Statement by the Mr. Prabhat Kumar, IRS, Chairman, Pan IIT Alumni India On National Technology Day – May 11, 2026
Today, as we celebrate National Technology Day, we also witness a defining moment for India’s technological renaissance. The government’s launch of the National Quantum Mission, alongside the ‘SHAKTI’ policy framework and the historic ₹1.2 lakh crore R&D allocation, marks a bold leap toward deep-tech self-reliance. On behalf of the entire Pan IIT Alumni community, I wholeheartedly commend Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for his visionary leadership in placing India at the forefront of quantum computing, AI, and semiconductor innovation.
To every IITian across the world – this is your calling.
The days of incremental coding and service‑led growth are giving way to an era of fundamental science, hardware, and systems that will define the next half‑century. I urge each one of you – whether in academia, startups, or global tech firms – to pivot toward deep‑tech research: quantum algorithms, post‑quantum cryptography, advanced materials, and indigenous fab lines. Let us build not just for India, but with India’s intellectual rigour. Let us mentor the next generation, file patents, and commercialise breakthroughs from our labs. And again I want to appeal to our alumni to come back from ‘Silicone Valley to the new Indus Valley ‘ and be part of India’s deep tech journey.
To corporate leaders and industry captains – a two‑fold request.
First, embrace work‑from‑home and hybrid models wherever feasible. The Hon’ble PM has appealed for fuel conservation and reduced travel to protect our foreign exchange reserves amid global headwinds. By formalising remote work, you will not only lower operational costs but also contribute directly to national economic resilience.
Second, actively partner with the National Quantum Mission – fund chairs, sponsor deep‑tech incubators, and offer sabbaticals for IIT alumni to return to research. Your balance sheets can become engines of national pride.
Let this Technology Day be remembered as the moment we traded comfort for courage, and jobs for nation‑building.
– Mr. Prabhat Kumar, IRS, Chairman, Pan IIT Alumni India
