Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan has said that engineering institutions must nurture innovators and nation builders rooted in ethical values.

Inaugurating the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of UBDT College of Engineering in Davangere on Friday, the Vice-President said that engineering institutions have on their shoulders a major responsibility in nurturing problem-solvers, innovators, ethical leaders and nation builders capable of leading India towards technological advancement and global knowledge leadership.

He said that India is witnessing a transformative era driven by technology, innovation and the immense strength of its youth.

And, India’s aspiration of becoming a developed nation by 2047 will largely depend on the contributions of engineers, scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs, he said.

Describing the Platinum Jubilee as a celebration of heritage and future aspirations, the Vice-President said that the institution’s 75-year journey reflects the vision, hard work, academic excellence and service to society.

Appreciating the institution’s efforts in strengthening research and innovation, he said that great institutions are built over generations through the contributions of visionary founders, committed teachers, dedicated administrators, hardworking students and distinguished alumni.

Recalling the contribution of visionary philanthropist Brahmappa Devendrappa Tavanappanavar and that of Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar in the establishment of the institution, he said that such institutions continue to inspire generations.

The Vice-President said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiatives such as Digital India, Make in India, Start-up India, Skill India, semiconductor manufacturing, green energy and Atmanirbhar Bharat are creating unprecedented opportunities for the youth.

Expressing concern over the menace of drugs, the Vice-President made an appeal to youth to say “No” to drugs and also help keep their family members and friends away from the menace.

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot said that the role of technical education is extremely important in achieving the goal of Developed India 2047. “Youth must emerge as problem-solvers, innovators and entrepreneurs,” he said.

“Karnataka is at the forefront in the fields of education, information technology, and innovation in the country. Bengaluru is called the Silicon Valley of India because of our educational institutions and talented youth,” he said.

Sri Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji of Adichunchanagiri Mahasansthana Math emphasised the need for students to think towards skill upgradation and reskilling.

“It is a matter of pride that 45% of the start-ups in the country belong to our State. This percentage must increase further. We must move forward by adopting new technologies,” he said.

Minister for Horticulture S.S. Mallikarjun called upon students to take the guidance of teachers and alumni in developing new technologies that are beneficial to mankind.

Mentioning the achievements of the college, Vice-Chancellor of Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) S. Vidyashankar said that the growth of UBDT College of Engineering has been supported greatly by its alumni.

He said that after the college came under VTU’s jurisdiction, more facilities have been created and some more will be added soon.

Recalling his association with Davangere, the former Minister for Higher Education M.C. Sudhakar emphasised the need for engineering students to acquire skill-based education.

Members of Parliament Prabha Mallikarjun and Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, a host of alumni, the former Chairman of AICTE T.G. Sitharam, VTU Registrar Prasad B. Rampure, Registrar (Evaluation) U.J. Ujwal, principal of UBDT College D.P. Nagarajappa, Platinum Jubilee convener M.H. Divakar and others were present.