The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi was abuzz with energy as Member of Parliament and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur inaugurated the Kullhad Economy Fest (KEF) on campus. The event began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, marking the start of a celebration focused on sustainability, innovation, and local enterprise.
Addressing students and faculty, Mr Thakur emphasized the holistic potential of IIT Mandi — not only as an academic institution but also as a space for personal growth and exploration. Urging students to take part in sports, meditation, and community engagement, he spoke of the importance of nurturing both intellect and well-being.
Highlighting India’s dynamic startup landscape, Mr Thakur pointed out the exponential rise from just 350 startups to over 1.59 lakh, including 127 unicorns. He underscored the country’s leadership in digital payments through platforms like UPI and BHIM, while also reaffirming the importance of the “Make in India” initiative. KEF, he noted, plays a vital role in encouraging entrepreneurial thinking and sustainable development.
The MP also drew attention to the region’s rich tradition of handicrafts and small-scale industries, encouraging students to explore how technology can support rural development and boost the visibility of Himachali products. He linked this with national campaigns such as “Vocal for Local” and “Mera Yuva Bharat,” calling upon the youth to take an active role in shaping the country’s economic future.
Prof Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi, welcomed Mr Thakur and reflected on the symbolic value of the kullhad — a clay cup that represents both sustainability and India’s deep-rooted cultural practices. He emphasized that the fest aligns with the institute’s mission to innovate while staying connected to grassroots values.
Professor Kanagasabapathy also addressed the gathering, sharing insights from collaborative research between IIT Mandi and IIT Madras on Indian Knowledge Systems. He stressed the importance of integrating traditional wisdom with modern science — a key theme of the fest.
Event convenor Ajay Chaturvedi, author of works such as Kala Darsana and Kala Gati, thanked Mr Thakur for his presence and inspiring words. Mr Chaturvedi’s scholarly contributions, focused on the philosophical and historical dimensions of time, echo the fest’s broader goal: encouraging thoughtful dialogue on innovation, heritage, and sustainability. The organizing committee expressed gratitude to the MP, confident that his encouragement would leave a lasting impression on the student community and set a strong tone for the rest of the festival.
Established as one of the second-generation IITs by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, IIT Mandi is located in the scenic Kamand Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Spread across both the North and South campuses along the Uhl River, the institute has rapidly developed into a hub of academic excellence and research. Since 2009, it has launched over 275 research projects worth more than ₹120 crore and signed collaborations with 23 universities globally. It became the first among the new IITs to shift its entire undergraduate cohort to a permanent campus by 2015.
