Deputy Chief Minister urges engineering students and researchers to channel innovation towards national development at two-day NIT Raipur–INAE conference
TFP Bureau, Raipur, October 28, 2026: India’s youth must play a leading role in realising the vision of a developed nation by applying their knowledge, technical skills and innovations to address societal challenges, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao said on Wednesday.
Addressing students, faculty members and scientists at the concluding session of a two-day Youth Conclave-cum-National Conference at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Raipur, Sao said the country placed high hopes on the talent and potential of its younger generation.
He urged engineering and technical students not to restrict their education and achievements to personal advancement, but to use their expertise for the benefit of society and the nation.
The conference was jointly organised by NIT Raipur and the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE). Outstanding young participants were felicitated for their research papers and contributions to project exhibitions and hackathons.
Youth central to Viksit Bharat vision
Speaking as the chief guest, Sao said the Central Government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, was working towards the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by creating opportunities for young people to demonstrate their abilities and pursue innovation.
He said the country’s progress would depend significantly on how effectively its youth used their knowledge, skills and capabilities to contribute to national development and strengthen India’s global standing.
“The foundation of a developed India is being laid for today’s young generation,” Sao said, emphasising that the youth would eventually lead the country as it emerged as a stronger and more respected nation on the world stage.
He called on students to recognise their responsibilities and begin contributing to this national objective rather than waiting for the future.
Research and innovation for social good
Sao expressed confidence that discussions among students, researchers, faculty members and scientists during the two-day conference would generate ideas with long-term benefits for the country.
He said the knowledge and experience gained through such platforms could encourage young innovators to develop solutions to real-world problems and help translate technical research into practical outcomes.
The Deputy Chief Minister also stressed the importance of participation by educational institutions and research communities in shaping the country’s development priorities.
Academicians and scientists attend
The concluding session was attended by Prof. Rajiv Prakash, Director of IIT Bhilai; Dr. Rohit Kumar Gupta, Director of the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research, Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC); and NIT Raipur faculty members Prof. Sameer Vajpayee, Prof. Archana Sharma, Dr. S. Sanyal and Dr. Sanjeev Kumar.
The event brought together young technical professionals, students, faculty members and researchers to exchange ideas and showcase research, projects and innovative solutions.
