Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh recently delivered an inspiring address at IIM Jammu’s Orientation Programme, calling on students to actively contribute to the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision. During his visit, the Minister also inaugurated a new hostel complex with 688 single rooms, highlighting the institute’s commitment to student welfare and infrastructure. He noted that the Union Cabinet had just authorized a ₹200 crore tender approval for the Director, a testament to the government’s trust in academic leadership.
Youth as Architects of Viksit Bharat
Dr. Singh emphasized the pivotal role of the youth, stating, “You are born at a time when India is at the cusp of historic change. Your birth in this era is not your achievement, but how you use this opportunity will define your legacy.” He encouraged students to shift from being job seekers to job creators, leveraging the immense support available through various startup schemes. He proudly mentioned that India now boasts over 1.75 lakh startups, creating 17.56 lakh jobs, a significant increase from just 350 a decade ago.
Empowering Education and Innovation
The Minister lauded the government’s youth-centric governance model, which has fostered a dynamic ecosystem for education, innovation, startups, and research. He highlighted the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as a “game-changing reform” that empowers students with interdisciplinary choices. “You are no longer prisoners of subjects chosen by your parents. Today, you can blend literature with science, or management with medicine. That is true empowerment,” he remarked.
Structural Reforms and Institutional Growth
Dr. Singh pointed to structural reforms like the relaxation of General Financial Rules (GFRs) and empowering Directors to approve Global Tenders up to ₹200 crore, which have significantly improved the ease of conducting research and managing institutions. He praised IIM Jammu’s remarkable progress, stating, “Among the IIMs established in the last 11 years, IIM Jammu has emerged as a standout performer.” He also advised the institute to initiate in-house B2B startup meets, leveraging its unique proximity to other premier institutions like IIT, AIIMS, and IIIM in Jammu.
Responsibility and Aspiration
The Minister underscored the democratization of aspiration, noting that students from diverse backgrounds are now excelling in top national institutions. He reminded students, “You will be the ones to celebrate India’s 100 years of independence in 2047. The responsibility of building Viksit Bharat lies with you. Take it not as a burden, but as a gift from destiny.” He concluded by stressing that “every freedom carries an inherent obligation,” urging students and faculty to use their newfound autonomy with greater creativity and accountability.
