PRESIDENT OF INDIA ADDRESSES ANNUAL CONVOCATION OF IIT DELHI

Rashtrapati Bhavan : 04.11.2017

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, addressed the 48th convocation of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi as Chief Guest today (November 4, 2017) in New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the IIT system in general – and IIT Delhi specifically – has been the gold standard of technical education in our country. IIT alumni have been the bedrock of India’s engineering capabilities, its IT industry and our start-up culture. They have been brand ambassadors of India’s intellectual and technological strength across the globe, from Singapore to Silicon Valley.

The President noted that IIT Delhi now has more post-graduate students than at the undergraduate level. He stated that this is a healthy sign. We are moving towards research-based learning and churning out products and technologies for nation building. He was also happy to note that researchers at IIT Delhi have invented and developed products that have contributed to the well-being of fellow citizens.

The President said that apart from the technological and economic impact of the IITs. There is also the social role of IITs and the place they have in the Indian imagination. For many young Indians, studying at an IIT remains the ultimate dream. He was happy to note that there were over 50 students in the audience from Navodaya Schools across the country, chosen on the basis of their academic record and merit. He was also glad to learn that in the run-up to the convocation, the IIT Delhi community organised four blood donation camps. He said that all of us must strive to give back to society in our own little way – and to donate blood is the simplest and easiest way.

The President said that Institutions such as IIT Delhi are not just centres of education. They are hubs of communities. A central component of the IIT Delhi community is its alumni body. All great universities of the world have a deep and thriving engagement between old students and the institution. They invite alumni to contribute, not merely in terms of financial assistance but more in terms of knowledge sharing and time.

The President said that the obligation was on the IIT Delhi authorities to involve and invite alumni, many of whom are well placed in other universities or in industry, to come back and teach here – even if for short periods or for specific courses. If procedures need to be simplified to achieve this, then efforts must be made in that direction.

This release issued at 1245 hrs.