Dhanbad: IIT (ISM) Dhanbad’s Durga Puja pandal has combined tradition and scientific innovation to highlight critical minerals and semiconductor technology powering electronics, clean-energy systems, electric vehicles and India’s technological ambitions.Built around the messages “Smaller Chips, Bigger Tomorrows” and “Critical Minerals for a Cleaner, Greener Future”, the pandal features illuminated crystal formations symbolising lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper and rare-earth elements. Semiconductor-inspired circuits and chip designs explain technologies behind everyday devices and sustainable development.The theme highlights the institute’s critical-mineral research and semiconductor development. Its Centre of Excellence for Critical Minerals (CoRE-MiN), recognised under National Critical Mineral Mission in Aug 2025, was inaugurated by Union minister of coal and mines G. Kishan Reddy on Dec 23-2025.IIT (ISM) also hosts a satellite campus of India–UK Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory with TEXMiN and University of Cambridge’s Institute for Manufacturing to study global mineral supply chains. An indigenous semiconductor chip developed by an IIT (ISM) team was recently presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Director Sukumar Mishra, chief patron of the organising committee for Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja and Kali Puja 2026, said the theme linked cultural traditions with technologies crucial to India’s progress and sustainable development.Dean (faculty) and committee president M.K. Singh said the initiative promoted awareness of science, research and innovation. Registrar Prabodh Pandey said the celebration strengthened campus unity and added an educational dimension.The community Durga Puja began in 1977 during then-director G.S. Marwah’s tenure and has since united faculty, employees, students and their families.
