Today’s graduates are being urged to think beyond traditional jobs. Union Minister Jitendra Singh told students at IIT Roorkee that the future belongs to innovation and entrepreneurship, not just government or corporate roles.
Addressing students during their convocation, Singh highlighted India’s recent success stories in vaccine development, space missions, and global rankings in innovation. He explained that these achievements are thanks to a mix of government support, private sector efforts, and talented young people like those graduating today.
Singh told students, “You are born in the best of times. Your destiny gives you this special opportunity, and I am confident you will make the most of what India offers today.”
He praised IIT Roorkee, one of India’s oldest engineering colleges founded in 1847. Once known as the University of Roorkee, it is now ranked sixth in the country according to the NIF ranking. The minister said the institute is a shining example of combining research, innovation, and community engagement.
Singh encouraged IIT Roorkee to explore areas like Himalayan studies, disaster management, and the aromatic economy, given its unique location and skilled faculty. The institute’s nearly 240 startups — out of India’s total 1.7 lakh startups — show how much the college contributes to India’s growing startup scene.
He also praised the college’s nine centers of excellence and its work in disaster risk management and sustainability. Engagement with local communities, such as initiatives like Vibrant Villages, makes IIT Roorkee a role model for others.
Finally, Singh pointed out that because of its Himalayan location, IIT Roorkee is crucial not only for disaster response but also for building resilience and promoting growth in peace times. This shows how the institute plays a key role in India’s development and the future of its students.
