Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IIT-G) to build a centre for disaster management at the institute.
While addressing the 22nd convocation at IIT-Guwahati via video conference, Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday said, “The Northeast region is full of possibilities but most of its efforts are spent on managing the floods and other natural calamities. I suggest, IIT-Guwahati can build centre for disaster management and risk management to fight these challenges.”
Modi in his speech said that the dream of IITians area going to shape the reality of India.
“You must be witnessing a new personality since you started your journey at IIT and now that you are graduating from here. This change is the biggest gift for your teachers and faculty members. Your dreams are going to shape the reality of India. It is time to be future-ready and future-fit,” said the PM.
He also hailed the IIT Guwahati for continuing academic cycle despite the Covid-19 pandemic induced challenges.
“During the pandemic, the institute has made several kits to fight COVID-19 and has proved its mettle. Conducting the academic sessions, to continue your research work during the pandemic must have been a difficult task but you have succeeded and your efforts are steps in direction of making an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India),” Modi said.
The Prime Minister also urged the students of IIT, Guwahati to make research a habit, a part of their thought process.
“300 students are getting PhD degrees today. It is a positive trend. Do not stop here. Make research a habit, a part of your thought process,” he added.
In view of the Covid-19 pandemic, the IIT-Guwahati convocation is being held in virtually where avatars of students will collect their degrees and medal from the director’s avatar.
The IIT has also created a photo-booth, with an option of different backgrounds, for students to take pictures at some selected locations on the campus.