Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday urged the youth to shift from being “job seekers to job creators” while addressing the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Government College of Engineering (GCE), Keonjhar.
Speaking as the chief guest, he highlighted the state’s rapid industrial growth, vast thorium reserves for nuclear energy, and the transformative role of AI and innovation in shaping India’s future.
Recalling his own student struggles, the Chief Minister described the college — established in 1995 and revived in 2001 through collective community efforts — as a beacon of hope for the youth of northern Odisha. He noted that more than 6,500 alumni are successfully contributing across India and abroad, with strong placement records and notable achievements such as Priyanshu Pal securing the top rank in the Odisha Civil Services examination.
Declaring GCE Keonjhar a “Centre of Excellence,” Majhi called upon students to focus on high-quality research, skill development and innovation. “Do not merely search for jobs; become creators of jobs,” he said, stressing the importance of entrepreneurship.
The Chief Minister informed the gathering that in the last two years, Odisha has attracted investments worth Rs 2.8 lakh crore, generating potential for over two lakh jobs. He said the state is fast emerging as a preferred destination for industry and young talent.
He also announced an increase in reservations for Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and SEBC categories in engineering and medical education, opening new doors for students from backward communities. On the energy front, Majhi pointed out that Odisha’s abundant thorium resources position the state as a promising hub for future nuclear power projects.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that by 2036, the combined efforts of the youth, innovation and entrepreneurship would help build a prosperous and developed Odisha.
Among those present were Telkoi MLA and District Planning Board Chairman Dr Fakir Mohan Naik, Patna MLA Akhila Chandra Naik, Keonjhar District Collector Vishal Singh, VSSUT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Amiya Kumar Rath, Governing Body Chairman Pradipta Kumar Senapati and GCE Principal Prof. Saroj Sadangi.
