A landmark: President Pratibha Patil flanked by Union Minister for Human Resource and Development Kapil Sibal (right) and IIT-Delhi Director Surendra Prasad at the Golden Jubilee celebrations on Monday.
Inaugurating the Golden Jubilee celebrations of IIT-Delhi, Ms. Patil said: “IIT graduates all over the world are a powerful group. They have resources and experience which can be leveraged to generate ideas along with necessary funding for development projects in India.”
The future of India depends on three sources -- a value system based on harmony, tolerance and selflessness, the youth, and innovations and inventions. “Educational institutions like IITs are crucibles where all three forces can be developed,” she added.
Ms. Patil emphasised the role of science and technology in providing responses and solutions to the issues of food grain productivity and its proper distribution, water and energy conservation and reducing the cost of renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind. Science and technology could also assist in constructing energy-efficient buildings and low-cost housing, combating disease and climate change issues.
Institutions such as the IITs need to develop robust mechanisms for collaboration with other institutions, she said.
With regard to patents, India was lagging behind in comparison to the US and China and hence would have to make more efforts to improve its performance.
IIT-Delhi Director Dr. Surendra Prasad said: “The Institute completing 50 years is a time to reflect on renewal, rebuilding and planning for future growth.”
Efforts are being made to strengthen the nanotechnology programme of the Institute which had received a grant of Rs.50 crore for the same.
Measures are also being contemplated to encourage increased enrolment of girls in the Institute's B.Tech. programmes, he added.
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