*Chief Minister Inaugurates the ‘Make in Silicon’ Symposium*

Raipur, / Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today inaugurated the two-day national symposium “Make in Silicon” at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Naya Raipur, marking the 10th Foundation Day of the institution. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described the event as a pivotal step toward advancing India’s journey in semiconductor manufacturing and technological self-reliance.

The Chief Minister noted that Chhattisgarh is celebrating its Silver Jubilee year while the nation marks the 150th anniversary of the song Vande Mataram. Extending greetings to the people of the state and the IIIT community, he said the institution, named after eminent educationist Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, symbolizes the fusion of education, unity, and industrial progress essential for national development.

Shri Sai highlighted India’s rapid march toward technological independence under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “India has achieved historic progress through the Semiconductor Mission, electronics manufacturing, and chip design initiatives,” he said. “This mission is not just about infrastructure—it is about empowering youth and fueling innovation.”

The Chief Minister emphasized that semiconductors form the backbone of modern life, powering mobile phones, satellites, defense systems, and artificial intelligence. He said initiatives like Make in Silicon would provide crucial momentum to India’s chip revolution. “Chhattisgarh is fully prepared to play an active role in this national mission,” he declared.

He further added that the state’s new Industrial Policy includes special provisions for the semiconductor sector. “Chhattisgarh offers skilled human resources, robust industrial infrastructure, uninterrupted power supply, and a conducive environment for technological growth,” he said. “The foundation stone has already been laid for a semiconductor unit in Naya Raipur, which will generate direct and indirect employment for the youth. Naya Raipur is being developed as a hub for IT and innovation.”

The Chief Minister also referred to the state’s Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision Document, which focuses on sustainable development and identifies semiconductors as a priority area. “The state government is now emphasizing not only the Ease of Doing Business but also the Speed of Doing Business,” he added.

Welcoming experts, academicians, and representatives from across the country, Shri Sai said the symposium would benefit not just Chhattisgarh but the entire nation. “Let us work together to make Chhattisgarh the center of knowledge, technology, and innovation in Central India and contribute actively to India’s Semiconductor Mission,” he urged.

Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary, addressing the gathering, recalled his student days when Chhattisgarh lacked a single national-level institution. “Due to the visionary leadership of former Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh, we now have premier institutions such as IIT, IIM, HNLU, AIIMS, NIT, and IIIT in the state,” he said. “These institutions have given Chhattisgarh a new identity in higher education and research.”

He observed that the state has immense potential in education and technology today. “We live in an era driven by technology,” he remarked. “The recent global disruption caused by Microsoft’s server outage shows how deeply technology influences our lives, economy, and global systems. We must prepare now to face such challenges.”

Encouraging students, he said, “Innovation, skill, and competence will determine your true value in the future. Great achievements come only to those who continually refine their abilities. Change begins with vision, determination, and consistent effort.” Citing South Korea’s technological transformation, he added, “We too must invest heavily in education, technology, and research to achieve self-reliance.”

The Finance Minister called upon the youth to make technical proficiency, research, and creative thinking the foundation of their lives. “The future belongs to those who transform knowledge and innovation into strength,” he concluded.

Higher Education Minister TankRam Verma described the Make in Silicon symposium as a major initiative toward making India self-reliant in the semiconductor and industrial sectors. “Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, our educational institutions are playing a vital role in promoting research and innovation in this field,” he said. “Under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s leadership, the state government is continuously working to strengthen higher education and the technology ecosystem. Your innovation and determination will take India’s technological identity to new heights,” he told the students.

IIIT Naya Raipur Director Prof. Om Prakash Vyas presented an overview of the institute’s achievements over the past decade, emphasizing its focus on teaching, research, and innovation aligned with the concept of Developed India. He said the institute is advancing skill development and capacity building through industry-driven projects and advanced technical training.

The event was attended by Prof. Mukul Sutawane, Director of IIIT Allahabad; Prof. Santosh Vishwakarma of IIT Indore; Shri Manoj Kumar Majumdar; distinguished academicians; and a large number of students.

Notably, Make in Silicon – The National Symposium on Indigenous Semiconductor Infrastructure is being organized by the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) at IIIT Naya Raipur, led by its Microelectronics and VLSI Design Group. The symposium aims to strengthen India’s semiconductor capabilities and promote the development of a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem.

It serves as a vibrant platform for collaboration among academia, industry, and research institutions to advance innovation and knowledge exchange—paving the way for India’s leadership in the global semiconductor arena.

The discussions focus on cutting-edge technologies in VLSI design and microelectronics, including nanoelectronics, MEMS, quantum devices, and academia-industry partnerships. Progress in these areas will not only drive technological innovation but also bridge the gap between research and industrial growth.

Under the National Semiconductor Mission, this initiative seeks to accelerate self-reliance and innovation in semiconductor equipment, packaging, and flexible electronics. With active participation from policymakers, researchers, and startups, the symposium emphasizes skill development, supply-chain strengthening, and sustainable manufacturing. The event aligns with the spirit of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission, marking a significant stride toward establishing India as a global hub for semiconductor innovation and production.

