Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday said India is poised to emerge as a global leader in technical knowledge and skills, asserting that the country’s prosperity will depend on the effective use of research, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and innovation.
Addressing the Silver Jubilee celebration of Government College of Engineering, Keonjhar as the chief guest, the Chief Minister encouraged students to actively engage in advanced research and skill development, urging them to become “job creators rather than job seekers.”
Recalling his own student days, Majhi described the institution—established in 1995—as a “symbol of hope” for the youth of North Odisha. He noted that despite facing challenges, the college was revived in 2001 through collective public efforts, reflecting unity and determination.
Highlighting the institution’s achievements, the Chief Minister said over 6,500 alumni are currently employed across India and abroad. He also lauded the success of Priyanshu Pal, who secured the top rank in the Odisha Civil Services Examination, calling it a proud moment for the college.
On the occasion, Majhi declared the institution a “Centre of Excellence.”
Touching upon industrial growth, he said Odisha has attracted investments worth nearly ₹2.8 lakh crore over the past two years, generating employment for more than two lakh people. He added that the state is increasingly emerging as a preferred destination for its youth due to expanding industrial opportunities.
The Chief Minister further announced that reservation in engineering and medical education has been enhanced for Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and SEBC communities to promote inclusive educational development.
He also pointed to Odisha’s progress in atomic energy-based power generation, stating that the state’s substantial thorium reserves present strong potential for future nuclear power projects.
Emphasising the role of youth in shaping the state’s future, Majhi said their contribution would be crucial in achieving the vision of a prosperous and developed Odisha by 2036.
Among others present at the event were District Planning Board Chairman and Telkoi MLA Dr. Fakir Mohan Naik, Patna MLA Akhil Chandra Naik, Keonjhar District Collector Vishal Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Biju Patnaik University of Technology Prof. Amiya Kumar Rath, Governing Body Chairman Pradipta Kumar Senapati, and college Principal Prof. Saroj Sarangi.
