Vice President Dhankhar Champions Research & Innovation, Calls for Alumni Investment in Education
Attending NIT Delhi’s Convocation and MATES’ Silver Jubilee, VP Dhankhar emphasized research, industry partnerships, and the role of education in national progress.
Research and innovation are pivotal for India’s ambition of becoming a developed nation, emphasized Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Addressing students, faculty, and alumni at significant academic events over two days, the Vice-President outlined a forward-thinking vision that positions research, education, and nationalism at the heart of India’s future prosperity.
Speaking at the 4th Convocation of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Delhi, VP Dhankhar underscored the necessity of strengthening research ecosystems in India’s educational institutions. "Our prowess in research and innovation defines our global standing and strengthens our soft diplomacy,” he noted, urging educational institutions to become “crucibles of innovation” with robust support from corporate entities. He called for substantial contributions from trade and industry to drive research, stressing, “Associations must fuel research and spur innovation through liberal financial contributions.”
Reflecting on alumni contributions, the Vice-President stressed the importance of alumni associations in uplifting institutions. “Alumni are ambassadors and lifelines of an institution,” he remarked, encouraging the establishment of an alumni fund to ensure continuous support and growth.
Education: A Service to Society, Not Commerce
Reiterating education’s service-oriented nature, VP Dhankhar passionately remarked, “Education is not commerce. It’s an obligation to society.” He argued that investing in education is crucial for building a skilled human resource pool, safeguarding India's present and future, and rediscovering the country’s rich heritage. Dhankhar called on the youth to embrace their duty of paying back to society through educational advancement.
At the culmination ceremony of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Maharaja Agrasen Technical Education Society (MATES), Dhankhar painted a vivid contrast between India’s economic struggles in the past and its current achievements. He shared personal experiences from the late 1980s and early 1990s, reflecting on challenges like depleted foreign exchange reserves and widespread gloom. In contrast, he celebrated today’s robust forex reserves and improved global standing.
Technological Revolution and India’s Youth
Q: Is NIT Delhi good for B.E. / B.Tech?
Pros:
* Good faculty: Many students praised the faculty members' qualifications, teaching methods, and willingness to help.
* Industry-ready curriculum: The course curriculum is designed to prepare students for industry requirements, making them employable.
* High placement rates: More than 90% of students get placed, with some batches achieving 100% placement.
* Relevant labs and infrastructure: Well-maintained labs, classrooms, and libraries with modern equipment and amenities.
* Various clubs and societies: Opportunities for extracurricular activities, sports, and cultural events.
Cons:
* Construction woes: Ongoing construction on campus can cause inconvenience and distractions.
* Limited accommodation options: Shortage of hostels and limited seating capacity can lead to issues.
* Food quality concerns: Mess food is reportedly not great, and students often rely on external dining options.
* Connectivity issues: Limited Wi-Fi coverage and poor mobile signal strength on campus.
Overall assessment:
Based on the feedback from students and alumni, NIT Delhi appears to be a good choice for pursuing B.E./B.Tech. Its strong faculty, industry-ready curriculum, and excellent placement records make it a desirable institution. However, students may encounter challenges related to infrastructure development, accommodation limitations, and food quality. Despite these drawbacks, NIT Delhi offers a good balance of academics, extracurricular opportunities, and career prospects.
Note: The answer is based on the provided information and does not include any external data or reviews.
Q: How many departments are there under NIT Delhi?
NIT Delhi is approved by AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) and through six departments, offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to students. The below-mentioned table reflects on departments under the National Institute of Technology Delhi:
| NIT Delhi Departments | ||
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | Electronics & Communication Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Applied Sciences | Civil Engineering | Science & Engineering |
Q: Has NIT Delhi collaborated with any college or university?
NIT Delhi has collaborated with various companies, industries, and universities. NIT Delhi has signed MoUs with various companies, organisations, and universities. The below-mentioned table reflects on the NIT Delhi collaborations:
| NIT Delhi Collaborations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Apeejay Stya University (ASU Gurugram) | Alliance University, Bangalore | CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi |
| Institution of Civil Engineers, India | - | - |
VP Dhankhar emphasized the opportunities presented by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and blockchain. “We are at the cusp of another industrial revolution,” he declared, urging students to prepare for this transformation. Highlighting India's global impact, he noted that Indian talent is now integral to major global institutions and expressed confidence in the youth as the fuel for India’s growth engine.
Championing National Education Policy and Experiential Learning
The Vice-President praised the National Education Policy, developed after decades of deliberation, for integrating experiential learning, critical thinking, and industry-academia partnerships. He described this as a game-changer, especially with the government’s focus on internships and entrepreneurial skills.
Dhankhar also appealed to students to consider diverse career paths beyond high-paying corporate roles. He emphasized the importance of affirmative governance, technological advancements, and the visionary efforts that have made financial inclusion a reality for millions of farmers.
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Abhay an alumnus of IIMC and Delhi University, has over a decade long experience of reporting on various beats of journalism. During his free time he prefers listening to music or play indoor and outdoor games.