Sambalpur, Dec 26: Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan today emphasized that the true purpose of science and technology is not merely material achievement, but the welfare of humanity.

Addressing the 17th convocation ceremony of Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) on Friday, Pradhan said Burla has emerged as a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation, driven largely by the talent and vision nurtured at VSSUT.

Pradhan said former students of the university have demonstrated their capabilities by launching startups such as the “Sambalpuri Hub,” reflecting the institution’s growing culture of entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

Recalling the university’s glorious journey, the Minister said that VSSUT has shaped the destinies of countless students over the years. Many of its alumni are today bringing pride to Odisha and the nation by making their mark at national and international levels.

On the auspicious occasion, he congratulated the students and researchers who received degrees, awards, and medals.

Pradhan also noted that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the new National Education Policy is being implemented with commitment, and VSSUT has emerged as one of the leading institutions in the country in this regard.

With the collaboration of professors from IIT Madras, VSSUT has successfully enabled technical education in regional languages through AI-based tools, he said.

Describing “sensitivity” as the core character of VSSUT, Pradhan stated that the key to Odisha’s development lies in the hands of its students.

In the present era of advanced technology, a proposal has been envisioned to establish a Quantum Center in Sambalpur. He asserted that VSSUT is the true seed of Odisha’s reconstruction, and if the institution fulfills its responsibilities effectively, it can become a global hub for solving some of the world’s most complex problems.

Before attending the convocation ceremony, the Union Minister paid floral tribute to the statue of the legendary freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai on the university campus. The event was attended by Odisha’s Minister for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education Sampad Swain; Minister for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Rabi Narayan Naik; Sambalpur MLA Jayanarayan Mishra, and other dignitaries.