The Hindu : `Give human touch to technology'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 15, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka - Mangalore

`Give human touch to technology'

By Our Staff Correspondent

MANGALORE, MARCH 14. Despite the advances in medical science and allied technology, it is important for medical graduates to understand the underpinnings in society, the Vice-Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, has said. Professionals should give a human touch to technical advancements and should not be enslaved by them, he has added.

Delivering the convocation address at the Graduation Day and Awards Day ceremony of the Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, on Saturday, Prof. Pillai said professionals were responsible to society. Only when they recognised social realities and listened to the problems of the people would the society really benefit from their knowledge.

Declaring himself an "incorrigible optimist," he said society did not "civilise itself by chance or accident." Creative interpretation of knowledge and conviction were essential, he said and added that there was no end for learning.

Referring to the unique demography of India, where 60 per cent of the population was below 30 years of age, he said it was important to harness this youth power. When this was achieved, there would be no doubt that the country would emerge as a force to reckon with. Acknowledging India's proficiency in technical and professional education, he said planners should ensure that there were adequate institutions to give a fillip to research. Efforts in supplementing knowledge should be encouraged.

Prof. Pillai, however, sought to make a distinction between knowledge and information. Noting that knowledge society was a necessity in today's world, he said education should impart the necessary knowledge to a person to help him live harmoniously in a multi-cultural society.

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