PK Mishra delivers inaugural address at ISM Centenary Foundation Week

Prime Minister’s principal secretary Pramod Kumar Mishra on Wednesday delivered the inaugural address at the Centenary Foundation Week of the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad. Speaking to faculty, students, alumni, and distinguished guests, Dr Mishra underscored the pivotal role of IIT Dhanbad in India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Dr PK Mishra was also conferred a Doctor of Science earlier this year by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

Expressing delight at joining the celebrations of the institute’s 100-year legacy, noting its immense contributions to mining, energy, earth sciences, and applied engineering, Dr Mishra recalled that IIT Dhanbad has been a pioneer in mining education in Asia and has consistently provided expertise to national institutions such as Coal India, ONGC, GSI, CMPDI, and NTPC. “A centenary is not merely a milestone, but a reminder of what sustained commitment can achieve when knowledge is used as a public good for positive social outcomes,” Dr Mishra remarked.

He urged the institute to reflect on its role in advancing India’s long-term vision of becoming a developed nation.

Highlighting the Prime Minister’s vision for India 2047, Mishra said the goal is to achieve the status of a developed country while balancing nature and culture and leading globally in science and technology. Reflecting on India’s economic trajectory over the past 11 years, the Principal Secretary to the PM described the Prime Minister’s approach as rooted in innovation and reinvention.

During his other engagements on his maiden visit to Dhanbad, Mishra also reviewed the rehabilitation and development work at Bharat Coking Coal Limited’s (BCCL) Ena Mines fire project and urged officials to strengthen community outreach. He also emphasised the need to win the confidence of families affected by the underground mine fire.

 The Ena Mines project is a fire control and mitigation effort in the Jharia coalfield of Jharkhand, managed by BCCL, a subsidiary of Coal India. Mishra was accompanied by Coal India Limited (CIL) Chairman Sanjoj Kumar Jha and other senior officials. He was briefed in detail on safety measures, rehabilitation progress and welfare initiatives for residents displaced by the Jharia coalfield fire zone, officials said.