Roorkee: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Friday hailed IIT Roorkee as Asia's first engineering college and a role model in research, innovation and societal engagement, while urging the institute to play a greater role in areas ranging from Himalayan studies to biotechnology.

Delivering the convocation address as chief guest, Singh said the institute, established in 1847 as the Thomason College of Civil Engineering and later the University of Roorkee, has evolved into an IIT without seeking the transformation, “a rare example of the stature and confidence it had earned over decades.” He noted that IIT Roorkee was ranked sixth in the national rankings released on Thursday and has consistently been recognised as one of the country's most innovative institutions.

The minister lauded the institute's contribution to the startup ecosystem, citing nearly 240 ventures incubated there, and praised its pioneering work in disaster resilience and sustainability. Given its Himalayan location, Singh urged the institute to expand its research into disaster management, climate resilience, and what he termed the “aromatic economy” through medicinal and aromatic plants.

Pointing to India's rise as the world's third-largest startup hub with 1.7 lakh registered ventures, Singh highlighted that nearly half of these emerged from smaller cities. “This is democratisation of opportunities, and institutions like IIT Roorkee can nurture this momentum,” he said.

Emphasising the potential of biotechnology, space, nuclear energy and Himalayan resources, Singh said the next industrial revolution would be biotechnology-driven. He urged students to adopt an innovation and startup mindset, moving beyond dependence on government and corporate jobs.

“You are born in the best of times. Your destiny has given you this providential privilege, and I am sure you will make the best of the opportunities that India offers today,” he told the graduating students.