Guwahati, Nov 21: Union Minister of Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan today visited IIT Guwahati and inaugurated the state-of-the-art Centre for Nanotechnology (CNT) and Centre for Indian Knowledge System (CIKS) as well as two hostels at the Institute. He also released a book on NEP 2020 implementation at the institute.

Speaking on the occasion Pradhan congratulated IIT Guwahati for achieving excellent rankings in various international and national ranking systems and appreciated the efforts of IIT Guwahati for creating an ecosystem for research and education as well as focusing on overall development of the northeastern region. He also said that IIT Guwahati has to play an important role in areas like, disaster management, biodiversity-based research, green energy development, strengthening knowledge-based economy and driving entrepreneurship among the students. He also called upon the students and faculty associated with the institute to synergize technology and knowledge to create a vibrant ecosystem of solution-centric innovation.

He said that, in this era of interconnected world, the centre for nanotechnology at IIT Guwahati will host a number of CoEs, incubators and state-of-the-art research laboratories for advancements in multi-disciplinary research and education in the areas of healthcare, nano-bio-materials, micro/nano electronics, and energy.

He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his convocation speech in 2020 had suggested IIT Guwahati to set up a Centre for Indian Knowledge System. He expressed his happiness that the same has been established in quick time for preserving, documenting and sharing ancient & traditional Indian knowledge.

Pradhan said that Srimant Sankardev was a great scholar gave new thought and shape to civilisation and humanity. The glorious Ahom culture, the mighty Brahmaputra, the blessed land of Ma Kamakhya and greats like Lachit Borphukan should serve as an inspiration for students at IIT Guwahati, he added.

The Minister highlighted that during the COVID-19, innovation and technology aided us with PPT kits, helped us with development and production of vaccine and represented the resilience of this country. Institutes like IIT Guwahati have to play an important role in leveraging innovation for societal good, he added.

He said that during the COP 26, Prime Minister Modi outlined the Panchamrit vision to fight climate change. Our north eastern states can become the hub of green energy development with IIT Guwahati playing an important role, he added.

Dr. Ranoj Education Minister of Assam and Queen Oja, MP were also present on the occasion.