The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of BIT Mesra at Ranchi, Jharkhand today (February 15, 2025).
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that ours is the age of technology. New advances in the field of information technology have changed the way we live. What was unthinkable till yesterday has become reality today. She stated that the coming years are going to be even more dramatic with far-reaching advances expected particularly in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. As AI rapidly transforms economies, the Government of India has been quick in responding to the emerging scenario. Several initiatives are being taken to integrate AI into higher education institutions.
The President said that as technology creates great disruptions in societies, we should remain concerned about its impact on marginalised groups. The great opportunities being created should be available to all; the great transformations being brought about should benefit all.
The President said that often, the problems around us do not need any big technological intervention. She advised youth to not forget the importance of small-scale, traditional solutions. She said that innovators and entrepreneurs must not ignore the knowledge base of traditional communities.
The President said that the Platinum Jubilee is an apt occasion to celebrate and honour the contributions of BIT Mesra to education, research and innovation in engineering, technology and allied fields. She was happy to note that this institute has been a pioneer in a number of fields. The first Department of Space Engineering and Rocketry in the country was established here in 1964. One of the first Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Parks (STEP) to promote engineering entrepreneurship was also set up here in 1975. She expressed confidence that BIT Mesra will continue to make rich contributions to the continuing evolution of science and technology in India.
