Youth Key to Nation’s Growth in Era of 4th Industrial Revolution: Governor Gehlot
In a celebratory environment, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) hosted its 25th annual convocation at the Jnana-Sangama Campus in Belagavi, with a significant message delivered by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. Reflecting on the transformative wave brought by the fourth industrial revolution, the Governor emphasized the pivotal role of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), which are reshaping the world into a global village.
The Governor called upon India’s youth to assume a proactive position in national advancement. “The energy, culture, and engagement of our young minds are crucial for India’s economic growth, dovetailing with government initiatives,” said Governor Gehlot. He underscored the significance of national missions such as Startup India, Digital India, and Make in India, recognizing their contribution to crafting a robust ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship nationwide.
As startups burgeon throughout India, young entrepreneurs are rising as catalysts of change, offering innovative solutions in diverse sectors like healthcare, agriculture, clean energy, water management, and urban mobility. “Technological innovation turns challenges into opportunities, from irrigation in villages to urban transport and sustainable energy projects,” added Gehlot. The Governor also highlighted the vital role of cybersecurity and advocated for a harmonized approach to social, environmental, and economic growth by harnessing technology judiciously.
The occasion witnessed Governor Gehlot presenting gold medals to exceptional rank holders from various engineering disciplines, alongside prominent figures such as VTU Vice Chancellor Prof Vidyashankar S, Registrar Prof BE Rangaswamy, and Prof TN Sreenivasa.
Chief guest Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, principal scientific advisor to the Government of India, echoed the sentiment of empowering India’s technological landscape. He emphasized the necessity for India to secure technological sovereignty, particularly in AI, asserting, “In this era, AI is reimagining global work and competitive strategies.”
Amidst the academic celebrations, VTU conferred the honorary doctorate degree ‘Doctor of Science’ on three distinguished personalities: V Narayanan, chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and secretary of the Department of Space; Prashant Prakash, founder of Excel India; and CS Sunder Raju, chancellor of Atria University, Bengaluru. Their contributions highlight the intersection of science and leadership in shaping the future of Indian technology.
In a demonstration of exemplary academic achievement, Namrata C Prabhu, a civil engineering student from Oxford College of Engineering, Bengaluru, stood out as the highest accolade receiver with an impressive 13 gold medals. She was closely followed by Navyashree Ganpishetty from the RV Institute of Technology, Bengaluru’s Electronics and Communication department, who earned 11 gold medals. Karthik L of Bangalore Institute of Technology’s mechanical engineering course, and Kavana A from the GSSS Institute of Technology for Women in Mysuru’s Electrical and Electronics Engineering department, each garnered seven gold medals. Finally, Mohini V, from Dayanand Sagar Academy of Technology and Management’s Computer Science and Engineering class, accomplished six gold medals.
The convocation not only celebrated academic excellence but also highlighted the importance of nurturing young talents who will drive India’s growth in a technological landscape that grows more complex and interconnected by the day. As Governor Gehlot aptly noted, the dynamism of youth is the key to unlocking the prospects of a thriving nation in the era of the 4th industrial revolution.
