Devendra Bhai Centenary Celebration at IIT Delhi: Dialogue on Rural Development and Technological Innovation, Model of Self-Reliant Villages Praised
New Delhi. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi hosted a memorable event on 31 August to mark the centenary (1925–2025) of Gandhian thinker and rural development pioneer Dr. Devendra Bhai. The program brought together experts and scholars from across the country to deliberate on rural development, the use of new technologies, and the vision of self-reliant villages.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, the chief guest of the event, paid tribute to Devendra Bhai through a video message. He said: “I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Devendra Bhai. He presented engineering and science as instruments of rural progress. His life was a rare blend of science and service. He gave practical shape to Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of rural development.” Gadkari also praised Devendra Bhai’s model of self-reliant villages, calling it an inspiration for building a new India. Meanwhile, Dr. Vivek Kumar, Head of CRDT, also described the centenary celebration as a special occasion and emphasized the importance of rural development. He said that in the making of a new India, the role of developed villages has always been significant. The nation’s journey of progress will remain incomplete without its villages. Therefore, building developed villages is a collective responsibility for all of us
A Unique Blend of Science and Service
Inspired by Gandhian thought, Devendra Bhai connected science and technology with rural livelihood, self-reliance, and dignity. With support from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, he played a leading role in setting up the country’s first Rural Technology Center. Under his leadership, the “Science for Villages” movement was launched, bringing together scientists, engineers, artisans, and social workers to work on irrigation, energy, housing, sanitation, agricultural tools, rural industries, and women-centric technologies. For over two decades, he also edited the Science for Villages journal to spread rural science to the masses.
Inspired by Vinoba Bhave and Gandhi
Deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and Acharya Vinoba Bhave, Devendra Bhai actively participated in the Bhoodan movement and Sarvodaya work, living and working alongside landless farmers and the poor. He strongly believed that the solutions to rural problems must be found within the villages themselves, and that science must be adapted to local conditions and needs.
Why the Centenary Year 2025 is Special
The centenary of Devendra Bhai is not only a moment to remember his contributions but also an appeal to adopt his ideas and work in alignment with the needs of New India. His scientific outlook, environmental vision, and model of rural development remain as relevant today as they were during his lifetime.
