Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday inaugurated a series of education, sports, and technology infrastructure projects at Sambalpur University and the Sambalpur University Institute of Information Technology (SUIIT).
The minister dedicated a new indoor badminton stadium and laid foundation stones for multiple projects related to sports facilities, student hostels, and advanced teaching infrastructure at SUIIT. These projects are being developed under the PM-USHA scheme and with support from the Odisha government’s higher education infrastructure development grants. Pradhan further said the initiatives would play a key role in the university’s overall academic and institutional growth.
Highlighting the importance of innovation, Pradhan announced the establishment of Odisha’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning laboratory at Sambalpur University with the State government’s support. He noted that AI and emerging technologies have become essential across all disciplines and will soon be relevant to students from humanities, sciences, and technical backgrounds alike, according to reports.
The Union minister stressed that Sambalpur, with institutions such as Sambalpur University, Gangadhar Meher University, Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, IIM Sambalpur, and Odisha Open University, has the potential to emerge as a knowledge-driven economic hub. He called for coordinated efforts among these institutions to encourage students to move beyond job-seeking and develop an entrepreneurial mindset focused on wealth creation.
Referring to the university nearing its 60-year milestone, Pradhan underlined the need to build strong academic links between alumni and current students. He said the vision is to transform Sambalpur University into an innovative and entrepreneurship-oriented institution.
During the event, Pradhan also unveiled the official logo and jersey of the Hirakud International Half Marathon 2026, scheduled to be held on February 15 at Hirakud. In a post on X, he described the marathon as more than a sporting event, calling it a platform to promote fitness, tourism, and a healthy Odisha.
