New Delhi

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday said India is increasingly becoming a global centre for addressing humanity’s present and future challenges, asserting that the world is looking towards the country and its premier institutions for innovative solutions.

Speaking at an event marking 75 years of excellence of Indian Institutes of Technology at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Birla said the IITs have evolved far beyond engineering education to become leading centres of innovation, research and problem-solving across a range of sectors.

The event also saw the launch of the PanIIT Book Club and the release of IIT: The Story of India's Most Prestigious Educational Ecosystem, authored by Prabhat Kumar.

Addressing students, alumni and academics, Birla said India’s growing global stature is reflected in the expectations that the international community places on the country and its youth.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent participation in the G7 Summit, he said world leaders increasingly view India as a key source of solutions in areas such as technology, artificial intelligence, innovation and sustainable development.

Birla highlighted the remarkable journey of the IIT system, noting that it was established in the years following Independence despite severe resource constraints. He said the institutions were built on the strength of India’s intellectual capital and commitment to innovation rather than physical infrastructure alone.

According to him, IITs have earned global recognition for excellence in science, technology, research and innovation, with several countries expressing interest in developing similar institutions with India's support.

He stressed that institutions are ultimately shaped by the vision, creativity and capabilities of students and researchers rather than buildings and infrastructure.

The Speaker also called for documenting the achievements of IIT alumni across industries and countries, saying such an effort would inspire future generations and showcase the contribution of Indian talent to global progress.

Highlighting the expanding role of IITs, Birla said these institutions are now actively working on issues that directly affect citizens, including agriculture, water management, healthcare, education, clean energy, artificial intelligence, robotics and rural development.

He noted that IITs have increasingly become centres of innovation aimed at improving everyday life and addressing challenges faced by farmers, communities and public institutions.

Birla also pointed to the growing representation of engineering graduates, including IIT alumni, in the civil services and welcomed the rising participation of women in competitive examinations and public service.

He said India’s large population, once viewed as a challenge, could become the country's greatest strength when combined with technology, innovation and skill development.

Inviting greater engagement from IIT alumni in policymaking, Birla said their expertise could help shape reforms and contribute valuable inputs to parliamentary committees working across various sectors.

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Speaking at the event, Prabhat Kumar described the IIT journey as closely intertwined with India’s own development story and urged IIT graduates to build and scale innovations within the country for global impact.