Sambalpur, Dec 26: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday attended the 17th Convocation Ceremony of Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Burla in Odisha, where he lauded the institution’s contribution to shaping the future of countless students who have brought pride to Odisha and India at national and international levels.

ବୀର ସୁରେନ୍ଦ୍ର ସାଏ ବୈଷୟିକ ବିଶ୍ୱବିଦ୍ୟାଳୟ, ବୁର୍ଲାର ୧୭ତମ ସମାବର୍ତ୍ତନ ସମାରୋହରେ ଯୋଗଦେଲି । ବିଗତ ବର୍ଷର ଗୌରବମୟ ଯାତ୍ରା ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଏହି ବିଶ୍ୱବିଦ୍ୟାଳୟ ଅଗଣିତ ଛାତ୍ରଛାତ୍ରୀଙ୍କ ଭାଗ୍ୟ ଗଠନ କରିଛି, ଯେଉଁମାନେ ଆଜି ଜାତୀୟ ଓ ଆନ୍ତର୍ଜାତୀୟ ସ୍ତରରେ ନିଜ ମାତୃଭୂମି ଓଡ଼ିଶା ଓ ଦେଶ ପାଇଁ ଗୌରବ ଆଣିଛନ୍ତି । ଆଜିର ଶୁଭ ଅବସରରେ… pic.twitter.com/lmejgANqpE

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) December 26, 2025

Congratulating fresh graduates, medal winners, and researchers, Minister Pradhan said VSSUT has emerged as a leading institution in implementing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary National Education Policy. He noted that the release of three handbooks, including a laboratory manual in Odia, reflects the university’s commitment to promoting regional language and inclusive education.

The Minister emphasized VSSUT’s entrepreneurial spirit, citing alumni initiatives such as the “Sambalpuri Hub” startup, which showcase innovation and skill development. He reminded students that the true purpose of science and knowledge lies not merely in material achievements but in serving humanity. “Sensitivity is the core character of VSSUT, and its students hold the key to Odisha’s development,” he remarked.

Looking ahead, Pradhan announced plans to establish a “Quantum Centre” in Sambalpur, positioning VSSUT as a hub for advanced research and innovation. He expressed confidence that if the institution fulfills its responsibilities diligently, it could evolve into a global centre for solving complex challenges.

During his visit, the Minister also paid floral tribute to the statue of revolutionary Veer Surendra Sai on the campus. “Veer Surendra Sai’s indomitable courage and unwavering devotion to the motherland will always guide future generations,” he said.

The convocation ceremony underscored VSSUT’s dual role as a centre of academic excellence and a catalyst for Odisha’s socio-economic transformation, blending tradition, innovation, and national vision.