Mangaluru: Prof. Raghurama G., Director, BITS Pilani, K.K. Birla Goa Campus and eminent Alumnus of St Aloysius College, delivered the endowment lecture on “How to be Future Ready?” at the Fr L F Rasquinha Auditorium, St. Aloysius College, Mangaluru on June 22.
Principal, Rev. Dr. Praveen Martis SJ, presided over the function. The Principal in his presidential remarks said that Prof. Raghuram is an illustrious alumnus and he himself is a message to us. He also said that students should have dreams and what you are today, what you become that is a gift from God. He stressed the fact that through independent thinking, patience, and perseverance one can achieve anything. Science is a boon and you have to make the best use of it. He quoted Sir C.V. Raman’s passion for sound and light.
The Chief Guest, Prof. Raghurama G., a Senior Professor of Electronics & Instrumentation in his lecture emphasized with the historical example of the great ‘horse manure crisis’ and how technology helps to overcome it. He stressed on dramatic instincts and overdramatic worldview. He encouraged students to change their way of thinking and re-direct their energy into constructive activities. The illusion of scarcity can be abolished by technology since it is resource liberating mechanism. 47% of all jobs will be automated by 2034 and we have to get ready for the future. Artificial intelligence, 3D printing and IOT (Internet of things) are rapidly developing.
He also commented on the low employability of Indian Engineering students and said that humanities should not be ignored since tomorrow we have to solve society-based problems at all levels and our future depends on it. Social skills, dealing with conflict and cultural differences, critical thinking and problem solving are the need of the hour. He concluded with the statement, “Challenge ideas, not people.”
Around 450 students of undergraduate and postgraduate benefited from the programme.
During this programme, the college felicitated Prof. Raghurama for his meritorious contribution to the field of Technology. He did his B.Sc. at St Aloysius College (1975-78) and M.Sc. from IIT, Madras (1980) with First Rank. He obtained his Ph.D. from IISc, Bengaluru (1985). He is an accomplished teacher, teaching and guiding students in the areas of Electronic Sciences, Computer Organization, Communication Engineering, Telecommunication Networks, and Management.
Besides this, 30 academic achievers of Science stream at PU level were honoured by the College.
Dr. A.M. Narahari, the Registrar, Prof. John D’Silva, Director, Science Block, Dr. Ronald Nazareth, Co-ordinator, Star College Scheme and Dr. Narayana Bhat, the Convenor of the programme were present.
John E. D’Silva welcomed the gathering. Jyothi Vaz, Dept of Chemistry compered the programme. Sonal Caren D’Souza, Dept. of Statistics proposed a vote of thanks.
