Zee Media Bureau
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that IITs had a major role in taking India forward and through technology they could contribute towards fulfilling the vision of providing every citizen with economical and eco-friendly houses.
At the same time he also called upon IITs to provide innovative solutions to problems faced by common people in their day-to-day life.
The PM was addressing a Conference of Chairmen of Boards of Governors, and Directors of IITs at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Modi`s official blog quoted him as saying, “Science is universal. Technology must be local.” He asked 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.
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 PM asked.
At the same time Modi 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,” he said, asking IITs to take up such challenges.
As per his blog “the Prime Minister 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, and which could serve as inspiration for path-breaking changes.”
Describing “IITians” as a “great force,” the PM said IITs must encourage their alumni to interact with students, so that their experience can be leveraged.
Modi also tweeted the following -
IITs have a major role in taking India forward. Urged IITs to help in providing innovative solutions to problems faced by citizens.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 22, 2014
Through technology, IITs can contribute towards fulfilling the vision of providing every citizen with economical & eco-friendly houses.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 22, 2014
