Srinagar: Technological advancement and innovation are essential drivers of economic growth and social welfare, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said here Saturday.
He said technology-enabled innovation and consistent adoption of new technologies is needed to meet the future challenges of industrial growth, energy security and urbanization.
Sinha inaugurated a guest house and sports facilities of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) here.
During his visit, Sinha interacted with the faculty members and highlighted the impact of technology on society and role of institutes like NIT in providing valuable human resources to the industry, an official press release said.
It said the LG appreciated the institute for exploring new ideas to improve the lives of people.
“Technological advancement and innovation is an essential driver of economic growth and social welfare. Technology-enabled innovation and consistent adoption of new technologies is needed to meet the future challenges of industrial growth, energy security and urbanization,” he said.
The first Technological Innovation Centre — Greenovator — and MSME Start-Up Centre has also been established at the NIT, he added.
It is the collective responsibility of mentors and students to harness the power of ideas, enable a culture that supports innovation and bridge the gap between the industry and academia, Sinha said.
Observing that the power of innovation can help society to flourish, Sinha urged technical institutes to strive to re-invent the incubation and innovation centres to better meet the expectations of society.
In-house innovative solutions play an important role in critical areas like security, technical and healthcare for ease of living. Our education campuses should encourage and nurture curiosity, motivate students for research and provide empowerment and space for experimentation, he said.
Citing the multi-fold increase registered in acquiring patents by IITs of the country, the LG stressed on setting a target of patent registration every year to promote innovation.
“We must build the institutional infrastructure to scale-up research, ideas for new services and invest in human capacity,” he added.
Sinha asked the faculty and the administration of the NIT Srinagar to make an effort to make it among the top 20 institutions of the country and develop the institute as one of the best in the country keeping in mind the civilisational values.
The LG also congratulated the faculties and its director for the ongoing cotton industry and space application projects with Russia and Uzbekistan.
Later, the LG also released a brochure of the 8th Edition of International Conference on ‘Nano Technology for Better Living’ which will be jointly organised by NIT Srinagar in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, and many other prestigious institutions from May 25 to 29 next year.
Dr. Rakesh Sehgal, Director NIT, in his address said that improvement in rankings over the last three years has been made possible due to support provided by the government.
“With the kind of support we are getting, NIT will reach new levels and unlock many opportunities for the students while contributing to their all-around development,” he added.
Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Vijay Kumar, ADGP Kashmir; Mohammad Aijaz, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Rakesh Balwal, SSP Srinagar, HoDs of various departments and other faculty members were present on the occasion.
