also proposed a Confederation of Alumni Associations across IITs and IIMs to drive policy-making and research funding.
He ended his address with a call to action for students. “Your mind is not a parking space for ideas. Fear of failure is a myth. Be the epicentre of change. You have the power to shape India’s future and take it to unparalleled heights.”
The address received an enthusiastic response from students and faculty, reinforcing IIT Hyderabad’s commitment to technological excellence and national progress.
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