IIT alumni must mentor youth, drive innovation for Viksit Bharat: Karnataka Governor

Karnataka Governor Sudha Yadav urged IIT alumni to mentor young people, share their expertise and contribute to nation-building, stressing their role in driving innovation, research and technology to help achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047.IIT alumni must lead innovation, mentor youth to realise Viksit Bharat: Karnataka Governor (AI-generated image)New Delhi,Nov 15, 2026 14:25 ISTKarnataka Governor Sudha Yadav on Saturday called upon Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) alumni to share their expertise, mentor young people and contribute to nation-building through innovation, research and technology to help achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.Addressing the platinum jubilee celebrations of IIT Kharagpur and an alumni meet at the IIT Alumni Centre, she said the responsibility of building a developed India rested with every citizen, including those who had benefited from the country's premier educational institutions.FROM ONE IIT TO A NETWORK OF 23 INSTITUTIONSCongratulating IIT Kharagpur on completing 75 years, Yadav acknowledged the contributions of its faculty, scientists, staff and students to the institution's growth.She noted that India's journey in technical education, which began with the establishment of a single IIT, had expanded to 23 institutions, reflecting the country's progress in education, research and innovation. The Governor said studying at an IIT had long been an aspiration for countless students. However, the experience went beyond academic learning, as these institutions also shaped personalities, broadened perspectives and transformed lives.She highlighted how IIT graduates had made significant contributions to technology, research and entrepreneurship, earning recognition across the world. "It is the responsibility of every alumnus to give back to society and the nation by sharing the knowledge and experience gained through these opportunities," she said, according to a statement issued by Lok Bhavan.AI, ROBOTICS AND QUANTUM COMPUTING SHAPING THE FUTUREReferring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, Yadav said India had successfully integrated spirituality with science and must continue advancing in knowledge, science and technology while remaining connected to its cultural heritage.She said emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Robotics, Quantum Computing, Biotechnology, Space Science and Clean Energy were rapidly transforming the world.Against this backdrop, educational institutions must focus not only on producing technically skilled professionals but also on nurturing future leaders equipped with innovative thinking, problem-solving abilities and leadership qualities, she said.Highlighting India's digital transformation, the Governor observed that even people with limited access to formal education were increasingly undertaking digital transactions, demonstrating how technology had reached wider sections of society.EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN, STRONGER FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSEYadav also stressed the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for women, saying they had consistently demonstrated their capabilities when provided with the right platforms.Expressing concern over the growing menace of drug abuse among young people, she said protecting the younger generation from substance abuse was a collective responsibility.She urged eminent personalities, including IIT alumni, to take the lead in spreading awareness about the harmful effects of drugs and work towards helping young people become responsible citizens.Warning of the wider consequences of failing to address the issue, she said drug abuse could have serious implications for the nation's future.The Governor also highlighted India's unity in diversity, saying people belonging to different linguistic, cultural and traditional backgrounds remained united by a common national spirit, which she described as the country's greatest strength.(With PTI inputs)- Ends