Independence Day 2024: From IIT, AIIMS to FTII, how India developed as an educational hub over 78 years
Indian Independence Day: Since gaining independence, India has made remarkable strides in the establishment and development of educational institutions, laying the foundation for a strong and progressive nation. These institutions have not only contributed to the intellectual and cultural fabric of the country but have also positioned India as a global leader in various fields of education. Here’s a look at some of the monumental institutions that have shaped India’s educational landscape.
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
The IITs stand as towering symbols of India’s commitment to technological excellence and innovation. The journey began in 1950 with the establishment of the first IIT in Kharagpur, following the recommendations of a committee that sought to replicate the success of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in India. This was a visionary move that recognized the need for world-class technical education in a newly independent nation. Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, aptly captured the significance of these institutions when he declared at IIT Kharagpur's first convocation in 1956, “Here… stands the fine monument of India, representing India’s urges, India’s future in the making…”
The IIT system quickly expanded with campuses in Bombay (1958), Madras (1959), Kanpur (1959), and Delhi (1961), and now boasts 23 campuses across the country. These institutes have been instrumental in nurturing some of the brightest minds in engineering, technology, and research, contributing significantly to India’s global reputation in these fields.
