Innovation key to knowledge-driven India: Minister Majumdar at IISER Kolkata
Times of India | 17 July 2026
KOLKATA: Developing and nurturing bright young minds is crucial to build an inclusive knowledge-driven country where innovation should always be the backbone of India, Union minister of state for Education and minister of state for the Development of Northeastern Region Sukanta Majumdar said at the inauguration of a summer camp at IISER Kolkata.
Majumdar, who was chief guest at the function, urged the student community to focus on research and innovation and to carry forward the entrepreneurship efforts of today to build unicorns of tomorrow.
"I commend the efforts of IISER Kolkata for focussing on Northeast India as it is India’s greatest strength with its rich cultural diversity and knowledge base," Majumdar said in the presence of dignitaries inclulding Ramkrishna Mission-Kalyani secretary Swami Durganathananda Maharaj and assistant commissioner KV regional office (Kolkata) Dibakar Bhoi.
The Summer Camp 2026 is an IISER Kolkata initiative in collaboration with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and Science City Kolkata – National Council of Science Museums.
Durganathananda Maharaj and Bhoi also commended the efforts of IISER Kolkata in designing the unique all inclusive programme designed to encourage students to explore interdisciplinary learning, research exposure, innovation, and collaborative academic engagement and delve deep into the spirit of inquiry, and a commitment to evidence, creativity, and discovery.
"The objective of this camp is to nurture scientific curiosity, provide hands-on exposure to emerging fields, and inspire students to pursue academic excellence and research. The camp offers a robust curriculum that blends interactive learning with engaging extracurricular activities as well," said IISER Kolkata director Sunil Kumar Khare.
IISER Kolkata deputy director Rahul Banerjee, dean of international relations Debasis Koley and associate dean of international relations Anirban Banerjee also helped in the programme's success.
Seventy students of Classes XI and XII from 53 Kendriya Vidyalayas representing the seven Northeastern states are participating in the programme that will continue till July 22 at IISER Kolkata's Mohanpur campus. The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Delhi, assisted in selecting the participating students from the Northeastern region for this programme.