*India Celebrates 150 Years of Vande Mataram with National Fervor*

*’A Song of Unity and Gratitude’: CM Sai Joins Nation in Vande Mataram 150th Celebration*

*CM Sai Hails Vande Mataram as the Spiritual Heartbeat of India’s Freedom Journey*

*Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Unveils Photo Exhibition and Calls Vande Mataram India’s Moral Compass*

Raipur, / Across the whole country today, the nation’s collective voice rose in unison to sing Vande Mataram on the 150th anniversary of the country’s national song – an anthem that once stirred a sleeping nation into awakening. In Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai joined senior officials and staff at the Mahanadi Bhawan Secretariat for a spirited group rendition of the song, as the air filled with echoes of patriotism and gratitude. The Chief Minister also participated virtually in the national ceremony held in New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, described Vande Mataram as “a stirring expression of the devotion of Mother India.” He said that the collective singing of Vande Mataram creates “a rhythm, a resonance, and a harmony that touches the heart.” The Prime Minister emphasized that the song’s essence lies in its invocation of Bharat Mata – representing India’s eternal identity, independent spirit, and cultural continuity.

“Vande Mataram was not merely a song during the freedom struggle; it was the battle cry of India’s awakening,” PM Narendra Modi said. “It inspired revolutionaries to break the chains of servitude and gave strength to dream of a free India. Within it resides the saga of our ancient civilization, our cultural richness, and our prosperity.”

He noted that the song’s power transcends time: “It remains as relevant today as it was during the freedom movement — a timeless anthem that continues to stir the nation’s soul.”

Extending greetings to the people of Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described Vande Mataram as a “symbol of boundless love, gratitude, and sacred duty toward the motherland.” He said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the nation came together in one voice to pay homage to the motherland through the collective singing of Vande Mataram.

CM Vishnu Deo Sai observed that the yearlong commemoration, inaugurated by the Prime Minister today, marks a “glorious milestone in the journey of this immortal creation.”
He noted that the release of a commemorative coin dedicated to Vande Mataram adds a tangible memory to this historical moment.

Calling it “a poetic embodiment of India’s strength, prosperity, and divinity,” the Chief Minister reflected on its role in uniting generations around a shared sense of national pride and self-respect. He said, “This song is an awakening — a call that has kept the lamp of unity and dignity alive across centuries.”

*A Song Born of Reverence and Revolution*

Chief Minister Sai recounted that Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay composed Vande Mataram on November 7, 1875, later including it in his landmark novel Anandamath.
“Conceived as a hymn to the motherland,” the Chief Minister said, “it became the most powerful inspiration of the freedom movement.” Countless revolutionaries, he recalled, “sacrificed their lives chanting Vande Mataram with a smile.” He highlighted its pivotal role during the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, when the song emerged as the unifying cry against the partition of Bengal. “From north to south, east to west,” he said, “it became a mantra of cultural unity and patriotism.”

“When one hears Vande Mataram,” CM Sai said, “the heart fills with energy, pride, and devotion. It reminds us that our soil, our water, our food, and our culture are the life-giving forces of our nation.”
He drew a striking cultural contrast: “In Europe, the land is called ‘Fatherland,’ but in India, we call it ‘Motherland.’ As the Ramayana says, Janani Janmabhoomishcha Swargadapi Gariyasi — one’s mother and motherland are greater than heaven itself. Vande Mataram was born of that same eternal emotion.”

*A Pledge for the Future: “Dedicated to Bharat Mata and Chhattisgarh Mahatari”*

The Chief Minister said the initiative offers younger generations a profound opportunity to understand the struggles of the past and the role of Vande Mataram in shaping India’s independence movement.
He called upon citizens to take a renewed vow — to dedicate themselves to building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and Viksit Chhattisgarh, in devotion to Bharat Mata and Chhattisgarh Mahatari.

During the national ceremony, Prime Minister Modi released a commemorative coin and postal stamp marking the 150th anniversary and inaugurated the “Vande Bharat Portal” (vandematram150.in) – a digital platform allowing citizens to record their own renditions of Vande Mataram and become part of this living heritage. “This initiative,” he said, “offers every Indian the chance to lend their voice to the country’s timeless legacy.”

*An Exhibition of Memory and Pride*

In Raipur, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also inaugurated a photo exhibition at the Mahanadi Bhawan Secretariat dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The exhibition traces the song’s journey – from its creation by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay to its rise as the anthem of national consciousness.

Calling the exhibition “an inspiring visual chronicle,” CM Sai said it illuminates untold stories from India’s freedom struggle and reflects the nation’s indomitable spirit. “Such exhibitions,” he remarked, “connect the youth with the deeper emotional and philosophical roots of India’s independence and the enduring inspiration of Vande Mataram.” In the echoes of Vande Mataram, India once again found its voice — one of devotion, unity, and destiny.

Among those present during the occasion were Member of Parliament Chintamani Maharaj, Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Department of Culture Dr. Rohit Yadav, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rahul Bhagat, Mukesh Bansal, P. Dayanand, and Dr. Basavaraju S., along with other senior officials and staff.