Mangaluru, Jun 26: Prof Raghurama G, director, BITS Pilani, K K.Birla Goa Campus and eminent alumnus of St Aloysius College, delivered the endowment lecture on ‘How to be Future Ready?’ on Friday, June 22 at Fr L F Rasquinha Auditorium, St Aloysius College. Principal Fr Dr Praveen Martis presided over the function.

Fr Dr Praveen Martis in his presidential remarks said, “Prof Raghuram is an illustrious alumnus and he himself is a message to us. Students should have dreams and what you are today, what you become that is gift of god. Through independent thinking, patience and perseverance one can achieve anything. Science is a boon and you have to make best use of it.” He quoted C V Raman’s passion for sound and light.

The chief guest Prof Raghurama G, a senior professor of Electronics & Instrumentation in his lecture emphasized with the historical example of the great ‘Horse manure crisis’ and how technology helps to overcome it. He stressed on dramatic instincts and overdramatic worldview. He encouraged students to change their way of thinking and re-direct their energy into constructive activities. The illusion of scarcity can be abolished by technology since it is resource liberating mechanism. As much as 47% of all jobs will be automated by 2034 and we have to get ready for the future. Artificial intelligence, 3D printing and IOT (Internet of things) are rapidly developing. He also commented on the low employability of Indian Engineering students and said that, humanities should not be ignored since tomorrow we have to solve
society-based problems at all levels and our future depends on it. Social skills’, dealing with conflict and cultural differences, critical thinking and problem solving is need of the hour. He concluded with the statement, ‘Challenge ideas, not people’.

Around 450 students of undergraduate and postgraduate will be the beneficiaries of the programme.

During the programme, the college felicitated Prof Raghurama for his meritorious contribution in the field of Technology. He did his BSc at St Aloysius College (1975-78) and MSc from IIT, Madras (1980) with first rank. He obtained his PhD from IISc, Bengaluru (1985). He is an accomplished teacher, teaching and guiding students in the areas of Electornic Sciences, Computer Organization, Communication Engineering, Telecommunication Networks and Management.

Besides this, 30 academic achievers of Science stream at PU level were honoured by the College.

Dr A M Narahari, the registrar, Prof John D’Silva, director, Science block, Dr Ronald Nazareth, co-ordinator, Star College Scheme and Dr Narayana Bhat, the convenor of the programme were present.