India will be an intellectual superpower in 2047

Chandigarh, May 12, 2023: Chandigarh Region Innovation and Knowledge Cluster (CRIKC) alongwith SPSTI invited Professor Rajeev Ahuja, Director IIT Ropar for a lecture on Vision of Indian S&T@2047. Prof Ahuja was hosted by Professor Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor Panjab University who termed IIT Ropar as a strategic partner with Panjab University in this region. Recently both institutions have signed a Memorandum of Association (MoA) to work together for innovating projects in frontier areas of technology. Prof Ahuja in this context highlighted the role of young generation in forging collaborations not only at national level but even at the international level. He said that IIT students are being trained in such a manner that they can easily adapt themselves to changing technological shift at the global level and tilt the favour towards India by taking laboratory solutions directly to the user. Prof Ahuja’ stressed that the vision for India in 2047 is that of becoming an intellectual superpower which itself will turn India into an economic powerhouse. IIT Ropar’s role in agriculture, hydrogen energy, defense and other sectors has been the talk of the nation. Various initiatives like setting up specialized and dedicated technology centres at IIT Ropar in collaboration with regional partners like Panjab University and global partners like companies from Europe and North America will further help India gain the intellectual prowess.

During the function, PM Narendra Modi's address on eve of 25 years of the Pokhran Blasts,was also telecasted live and was attended by the 200 guests present from various CRIKC institutions. The Prime Minister evoked the youth of India to come forward and innovate through their start-ups. He encouraged the 'school to start up culture' and inaugurated the Igniting Young Minds initiative. In this initiative, young children will be supported to come up with new ideas through a supportive ecosystem.He also shared the India-transformation story with everyone, including the entry of the private sector into defense and space, the extensive usage of digital platforms by the population, and the prowess of India in vaccine production. The PM dedicated 5800 cr INR projects to the nation and wished that this would catalyze the S&T infrastructure in the country.

Resonating the views of the Prime Minister’s address, Prof Ahuja was also the Chief Guest at the occasion where young researchers from various CRIKC institutions like PGI, IMTECH, IISER, IIT Ropar, PU voiced their views on their vision for next 25 years. The scholars wished if with fearless and open minds, the research ecosystem in India can be evolved. In a panel discussion driven totally by young CRIKC researchers, brainstorming on various issues like mental health, academic integrity, knowledge sharing was done. Prof Ahuja was delighted that such an initiative by name of CRIKC Shodh Samwad is being carried where each scholar can speak their mind and can foster partnerships between various CRIKC institutions. He lauded the efforts of CRIKC & Panjab University in providing a nurturing atmosphere to scholars.