Om Birla Calls on IITians to Contribute Reforms at PanIIT Book Club Launch
Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla has called upon IIT alumni to actively contribute reform-oriented ideas and practical solutions that can help address challenges faced by citizens and support India’s development journey.
Speaking at the launch of the PanIIT Book Club and the unveiling of the book “IIT: The Story of India’s Most Prestigious Educational Ecosystem” at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Shri Birla emphasized the importance of leveraging the expertise of IIT graduates across various sectors. The event was organized by Pan IIT Alumni India, the apex body representing more than 500,000 alumni from all 23 IITs worldwide.
Addressing an audience comprising IIT alumni, entrepreneurs, policymakers, academicians, students, and industry leaders, Shri Birla said the government’s focus remains on reforms aimed at improving the lives of citizens. He encouraged IITians to share their insights and recommendations to strengthen policy-making and governance.
He further stated that Parliament’s Standing Committees could benefit significantly from the experience and expertise of IIT graduates. According to Shri Birla, valuable suggestions from the IIT community could be forwarded to relevant parliamentary committees for consideration and discussion.
Highlighting the contribution of IITs to nation-building, the Lok Sabha Speaker noted that the institutions have consistently provided solutions to major national challenges. From healthcare and infrastructure to digital technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics, environmental sustainability, and space exploration, IITs have played a key role in advancing innovation and technological development.
Shri Birla also urged alumni to inspire younger generations and encourage them to participate in solving everyday challenges faced by communities, farmers, and industries. He stressed that innovation, research, and technology will be critical to achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047.
The event marked the formal launch of the PanIIT Book Club, a new initiative aimed at promoting intellectual engagement and highlighting literary contributions from the IIT community. Its inaugural publication, “IIT: The Story of India’s Most Prestigious Educational Ecosystem,” authored by Shri Prabhat Kumar, IRS, Chairman of Pan IIT Alumni India, documents the evolution of the IIT ecosystem over the past 75 years and its impact on India’s growth and global standing.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Prabhat Kumar described the IIT journey as an integral part of India’s development story. He noted that the publication celebrates the achievements of the IIT ecosystem while encouraging future generations to contribute to innovation, entrepreneurship, and nation-building.
The event also featured a special address by Rajendra Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, who emphasized the importance of technological self-reliance in areas such as artificial intelligence and digital technologies. He highlighted the role of IITs in strengthening India’s capabilities and supporting the country’s long-term development goals.
A leadership panel discussion titled “Celebrating the IIT Legacy: Shaping the Future of Viksit Bharat” brought together entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders to discuss emerging opportunities in technology, startups, and economic growth. The discussion featured prominent speakers including Gautam Kumra, Chairman of McKinsey Asia Pacific, Ravi Shankar, Founder of Decision Point, Madhur Singhal, Founder of Praxis, Neeraj Kumar, Founder of PeakMind.in, and Kapil Makhija, Founder of Unicommerce.
The programme concluded with networking sessions and discussions focused on strengthening collaboration among academia, industry, government, and the global IIT alumni network, reinforcing the role of IITians in shaping India’s future growth trajectory.
