Bhubaneswar, Aug. 16: The National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, has grand plans to become the best in the country and to compete with universities and institutes across the globe.
"We will focus on collaborating with other world-class institutes and universities and even research bodies to achieve our target," said Santrupta B. Mishra, newly appointed chairman of the institute's board of governors.
Mishra arrived in Rourkela this morning and held interactions with members of faculties, staff and students of the institute throughout the day.
Interacting with newspersons later in the day, Mishra said he was hopeful that the institute would become the best in the country and be able to compete globally. He expressed hope that the current dispensation would work in that direction. "On my part, I will definitely contribute in this respect," he said.
Answering a question on start-ups and providing an atmosphere ideal for its growth at the institute, Mishra stressed creating a natural ecosystem to nourish these start-ups.
"I must say that an ecosystem is essential where you have corporate houses, angel brokers, who provide funds, and others to boost such activities," he said.
Mishra was enthusiastic about the current atmosphere of start-ups at the institute. But he refused to rest on laurels and said he would rope in more corporate financing.
Mishra said: "I am here to learn through interaction so that in the next three years, I can contribute towards the growth of the institute."
"I ask the students, members of faculty and staff and other stakeholders as well as the media to tell us how best we can take this institute forward. After all, this is your local institute and you must contribute to its growth," he said. Speaking about his experience with the students, he said: "They are the best and they are very proud to be part of the institute. They singled out many reasons why they were so proud."
He said funds were no longer a constraint for the institute. "There were problems in the flow of funds. However, the situation is improving and I can assure you that the institute will never suffer for lack of funds," said Mishra.
