The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, graced the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of BIT Mesra in Ranchi, Jharkhand, marking a momentous occasion for the esteemed institution. Addressing the gathering, she reflected on the rapid advancements in technology, emphasizing how innovations in artificial intelligence and machine learning are reshaping the world at an unprecedented pace. She noted that India is actively embracing this transformation, with the government taking significant steps to integrate AI into higher education, ensuring that students are equipped for the future.
However, amid the excitement of technological progress, the President expressed a deep concern for its impact on marginalized communities. She stressed that the benefits of these advancements should be inclusive, reaching all sections of society rather than deepening existing inequalities. In a world driven by cutting-edge solutions, she reminded the youth that not all problems require complex interventions—sometimes, simple, traditional knowledge holds the key to effective solutions. She encouraged innovators and entrepreneurs to recognize and respect the wisdom embedded in India’s diverse communities, which have long relied on sustainable practices.
Reflecting on the remarkable journey of BIT Mesra, the President highlighted the institution’s pioneering contributions to engineering, technology, and research. Established in 1964, department of Space Engineering and Rocketry was the first of its kind in the country, and in 1975, it set up one of India’s earliest Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Parks (STEP) to foster engineering entrepreneurship. As BIT Mesra celebrates 75 years of excellence, she expressed confidence that it would continue shaping the future of science and technology in India. The event was not just a celebration of the past but also a reaffirmation of the institute’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and national progress.
