Mandi-  Himachal Pradesh  Governor Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla has asked the IIT Mandi to undertake projects like the ropeway project for hilly areas and solar-powered cooking stoves to fight pollution and protect the environment.

Addressing the G20 - S20 Meet on Technology for Society at IIT Mandi on June 29, as chief guest, Shukla urged the institute to work on addressing forest fires and emphasized the potential of IITs to contribute to the country's development.

Likewise, developing biofuel from dry pine leaves as energy for 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.

He lauded IIT Mandi for its initiatives in addressing societal challenges. He also praised the drone model and visited the labs and innovation hub.  

IIT Mandi announced the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with IIT Jammu and Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, to strengthen academic and research collaborations. The directors of IIT Jammu and PEC Chandigarh actively participated in the discussions.

Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi emphasized the institute's commitment to using science and technology to benefit society and the nation.

Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, S20 Chair and Former DST Secretary, emphasized the need to connect science with society and culture. He highlighted the importance of holistic approaches to address global problems and achieve sustainable development.

IIT Mandi announced collaborations with IIT Jammu to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, collaborative consultancy and sponsored projects, exchange of knowledge and resources, and sharing of scientific and technical networks. Additionally, the institute committed to a partnership with Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, for academic and research collaborations.

The event included expert lectures on the significance of technology in improving access to healthcare, clean water, and energy.

Speakers, including Padma Shri Janak Palta McGilligan, stressed the responsible use of natural resources and the harnessing of science and technology to address grassroots problems.

Other key speakers included Prof. Virendra Kumar Vijay, Dr. Biswaroop Roy Chaudhary, Prof. Manoj Gaur, Dr. Bineesha P, Sh. Sukhpreet Singh, and Prof. Baldev Setia.

The technologies showcased during the event included low-cost neonatal care devices, point-of-care devices, bioenergy utilization systems, efficient cookstoves, water and wastewater management systems, rural connectivity improvement systems, and developments in climate-controlled agriculture and sustainable gaushalas.

The event served as a platform for knowledge sharing and discussions to explore how technology can contribute to societal development.