Pune, Oct 8: The energy, intelligence and innovative thinking of the younger generation will be crucial to achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047, Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey said on Wednesday.

Dubey was speaking at the inauguration of AWTIS 2026, a three-day national conference on technology and innovation organised by Aryans Group of Companies at Hotel Vivanta, Hinjawadi.

“India is moving rapidly towards self-reliance in science, technology and green energy. The youth must utilise their intelligence, energy and innovative ideas for the country’s development,” Dubey said.

He said initiatives such as Make in India were helping strengthen India’s capabilities across sectors. From shipbuilding and semiconductor manufacturing to advanced batteries, the country was progressing towards greater self-reliance, he said.

Dubey urged young innovators and researchers to focus on developing indigenous and export-oriented products and contribute to research and manufacturing.

Padma Bhushan awardee and green energy expert Dr Jyestharaj Joshi said India has significant potential in biomass, biofuels and renewable energy. He said domestic manufacturing of reactors could save nearly Rs 100 crore per reactor, as an imported reactor costs around Rs 135 crore.

“India generates biomass in liquid, solid and gaseous forms, which represents a huge energy resource. Research has already demonstrated successful results in laboratories. The next challenge is to take these innovations to practical applications,” Joshi said.

Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu addressed the conference through video conferencing. He stressed the need to expand the use of modern technology beyond industrial applications to social, cultural and economic development. Technology should also be used to generate employment and improve public services, he said.

ISRO Deputy Director Navalkishore Gupta highlighted the growing importance of hydrogen as a fuel, particularly in the space sector. He said hydrogen could meet the enormous energy requirements of high-capacity rocket launches and called for greater research and technological development in hydrogen fuel.

Hydrogen technology expert Dr Raman Vedrajan also emphasised the need for advanced technologies for the wider use of hydrogen as a fuel.

Aryans Group CEO Manohar Jagtap said the conference has been planned in four phases. Two sessions will be held in Pune, followed by programmes in Delhi and Gujarat. The conference is showcasing various projects, products and innovations of the Aryans Group in line with the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

Aryans Group Chairman Mukund Jagtap, Executive Chairperson Smita Shitole-Jagtap and other dignitaries were present. Following the inauguration, Dubey visited the exhibition showcasing the group’s products and innovations. Aboli Supekar compered the programme.