UditVani, Jamshedpur : National Institute of Technology Jamshedpur marked a significant milestone on Thursday with the ceremonial inauguration of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA), reinforcing its commitment to bridging technical education with grassroots transformation.
The inaugural session, held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., brought together eminent academicians, distinguished guests, researchers, and students united by a shared vision of nation-building through rural engagement.
The programme commenced with a formal introduction, followed by the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp and an invocation, creating an atmosphere of dignity and inspiration.
The auditorium resonated with a collective resolve to channel academic expertise and technological innovation toward addressing real-world challenges faced by rural communities.
In his welcome address, RCI Head Dr. Shakti Prasad outlined the vision and operational framework of UBA, emphasizing the pivotal role of higher educational institutions in identifying and resolving grassroots issues.
He stressed that sustainable rural transformation demands consistent collaboration between academic institutions and village communities.
Distinguished guest Dr. P. K. Singh highlighted the importance of structured institutional participation in rural development, noting that research-oriented engagement ensures practical and lasting solutions.
Keynote speaker Varun Vidyarthi underscored the power of student-driven innovation, asserting that youth involvement can bring dynamic and impactful solutions to rural challenges.
Special speaker Dr. Pushpendra Yadav advocated for harmonizing technological advancement with sustainable development goals, calling for a balanced model that blends modern innovation with local knowledge systems. Chief Guest Dr. Vikram Tiwari described UBA as a visionary initiative aligned with India’s broader development agenda, functioning as a vital link between academia and society.
Special Guest Prof. Satish Kumar further elaborated on the social responsibility of higher education institutions, urging the strengthening of village–institution partnerships for enduring impact.
Deputy Director Prof. R. B. Sharma emphasized the need to identify genuine rural needs and promote research tailored to grassroots realities.
Guest speaker Rishikant Sagar commended the collaborative efforts of faculty and students in empowering villages through technological interventions.
The session concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Shailesh Kumar Jha, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries and participants. The programme formally ended with the National Anthem.
The inauguration reaffirmed NIT Jamshedpur’s steadfast dedication to rural advancement, positioning Unnat Bharat Abhiyan as a transformative platform where education, innovation, and social responsibility converge to contribute meaningfully to India’s development journey.
