THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized on Wednesday that innovative ideas from students will play a pivotal role in shaping the state’s future. Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘CM-YIP Meet’, he urged linking education with real-world solutions to social challenges.
Interacting with winners of the Young Innovators Programme (YIP), Vijayan expressed delight at how young students are identifying societal needs early and developing practical solutions. From household issues to travel and health concerns, these young minds are tackling diverse problems, boosting their confidence immensely.
He noted that such initiatives strongly support the vision of building a new Kerala. During the session, the CM also addressed opportunities for higher education abroad, highlighting a new system led by NORKA to protect students from fraud.
A dedicated app has been developed to help assess the credibility and standards of foreign institutions. Vijayan reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to elevating Kerala’s higher education to global standards, with universities rapidly gaining national recognition.
Encouraging students to aim beyond job-seeking, he pushed for them to become job-creators through startups. Highlighting Kerala’s investment climate, Vijayan pointed to the state’s peaceful and stable social environment as a key attractor for investors.
He recounted a recent meeting with representatives of a major industrial group proposing a massive ₹3 lakh crore investment, who cited Kerala’s peace and stability as prime reasons for choosing the state. Maintaining this environment, he said, is among Kerala’s greatest strengths.
Sharing personal anecdotes of overcoming hardships during his school and college days, Vijayan inspired the audience. The event featured an exhibition of prototypes developed by over 300 YIP winners, along with certificate distribution.
Led by K-DISC, the Young Innovators Programme has become the world’s largest innovation initiative, engaging over 1.2 million participants aged 13 to 37, providing technical and financial support to turn ideas into working prototypes.