Invoking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for “Start-up India Stand-up India” made during his Independence Day address from Red Fort, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today said that IITs and other such institutions can effectively lead 21st century’s “Start-up India” mission. He was addressing a conclave of IIT Alumni Association where he also released a Coffee Table Book on IIT Delhi written by President of IIT Delhi Alumni Association Dr. Deepak Dogra.
Dwelling in detail on the contemporary scenario, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the IIT alumni are spread all over the world and they have also diversified into different fields of activity, profession and entrepreneurship. But the challenge at this stage, he said, is to streamline the process of diversification so that even after having received the best of the technical training and expertise, the young talent should not remain under-utilized by taking up jobs which are not equal to their expertise but lure them simply for monetary considerations. Moreover, generating suitable employability for themselves and others rather than simply getting a job placement should be the priority for all those who pass out from institutions like IIT, he added.
Referring to IITs as monuments of contemporary India and its alumni as world ambassadors of contemporary India, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the responsibility of those who pass out from an IIT is confined not only to their alma matter but in fact to the entire nation as participants in the “Make in India” dream. Recalling his frequent visits to IIT Delhi, Dr. Jitendra Singh referred to his last visit, few months ago, when he had suggested to the then Director IIT Delhi Dr Shevgaonkar to set up a Biotechnology cell under the aegis of IIT in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. He said, with the kind of impetus and special thrust that Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi himself imparts to scientific advancement, this is an opportunity for institutions like IIT to achieve their maximum potential level of growth. The Director of IIT Delhi, Prof. Kshitij Gupta and eminent IIT alumni including Shri R.S. Pawar were also present on the occasion.