Kandi (Hyderabad), Feb 27: UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi today said that science and technology must act as powerful force against narrow-minded bigotry and intolerance.

Addressing a gathering of students and delegates after laying the foundation stone of a new IIT at Kandi village in Medak district of Andhra Pradesh, Sonia said, "Education should impart the values of a modern liberal society that derive strength by respecting and celebrating it''s many diversities."

Sonia also said that given time and adequate resources, IIT Medak would also make its own impact.

"I''m confident that IIT Medak too will start making its presence felt and will begin to make its own impact," she added.

The new campus will provide relief to the students and faculty who have been attending classes in a makeshift campus located on the premises of the Ordnance Factory Medak (OFM).

Sonia is on a two-day visit to the state and is expected to attend several programmes including public meetings. (ANI)