President Droupadi Murmu, on Tuesday, said that India had the strength of 5 Ds – Demand, Demography, Democracy, Desire and Dream – which were 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 per cent of the population below 25 years,” she remarked.
President Murmu 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 realisation.”
She said: “Take the pledge that the children born after India completes 100 years of independence live in a prosperous India with inclusive development.”
President Murmu said artificial intelligence (AI) and other contemporary technological developments offered unlimited transformative possibilities, but it was important to address “ethical dilemmas” arising out of their use.
She said artificial intelligence was becoming an essential tool in simplifying human life and enhancing productivity. She said through its extensive applications, AI and machine learning were 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, she added.
“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 marginalised individuals at the lowest stratum.” she said.
President Murmu pointed out that the IIIT-Lucknow has been conferred the status of an institute of national importance by an Act of Parliament and 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 idea of acquiring knowledge in regional languages by making IIIT the foundation of Indian tradition was a positive step. This initiative will prove to be a significant stride in overcoming obstacles to knowledge enhancement due to linguistic limitations, she added.
She mentioned that the establishment of an incubation centre, the Centre for Research and Entrepreneurship in Emerging Technologies and Innovation, 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 programme 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,” President Murmu added.
In the convocation ceremony, 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.
