Dharmendra Pradhan motivates NIT students to aspire to be creators of wealth.

Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, during his visit to the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, today, motivated students to aspire to be creators of wealth. Addressing the gathering, he emphasized the pivotal role NIT Rourkela must play in fostering a culture of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. As Odisha approaches its centenary in 2036 and India celebrates 100 years of independence in 2047, the Minister urged NIT Rourkela to lead initiatives that contribute to the progress and prosperity of both Odisha and the nation.

Accompanied by Sundargarh MP Jual Oram, Minister Dharmendra Pradhan laid the foundation stone for six projects and inaugurated a Kendriya Vidyalaya at NIT to enhance the educational and innovative ecosystem on campus. The projects include a 1000-seat boys hostel (Rs 77.53 crores), a 500-seat girls hostel (Rs 38.87 crores), a 1.5 MLD sewage treatment plant (Rs 13.21 crores), and a faculty residence (Rs 36.20 crores). Additionally, MCL will construct a 500-bed girls hostel (Rs 42.69 crores), and the Ministry of Education will build a 500-bed hostel for economically disadvantaged students.

Inaugurating a new central school within the NIT Rourkela campus, the Minister highlighted that these developments align with the National Education Policy (NEP) and will enhance campus life by expanding capacities.

Minister Pradhan also engaged with young founders and CEOs of start-ups incubated at the Foundation for Technology and Business Incubation at NIT. He commended the Foundation for creating a conducive environment that nurtures start-ups while fostering research and innovation. The Minister expressed optimism about the positive impact of these initiatives on the overall growth and vibrancy of NIT Rourkela’s academic environment.