Mangaluru: Commemorating the 15th anniversary of laying the foundation stone of St Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor, Mangaluru, on February 11, the sixth Foundation Day Lecture was delivered by Prof KJ Rao, emeritus professor, Ramanna Fellow (Senior), Solid state and Structural Chemistry Unit at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, at Spoorthi Hall.

Speaking on the occasion, Fr Joseph Lobo, director of SJEC spoke of the fascinating journey and milestones accomplished by SJEC in becoming an instrument of transformation for its students. He remembered the contribution of everybody involved with SJEC and mentioned that at SJEC, people added life to their years in contrast to the normal addition of years to life. Fr Lobo extended a hearty welcome to Dr KJ Rao, whom he described as a man of immense knowledge and wisdom, and known for his immense contributions to his profession and society.

With the oration, titled 'Advances in Science and Technology, A New Civilizational Challenge', Prof Rao left the audience captivated by putting forth the fascinating progress of science and technology and its influence on society and mankind. Drawing generously from his vast and varied experiences as a premier scientist, Prof Rao inspired and motivated the young engineering students of SJEC to get involved in the process of innovation. Prof Rao provided a summary of the state-of-the-art in various fields of science and technology, such as emerging computing capabilities of optical, quantum, and DNA computing, Li-Fi mode of communications, satellite delivery systems, supercomputers, world of qubits and quantum computing, Hyperloop mode of surface travel, disruptive technologies such as 3-D printing of houses, body organs, orthopaedic and dental implants, the fascinating and frightening world of drones, self-driving automobiles, new age self-balancing human form robots, Internet of Things and its possible taking over of human interference on multiple disciplines and professions, Big Data analysis and Artificial Intelligence.

By presenting the progress made on each of the above listed technologies, Prof Rao also provided estimates of their penetration and growth over the next 20-50 years. He spoke about how philosophers and scientists are worried about the growth of Artificial Intelligence and automation and its definite impact on employment of humans. By providing examples of robots replacing millions of humans in various trades, Prof Rao warned of almost every sector of industry and farming becoming machine driven. In this scenario, he asked the audience to think about the need of Universal Basic Income as a possible solution to ensure basic sustenance of humans. Universal Basic Income was spoken about prior to the budget session, but found no mention in the Union Budget 2017.

Concluding his address, Prof Rao proclaimed that science must teach humanity as it goes along. Warning against dangerous sentiments such as eugenics, Prof Rao called for the emergence of a moral society than just a modern society.

Following the felicitation of Prof Rao by the members of the management, Gandhimathinathan, assistant professor of electronics and communication department proposed the vote of thanks.

Dr Joseph Gonsalvis, principal of SJEC was present.