Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed Conference of Chairmen of Boards of Governors, and Directors of IITs at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, where he exhorted them to provide innovative solutions to problems faced by the common people in their day-to-day life.
At the conference named 'Science is Universal', PM Modi said that technology must be local.
Calling upon 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, PM Modi 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?"
PM 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 added asking IITs to take up such challenges.
Giving two more specific examples, the Prime Minister 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.
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He also said that IITs could contribute towards user-friendly innovations in the Indian Railways.
PM 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, and which could serve as inspiration for path-breaking changes.
Describing 'IITians' as a "great force, PM Modi 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.
PM Modi further 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.
PM Modi 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.