Dhanbad: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday called upon students of the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, to use their knowledge for the greater good and contribute to building a sustainable and equitable India.

Addressing the 45th convocation of IIT (ISM), the President praised the institute's near-century-old legacy, highlighting its evolution from a mining and geology-focused school into a premier centre for multidisciplinary research and innovation. She commended the institution for aligning education with societal needs and fostering a robust innovation ecosystem.

“IIT-ISM must not only produce excellent engineers and researchers but also nurture compassionate and purposeful professionals,” she said. Stressing the role of institutions like IIT-ISM in shaping India's future, the President underscored the importance of promoting cutting-edge research to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, digital disruption, and social inequality.

President Murmu emphasized India's strength in human resources and the transformative role of increasing access to technical and digital education. She called for a more practical, innovation-focused, and industry-aligned education system to propel India onto the global stage.

She also stressed the need to foster a patent culture, support start-ups, and adopt interdisciplinary approaches to solve complex problems. Concluding her address, the President urged graduates to act with empathy and ethics, stating, “Let your innovation be driven by compassion—this is what truly makes the world better.