Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Monday said India’s youth can play a decisive role in shaping the country’s future in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, clean energy and climate innovation. He was addressing the valedictory session of the National Technology Day 2026 celebrations organised jointly by Indraprastha Vigyan Bharati and the University of Delhi at the historic Vice Regal Lodge.
The day-long programme brought together scientists, policymakers, academicians, students and industry leaders to discuss the role of science and technology in nation building and sustainable development.
Sandhu said India’s scientific tradition, from mathematics and astronomy to medicine, has always possessed knowledge systems much older than modern institutions. “Advancing technology in modern India is not merely a challenge, but also a major opportunity for institutions and society,” he said.
Urging youth-led innovation, he added, “Your generation can decide how India moves forward in AI, biotechnology, clean energy, chemicals, climate and innovation.”
He also stressed collaboration between scientific institutions and urban planners to tackle environmental and infrastructure challenges, noting that pollution, water stress and other issues are reshaping cities globally.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, in a video message, congratulated Delhi University and Indraprastha Vigyan Bharati for the event and spoke about plans to establish the Delhi Council of Science, Technology and Innovation for local solutions to urban challenges.
Former DRDO chief and NITI Aayog member Dr Gobardhan Das highlighted India’s ancient scientific heritage, citing Maharishi Kanad’s atomic theory and referring to Nalanda University, saying its library took more than nine months to burn.
Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh said technological advancement was crucial for national growth, adding: “We endured 800 years of slavery, humiliation and subjugation because our ancestors could not keep pace with technological progress.”
The programme also featured the release of the “Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan” brochure, panel discussions on sustainable urban development and science-driven policymaking, and lectures on nuclear technology and innovation ecosystems.
