India Poised to Lead Fourth Industrial Revolution: Dharmendra Pradhan

BHUBANESWAR: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday asserted that India is well-positioned to lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution, given its status as a knowledge-driven society and a rapidly growing economy.

Speaking at the joint convocation ceremony for the 12th and 13th batches of IIT Bhubaneswar, Pradhan emphasized the need for India to take ownership of Industrial Revolution 4.0. “We must transition from being job-seekers to job-creators, embracing innovation and entrepreneurship,” he said.

Highlighting Odisha’s historical contributions to science and engineering, Pradhan referred to architectural marvels like the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, and the Sun Temple at Konark. “The engineering brilliance of the Sun Temple, where the first rays of the sun fall, underscores our nation’s deep scientific roots,” he noted.

The minister called for transforming IIT Bhubaneswar into a hub of teaching, research, and innovation to support India’s aspiration of becoming a $5 to $7 trillion economy. He encouraged graduates to contribute to the vision of a developed India and Odisha.

Pradhan also highlighted India’s growing global stature, citing its position as the fifth-largest economy, with projections of becoming the third-largest in the near future. “The 21st century is defined by knowledge-based economies, and India must lead by fostering innovation and exploring new frontiers of knowledge,” he added.

He concluded by urging the graduates to focus on entrepreneurship and active participation in India’s economic and developmental journey, reinforcing their role as drivers of the nation’s progress.