The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
JODHPUR, JUNE 9, 2025
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday underscored the pivotal role of India’s youth in addressing global challenges, asserting that the nation is emerging as a world leader in innovation and development through the dynamism of its young minds. Speaking at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Jodhpur, he said, “India is advancing on the global stage by harnessing the dual strengths of modern science and its rich spiritual heritage.”
Birla inaugurated the state-of-the-art Lecture Hall Complex–II at the institute, and emphasized that India’s rise as a global problem solver is directly linked to the creativity, energy, and capability of its youth. “Our young innovators are not just job seekers — they are becoming job providers, strengthening the start-up ecosystem and contributing to economic growth,” he said.
Highlighting the critical contribution of premier institutions like the IITs, Birla said that graduates from these institutions have transformed India’s technological landscape and helped build a thriving innovation culture. He praised IIT Jodhpur in particular for being a beacon of research and development in Rajasthan’s desert region and for its pathbreaking contributions in defence tech, sustainable development, and global innovation.
Birla also applauded the visionary leadership of Prof. Avinash K Agarwal, Director of IIT Jodhpur, for steering the institution toward national prominence. “IIT Jodhpur is a symbol of how academic institutions can empower even the most geographically challenging areas with access to world-class education and innovation,” he said.
In his address, the Speaker advocated for a balanced approach to national progress — merging ethical values with cutting-edge technology. He called for educational institutions across the country to evolve into vibrant innovation hubs, nurturing talent and fostering a spirit of inquiry and entrepreneurship. “Our colleges and universities must go beyond rote learning and cultivate ecosystems of excellence,” he urged.
He also stressed the importance of India’s growing self-reliance — from manufacturing toys to advanced defence equipment — driven by a robust digital infrastructure and national resolve for Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
As part of the event, Birla distributed ‘Research Initiative Grants’ to support pioneering research and innovation projects at the institute. He also launched IIT Jodhpur’s new official website and planted a sapling to mark the occasion — symbolizing growth, sustainability, and the nurturing of future generations.
Reiterating the call for youth participation in building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, Birla concluded, “India’s youth, driven by skill and spirit, are the architects of a future that blends knowledge with values, and innovation with inclusivity.”
