Dhanbad: At the centenary celebrations of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani delivered a charged call for what he termed India’s “second freedom struggle” — a nationwide push to secure control over the country’s natural resources, energy systems, and economic future.
Speaking as chief guest, Adani urged students to “dream without fear, innovate boldly and become custodians of the core,” arguing that India’s rise depends on mastering the resources beneath its soil. Mining, he said, may be dismissed as an “old economy,” but no modern nation can build advanced technologies or world-class infrastructure without it.
Warns of ‘Narrative Colonisation’
In his Foundation Day Address, Adani cautioned against what he called “narrative colonisation,” accusing historically high-emission countries of attempting to shape how developing nations should grow.
“If we don’t control our narrative, our aspirations will be delegitimised and our progress portrayed as a global offence,” he said, calling for an India-centric growth model in an era of shifting global alliances.
Showcases India’s Green Gains
Adani highlighted India’s progress in clean energy — crossing 50% non-fossil installed capacity despite being one of the world’s lowest per-capita emitters. He cited the Adani Group’s twin-track approach: from the Carmichael coal mine in Australia to the Khavda renewable energy park in Gujarat, positioning them as examples of energy security balanced with sustainability.
Internships and New Excellence Centre
To strengthen industry–academia collaboration, Adani announced 50 annual paid internships with pre-placement offers for IIT(ISM) students. He also unveiled the Adani 3S Mining Excellence Centre, to be set up with TEXMiN Foundation, aimed at turning the institute into a hub for next-generation mining and resource innovation.
Calling this phase India’s “Second Freedom Struggle,” he urged students to “dream fearlessly and act relentlessly” as they shape the nation’s resource-led future.
‘A Century of Evolution’: IIT Director
Describing the centenary as an emotional milestone, IIT(ISM) Director Prof. Sukumar Mishra traced the institute’s transformation from a mining school to a multidisciplinary powerhouse. He said IIT(ISM)’s growth — with expanding strengths in energy systems, AI, sustainability and societal-impact research — mirrors India’s own scientific and technological ascent.
