New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called upon IITs to contribute towards fulfilling the vision of "Housing for All" through technology which would enable rapid construction of economical, eco-friendly and structurally sound houses.
He was addressing a Conference of Chairmen of Boards of Governors, and Directors of IITs at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
"Science is universal. Technology must be local," the Prime Minister said, calling upon IITs to give projects related to local needs and requirements to their students, so that they can find innovative solutions as they pursue their studies.
He said this would lead to a positive change in the quality of life of people, besides instilling a sense of "service" towards the nation, among the bright young minds at IITs.
He mentioned several examples where India is critically dependent on imports, ranging from defence equipment, to the health sector, to sensitive and security-related items like currency ink and tear gas.
He also said IITs could contribute towards user-friendly innovations in the Indian Railways.
The Prime Minister also called upon IITs to adopt nearby engineering colleges, and play a role in mentoring them.
Describing "IITians" as a "great force," the Prime Minister said IITs must encourage their alumni to interact with students, so that their experience can be leveraged.
He also called for a systematic mapping and grouping of IIT alumni, so that their experience can be used in different sectors.
The Prime Minister praised President Pranab Mukherjee`s initiative for the education sector, and said his guidance will benefit the nation, and future generations in a big way.
The Prime Minister said while global rankings are important, we should also set up our own parameters for rankings, which will serve as an in-built mechanism for change and improvement.
