In a significant push towards blending technology with grassroots development, Mizoram's Governor, General Vijay Kumar Singh, held a dynamic interactive session with a group of engineering interns in Aizawl. The meeting brought together 32 students from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Mizoram, all part of the New India Mission Internship Programme.
Dialogue on Technology's Role in Village Transformation
The event was organized at the Durbar Hall within Lok Bhavan, the state's administrative hub, on Monday. Centered around the theme "Technology and Rural Development," the session provided a platform for the governor to delve into the students' field experiences and project ideas. Gen Singh actively listened to the young engineers, who shared insights gathered from their direct interactions with communities in various Mizoram villages.
Praising the initiative, the Governor termed the internship a "highly commendable initiative" that effectively harnesses the innovative capabilities of engineering students to solve pressing rural issues. He acknowledged IIT Madras for its nationwide contributions and its collaborative efforts with NIT Mizoram in addressing developmental challenges specific to the region.
Focus on Agriculture and Grassroots Innovation
During the discussions, Gen Singh emphasized Mizoram's economic backbone, which is predominantly agriculture. He pointed out the critical need for advancements in production methods, strengthening supply chains, and improving processing techniques. The Governor encouraged the students to fully understand the programme's objectives and contribute their finest ideas, remarking that "some of the best ideas often come from young minds like theirs."
He also stressed the importance of conducting thorough studies to genuinely support rural communities and formulate effective, sustainable development plans. The governor concluded his address by wishing the interns a productive and enriching stay in Mizoram.
Internship Aims and Student Insights
Dr. Sukanta Roy, the Dean of Academics at NIT Mizoram, provided the governor with a detailed briefing on the internship's goals and its structured schedule. Following this, students presented key takeaways from their village visits, which sparked engaging discussions and thoughtful questions on practical implementation.
The New India Mission Internship Programme is scheduled to run from December 16, 2025, to January 10, 2026. During this period, the students are conducting field research in villages across Mizoram. Their core mandate is to identify challenges in crucial sectors such as energy, water, health, agriculture, and sustainability. Ultimately, they will work on developing technical, project-based solutions to address these identified problems, aiming to create a tangible impact on rural livelihoods.
