The Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, unveiled books on science and technology authored by faculty and alumni of IIT Madras. The book launch took place on July 30 at the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

One of the books, titled 'Empowering India - Ideas for Action by Scientists and Engineers,' was written by Prof. T. Pradeep, a distinguished Padma Shri Awardee and Institute Professor from the Department of Chemistry at IIT Madras, along with Mr. Krishnan Narayanan, President of IITMAA and itihaasa Research and Digital. The book delves into ideas about what leading research and educational institutions should do for India@100. It identifies seven key focus areas and presents 30 recommendations along with numerous case studies in science, technology, and innovation to empower India and achieve sustainable development. The book also includes ten illustrations, each depicting a concept symbolizing India, both rural and urban, reimagined with elements of science and technology by an AI engine and a human artist.

Published by the Indian Academy of Sciences, the book is part of the IIT Madras Alumni Association's thought leadership efforts and incorporates insights from over 100 scientists, including about 40 alumni of IIT Madras. The proceeds from the book sales will be contributed to the cause of science through the Academy, as stated in an official statement by IIT Madras.

Another book, 'Mann ki Baat - Inspiring transformational capacity of a nation and its people,' authored by Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, Mr. Venkatraghavan K.S., Mr. Krishnan Narayanan, and Prof. V.R. Muraleedharan from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Madras, was also released. This book employs policy advocacy and complex living systems frameworks to analyze Mann Ki Baat and showcase how it has inspired the nation, contributing to the transformational capacity of the science and technology ecosystem in the country, particularly in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. As part of their research, the authors developed an MKB chatbot based on a large-language model.

Prof. T. Pradeep expressed optimism about the book, 'Empowering India - Ideas for Action by Scientists and Engineers,' stating that its 30 solid recommendations across seven specific areas could play a significant role in shaping a new India, positioning the country at its rightful place in 2047.