Modi asks IITs to provide innovative solutions to problems faced by common people
Updated: Aug 22, 2014 02:11:05pm
New Delhi, Aug 22 (KNN) ‘Science is universal. Technology must be local,’ said Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling upon IITs to provide innovative solutions to problems faced by common people in their day-to-day life.
The Prime Minister was addressing a Conference of Chairmen of Boards of Governors, and Directors of IITs at Rashtrapati Bhawan, here today.
Modi asked the IITs to give projects related to local needs and requirements to their students, so that they can find innovative solutions as they pursue their studies, Prime Minister's Office said in a release.
He said this would lead to a positive change in the quality of life of people, besides instilling a sense of "service" towards the nation, among the bright young minds at IITs. "How can IITs teach our students the science of thinking and the art of living," the Prime Minister said.
He mentioned several examples where India is critically dependent on imports, ranging from defence equipment, to the health sector, to sensitive and security-related items like currency ink and tear gas.
"I refuse to believe that India does not have the talent to make these things," Modi said, asking IITs to take up such challenges.
Giving two more specific examples, he asked IITs to contribute towards fulfilling the vision of "Housing for All" through technology which would enable rapid construction of economical, eco-friendly and structurally sound houses. He also said IITs could contribute towards user-friendly innovations in the Indian Railways.
Modi also called upon IITs to adopt nearby engineering colleges, and play a role in mentoring them. He asked IITs to search for innovations that people may have developed in their neighbourhood, which could serve as inspiration for path-breaking changes.
Describing "IITians" as a "great force," he said IITs must encourage their alumni to interact with students, so that their experience can be leveraged. He also called for a systematic mapping and grouping of IIT alumni, so that their experience can be used in different sectors.
The Prime Minister praised President Pranab Mukherjee’s initiative for the education sector, and said his guidance will benefit the nation, and future generations in a big way. He said while global rankings are important, we should also set up our own parameters for rankings, which will serve as an in-built mechanism for change and improvement. (KNN/SD)
The Prime Minister was addressing a Conference of Chairmen of Boards of Governors, and Directors of IITs at Rashtrapati Bhawan, here today.
Modi asked the IITs to give projects related to local needs and requirements to their students, so that they can find innovative solutions as they pursue their studies, Prime Minister's Office said in a release.
He said this would lead to a positive change in the quality of life of people, besides instilling a sense of "service" towards the nation, among the bright young minds at IITs. "How can IITs teach our students the science of thinking and the art of living," the Prime Minister said.
He mentioned several examples where India is critically dependent on imports, ranging from defence equipment, to the health sector, to sensitive and security-related items like currency ink and tear gas.
"I refuse to believe that India does not have the talent to make these things," Modi said, asking IITs to take up such challenges.
Giving two more specific examples, he asked IITs to contribute towards fulfilling the vision of "Housing for All" through technology which would enable rapid construction of economical, eco-friendly and structurally sound houses. He also said IITs could contribute towards user-friendly innovations in the Indian Railways.
Modi also called upon IITs to adopt nearby engineering colleges, and play a role in mentoring them. He asked IITs to search for innovations that people may have developed in their neighbourhood, which could serve as inspiration for path-breaking changes.
Describing "IITians" as a "great force," he said IITs must encourage their alumni to interact with students, so that their experience can be leveraged. He also called for a systematic mapping and grouping of IIT alumni, so that their experience can be used in different sectors.
The Prime Minister praised President Pranab Mukherjee’s initiative for the education sector, and said his guidance will benefit the nation, and future generations in a big way. He said while global rankings are important, we should also set up our own parameters for rankings, which will serve as an in-built mechanism for change and improvement. (KNN/SD)
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