VP Urges IIT Kanpur to Innovate for Sustainability, Farmers

03 Dec 2024 CW Team

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the critical role of smart, solution-oriented, scalable, and sustainable (4S) innovations during his address at IIT Kanpur on Sunday. He called upon students to focus on real-world challenges, particularly urging the institute to develop solutions for stubble burning and stressed enhancing farmers' welfare.

Key Highlights: Innovation Framework: Dhankhar introduced the "4S" principles, advocating for innovations that are transformative, adaptable, and environmentally conscious. Stubble Burning Focus: He urged IIT Kanpur to prioritize finding a resolution for stubble burning, a persistent issue stressing farmers and impacting the environment. Sustainable Development: Highlighted the need for optimal natural resource utilization and innovations supporting renewable energy, organic farming, and agroforestry. Driving Economic Growth Dhankhar cited the transformational impact of digital innovations such as UPI and direct benefit transfers, which have increased transparency and efficiency. He highlighted India’s rise as the sixth-largest patent filer globally, with filings more than doubling in the past decade, and its position as the third-largest startup ecosystem.

Vision for India 2047 The vice president expressed confidence in India becoming a developed nation by 2047, crediting technological advancements driven by alumni of premier institutions like IIT Kanpur.

He concluded by urging students to extend their academic pursuits to create transformative solutions that align with sustainable development and national progress.

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