A week long centenary celebration of the IIT(ISM) Dhanbad began today when Principal Secretary to Prime Minister P.K.Mishra.

Mr.Mishra who had landed in Dhanbad from Delhi on Tuesday,is a retired IAS officer of 1972 batch. He belongs to Gujarat cadre and serves as the 13th and current Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi. 

Mr. Mishra lauded the past of this premier institution and hoped it is designed to contribute to the economic growth of the country by making available technologically sound students in mining and multi disciplinary subjects.

After he delivered the prestigious Foundation Day Address, followed by centenary announcements, awards, a grand drone show was showcased.

In fact, the celebration highlights evolution of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad from a premier mining school to a modern, multidisciplinary IIT contributing to India’s scientific, industrial and technological landscape during the past 100 years and its future focus on technology and sustainability.

Founded in 1926 on the model of the Royal School of Mines, London, the institute began as the Indian School of Mines and Applied Geology, envisioned by Lord Irwin and shaped by pioneering British and Indian geologists.

Over the last century, it has expanded into engineering, earth sciences, AI, energy systems, computational sciences and frontier research directly aligned with national priorities.

Also, the celebration reflects the rising national relevance of IIT(ISM) at a time when India is strengthening its capabilities in areas such as critical minerals, energy transition, advanced mining systems and high-end digital technologies. Senior representatives from DRDO, energy majors, public administration, and global industry bodies are also expected at the inaugural ceremony.

The opening session began with Vedic chants, followed by an Amrit Kaal Vimarsh on “Viksit Bharat @ 2047”, aimed at shaping India’s technological and academic priorities for the next two decades.

Another major highlight was the inauguration of the Gyan Vigyan Prangan, a large-scale innovation arena showcasing 3D metaverse mining tools, next-generation seismology systems, AI-driven digital twins, robotics platforms and clean-energy innovations.

IIT (ISM) director Sukumar Mishra has said the centenary marked both a moment of pride and a renewed responsibility.

“The last hundred years have shaped IIT(ISM) into an institution that serves India’s most crucial scientific and technological needs. As we enter our next century, our commitment is to push the frontiers of knowledge in critical minerals, clean energy, AI and future mining systems while continuing to serve the nation with integrity and innovation.”
journey and its expanding global footprint.

The centenary celebration -week will conclude on December 9, with Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani attending as chief guest.