Harness technology with ethics and adaptability, Professor L.M. Patnaik tells graduates at Gulbarga University convocation

Emphasising that globalisation and rapid technological advancement are reshaping the world in unprecedented ways, Professor L.M. Patnaik, former vice-chancellor of the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (Deemed University), Pune, called upon young graduates to combine technological excellence with ethics, adaptability and social responsibility.

Addressing the 43rd annual convocation of Gulbarga University on February 24, Prof. Patnaik said the world is passing through critical times marked by ‘conflict, strife, intolerance and economic challenges’. He stated that ‘the entire world is looking at India with admiration because of its large population of younger generation like you with a huge potential to catalyse positive change for an enjoyable living on this planet’.

Referring to sweeping technological changes, Prof. Patnaik said recent years have witnessed ‘unparallel advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Internet of Things, Wireless technology, unconventional computing paradigm such as Quantum and Bio-Inspired Computing’. While these developments hold enormous promise, he cautioned that their deployment must be guided by ethical standards and social awareness.

Artificial Intelligence, he observed, holds great promise for the future, but concerns remain about its impact on jobs and education, bias, lack of ethics and moral sense, and its inability to explain decisions. The digital revolution, he added, has been globally pervasive, disrupting established norms, and unleashing an unprecedented era of innovation with far-reaching implications for science, industry, economics and public policy. At the same time, he warned that such technologies could exacerbate inequalities, deepen exclusion and discrimination, and undermine privacy.

Highlighting India’s demographic advantage, Prof. Patnaik noted that the country is among the youngest nations in the world, with 54% of its population below 25 years of age and 62% in the working-age group. Skill development, he said, is a powerful tool to empower this working population and enhance their contribution to economic growth.

Governor and Chancellor Thaawar Chand Gehlot, who presided over the convocation, said the path to success is never easy and is often marked by challenges and changing circumstances. However, he told graduates, self-confidence, strong moral values and a spirit of hard work would enable them to overcome obstacles and succeed in life. He expressed confidence that the education they had received would not only help them build successful careers but also make their lives meaningful.

The Governor urged students to contribute to national development through innovation, entrepreneurship, research and social service. He asked them to remain sensitive to the needs of weaker sections of society, stay conscious of environmental protection and use their knowledge in the service of humanity. Emphasising that the purpose of education is not merely the acquisition of knowledge but the holistic development of personality, he said education instils wisdom, ethical values and a sense of social responsibility.

Higher Education Minister and Pro-Chancellor M.C. Sudhakar said the State Government is committed to strengthening education in the Kalyana Karnataka region. He noted that Karnataka Public Schools were being opened in rural areas with funds from the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board to provide quality education from nursery to pre-university level. Stressing that a strong foundation is essential for future growth, he said efforts were being made to improve early childhood education as well. While underlining the importance of mother tongue instruction, he highlighted the need for English proficiency to enhance global employability and communication skills.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shashikant S. Udikeri, Registrar Prof. Ramesh Londonkar and other dignitaries were present.

Published – February 25, 2026 10:46 am IST