Education / ‘Lead, Innovate and Create’: Education Ministry Official Urges CUO Students

Koraput, Oct 8: Students should embrace leadership, innovation and creativity to address real-world challenges and contribute to regional development, Subrat Kumar Pradhan, Director, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, said while interacting with students of the Central University of Odisha (CUO) here on Thursday.

Addressing students during an interaction programme at the university, Pradhan highlighted the transformative changes taking place in the agricultural sector and urged young minds to become solution providers rather than mere learners.

Agriculture Beyond Farming 

Pradhan observed that agriculture is no longer limited to traditional farming practices. The sector today is closely linked to food security, nutrition, healthcare, water management, energy, environmental sustainability, technology and employment generation.

He noted that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, data science, biotechnology and precision farming are creating new opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture.

Encouraging students to engage with local challenges, he asked them to identify problems faced by farmers in the Koraput region and develop practical, technology-driven solutions that can be tested and implemented in the field.

Focus on KBK Region 

Pradhan called upon students to combine modern scientific knowledge with traditional agricultural wisdom and explore ways to improve farmers' incomes across the undivided Koraput-Balangir-Kalahandi (KBK) region.

He stressed the need to develop value-added products from locally available crops and resources, highlighting opportunities in branding, marketing and product innovation. Such initiatives, he said, could create sustainable livelihoods while supporting local communities.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation 

Vice-Chancellor Ajit Kumar Shasany underscored the importance of strong academic foundations, multidisciplinary learning and practical skills. He encouraged students to explore opportunities in startups and entrepreneurship and apply their knowledge to address societal and agricultural challenges.
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The interaction, attended by faculty members, university officials and students, provided a platform for discussions on innovation, agriculture, entrepreneurship and the role of youth in driving social change and economic development.

The programme concluded with an appeal to students to become leaders, innovators and job creators capable of transforming local challenges into opportunities for growth and development.