Bhubaneswar, July 22: Chief designer and former programme head of light combat aircraft Tejas, Kota Harinarayana, today urged all state premier institutes to work together for technological advancement in the state.

Speaking at the ninth "Institute Day" celebrations at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar, he said: "There is an urgent need to integrate institutions and work for nation building. This is the best time to start such efforts as we have got the best institutions, the most talented teachers and the brightest students all in one place."

"This will also help in wealth generation. More importantly, it will inspire students to come up with innovative solutions," he said, stressing that the students must be involved with the communities in the nearby villages and they must explore "sustainable solutions" to the day-to-day problems of the villagers.

Later in the evening, Kota met chief secretary A.P. Padhi to discuss about converting the airstrip at Rangailunda into an airport to attract more industries and tourism inflow in south Odisha.

IIT Bhubaneswar director R.V. Rajakumar said that almost 85 per cent of the administrative and academic work of the institute were done on the new campus at Argul.