S.S. Sivasankar, Minister for Transport and Electricity, addressing the 3rd International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICNAN25), a four-day event, at Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, on Tuesday. G. Viswanathan, founder-chancellor, VIT, is also seen.
| Photo Credit: C. VENKATACHALAPATHY
The Tamil Nadu government is actively advancing higher education and research, said S.S. Sivasankar, Minister for Transport and Electricity.
The 3rd International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICNAN’25), a four-day event, commenced at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) University on Wednesday. In his address, the Minister said, “Nanotechnology is not merely a scientific field; it represents a true revolution. Nations leading in nanotechnology will dominate future industries.”
Mr. Sivasankar said that the Dravidian Model government integrates social justice with economic growth. It has transformed higher education, research, and skill development. Prioritising social justice, inclusivity, and human capital development, Tamil Nadu has risen to the second position in India’s Gross Domestic Product contribution. Sustainable economic growth must be inclusive and knowledge driven.
The Minister said that when the zero ticket bus scheme for women was launched in December 2021, 7.8 million women utilised bus services in the first three days alone. Today 57.81 lakh women benefit daily, with approximately 841 crore trips completed. Female students pursuing higher education form a significant portion of these users. States such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka have emulated this initiative.
The Dravidian Model government is committed to advancing higher education and research, particularly in addressing gender inequalities. Nanotechnology plays a pivotal role in developing high-performance batteries, durable solar technologies, and next-generation hydrogen systems, he said.
VIT Chancellor G. Viswanathan said, VIT secured the 7th place in India in the QS Sustainability Rankings, and advanced to 352nd position globally. “Improving this ranking further is our goal. For a nation to become developed, higher education is essential. Both Central and State governments must prioritise education. Health and education should remain top priorities for all governments.”
Nobel laureate and Professor at MIT, USA, Moungi Bawendi said, “Human kind has always been passionate about science and technology. Nano science and nano technology involve manipulating and engineering materials at the atomic scale. The aim is to discover new scientific properties and create novel materials with diverse applications. Nano science and nano technology gained momentum about 30 to 35 years ago.”
VIT vice-president Sekar Viswanathan, Executive Director Sandhya Pentareddy, vice-chancellor V.S. Kanchana Bhaaskaran, Pro vice-chancellor Partha Sharathi Mallick, and Centre for Nanotechnology Research Director and organizing chair Dr. Nirmala Grace participated.
Published – December 17, 2025 05:30 am IST
