The Vice-President of India delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking address at IIT Hyderabad, emphasizing the power of innovation, national progress, and the role of young minds in shaping the country’s future. Speaking to a gathering of students, faculty, and distinguished guests, he reflected on the importance of technological advancement, economic nationalism, and the immense potential that India holds in the global arena.
With a touch of humor and personal anecdotes, he acknowledged the dedication of IIT Hyderabad’s leadership and faculty in creating a nurturing environment for the country’s brightest minds. He underscored the value of not just generating ideas but also transforming them into real-world solutions that benefit humanity. Innovation, he stressed, is the key to progress, sustainability, and problem-solving.
Drawing from India’s rich civilizational history, he highlighted how the nation has consistently demonstrated its genius for over 5,000 years. He pointed to the rapid adoption of digital technology, especially in rural areas, as an example of India’s adaptability and resilience. The Vice-President took immense pride in the fact that 100 million farmers now receive direct financial benefits due to technological advancements and visionary policymaking, an achievement that would have been unthinkable in the past.
Speaking candidly about his own struggles, he shared his experience of being unable to attend IIT due to financial constraints and later facing hurdles in securing a bank loan as a young advocate. These personal reflections added a deeply emotional dimension to his speech, resonating with students and reinforcing his belief that India has come a long way in breaking barriers of nepotism and privilege. He credited the government’s commitment to fairness and meritocracy for fostering an ecosystem where talent, not connections, determines success.
Addressing India’s position in the global economy, he expressed confidence in the country’s technological leadership in areas like quantum computing, green hydrogen, and 6G commercialization. He urged students to take up the challenge of reducing India’s trade deficit by focusing on self-reliance, value addition, and reducing unnecessary imports. According to him, economic nationalism should be a guiding principle, and the corporate sector must step up its investment in research and development to compete with global giants.
In a passionate call to action, he encouraged students to never let a great idea remain untested. Fear of failure, he said, is a myth, and he cited the example of Chandrayaan-2, which laid the foundation for the resounding success of Chandrayaan-3. He urged Indian businesses and academia to establish strong endowment funds, similar to leading global universities, to support research and innovation.
The Vice-President concluded his address with an invitation for IIT Hyderabad students and faculty to visit the Indian Parliament as his guests for a special interactive session. Expressing his deep admiration for the institution and its role in shaping the future of India, he left the audience with a sense of purpose, optimism, and responsibility toward building a stronger, more innovative nation.
