Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of University BDT College of Engineering Davangere, Karnataka

I touch and salute the holy feet of Bharat Mata – the Most Powerful and the Most Merciful. Bharat Mata ki jai!

On the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of University B.D.T. College of Engineering, the dignitaries sharing the dais with me, Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot Ji; Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddharamaiah Ji; Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri D. K. Shivakumar Ji; Shri Nirmal-ananda-nath Swami Ji; Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Dr. M.C. Sudhakar Ji; Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Mysuru-Kodagu, Shri Yaduveer Wadiyar Ji; Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Davanagere, Smt. Dr. Prabha Mallikarjun Ji; Hon’ble Minister In-charge of Davanagere District, Shri S. S. Mallikarjun Ji; Chairman, Board of Governors, N.I.F.T.E.M, Dr. T.G. Sitharam Ji; Vice Chancellor of V.T.U, Dr. S. Vidyashankar Ji and other dignitaries.

I am pleased to be here today for the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of University B.D.T. College of Engineering, a constituent college of Visvesvaraya Technological University, an institution that has contributed immensely to the growth of technical education in Karnataka and in our nation. Seventy-five years is a testament to vision, perseverance, academic excellence, and service to society. Institutions like these are not built overnight.  They are shaped over generations by visionary founders, committed teachers, dedicated administrators, hardworking students, and distinguished alumni who carry the institution’s values into society.

I have been told that being established in 1951, this institution holds the unique distinction of being the first Government Engineering College in Karnataka. The visionary philanthropy of Sri Brahmapa/Devendrappa Tavanappanavar and the blessings of His Highness Sri Jaya chamarajendra Wodeyar laid the foundation for an institution that would go on to become a pillar of engineering education in the region.

I am happy to note that this institution, now functioning as a constituent college of Visvesvaraya Technological University, has continuously adapted itself to the changing demands of technology, industry, and society. From conventional engineering disciplines to emerging areas of innovation and research, it has embraced transformation while preserving its core values of discipline, integrity, and academic excellence.

Today, India is witnessing a new era of transformation driven by technology, innovation, and youth power.  Under the visionary leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the nation has placed strong emphasis on initiatives such as Digital India, Make in India, Startup India, Skill India, semiconductor manufacturing, green energy, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. These national missions are opening opportunities for young engineers, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. The twenty-first century belongs to nations that invest in knowledge, innovation, research, and human capital. Engineering institutions have a crucial responsibility to nurture problem-solvers, innovators, ethical leaders, and nation-builders.

In line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, I am happy to learn that this college has taken important initiatives in strengthening research and innovation through the AICTE IDEA Lab, Drone Technology Laboratory, advanced research infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems. Such initiatives are essential in preparing our youth for the rapidly evolving global technological landscape. Our nation is witnessing extra-ordinary transformations in artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology, green energy, digital infrastructure, aero-space, bio-technology, and advanced manufacturing. India’s aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047 will depend greatly on the contribution of our engineers, scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Institutions like this college haveimportant role to play in realizing that vision.

I would especially like to appreciate the faculty members of this institution. Teachers are the true architects of society. Their influence extends far beyond classrooms and laboratories. Every successful engineer, innovator, administrator, or entrepreneur carries with them the guidance and inspiration of a teacher.
To the students gathered here today, I wish to say that your education bestows upon you all a responsibility towards society and the nation. Use your knowledge with humility, integrity, and compassion. Let innovation be guided by ethics and public good. Remember always that technology must serve humanity. Also, always remember to say ‘No to Drugs.’

I also congratulate the distinguished alumni of this institution spread across India and the world. They are serving in every nook and corner of the world, contributing significantly across diverse domains of human endeavour, including corporates, governmental organizations, NGOs, politics, music, and fine arts. The achievements of alumni are the greatest ambassadors of any institution. Your continued engagement and contribution will help this institution reach even greater heights in the years ahead.

This Platinum Jubilee celebration is a commemoration of the past and also a celebration of future possibilities. It is an occasion to reaffirm a collective commitment towards excellence in education, innovation in research, and service to society. I am confident that this college will continue to emerge as a centre of excellence and contribute meaningfully to India’s journey towards knowledge leadership and technological self-reliance.

I once again congratulate the management of Visvesvaraya Technological University authorities, faculty, students, staff, alumni, and all stake-holders of this institution on this historic milestone. I convey my best wishes for the grand success of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations and for the continued growth and glory of the institution.

• Jai Hind!
• Long Live Mother Bharat!

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