Dhanbad — The Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad transformed into a vibrant arena of pride and possibility on Tuesday as Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani addressed the institute’s historic centenary celebrations. The packed auditorium pulsed with enthusiasm — students brimming with ambition, faculty radiating pride, and guests embracing the significance of the moment.
Adani opened his address by saluting the land of Dhanbad, calling IIT ISM “a symbol of hope and energy born from the soil of India.” He reminded the audience that the institute’s foundations were laid even during British rule, when the Indian National Congress recommended the establishment of a national mining institution. “A nation becomes truly great when it learns the language of its own soil,” he said, invoking India’s ancient legacy of knowledge with references to Nalanda University.
“The One Who Understands the Earth Becomes Its True Guardian”
Setting the tone for his speech, Adani stressed the importance of India recognising its own natural strength. “If India wishes to shape its destiny, it must first understand the power of its land,” he said, triggering loud applause across the hall. He noted that IIT ISM stands as a modern continuation of India’s centuries-old intellectual tradition — a bridge between heritage and innovation.
“What You Become Is What India Will Become”
In an impassioned message to students, Adani urged them to never lose sight of history. “What you become is what India will become,” he declared, reminding them that the responsibility of the nation’s future rests in their hands. His voice rose as he encouraged them: “This era is yours. This battlefield is yours. Every challenge is yours, and every summit is yours.”
He warned of the growing threat of narrative colonisation, saying, “If we do not write our own story, it will be written against us.” Encouraging innovation aligned with national priorities, he challenged students to develop models that reflect India’s true energy potential and dignity on the world stage.
A Vision of a New, Responsible India
Adani presented a data-driven picture of India’s emerging leadership in clean energy. He highlighted that India has already crossed the milestone of generating over 50% of its electricity from non-fossil sources, achieving this target ahead of schedule. While acknowledging common criticism of mining as an “old economy,” he argued that no new-age economy can be built without it.
He spoke about the Adani Group’s global and domestic clean energy initiatives — including the Carmichael Project in Australia and the massive renewable energy park under development at Khavda in Gujarat, one of the largest in the world. His message was clear: India is progressing responsibly, balancing development with environmental stewardship.
“Dream Boldly — Chase Those Dreams Relentlessly”
Concluding his address, Adani urged students to dream with courage and pursue those dreams with restlessness and discipline. “Do not be afraid to dream. Work tirelessly and help build India’s future,” he said. As he closed with a resonant “Jai Hind, Jai Bharat,” the auditorium erupted into a long, emotional standing ovation.
For many present, the moment felt larger than a ceremony — it was a reminder that the future of India lies in the hands of its young innovators, and that the energy of Dhanbad’s soil continues to power the nation’s aspirations.
