Director Calls for Innovation-Driven Nation Building and Technological Self-Reliance
ROORKEE (India CSR®): The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), one of India’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning, celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour and a renewed commitment towards the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The celebrations were held in front of the iconic James Thomason Building and witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members, officers, staff, students, alumni, school children and their families.
The programme commenced with the arrival of Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, who inspected the Guard of Honour. This was followed by the rendition of the National Song and the hoisting of the National Flag by the Director, accompanied by the National Anthem. The Institute Kulgeet, Jayati Jayati Vidya Sansthan, followed, setting the tone for the celebrations with a strong sense of patriotism, national pride and collective belonging.
Prof. Praveen Kumar, Deputy Director, IIT Roorkee, said, “India’s progress towards Viksit Bharat @2047 will be shaped by knowledge, innovation, and collaborative action. IIT Roorkee remains committed to fostering an environment where academic excellence, impactful research, entrepreneurship, and societal engagement converge to develop future-ready leaders and sustainable solutions for the nation’s growth.”
The ceremony was graced by senior functionaries of the Institute, including the Registrar, Deans, Heads of Departments, faculty members, officers, staff, and members of the IIT Roorkee community, reflecting the collective spirit that has been the hallmark of the Institute’s legacy.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion of Independence Day, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, paid heartfelt tribute to the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters and reaffirmed the Institute’s unwavering commitment to nation-building through excellence in education, research, innovation and technology.
Prof. Pant said, “As India celebrates 80 years of Independence, we honour the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and reflect on our collective responsibility towards building a stronger, self-reliant and developed India. IIT Roorkee remains committed to advancing knowledge and translating research into innovative technologies and solutions that address national priorities and improve the quality of life of our people. Through excellence in education, cutting-edge research, entrepreneurship and strong industry partnerships, we are nurturing future-ready talent and contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.”
He highlighted IIT Roorkee’s growing contributions in strategic and emerging areas including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technologies, sustainable energy, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, disaster resilience and critical minerals. He also emphasized the Institute’s vibrant start-up and deep-tech ecosystem, which is enabling the translation of research into impactful technologies, enterprises and solutions for society.
Prof. Pant acknowledged and appreciated the collective efforts of the faculty, students, officers, staff, alumni and institutional partners whose dedication and contributions continue to strengthen IIT Roorkee’s national and global standing. He urged the students to dream boldly, innovate fearlessly and use their knowledge, skills and character to become responsible nation-builders, reminding them that the India of tomorrow will be shaped by the choices, courage and contributions of today’s youth. He called upon the IIT Roorkee community to embrace the spirit of innovation, responsibility and service to the nation and work together towards a prosperous, inclusive and self-reliant India.
The celebration also featured vibrant cultural performances by students from ABN Senior Secondary School, Anushruti Academy for the Deaf, and the Cultural Society of IIT Roorkee, beautifully portraying India’s rich cultural heritage, unity in diversity, and the values of freedom.
Adding to the patriotic spirit of the day, the Tiranga Yatra, organised by Think India, IIT Roorkee, witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members, officers, and staff. The procession symbolised the Institute community’s collective resolve to contribute towards nation-building through knowledge, innovation, and responsible citizenship.
The celebrations concluded with a vote of thanks and a collective pledge to uphold the ideals of the Constitution and continue working towards excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and innovation. As India marches towards the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, IIT Roorkee reaffirmed its commitment to serving the nation through transformative education, pioneering research, technological innovation, and societal impact.
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