Dehradun/Haridwar, Sept. 6 -- Union minister of state (independent charge) for science and technology and earth sciences Jitendra Singh on Friday urged IIT Roorkee to leverage its unique geographical location and academic strengths to take up Himalayan studies with a special focus on disaster management, resilience and sustainable growth. Delivering the convocation address as chief guest at the convocation of IIT Roorkee, Dr Singh said the institute's location in the fragile Himalayan belt made its role critical not only in disaster response but also in preparing what he called a "peacetime calendar" of building resilience, innovation and long-term development. "With your versatile academics and deep connection to the region, IIT Roorkee can become a leader in Himalayan studies ranging from disaster management to the aromatic economy. Your work can set benchmarks for sustainable development in the country," he said. Founded in 1847 as Asia's first engineering college, IIT Roorkee is today among the country's top-ranked institutions. Dr Singh noted that the institute had been ranked sixth in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) announced this week. htc...