IIT (ISM) Dhanbad Durga Puja pandal showcases critical minerals and semiconductors
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Dhanbad: Blending religious tradition with scientific innovation, the Durga Puja pandal at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad showcases critical minerals…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Dhanbad: Blending religious tradition with scientific innovation, the Durga Puja pandal at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad showcases critical minerals and semiconductors, highlighting their importance in modern electronics, clean energy, electric vehicles and India’s technological advancement.
The theme features the messages and “Critical Minerals for a Cleaner, Greener Future”, connecting the spirit of the festival with India’s aspirations for technological self-reliance and sustainable development.
Pandal Highlights Minerals Behind Modern Technology
The pandal features illuminated crystal formations representing lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper and rare earth elements, alongside semiconductor-inspired circuits and chip designs.
Through these creative displays, visitors can learn how critical minerals serve as essential raw materials for advanced electronics, renewable energy systems, electric vehicles and other emerging technologies.
The exhibits also highlight the role of semiconductors in powering everyday electronic devices and supporting India’s growing technology ecosystem.
IIT (ISM) Strengthens Research in Critical Minerals
The theme reflects IIT (ISM) Dhanbad’s growing contribution to research and innovation in critical minerals and semiconductor technology.
The institute’s Centre of Excellence for Critical Minerals (CoRE-MiN), recognised under the National Critical Mineral Mission in August 2025, was inaugurated by Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy on December 23, 2025.
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad also hosts a satellite campus of the India–UK Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory. The initiative, developed in collaboration with TEXMiN and the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Manufacturing, focuses on studying global critical mineral supply chains.
In another significant development, an indigenous semiconductor chip developed by an IIT (ISM) Dhanbad team was recently presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the institute’s contribution to India’s semiconductor ambitions.
Durga Puja Tradition Dates Back to 1977
Community Durga Puja celebrations at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad began in 1977 during the tenure of its then Director, Prof. G. S. Marwah.
Over the decades, the celebration has evolved into a longstanding campus tradition, bringing together faculty members, employees, students and their families.
The 2026 celebrations seek to combine devotion with scientific awareness, offering visitors an opportunity to explore technologies that are shaping India’s economic and industrial future.
Institute Leadership Highlights Science and Sustainability
Director Prof. Sukumar Mishra, chief patron of the organising committee for Shri Shri Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja and Kali Puja 2026, said, “This year’s pandal connects our cultural traditions with technologies important for India’s progress and sustainable development.”
Prof. M. K. Singh, Dean (Faculty) and president of the committee, said the theme encourages awareness of science, research and innovation.
Registrar Prabodh Pandey said the celebration strengthens campus unity while adding an educational dimension to the festivities.
Ranti Dev Sharma, Joint Registrar and general secretary of the committee, said the celebration reflects collective effort and highlights technologies that will shape the future.
Mritunjay Sharma, Public Relations Officer and joint secretary of the committee, said the pandal uses creative visual displays to make scientific concepts easier for visitors to understand.
By bringing together faith, scientific awareness and technological innovation, the IIT (ISM) Dhanbad Durga Puja pandal offers a distinctive perspective on India’s pursuit of technological self-reliance and a greener future.
