Vadodara, Gujarat – A new “Lakshya 2047” Centre for Future Skills, along with a Cadaveric Centre and Advanced Medical Simulation facilities, has been inaugurated at Parul University. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and PMO, highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering technological advancement and preparing the nation’s youth for the future.
Dr. Singh emphasized India‘s rapid progress in emerging technologies like Quantum, Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors, and Deep-Tech. He envisioned India’s youth playing a crucial role in building a developed India by 2047. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that the government is prioritizing the alignment of higher education with these emerging technologies, ensuring that students are well-equipped to contribute to the nation’s technological landscape.
The newly inaugurated center is a collaborative effort between the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Ethnotech, and Cambridge University Press and Assessment. (Dr. Singh said that) the center would provide training in nine future-technology domains, offering globally recognized certifications. The initiative aims to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in the evolving job market.
The National Quantum Mission is also making significant strides (the Minister said). India has already established 1,000 km of secure quantum communication within three years, achieving the target in less than half the projected timeframe. The eight-year mission is progressing through four thematic hubs and collaborations with institutions nationwide, accelerating the development and deployment of quantum technologies.
Launched in 2024, the IndiaAI Mission is creating a robust ecosystem around compute infrastructure, datasets, innovation, and future skills (the Minister noted). This initiative seeks to establish India as a global leader in artificial intelligence, fostering innovation and ensuring responsible AI development and deployment.
India’s global standing in innovation is on the rise (Dr. Singh stated). The country ranks third globally in the startup ecosystem and has surpassed one lakh patents, with the majority filed by Indian residents. India is also among the top nations in scientific publications, with Indian research gaining increasing international recognition and citations.
The rapid pace of technological evolution necessitates continuous skilling and re-skilling, particularly in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Quantum Technologies, and Semiconductor Design, according to Dr. Singh. India’s demographic advantage, with nearly 70 percent of the population under 40, presents a significant opportunity to become a global skilled workforce hub in the next two to three decades.
The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has adopted an integrated and collaborative approach towards innovation, research, and skilling (Dr. Singh elaborated). This approach moves beyond traditional silos, promoting greater participation from academia, startups, and the private sector. Initiatives such as the National Education Policy 2020, the National Quantum Mission, IndiaAI Mission, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Atal Tinkering Labs, and various startup-support programs are designed to nurture innovation from the school level onwards.
Highlighting the government’s emphasis on inclusive scientific growth, Dr. Singh spoke about dedicated programs for women scientists, school students, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes. Support mechanisms for universities and young researchers are also in place through schemes such as PURSE, FIST, STUTI, and technology innovation platforms. These initiatives aim to democratize access to science, research infrastructure, and innovation opportunities across the country.
Regarding Artificial Intelligence, Dr. Singh emphasized India’s commitment to inclusion, responsibility, and public good. Referring to the Global South AI Summit hosted by India earlier this year and the adoption of the Delhi Declaration on responsible AI, he stated that technology must serve the most vulnerable and underserved sections of society. (He remarked that) one has to be intelligent enough to use Artificial Intelligence, adding that AI guided by ethics and equity can become a powerful force for healthcare, governance, and social transformation.
Dr. Singh also mentioned the opening of India’s nuclear sector for greater private participation, including in nuclear medicine research and applications. (He described) it as a significant step towards expanding innovation and vocational opportunities in advanced healthcare technologies.
Calling upon the youth to actively participate in the journey towards Viksit Bharat, Dr. Singh stated that 2047 will belong to the current generation of young Indians. They will be at the peak of their energy, careers, and capabilities when the country celebrates 100 years of Independence. The government’s responsibility is to build their capacity and create opportunities so that India’s growth story is driven by innovation, science, and skilled human resources.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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