Kanpur, 01 December, 2024: The Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, visited IIT Kanpur to deliver an insightful address on the transformative topic, "Role of Innovation in the Development of India." The event witnessed the gracious presence of Smt. Anandiben Patel, Hon’ble Governor of Uttar Pradesh; Shri Satish Mahana, Hon'ble Speaker, U.P. Legislative Assembly; and Shri Rakesh Sachan, Hon’ble Minister for MSME, Khadi, Village Industries, Sericulture, and Textile, Government of Uttar Pradesh. Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, Prof. Braj Bhushan, Deputy Director, along with the faculty, staff, and students, joined the occasion, making it a remarkable convergence of visionaries and learners.

Hon'ble Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, in his address on the "Role of Innovation in the Development of India," highlighted the critical importance of innovation in shaping the nation's future. He emphasized how IIT Kanpur, a beacon of excellence, plays a pivotal role in nurturing innovative minds who are driving transformative changes across the globe. Citing the success of IIT Kanpur alumni who have made remarkable contributions to industries like technology and communications, he underscored the far-reaching impact of IIT graduates in global markets, particularly in places like Silicon Valley. He also recognized the remarkable progress India has made in terms of infrastructure, global recognition, and technological advancements, and urged the students to leverage this ecosystem for their growth and the nation’s prosperity.

Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar also highlighted the need for a stronger commitment to innovation from the corporate world, urging businesses to significantly increase their investments in research and development to drive growth and technological advancements. Highlighting IIT Kanpur’s role in fostering entrepreneurship through initiatives like its incubation center, which has supported over 400 startups, including a significant number of women-led ventures, he underlined the critical need for continued support for such initiatives. The Vice President shared a vision for the future of innovation that focuses on smart, scalable, and sustainable solutions that not only solve real-world problems but also create a lasting impact. He urged IIT Kanpur to engage in mission-mode projects that empower farmers, particularly through the use of technology to add value to their produce. By fostering innovation in agriculture, IIT Kanpur has the opportunity to transform India’s agricultural landscape, create new avenues for economic growth and improve the livelihoods of millions of farmers across the country.

Smt. Anandiben Patel, Hon'ble Governor of Uttar Pradesh, commended IIT Kanpur’s distinguished legacy as a pioneer in technological excellence and innovation, underlining its crucial role in inspiring students to drive meaningful societal change. She said, “Innovation is not just about creating new technologies; it’s about adapting ideas to meet the needs of society. India’s progress in sectors like agriculture, health, and education is driven by innovation, and institutions like IIT Kanpur play a key role in ensuring these advancements benefit everyone. With the right guidance, India's future in innovation will propel the nation toward self-reliance and development by 2047.”

Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, expressed gratitude for the visit in his welcome address and reiterated the Institute’s commitment to advancing technological excellence for societal benefit. He said, “Vice President’s choice of the theme, ‘The Role of Innovation in the Development of India’, perfectly aligns with the Institute’s mission to drive technological advancement and societal impact. His insights inspire us to deepen our commitment to foster innovation and create impactful technologies that propel India towards a self-reliant and prosperous future.”

The Hon’ble Vice President’s visit to IIT Kanpur underscored the critical role of innovation in India’s future, inspiring both students and alumni to continue driving technological advancements that will shape the nation’s progress towards becoming a developed and self-reliant global leader.

About IIT Kanpur:

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, holds the distinction of being recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has made significant contributions to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts a rich array of academic and research resources. The institute comprises 19 departments, 26 centers, three interdisciplinary programs, and two specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur continues to be a leader in fostering innovation and academic rigor.

For more information, visit www.iitk.ac.in.