President Murmu highlighted that the pace of technological advancement in the present era is unprecedented. Innovations are reshaping everyday life, but unchecked misuse of modern technology has led to growing concerns such as cybercrime and environmental damage caused by electronic waste.
She emphasized that institutions like NIT Jamshedpur have a responsibility beyond classrooms and laboratories. “Such institutions are expected not only to find solutions to emerging problems but also to work with industry and other academic bodies to convert these ideas into sustainable, long-term outcomes,” she said.
Institutions as Nation-Builders
The President stressed that higher education institutions should not be viewed merely as centers for awarding degrees. Instead, they should be recognized as hubs of research, innovation, and national vision. According to her, it is within these campuses that ideas for the country’s future are born and refined.
She urged engineering graduates from NITs to see themselves as nation-builders who can harness technology for social good. The true reputation of an institution, she said, should not be judged only by rankings or placement records but by its contribution to society and the nation at large.
Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047
Reiterating the national goal of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, President Murmu said that research, innovation, and a vibrant startup ecosystem are essential to achieving this vision. Developing India’s youth into a skilled and future-ready workforce will be a key driver of this transformation.
She called upon leading institutions such as NITs to deepen their focus on cutting-edge research and innovation. With consistent contributions from these centers of excellence, India can position itself as a global “Knowledge Superpower,” she added.
New Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs
The President also pointed out that government initiatives have opened new avenues for entrepreneurship, not only in traditional sectors but also in areas such as defense manufacturing, space technology, and atomic energy. These sectors are increasingly offering opportunities for young, technologically skilled professionals.
Students from institutions like NIT Jamshedpur, she said, are well-equipped to seize these opportunities and create enterprises that generate employment for others as well. Such efforts would strengthen the economy while fostering innovation-driven growth.
Compassion at the Core of Innovation
President Murmu concluded her address with a strong message on inclusive development. She said that the dream of a developed India cannot be realized merely through infrastructure growth or economic strength. True development, she emphasized, lies in creating a society where even the most marginalized individuals have equal opportunities and can live with dignity.
Education and knowledge, she noted, are meaningful only when their benefits reach the common people. “An invention without compassion can create a machine, but innovation driven by compassion becomes a blessing for society,” she said, advising students to carry this value throughout their professional lives.