Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh urges students to become disruptors in technology, emphasizing the importance of AI, cybersecurity, and digital economy advancements.
AB News Desk, New Delhi: At the recent 16th Foundation Day of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, held on February 24, 2025, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh emphasized the critical role of innovation and entrepreneurship in steering India’s technological landscape. Highlighting the explosive growth of India’s tech sector, projected to reach $300-350 billion in the next five years, he noted the remarkable emergence of over 1.25 lakh startups and 110 unicorns, positioning India as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally.
Addressing the students, Rajnath Singh urged them to harness the unique growth opportunities currently available, not only to contribute to India’s technological advancements but to spearhead global innovation in key fields such as Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and digital technologies. He praised IIT Mandi for its significant contributions to tech and scientific advancements and its pivotal role in fostering an innovative research culture.
Rajnath Singh also called attention to the need for IIT Mandi to intensify its focus on defense technologies. He praised the collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and asserted that contributions in areas like AI-driven warfare, indigenous AI chip development, cybersecurity, and quantum technology are essential to the nation’s defense capabilities.
The Raksha Mantri underscored India’s commendable strides towards defense self-reliance, citing a remarkable 88% self-sufficiency in ammunition production and a defense export target of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029. He urged the IIT Mandi students to aim for technological solutions that can further bolster India’s defense and economic growth.
In the context of India’s burgeoning digital economy, Rajnath Singh shared significant milestones, noting that the country’s telecom sector ranks as the second largest worldwide. With initiatives like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) setting international benchmarks for digital transactions, he asserted the importance of innovation as a cornerstone of India’s growth in the coming decades.
Encouraging students to adopt a proactive approach towards technological innovation, Rajnath Singh introduced the principles of Initiate, Improve and Transform (IIT). He inspired students to pursue knowledge boldly and remain resilient in the face of challenges, highlighting the importance of collective efforts to tackle national issues through technology and innovation.
Rajnath Singh’s message resonated clearly: “Don’t just be adapters; become the disruptors who lead innovation.” He spoke of the vast opportunities available to young innovators and urged them to redefine paradigms rather than merely follow trends, emphasizing that the current moment is an embodiment of the ‘Indian Dream.’
Recognizing IIT Mandi’s achievements over the past 15 years, he lauded its unique blend of ancient heritage and cutting-edge technology education. The Raksha Mantri expressed confidence in the institution’s continued contributions to both India’s advancement and global technological progress.
During the event, he inaugurated two new facilities—the Guidance & Counselling Centre and the Centre for Continuing Education. Designed to enhance academic quality and support the holistic growth of students and faculty, these centers will play a crucial role in IIT Mandi’s mission to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management.
In summary, Rajnath Singh’s address at IIT Mandi serves as a powerful call to action for students to leverage their knowledge and creativity to lead India’s technological narrative and contribute significantly to the nation’s ambitions on the global stage.
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