Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister
In an age when India’s global profile is rapidly evolving, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh’s remarks at THE WEEK Education Conclave resonated with clarity and confidence. “India is no longer a seeker, it is sought after. No longer a follower, but followed,” he declared.
Rather than delivering a scripted speech, the minister opted for dialogue, engaging directly with students in what felt more like a mentoring session than a political address. “I came here to learn,” he said with a smile, immediately setting a relaxed, inclusive tone. Dr Singh emphasised how India is now shaping fields once dominated by global powers. He cited the NISAR mission, a joint effort by ISRO and NASA, as a prime example. “Even in the case of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, they wanted Indian collaboration,” he added, underlining the shift in global perception.
Addressing the students’ aspirations, Dr Singh asked them to know themselves and their motivations. “Most of us either overestimate or underestimate ourselves,” he advised a student seeking career guidance.
He shared moving stories of resilience. A girl from Kashmir studied 14 hours a day for 18 months using only a mobile phone to crack the IIT-JEE. In Bihar, students gather at railway stations to access free Wi-Fi on their iPads and pursue their dreams.
Responding to concerns about access, Dr Singh placed some responsibility on the public. “It is not that there are no government initiatives. It is that people aren’t aware. Today, it is all online. Type your age and interest on Google, you will find schemes tailor-made for you.”
He highlighted the growth of private participation in sectors like space, with over 300 startups active today. But he cautioned, “They must be integrated into larger ecosystems. When private players spend, they become stakeholders, not just partners.”
On artificial intelligence, he urged balance. “AI is great. But it must go hand in hand with HI—human intelligence. Technology should assist, not dominate.”
Ending on a personal note, he said, “I never dreamt of being a scientist or a minister. I only wanted to be a good medical practitioner. But look where the journey led. Honestly, I wish I were born in this era, the best time to be young in India.”