New Delhi, April 29: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan praised India's rapid strides in global technology and innovation at the YUGM Conclave held at Bharat Mandapam on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, Pradhan credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for ushering in a transformative era in the nation’s education and research sectors.
Welcoming the Prime Minister’s announcement to set up 50,000 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in schools over the next five years, Pradhan emphasized that this initiative is crucial for building a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047.
"For a new and innovative India, the Sanskrit word 'Yugm' encapsulates integration, synthesis, and elevation," said Pradhan, underlining the spirit of self-reliance and creativity driving the country’s growth. "Today, the transformation in education, innovation, and the philosophy of self-confidence has been made possible by the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister. His unwavering trust in research and his clear national priorities have filled the country with new inspiration,” he added.
The announcement aligns with a major policy highlight from the Union Budget 2025–26, where Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had also declared the plan to expand the ATL network. This ambitious move aims to turn Indian schools into incubators of innovation and creativity, positioning the country as a global leader in technology and research.
Pradhan also highlighted India’s significant leap in the global technology rankings, noting a fourfold increase in the number of Indian institutions among the world’s leading technology entities.
“In 2015, only 11 Indian institutions featured in the rankings across 64 critical global technologies. By 2025, this number has surged to 46. This remarkable rise is a matter of national pride,” he stated.
He further acknowledged the Wadhwani Foundation for its vital role in bolstering India’s innovation ecosystem. "Their support in converting ideas into impactful products and strengthening R&D infrastructure has greatly elevated our capabilities," Pradhan noted.
The YUGM Conclave—named after the Sanskrit word meaning "confluence"—is a pioneering strategic event that brings together key figures from government, academia, industry, and the innovation ecosystem. The initiative is supported by a Rs 1,400 crore collaborative project between the Wadhwani Foundation and various government institutions, aimed at accelerating India’s journey toward becoming an innovation-driven economy.
(With agency inputs)
