Rapid advances in science and technology are reshaping human life, reducing physical effort while simultaneously altering interpersonal relationships and humanity's bond with nature, said former ISRO chairman AS Kiran Kumar at the 75th annual convocation of Karnatak University in Dharwad on Thursday.
Kiran Kumar's Convocation Address
Delivering the convocation address, he observed that humans today possess the capability to travel beyond Earth and are preparing to establish habitats on nearby planets. While earlier generations had more time to adapt to gradual changes, the current pace of transformation is rapid and is profoundly impacting individuals, communities, and nations.
Addressing the graduating students, he said they are stepping into a crucial phase of life, transitioning from a structured academic environment to a more uncertain and challenging world. This stage, he noted, demands intelligence, adaptability, and courage. Education must prepare individuals for such transitions, but the true measure of success lies in how one navigates life's journey. Providing quality education remains a major challenge globally, especially amid fast-paced technological advancements, he said.
Cautioning against over-reliance on existing technologies, Kiran Kumar said merely using available tools may not be sufficient to solve future problems and could even leave individuals lagging behind. He stressed the importance of self-reflection, continuous learning, and the ability to cope with the consequences of scientific progress.
Honours and Achievements
The convocation witnessed a shower of honours, with 113 students securing as many as 274 gold medals, while 252 candidates, including 172 men and 80 women, were awarded PhDs. More than 100 students from various streams also received cash certificates.
Among the top achievers, Shreyas (MA Kannada) and Aditya Yaligar (MA Journalism and Mass Communication) bagged the highest number of gold medals (11) each. Sindhu Sureban (Mathematics) secured 10 gold medals, while Shweta Bhat (BSc), Sameena Karnool (Sociology), and Pranav Karjigimath (Political Science) won seven gold medals each. Sulaksha Nayak (BEd) received five gold medals, adding to the list of meritorious students.
Governor's Address
Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot, higher education minister M C Sudhakar, and other dignitaries presented the gold medals and doctoral degrees. In his address, the governor urged students to work hard to achieve their dreams and emphasised the crucial role of youth in shaping India's future. He highlighted the importance of digital literacy in an increasingly competitive world and reminded graduates that failure is a part of life and should be seen as a stepping stone to success.
The governor also conferred honorary doctorates on Achyuta Samanta, G S Sangreshi and Jitendra Majethia for their contributions to education, administration, and social service.
