Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), held an interaction today with students from IIT Madras and NIT Mizoram who are taking part in the New India Mission Internship Programme. The meeting took place at the Durbar Hall of the Raj Bhavan in Aizawl. A total of 32 students — 11 from IIT Madras and 21 from NIT Mizoram — attended the session.
The internship programme is a pilot initiative aimed at encouraging young engineering students to apply technical knowledge to rural development challenges. The project runs from December 16, 2025 to January 10, 2026, and involves field visits to Mizoram villages. During these visits, students are expected to observe day-to-day problems, interact with local residents, and identify areas where technology can provide practical solutions.
During the session, the Governor appreciated the collaboration between IIT Madras and NIT Mizoram. He said that the programme is highly meaningful, as it motivates students to think beyond textbooks and focus on issues affecting rural communities across India. He noted that such programmes hold promise for improving rural livelihoods if ideas are implemented sincerely. The Governor added that innovative ideas often emerge from young minds and urged the participants to contribute their best during the internship period.
The Governor also highlighted that Mizoram depends heavily on agriculture for livelihood. He suggested that students should study ways to improve farm productivity, storage, processing, and supply chain systems. He said that thorough studies can help formulate effective plans to support farmers and ensure long-term development in rural areas. He encouraged the students to use their field experience to build workable project proposals.
The meeting included remarks from Dr. Sukanta Roy, Dean (Academics) and Faculty In-Charge of Training and Placement and Students Exchange at NIT Mizoram, who is leading the group. He outlined the objectives of the internship and briefed the gathering on the planned activities. Students shared observations from village visits and their early understanding of challenges in sectors like water supply, energy access, health services, agriculture practices, and environmental sustainability.
The interactive session featured several questions from students about government initiatives, development priorities, and technical constraints in rural areas. The Governor responded patiently and encouraged them to remain curious and open-minded. He also extended warm wishes for their stay in Mizoram and expressed hope that the internship would benefit both the state and the students.
