President Droupadi Murmu Graces 45th Convocation of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Urges Students to Innovate with Compassion.
Dhanbad:
In a momentous occasion for the academic community of Jharkhand, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, attended and addressed the 45th convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, today. Her presence marked a historic moment for the institution, which boasts a proud legacy of nearly a century in the field of mining and technological education.
Addressing a packed gathering of graduates, faculty, and dignitaries, President Murmu lauded IIT (ISM) Dhanbad for its transformative journey from a premier mining institution to a multidisciplinary center of excellence. “What began as a specialized institute to train professionals in mining and geology has evolved into a beacon of higher education and cutting-edge research,” she said, acknowledging the institute’s pivotal role in aligning technological innovation with societal needs.
The President emphasized the broader responsibilities of premier educational institutions like IIT-ISM in shaping not just skilled engineers, but also responsible, compassionate, and visionary citizens. “Our country’s future is being crafted in classrooms and laboratories like these. Institutions such as IIT-ISM must continue to nurture minds that are not only bright but also humane and purposeful,” she remarked.
In her address, President Murmu also reflected on the global challenges confronting humanity today—ranging from climate change and resource scarcity to digital disruption and social inequality. She highlighted the crucial role that institutions like IIT-ISM must play in crafting sustainable and innovative solutions. “Your guidance is needed more than ever,” she told the faculty and students, urging them to take the lead in addressing these pressing issues through research, collaboration, and empathy.
Reiterating India’s strengths in human capital and digital infrastructure, the President said, “India is poised to become a technological superpower. But this journey requires an education system that is practical, innovation-focused, and deeply aligned with industry and society.”
She strongly advocated for promoting a culture of research, patents, and startups in order to boost India’s competitiveness on the global stage. The President also underscored the importance of interdisciplinary education in cultivating holistic thinking among students, which she said is essential for solving complex, real-world problems.
In a heartfelt message to the graduating students, President Murmu urged them not to confine their knowledge to personal gain but to extend it for the greater public good. “Let your achievements benefit not just you, but the nation and humanity. Build a stronger, more just India, and a greener India—where development goes hand-in-hand with sustainability,” she said.
“Whatever you pursue in life,” she concluded, “let it reflect empathy, excellence, ethics, and intelligence. Let innovation be driven by compassion. That is the innovation that truly changes the world.”
The ceremony concluded with the conferral of degrees upon graduating students, many of whom are set to enter fields of research, entrepreneurship, and industry leadership. The event marked not only an academic milestone for the graduates but also a stirring call to serve the nation and the planet through responsible innovation.
