Hon’ble Defence Minister – Shri Rajnath Singh encouraged students to embrace the principles of “Initiate, Innovate, and Transform”
Mandi, February 25, 2025: IIT Mandi commemorated its 16th Foundation Day by reflecting a years of excellence and transformative achievements that underscore its commitment to innovation, by working in the area of AI, Robotics, Drone technology, AR-VR technology, Quantum Science and Semiconductors/chipsets. Since its inception, the Institute of national importance has carved a niche for itself in the fields of research in artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced material science, quantum technology, which reflects the institute’s uncompromising resolve to state-of-the-art research, innovation, and world-class technology education, living up to its motto, “Scaling the Heights.”
In a significant fillip to India’s defence technology and cybersecurity strengths, IIT Mandi, has made a historic move by developing a 16-channel quantum neuromorphic computer aimed at military-grade cybersecurity applications.Designed for military-grade encryption, this technology aims to protect critical defence communications from cyber threats and espionage through quantum cryptography. This initiative aligns perfectly with the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, marking a commendable step toward self-reliance in quantum-powered defence systems. In future, the Institute has a plan to develop 64-channel quantum neuromorphic computer.
Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Defence, Government of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. WhileShri Jairam Thakur, Former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh; Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak, VC, CSJM University Kanpur; Shri GokulButail, Principal Advisor to the CM, Himachal Pradesh; Dr. Amit Kumar Pandey, CTO – Robotics and AI, Rovial Space, France as the guests of honour.Shri Puran Chand Thakur, MLA, Darang Assembly Constituency also attend the function.Lt. Gen. Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon (Retd.), Chairman, BoG, IIT Mandi, and Prof. Laxmidhar Behera presided over the function.
16th Foundation Day IIT Mandi
Delivering a keynote address, Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Defence, Government of India said, “One more example of the disruption happening in technology is quantum computing. Until we became familiar with quantum computing, the pinnacle of computing for us was supercomputers. However, you must have noticed that recently, Google introduced a quantum chip called Willow. Google claims that this chip can perform calculations in just five minutes, which would take even the world’s most advanced supercomputer ten septillion years to complete, longer than the entire age of the universe. Yet, Google Willow can achieve it in mere minutes. As we progress, our expectations and ambitions grow exponentially. Moving forward, you will need to work even more actively in this domain. To the students of IIT Mandi, I want to say that India now needs its own AI-driven war doctrines. We must develop AI-powered war strategies. For defense, we need to create Indian artificial intelligence chips. Keeping cybersecurity in mind, we must also develop firewalls and other security infrastructures.”
Hon’ble Defence Minister further said, “I strongly believe that IIT Mandi can play a crucial role in this area. I have been informed that researchers here are doing excellent work in robotics, drone technology, and VR technology. Given your Director’s vision and the talent pool at IIT Mandi, I am sure that you will contribute significantly to these and other cutting-edge technologies in the future.”
Lt. Gen. Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon (Retd.), Chairman, BoG, IIT Mandi, said, “Himachal Pradesh is a land of brave warriorsand reminded students for their duty towards the country. He stated that name, integrity, and honor should never be compromised, urging themtoalways uphold the nation’s pride. He stressed thatloyalty, honesty, and responsibility are the key virtues that shape a person’s life.
While addressing the media, Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, said, “IIT Mandi has always challenged frontiers in innovation, research, and learning, contributing extensively to India’s technology ecosystem. Celebrating our 16th Foundation Day, I want to convey appreciation to Shri GokulButail, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh (ranked equivalent to a Cabinet Minister), we appreciate his effort in securing 125 acres of land at Palampur for IIT Mandi’s satellite campus. This project is a significant leap towards the expansion and academic development of the institution. The envisaged campus will enhance IIT Mandi’s education and research activities even further. We extend our sincere gratitude for his patronage and eagerly await the opening of a world-class satellite campus in Palampur, which will take the institute’s excellence to greater heights. The location of Mandi Hills poses special challenges, with accessibility being an important consideration. In spite of such geographical challenges, state-of-the-art infrastructure worth ₹1,060 crore has already been established with the assistance of the Central Government, and another ₹660 crore is being invested in existing projects currently.”
Prof. Behera further informed, “The time of Quantum AI has arrived, and IIT Mandi is leading the way. Now, we are working on a 16-channel Quantum AI computer, and we aim to complete it in the current year. To take this technology to even larger scales, we have applied for a grant from MeitY to make a 64-channel Quantum AI computer. If sanctioned, in two years’ time, India’s biggest quantum computer will be in IIT Mandi.We also have one of the finest semiconductor fabrication facilities, which can produce devices measuring as small as 10 nanometers. We are also in talks with the government about how to expand this facility and make Himachal Pradesh a center for semiconductor fabrication. Our Advanced Material Research Centre is yet another critical facility, well provided with Raman Spectroscopy, NMR Spectroscopy, and other high-tech equipment to facilitate interdisciplinary research in material science. Our BOG Chairperson has suggested investing an additional ₹50 crore to upgrade this centre with newer equipment, adding further strength to research efforts.”
During the occasion, Guidance and Counselling Services under the Deanery of Students at IIT Mandi was inaugurated. GCS works prominently in addressing mental health and well-being issues of the Institute community with the help of Individual Counselling, Group Therapy, Crisis Intervention Training Programme, 24/7 Online Platform, HIPAA-compliant software for Psychometric testing, Regular Mailers and Wall of Hope in the campus. Moreover, the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, established in early 2022, is dedicated to addressing the national need for skill development across various sectors. CCE offers a range of programs aimed at skilling, up-skilling, and re-skilling individuals from government and semi-government organizations, public and private enterprises, research institutions, and industries. Since its inception in 2022, CCE has trained over 7,000 participants through more than 100 workshops and training programs. The centre has also facilitated educational visits for over 1000 school students, providing them with exposure to advanced laboratories and research facilities at IIT Mandi.
Felicitating Ceremony:
A video screening highlighting IIT Mandi’s journey and accomplishments was also shown during the day. Additionally, the Institute recognized outstanding contributions through the Foundation Day Awards, honouring students, faculty, alumni, and staff for their exceptional achievements in academics, research, sports, and professional excellence. The award categories included the Young Faculty Fellow Award, Young Achiever Award (Faculty/Alumni), the Students Academic Excellence Award, and the Students Tech. Award, among others.
Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)
