Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Thursday highlighted IIT Mandi's technological contributions to Himachal Pradesh and emphasized its potential in supporting the Apple economy and local problem-solving. 

Speaking while presiding over the G-20/S-20 conclave on the theme “Technology for Society” at IIT, Mandi, he said that this One-day conclave was a part of the ongoing mega G20-S20 Meet at the Institute and provided a platform for influential delegates from the public and private sectors to come together and explore potential knowledge sharing and discussion opportunities to address societal development with technological interventions. 

The Governor expressed satisfaction that the researchers were working on making cooking stoves in an efficient manner, which would be exemplary in solving the problems of inaccessibility in the State. Likewise, developing biofuel from dry pine leaves as energy for the industry would also help the rural people, he added. He said that the development of other bio-fuels and green fuels deserves to be pursued prominently.

Shukla applauded its initiatives such as the development of efficient cooking stoves, and biofuel production from dry pine leaves. He also praised advancements in low-cost medical devices, robotics, and AI for healthcare which are helpful in addressing health crises in rural as well as in urban areas. He also stressed the need to strengthen technologies to predict landslides and avalanches in the State. He also highlighted the need for entrepreneurship support centers to boost the state's economy. He also visited the institute's labs and centers during the visit.

Director IIT Mandi, Laxmidhar Behera shared the institute's focus on technology, skill development, and societal contributions.