- President graces convocation ceremony of IIIT Lucknow
- Take a pledge that children born after India completes 100 years of independence live in a prosperous India with inclusive development
- UP govt contributes in development of major cities as AI and IT hubs: President
- Give importance to emotional intelligence along with artificial intelligence: President
By Our Correspondent
Lucknow: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said that India has the strength of 5 Ds (Demand, Demography, Democracy, Desire, and Dream), which are beneficial in the journey of development. “A decade ago, our economy was at the 11th position, but today, it is the fifth-largest, and by 2030, it aims to become the third-largest in the world. India is one of the world’s youngest nations, with over 55 percent of the population below 25 years”, she remarked.
The President was present as the Chief Guest at the second convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Lucknow on Tuesday. In her address, she said, “Our vision is to make India a developed nation by 2047. Everyone should not only be part of this vision, but also contribute wholeheartedly to its realization.”
She added: “Take the pledge that children born after India completes 100 years of independence live in a prosperous India with inclusive development.” The President presented degrees and medals to meritorious students, and wished them a bright future.
The President recited the verse, ‘Vidya Dadati Vinayam, Vinya Dadati Patrataam. Patratvant Dhanamaproti Dhanat Dharmam Tatah Sukham’, emphasizing that humility comes from knowledge, eligibility from humility and wealth from eligibility whereas wealth leads to religion and religion brings happiness. She expressed hope that by aligning with the institution’s guiding principles, individuals would contribute to a strong and prosperous future for society and the nation.
She mentioned that AI is becoming an essential tool in simplifying human life and enhancing productivity. Through its extensive applications, AI and machine learning are impacting all aspects of life. AI and machine learning are presenting numerous opportunities for significant improvements in our skills and efficiency in fields such as healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, smart cities, smart mobility, transportation, etc.
The President mentioned that the Indian government published the National AI Strategy in 2018, and the Uttar Pradesh government has initiated efforts to develop major cities as AI and IT hubs. It is essential to address the ethical dilemmas arising from the use of AI, whether it be the problem of unemployment due to automation, widening economic inequality, or the human biases in AI outcomes. Creative solutions need to be sought for every problem, she pointed out.
“It is crucial to pay attention to emotional intelligence along with AI, treating it not as an end but as a means. The objective should be to enhance the quality of human life. Every decision we make should benefit even the most marginalized individuals at the lowest stratum”, she added.
The President highlighted that the IIIT Lucknow has been conferred the status of an Institute of National Importance by an Act of Parliament. It serves as a benchmark for competence, capability, and efficiency. “The nation and society hope that you will not only adhere to the highest standards in the field of education, but also establish dimensions of excellence and supremacy that serve as inherent benchmarks, she stressed.
She said that the education provided by IIIT in subjects like engineering, technology and business, the teachers providing education and all the students receiving education stand at the pinnacle of the academic world.
The President said that the idea of acquiring knowledge in regional languages by making IIIT the foundation of Indian tradition is a positive step. This initiative will prove to be a significant stride in overcoming obstacles to knowledge enhancement due to linguistic limitations.
She mentioned that the establishment of an incubation center, the Centre for Research and Entrepreneurship in Emerging Technologies and Innovation (CREATE), emphasizing that the role of research and development in bringing solutions to societal challenges and real-world problems, is commendable.
“IIIT Lucknow is committed to preparing students for the challenges ahead in society and industry and meeting the growing demands over time. Noteworthy is its pioneering step as the first institution in the country to launch an MBA program in digital business, aligning with the vision of the new education policy. This initiative not only aids in preparing students for the digital age but is also in line with the vision of Digital India”, the President added.
In the convocation ceremony, the Chancellor/Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Chairman of the Board of Governors of IIIT Lucknow Padmanabh Mafatlal, and Director of IIIT Lucknow Dr. Arun Mohan Sherry, were present.
