Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inspires IIM Jammu students to lead India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047
Jammu, July 14 (KINS):Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Monday delivered a motivating address at IIM Jammu’s Orientation Programme, urging students to make the most of the transformative era India is witnessing and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
During his visit, the Minister inaugurated a newly built hostel complex, comprising four aesthetically designed blocks with 688 single occupancy rooms. He also noted that just last week, the Union Cabinet had authorised IIM Jammu’s Director to approve tenders worth ₹200 crore, reflecting the government’s growing trust in academic institutions.
In his keynote speech, Dr. Jitendra Singh told the students, “You are born at a time when India is undergoing historic change. Being part of this era is your opportunity — what you do with it will define your legacy.” He called the youth the architects of a developed India, and highlighted their central role in building the nation of the future.
Dr. Singh praised IIM Jammu for its strong focus on student welfare and modern infrastructure, saying such facilities are essential for nurturing talent, innovation, and academic excellence. He described the hostel’s design as world-class and conducive to a productive learning environment.
Emphasizing the government’s youth-driven governance model, Dr. Singh cited the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as a milestone that gives students the freedom to choose interdisciplinary studies. “You can now mix management with medicine or literature with science. That’s true empowerment,” he said.
He also spoke about key structural reforms such as the relaxation of General Financial Rules (GFRs) and granting autonomy to Directors for global tender approvals up to ₹200 crore, which he said has boosted research and institutional efficiency.
Reflecting on India’s booming innovation landscape, the Minister noted that the country has gone from just 350 startups a decade ago to over 1.75 lakh today, generating more than 17.5 lakh jobs — more than many government recruitments. He encouraged students to think like job creators, not just job seekers, and take advantage of the vast ecosystem for startups.
Dr. Jitnedra Singh, who has been associated with IIM Jammu since its inception, praised the institute’s remarkable growth, calling it one of the best performers among the newer IIMs. He urged the institute to organize in-house B2B startup events, leveraging its close proximity to other premier institutions like IIT Jammu, AIIMS Jammu, IIIM, and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication.
He also highlighted how students from remote areas are now excelling in top institutions, calling it the democratization of aspiration. “You will be the ones to celebrate India’s 100 years of independence in 2047. The responsibility of building a developed India lies with you — not as a burden, but as a gift,” he told the students.
At the same time, he reminded both students and faculty that freedom comes with responsibility. “Autonomy is not for comfort, but to inspire greater creativity and accountability,” he added.
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu; Dr. Shakti Gupta, Director, AIIMS Jammu; Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, Director, IIT Jammu; Shri Amitava Chatterjee, MD & CEO, J&K Bank; Prof. Upadhyay, Dean (Academics); Dr. Sarbjeet Singh, and members of the faculty and student body.(KINS)
