Bengaluru: Krishna Byre Gowda, Minister of Agriculture and Pro-Chancellor, University of Agricultural Sciences, inaugurated the 8th National Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) conference on “Engendering Technological Excellence in Higher Education” organised by the (IQAC) on January 19 at Kristu Jayanti College.
In his Inaugural address, Krishna Byre Gowda said, “Science is opening up unimaginable frontiers and the only variable in the equation is us. We need to infect ourselves with drive and passion. Technology is a tool in our hands-if we don’t have the capability to harness and use it to its full potential, then we should consider it as our failure. We should instill in us a drive for excellence in every sphere and higher education is a platform for us to inculcate this culture. Future leaders are those who master the rapid change taking place in every domain of life in this generation.”
In a humorous tone he said Indians are masters in “juggad” that is patchwork and such frugal innovation is not enough. He gave an example by pointing out that India has been a dominant player in the IT sector for 25 years now, but is still not the head of IT sector. “We need to be better equipped, competitive and armed with the tools of the ever evolving world. Instead of focusing on jingoistic nationalism, we need to stay ahead of the change happening globally, and be noticed and relevant in the changing times. We need to do something new.”
In his keynote address, Aravind Srinivas, Dean, Ion Academy, TATA consultancy services (TCS) stressed on the fading of campus boundaries. Anything could be learnt from anywhere along with the growth of technology, he said.
“Teachers are digital immigrants who are now slowly getting accustomed to new technology. The students on the other hand are digital natives who are born in the technological age. Learning is an ongoing process .What we need now is a change in teaching style to sync with the learning style. We need to explore and experience new technology. We have to co-create the IT system to satisfy the changing needs of the students. Leaders should start accepting change,” he added.
He concluded by saying, “We should change, connect and collaborate with everyone.” His precise and analytical keynote delivered the message that technology and education should co-exist. “Also, notions like dematerialising documents, security digital evaluation, data management, collaborative learning programme and content publishing are some of the technologically alternative delivery modes,” he said.
The other dignitaries present during the inauguration of the two-day conference were Fr. Josekutty P D, Principal; Fr. Augustine George, Vice Principal; Dr. Aloysius Edward, Dean, Faculty of Commerce and Management and Convener of the Conference; Dr. Calistus Jude, Dean, Faculty of Sciences and Prof. Ramya, Member of IQAC.
