PM exhorts IITians to repay debt to the nation
By IANSSaturday, July 3, 2010
KANPUR - Prime Minster Manmohan Singh Saturday exhorted IITians to repay their debt to the nation, saying that while the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) alumni were “excellent ambassadors” of the country, the nation had made “much contribution” towards their education.
Addressing the 42nd convocation of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) here, he said: “While there was no doubt that the IIT alumni has played a major role in India’s image transformation, there is need for you to remember that the people of this nation have made much contribution to your education.”
While describing the IIT alumni as “excellent ambassadors” of the country, he added that “some alumni of IIT Kanpur are also serving in the prime minister’s office”.
He said: “It is, therefore, important for you all to do your bit to assist the nation in combating disease and poverty with which it is continuing to struggle.”
Listing out the new challenges that India was facing, the prime minister said: “Research at the IITs needs to be focused on issues relating to environment, climate change, sustainable agricultural growth, affordable health care and energy security.”
Hailing Indian scientists for making innovations particularly in “frugal engineering techniques”, he said: “It is time for you all to develop technology that would not only ensure the nation’s growth, but also come in handy in the development process of other developing nations too.”
Manmohan Singh also urged IITs to work in close coordination with the private sector to evolve cost-effective solutions in various key areas.
“Science and technology determine the strength and growth of a nation; and IITs have a tremendous role to play,” he stressed.
Urging students to keep the rich legacy of the institution alive and kicking, the prime minister sought to focus on the need for improvement in the post graduate learning at the IITs.
“It is also important to strengthen the cooperation and collaboration between different IITs across the country,” he pointed out.
