Raipur. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today inaugurated the two-day “Make in Silicon” symposium, organized to mark the 10th foundation day of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Naya Raipur. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that this event is an important step in propelling India towards semiconductor manufacturing and technological self-reliance.
Chief Minister Sai noted that Chhattisgarh is celebrating its silver jubilee year, and today also marks the historic 150th anniversary of the national anthem “Vande Mataram.” He congratulated the people of the state and the IIIT family on this occasion. The Chief Minister noted that the institute is named after the great educationist Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who linked education, unity, and industrial development to national progress. The Chief Minister said that India is rapidly progressing towards technological self-reliance. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has achieved historic achievements in the fields of semiconductor mission, electronics, and chip manufacturing. This mission not only develops infrastructure but also empowers youth and promotes innovation.
Chief Minister Sai stated that semiconductors have become an integral part of modern life—mobile phones, satellites, defense systems, and artificial intelligence are all linked to them. Therefore, initiatives like “Make in Silicon” will help give a new direction to India’s chip revolution. He stated that Chhattisgarh is ready to play an active role in this mission. The Chief Minister stated that special provisions have been made for the semiconductor sector in the state’s new industrial policy. He stated that Chhattisgarh has skilled human resources, a strong industrial infrastructure, uninterrupted power supply, and a conducive environment for technological development. The groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of a semiconductor unit in Naya Raipur has already taken place, which will provide direct and indirect employment opportunities to the youth. He stated that Naya Raipur is being developed as an IT and innovation hub.
Chief Minister Sai stated that the state’s “Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision Document” focuses on sustainable development, including semiconductors as a key sector. He added that the state government is now emphasizing speed in addition to ease of doing business. Welcoming experts, academics, and representatives from across the country, the Chief Minister stated that this symposium will benefit not only Chhattisgarh but the entire country. He called for “all of us to work together to make Chhattisgarh a hub of knowledge, technology, and innovation in Central India and actively contribute to India’s semiconductor mission.”
Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary said that when he was a student, Chhattisgarh did not have a single national-level institute. However, due to the visionary leadership of former Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh, prestigious institutes like IIT, IIM, HNLU, AIIMS, NIT, and Triple IT have been established in the state. These institutes have given the state a new identity in the field of higher education and research.
Chaudhary stated that Chhattisgarh currently holds immense potential for educational and technological development. Today is the era of a technology-driven economy. Citing the example of the recent Microsoft server outage, which affected operations worldwide, he said that the extent to which power technology impacts life, the economy, and the global system is clear. Therefore, we must prepare now to face these challenges. He emphasized that innovation, skills, and competence will prove your true worth in the future. Great achievements are achieved only by those who continuously hone their capabilities. Inspiring the youth, he emphasized that change always comes from vision, determination, and continuous effort. Citing the example of South Korea’s technological transformation, he said, “We too must move towards self-reliance by increasing investment in education, technology, and research.”
The Finance Minister urged the youth to make technical skills, research, and creative thinking the foundation of their lives, as the future belongs to those who leverage knowledge and innovation as their strength. Higher Education Minister Tank Ram Verma stated that the “Make in Silicon” symposium is an important initiative toward making India self-reliant in the semiconductor and industrial sectors. He stated that, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, educational institutions are playing a vital role in promoting research and innovation in the semiconductor sector. He added that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, is continuously striving to strengthen higher education and the technical sector. He told the youth, “Your innovation and determination will elevate India’s technological identity to new heights.”
Prof. Om Prakash Vyas, Director of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Nava Raipur, briefed the guests on the institute’s achievements over the past 10 years. He explained
