Kanpur: Governor and Chancellor Anandiben Patel on Friday said comprehensive planning is essential for every infrastructure project, as repeated excavation of roads after construction for laying water supply, electricity or internet lines leads to unnecessary waste of public money and resources.“Therefore, engineers should prepare coordinated and user-centric plans with a long-term vision,” she said.Addressing the 8th convocation of Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU), Patel cited the example of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, saying he laid special emphasis on farsighted planning, urban development, expansion of drainage systems and civic infrastructure in Ahmedabad.“His efforts laid the foundation for the planned expansion of the city and paved the way for the establishment of public utility institutions such as V.S. Hospital, developed on 21 acres of land, which has today grown into a major medical institution. Taking inspiration from Sardar Patel’s centenary vision, engineers should also undertake quality and durable construction while keeping future requirements in mind,” she added.At the ceremony, the Governor conferred 1,071 degrees and 47 medals on students. Among the medal recipients were 28 male and 19 female students.In her address, Patel said the comparatively lower participation of women in technical education remains a matter of concern. “Today, women are demonstrating their capabilities in every field, and therefore their equal and active participation in science and technology is equally important,” she said, urging female students to excel in technical fields through their knowledge, hard work and talent and contribute to the nation’s progress.The Governor said the present era is defined by artificial intelligence, robotics, data science, green energy and digital innovation. At such a time, the responsibility of technically educated youth extends beyond securing employment to finding solutions to society’s challenges and contributing to nation-building. She said that during Amrit Kaal, India is rapidly moving towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 through science, technology and innovation.She said India is no longer merely a consumer of technology but is emerging as a creator of cutting-edge technologies. The induction of the indigenous INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray into the Indian Navy, the Made-in-India C-295 aircraft, and the Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile developed by DRDO reflect the country’s growing technological capabilities and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, she said.“When a nation combines technology, innovation and national spirit, it not only develops but also creates history,” the Governor said, expressing confidence that India’s youth would help realise the vision of Viksit Bharat.She said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat is being pursued through science, technology and innovation. Flagship initiatives such as Startup India, Stand-Up India, Atal Innovation Mission and Make in India are encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship among young people. She added that this transformation is no longer confined to metropolitan cities, as digital technology, modern agriculture, rural startups and local entrepreneurship are fostering innovation even in villages.The Governor said the future of the nation lies in its schools, laboratories and the dreams of its youth. Initiatives such as Atal Tinkering Labs, BharatNet, the Deep Tech Fund of Funds, and research fellowships at IITs and IISc are promoting research, innovation and technical skills among students. She urged graduates to aspire not only to become job seekers but also job creators, technology innovators and contributors to Viksit Bharat. She added that the purpose of science and technology is not merely to understand machines but to solve societal problems and promote the welfare of humanity. Curiosity, continuous learning, innovation and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities, she said, are the true foundations of success, while education provides direction and purpose to life.
