There is a scope to provide potential skills and education to the young generation of the country. Currently, there are more than 50 crore children between the age of 3 and 23 and there is an enormous opportunity in equipping this population with the right education and skills, said Union Education and Skill Development, Dharmendra Pradhan at the 67th Convocation of IIT Kharagpur recently.
A critical mindset and a qualitative workforce will help India to drive the global economy in the 21st century, said Pradhan.
IIT Kharagpur has shaped the national discourse and contributed to India’s growth since its inception, he added.
The determination of our new generation, spirit of enterprise & innovation and strength of educational institutions has resulted in India achieving many remarkable feats in the 21st century, he further said.
Speaking in the context of alternative energy generation, Pradhan expressed that low-cost innovative alternative energy models, innovation in specialized areas of semiconductor chip manufacturing will not only lead to economic empowerment and job creation, it will also lead to Purvodaya and a self-reliant India.
He further said that life is unimaginable without ‘Energy & Internet’, a fact further accentuated in the present times. By 2035 India will be the number one energy consumer.
India’s climate leadership has resulted in our country having the most conducive alternate energy business climate, he added.
The Minister expressed his confidence that IIT Kharagpur will be the epicentre in adding momentum to the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and in placing India at the top of the emerging new world order. The intellectual prowess and excellence of students here will make them pioneers of new thought leadership.