Dr Jitendra urges students to be good ‘learners’

NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Wednesday delivered an inspiring keynote address at “The Week” magazine’s “Education Conclave”, calling upon the students to be good “learners” to harness the power of rapidly evolving.

The Minister urged the nation’s youth to rise to the demands of a rapidly changing technology landscape. He urged students to keep pace with emerging tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI), while emphasizing the equal importance of Human Intelligence (HI) – creativity, emotional insight, and ethical reasoning.

“Technology is evolving faster than ever before, but it must not override our human values. An optimal combination of AI and HI will define the next wave of innovation,” Dr. Jitendra Singh stated.

The Minister hailed India’s National AI Mission, noting that India is now on an equal pedestal with other leading nations in AI technology development. He cautioned, however, against over-dependence on machines and advocated for a hybrid model of learning and governance that balances algorithmic efficiency with human empathy.

Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s growing role in global scientific collaborations, particularly in space exploration, climate tech, and biotechnology. He stated that Indian scientists and startups are now active partners in international missions and innovation challenges, thanks to initiatives such as BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) and IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center), which facilitate student and private-sector participation.

“Today, we don’t just witness rocket launches-we bring 15,000 to 20,000 students to witness them live. We are building scientific temperament at scale,” he emphasized.

To make scientific research a preferred career path, Dr. Jitendra Singh underlined the government’s efforts through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), expanded fellowships, and structured mentorship programs. He pointed to an ongoing shift away from traditional career tracks like engineering and medicine, with students increasingly drawn toward biotech, clean energy, quantum computing, and robotics.

“Research is no longer the preserve of PhDs-it starts in school. Our mentorship programs help teachers identify and nurture potential early,” he said.

Marking the near completion of five years of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Dr. Jitendra Singh celebrated the policy’s transformative impact on subject choice, aptitude-based learning, and interdisciplinary education. He noted that NEP has created space for students to discover and realign their strengths, especially post-Class 10, allowing a shift from rigid tracks to purpose-driven learning.

Highlighting the critical role of women in India’s startup ecosystem, Dr. Jitendra Singh described women-led development as one of the defining pillars of Viksit Bharat. He praised initiatives like USABHAR, which offer targeted support and incentives for young women entrepreneurs, particularly in cutting-edge sectors like biotech and AI.

“Women are no longer just participating-they are leading, and that leadership is reshaping India’s innovation story,” he remarked.

Responding to student concerns about access and equity, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the government’s focus on bridging the digital and scientific divide. Through rural outreach programs, digital access models, and schemes targeted at marginalized communities, the government is ensuring that geography no longer limits ambition.

He recounted the story of a young girl from a terror-affected district in Kashmir who cracked the civil services exam by self-studying for 14 hours a day using only digital tools – a testament to the power of accessible technology and self-belief.

Addressing questions about ethical challenges posed by disruptive technologies, Dr. Jitendra Singh reassured the audience that India is proactively involving young minds in policy discourse. Missions such as the AI Mission and BIRAC have created platforms for youth engagement and feedback, ensuring that innovation is not only rapid but also responsible.

“The NEP has given students unprecedented freedom. Now we must build mechanisms where their voices are heard-and acted upon,” he said.

Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted several government-backed platforms that support student innovation and entrepreneurship. He specifically mentioned BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) as a key facilitator for biotech startups, providing industry linkages, funding, and mentorship. He also pointed to IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) as a crucial platform for enabling private and student-led ventures in the space sector, encouraging young innovators to actively participate in India’s expanding space ecosystem.

The Minister urged students to explore these platforms through digital portals, stating, “Sometimes the problem is not the lack of opportunities-it’s not knowing how to optimally use what’s already available.”

Dr. Jitendra Singh left the audience with a powerful message of being a good learner for self-growth and lifelong curiosity:”Each day, ask yourself-what did I learn? Degrees are temporary; curiosity is forever. Be a true learner and build a future where your mind leads your mission.”