Public Relations, Culture and Mineral Resources Minister Laxmikant Sharma has said that modern technical know-how must be used for eradicating illiteracy, poverty and hunger from the face of the earth. He said that engineering helps solve problems of real life easily. That is why it has an important role in the betterment of human life. New dimensions of economic development can be achieved with the help of this vast treasure of knowledge. Sharma was addressing the 15th International ISME Conference and three-day seminar on mechanical engineering at Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalay here today. Those present at the seminar titled 'New Horizons of Mechanical Engineering' included Prof Dijemedo Kondo of France, former director of IIT Kharagpur Padmashri Prof KL Chopra, former director of IIT Madras and former chairman of All India Council for Technical Education Prof R Natarajan, former BHEL chair at IIT, Delhi and Director Research ALTAIR Dr JS Rao and Vice-Chancellor of Bangalore University Prof NR Shetty. Sharma said that Madhya Pradesh is progressing fast in the field of technical education. The state is also rich in mineral wealth, he said adding that new deposits of diamonds, platinum, nickel, gold and silver have been found in Madhya Pradesh. The minister exhorted the engineers taking part in the seminar to develop new technologies for all round development of the state as well as country so that ours become a leading nation in the world. Earlier while welcoming the guests, RGPV vice-chancellor Prof PB Sharma highlighted importance of the international seminar. He said that prosperity could be achieved only through spread of knowledge. Invitee experts also shed light in detail on the subject. Ideas of new possibilities in mechanical engineering and inventions were exchanged. Over 110 research papers would be presented in 21 session during this three-day seminar. Sharma also released a souvenir on the seminar and collection of research papers. He honoured the guests with shawl, shriphal and citations. Sharma and all other guests were presented mementoes. Ms Noin Khaleeq conducted the programme while co-ordinator of the seminar Prof VK Sethi proposed the vote of thanks. Teachers, researchers and students of the colleges affiliated to RGPV were present in large number.