PM Modi inaugurates AI-powered Param Pragya supercomputing facility at IIT Delhi

The facility at IIT Delhi’s Sonipat campus is designed to strengthen India’s high-performance computing capabilities and support advanced research in artificial intelligence, science, engineering and emerging technologies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (August 8) inaugurated Param Pragya, an artificial intelligence-powered high-performance supercomputing facility at the Sonipat campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.

The inauguration took place during IIT Delhi’s 57th Convocation ceremony, where Modi addressed graduating students and highlighted the importance of research, innovation and continuous learning in a rapidly changing technological environment.

The Prime Minister congratulated the graduating students on their achievements and drew attention to the participation of women among the medal recipients. He said the representation could have been higher.

"Many students have received medals for their achievements. However, it would have been even better if there were a few more girls among them. Sorry. Why just one or two? There should have been more," the Prime Minister said.

Reflecting on the students’ journey, Modi said the transition from their first day at IIT Delhi to graduation would likely feel remarkably quick. He encouraged them to take satisfaction from what they had achieved while looking ahead to the opportunities and responsibilities that accompany the next stage of their careers.

Focus on research and innovation

Modi identified research as one of the major opportunities available to the graduating students and pointed to several government initiatives intended to strengthen India's research ecosystem.

"Another major possibility lies before you all, and that new opportunity is in the field of research. Prime Minister's Research Fellowship is providing talented young people with opportunities to pursue research. He also highlighted the Research, Development, and Innovation Scheme, the establishment of the National Research Foundation, and funding of up to Rs 1 lakh crore for the research sector," he said.

He also referred to the One Nation One Subscription programme, which provides researchers across India access to leading international research journals without additional cost. The initiative, he said, is particularly significant for researchers and institutions located outside major metropolitan centres.

The inauguration of Param Pragya comes as India seeks to expand domestic high-performance computing infrastructure and create stronger technological capabilities to support advanced research and innovation.

Modi calls for continuous learning

Addressing the graduating students, the Prime Minister said every generation encounters different challenges and has a responsibility towards the country's future. He urged them to consider the wider national impact of their professional decisions.

"You are all aware that every generation faces the specific challenges of its time and also bears its own national responsibility," Modi said.

He noted that the decisions graduates make during the next several decades could contribute to India's progress towards becoming a developed nation.

"Whatever you do over the next 30 to 35 years of your lives will influence our journey towards a 'Viksit Bharat'. Therefore, the basis of every decision you make should also be: how will this benefit the country? Which of the nation's needs will this fulfill?" he said.

Modi further highlighted the pace of technological and geopolitical change, saying industries and professions would continue to evolve. He advised students to make continuous learning a part of their careers.

"The global strategic equation is shifting swiftly. The global power balance is evolving by the moment, driven primarily by the pace of technological advancement. No one can say with certainty what the world will look like in the next 20 or 30 years," he said.

"The world, technology, industries, and professions will all evolve. But amidst all this, remember one thing: those who keep learning will succeed," the Prime Minister said.

He also asked the graduates to remain grateful to their teachers, mentors, friends and support staff, as well as the institution that supported their academic journey.