Rourkela (Odisha), March 21: President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday addressed the 18th convocation of National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela and said this area of today’s Odisha has been the cradle of scientific approach since early times.
“This area of today’s Odisha has been immensely rich in history and culture. It has been the cradle of scientific approach since early times. Built about 800 years ago, the Sun Temple at Konark is an example of perfect blend of art and science,” said Kovind.
“As the second largest Government-run Technology Institute in eastern India, NIT Rourkela has made significant contribution to the field of engineering and technology. For over six decades, this engineering college has been enriching the pool of technical professionals in the country,” said President Kovind.
“I am pleased to know that NIT Rourkela has students from 33 out of the total 36 states and UTs. I am told that students of 17 different countries are also enrolled in various academic disciplines,” said the President.
Maintaining that Odisha is associated with the rebuilding of the nation after independence, the President said it was here in Rourkela that one of my illustrious predecessors, Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, dedicated to the nation the first blast furnace of a large Steel Plant in India.
Advising students never to judge success only in terms of material gains, the President said, “You don’t have to limit yourself by the pressures of conventional notions of success and societal pressures. You need to figure out what you really want to do in your life. Choose to do what gives you satisfaction and meaningfulness. Do what takes you closer to your aspirations. Do what makes your families proud of you. Plan for yourself a fruitful and productive path ahead.”
The President also hailed the institute for adopting five villages, as part of ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’.
“I have been advocating for “Universities’ Social Responsibility” in line with “Corporate Social Responsibility”. I am happy to note that NIT Rourkela has adopted 5 villages, as part of ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan,” said Kovind.
One of the objectives of the National Education Policy is to make India a global knowledge super power in 21st century. Institutions like NIT Rourkela have to play a major role in achieving these national aims, added the President.
