Jitendra Singh Urges Young Scientists to Lead Viksit Bharat
Union Minister says India's nuclear programme has entered a new phase under PM Modi at NISER convocation
GG News Bureau
Bhubaneswar, 9th July: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh on Thursday said India’s nuclear programme has entered a new phase of growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and called upon young scientists to carry forward the legacy of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha to help realise the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and Net Zero.
Addressing the 15th Graduation Ceremony of the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) in Bhubaneswar, the Minister said the graduation ceremony represented not merely the awarding of degrees but the transfer of a legacy of scientific excellence, innovation and national responsibility to a new generation.
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest. Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, senior scientists, faculty members and parents were also present. Degrees were awarded to 260 students across Integrated M.Sc., Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D., M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes.
Recalling the vision of Dr. Homi Bhabha, Dr. Jitendra Singh said India’s nuclear programme was founded on the principle of peaceful use of atomic energy despite global scepticism at the time. He said Prime Minister Modi has taken that vision to a new level by strengthening indigenous capabilities, expanding opportunities and promoting self-reliance in strategic technologies.
Highlighting recent achievements, the Minister said India has entered the second stage of its nuclear programme with the development of the country’s first Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor. He added that India’s installed nuclear power capacity currently stands at 8,780 MW and is targeted to increase to 22,380 MW by 2032.
Dr. Jitendra Singh urged the graduating students to become partners in achieving the national goals of Viksit Bharat and Net Zero through science-led development. He said young scientists have a crucial role in developing sustainable solutions to global challenges.
The Minister also highlighted the National Education Policy 2020, saying it has transformed India’s education system by promoting interdisciplinary and aptitude-based learning. He praised NISER for emerging as a leading institution in science education and research and expressed confidence that its graduates would strengthen India’s scientific ecosystem and contribute to building an innovative and self-reliant nation.
