Former Atomic Energy Chief Highlights Global Challenges at NIT Goa Graduation
Panaji: At the 11th convocation ceremony of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Goa, Padma Vibhushan awardee and former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India, Anil Kakodkar, delivered a powerful address to graduating students. He identified climate change, environmental degradation, and growing human disconnect as some of the most disturbing trends threatening our existence today.
Unprecedented Challenges and Opportunities
Kakodkar stated, "You all are graduating at a time of unprecedented global challenges, but that also brings with it unprecedented opportunities." He elaborated that the accelerated pace of change, primarily driven by rapidly evolving technology, alongside issues like intolerance and ecological decline, presents a complex landscape for the new generation.
He expressed concern over these trends, noting they appear to threaten our very survival. However, Kakodkar remained optimistic, pointing out that humanity is actively forging ahead by leveraging new technologies to fulfill human needs and aspirations. "Amid all this, humanity is forging ahead leveraging new technologies to fulfil human needs and aspirations and further attempts to make this world hopefully a better place," he affirmed.
Technology as a Tool for Equity and Development
Kakodkar emphasized that while striving to make India a global leader, it is crucial to ensure the best possible quality of life for all citizens. He highlighted a significant economic issue: "As economy grows, wealth tends to concentrate at the top socio-economic level. One needs to realise a more equitable income across levels."
He pointed to modern knowledge-era technologies as facilitators for decentralization and democratization. Kakodkar stressed the urgent need to bridge the urban-rural gap, stating, "Empowering rural youth is crucial to do away with social disparity." He believes that these circumstances offer plenty of opportunities for each individual to shape a better tomorrow.
NIT Goa's Role in a Changing World
Kakodkar also commented on the institute itself, noting that a new institution like NIT Goa has abundant opportunities to align with the changing needs of the times. This aligns with the institute's ongoing progress, as highlighted by director Omprakash Jaiswal.
Jaiswal stated that NIT Goa is continuing its steady progress as a growing institution of national importance. The full-scale functioning of the institute from its permanent campus at Cuncolim marks a significant stage in NIT's evolution, providing a solid foundation for future development.
Convocation Ceremony Details
The 11th convocation ceremony was held at the institute's campus in Cuncolim. A total of 216 graduates were awarded degrees, with the breakdown as follows:
- 162 BTech degrees
- 20 MTech degrees
- 24 PhDs
This event not only celebrated academic achievements but also served as a platform for inspiring the next generation of engineers and technologists to address pressing global issues through innovation and equity-focused approaches.
