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Come out with cutting-edge technology for ryots: Pratibha

— Photo: PTI

President Pratibha Patil conferring a Doctor of Science degree (honoris causa) on industrialist Ratan Tata at the 46th convocation of the Indian Institute of Technology on Friday. Applauding him is Anil Kakodkar, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT-Bombay.

Mumbai: “Our rural areas are engaged in the task of feeding the nation and we must not forget that we survive because of our farmers,” President Pratibha Patil said on Friday.

“However, our farmers are affected by floods, drought, pests, lack of infrastructure and low yields as compared to the rest of the world. Many of these areas are specialised, nevertheless, IIT engineers have a duty to the nation to produce cutting-edge solutions for our rural areas.”

She was speaking at the 46th convocation of the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay.

While she extolled the achievements of IIT engineers, citing their role in the “success of Silicon Valley in the United States,” Mr. Patil drove home the importance of their having a perspective beyond “individual development” and actively participating in the growth of the country. The education imparted at the IITs equipped students to perform well and contribute to nation-building. Such an approach could become “the purpose of your life.”

Ms. Patil advocated use of technology as a solution to the pressing problems of the day — terrorism and energy needs. She called for a better security apparatus to tackle terrorism and crime.

Anil Kakodkar, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, and Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT-Bombay, said inter-linkages among education, research, skills, humanities and innovation would fuel innovation among youth. Quality research was the hallmark of quality education

Ms. Patil presented medals to outstanding students. Sushant Sachdeva from the Computer Science and Engineering Department won the ‘President of India Medal.’

A degree of Doctor of Science (honoris causa) was conferred on Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Group, for his contribution to the Indian industry.

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