Vice President Dhankhar Inspires Youth at NIT Raipur, Emphasizes Innovation and Unity for a “Viksit Bharat”

Raipur
Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, accompanied by his wife Dr. (Smt.) Sudesh Dhankhar, visited the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Raipur on January 21st, 2025, marking a significant moment for the institution. The visit underscored the Vice President’s commitment to fostering innovation, youth empowerment, and national progress through engagement with premier educational institutions.

The visit commenced with a ceremonial reception at Pt. Deendayal Auditorium, where the Vice President and his wife planted a sapling titled “Ek Ped Maa k Naam,” symbolizing a shared commitment to environmental conservation. Following the National Anthem, mementos were presented to the Vice President and other distinguished guests.

Prof. N.V. Ramana Rao, Director of NIT Raipur, extended a warm welcome, emphasizing the crucial role of engineers in addressing critical challenges like water scarcity. He expressed deep gratitude to Southeastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) for their generous ₹49 crore grant towards the construction of a girls’ hostel, supporting the growth of future female leaders.

The occasion was graced by the presence of Governor of Chhattisgarh, Shri Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Tokhan Sahu, and other dignitaries including Dr. Suresh Haware, Chairperson of the Board of Governors, NIT Raipur; Dr. Rajeev Prakash, Director of IIT Bhilai; Dr. Ramkumar Kakani, Director of IIM Raipur; and Dr. P.S. Mishra, CMD of SECL.

Chief Minister Sai emphasized the importance of understanding Indian roots through Sanatan Dharma and empowering talented youth. He highlighted initiatives like promoting green steel, supporting startups with co-working spaces, and transforming Naya Raipur into an IT hub, envisioning a developed Bharat by 2047.

Governor Deka expressed pride in the vision of a better Bharat by 2047, built on the principles of the Constitution. He emphasized progress in agriculture, rural empowerment, sustainable development, and fostering harmony through community service, discipline, and environmental conservation, including the ambitious goal of planting 2 lakh trees.

Addressing the gathering, Vice President Dhankhar highlighted the pivotal role of India’s youth in shaping the nation’s future and realizing the vision of “Viksit Bharat.” He underscored India’s exponential growth and the immense potential of its young demographic, with over half the population under 25.

The Vice President emphasized the need to embrace disruptive technologies like AI and Blockchain while ensuring they align with India’s traditions and values. He stressed the importance of unity, respect for constitutional principles, and fostering innovation alongside social harmony. He urged citizens to commit to environmental responsibility, adopt a “Vocal for Local” mindset, and transform public property into a shared responsibility.

Envisioning Bharat as a “Vishwaguru” by 2047, a global leader in wisdom and progress, the Vice President called on every citizen to act with resolve, unity, and a sense of sacred duty to build a transformative and prosperous India.

A significant highlight of the visit was the symbolic foundation laying of the SECL Girls Hostel, a 500-bed facility aimed at creating a more inclusive and equitable educational environment for female students. This flagship project, supported by SECL under its CSR program, is a testament to the institution’s commitment to gender equity in education and infrastructure.

The Vice President engaged with students from NIT Raipur, IIT Bhilai, and IIM Raipur, answering their questions and inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators. When asked how students from premier institutions can support Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Vice President encouraged them to foster innovation through startups and entrepreneurial ventures. He emphasized the role of institutions in organizing workshops and programs that inspire students with real-world examples and encourage creative solutions that drive self-reliance and national progress.

Addressing the question of how students can contribute to making India a global leader in innovation and technology, the Vice President urged students to uphold discipline and decorum while leveraging the opportunities provided by institutions and industries. He encouraged corporates like SECL to transform institutions into hubs for research and innovation.

The Vice President emphasized that students could contribute effectively only when equipped with the necessary facilities, noting that regions like Chhattisgarh have ample CSR funds and resources to support such initiatives. Reflecting on India’s progress in the global tech space, he highlighted how Indian talent, once scarce in Silicon Valley, now leads as founders and innovators worldwide. He urged students to continue this legacy and position India as a global leader in technology.

Through keynote speeches, idea-sharing sessions, and interactive dialogues, the Vice President motivated the youth to take active roles in shaping a prosperous India. His visit served as a testament to the government’s emphasis on education as the cornerstone for national progress, celebrating NIT Raipur’s contributions to research, technology, and societal advancement.