"From Job Seekers to Job Creators": Education Minister Sets 10-Year Challenge for IITs

At the 12th Convocation of IIT Patna today, union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasised the need for a new work culture to transform the destiny of the country.

He urged students to think big and shift the national mindset from being job seekers to job creators.

“Today, I give IITs a 10-year timeline. We must work to change India’s thinking — from job-seeking to job-creating. The world is facing many challenges, including climate change, and India will play a leading role in solving them. But for this, we must move toward becoming job creators,” he said.

Pradhan expressed confidence that IIT Patna students will emerge as innovators and job creators, contributing significantly to building a developed and prosperous India.

He added: “The nation has great expectations from IIT students. Alongside personal success, our brilliant students will also fulfill national priorities — I believe this strongly.”

Pradhan stressed that the development of Bihar is essential for the development of India and he highlighted the role of ‘Vocal for Local’ as a key component of this mission.

“For Bihar’s local products to reach global markets, IIT Patna must play a major role. This will only be possible if we emphasise education in mother tongues. The National Education Policy 2020 gives importance to teaching young children in their native languages because our core thinking is strongest in our mother tongue,” he said.

Later, speaking at the "Youth of Bihar @2047" student conclave held at Gyan Bhawan, Patna, Pradhan said: “India will become the number one country in the world — but for that, Bihar must lead the way.”

He called upon the youth of Bihar to step forward and take up this responsibility: “Bihar has led before, and it must lead again. The state has had an NDA government for 20 years. Today, the NDA is working to move both Bihar and India forward. Now, Bihar’s youth must take the lead.”

He noted that many poorer nations now look to India with hope. A new environment of innovation has emerged, and Indian youth are now dreaming big — becoming job providers instead of job seekers.

Pradhan also referred to the JP Movement that began during the Emergency, saying: “The movement began right here in Gandhi Maidan. Though the role of the youth may have changed today, the goal remains the same — to take responsibility for India’s future.”