IIT Bombay was privileged to welcome Shri Jagdeep Dhankar, the esteemed Vice-President of India, to its campus on November 6, 2023. His presence elevated the occasion as he addressed the students, faculty, and staff, leaving an indelible mark on the Institute. As a symbol of growth and sustainability, Shri Dhankar planted a sapling on the Institute’s grounds during this momentous event.

In his address, Shri Dhankar articulated insightful perspectives on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), hailing it as a pivotal shift comparable to the Industrial Revolution. His words underscored the imminent technological revolution poised to reshape our lives, work dynamics, and societal interactions, presenting both unprecedented opportunities and challenges.

Acknowledging the paramount importance of women’s empowerment and gender equality, Shri Dhankar lauded the recent passage of the women’s reservation bill in parliament as an epochal development, poised to usher in profound societal changes.

Advocating for the democratization and universalization of technology, the Vice-President recognized the youth of India as vital stakeholders in governance and nation-building. Expressing concern over the outflow of raw materials without value addition, he called for a deep sense of economic nationalism, emphasizing the importance of job opportunities and entrepreneurship for the nation’s youth.

In a gesture of appreciation for the contributions of IIT Bombay’s alumni across diverse fields, Shri Dhankar proposed the creation of a collaborative body comprising alumni associations from all IITs. This collective, he suggested, could harness their collective experience, expertise, and exposure for effective policy-making and execution.

The occasion also saw the esteemed presence of Shri Ramesh Bais, the Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, as the Guest of Honour.

The event was a testament to the convergence of wisdom, vision, and leadership and IIT Bombay was well represented by several of its own dignitaries including:

• S. Sudarshan, Deputy Director (Academic and Infrastructural Affairs)
• K.V.K. Rao, Deputy Director (Finance and External Affairs)
• Students, faculty members, and other dignitaries

IIT Bombay’s capacity to attract influential leaders like Shri Jagdeep Dhankar reflects its commitment to shaping India’s future. The convergence of high-calibre individuals on its campus illuminates the path toward a future where innovation, inclusivity, and transformative leadership are paramount. As luminaries contribute their valuable insights to the IIT Bombay community, the Institute is a catalyst for progress even as it lays the foundation for a dynamic and visionary India.

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