Youth Have a Crucial Role in Building Viksit Bharat 2047: Call at Chanakya University Convocation
Bengaluru, Nov. 12: Modern technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), should enhance human capabilities rather than replace human judgement and decision-making. Every technological innovation must prioritise human welfare, social responsibility and equality, said Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization (WHO) and former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Delivering the keynote address at the third convocation of Chanakya University, she said India’s achievements in space science, information technology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and digital public infrastructure had established its global standing. However, development should not be measured merely by economic growth or technological progress, but also by improvements in quality of life, public health, environmental protection and inclusive prosperity.
Highlighting India’s contribution to affordable medicines and vaccine production, she stressed the need to strengthen public trust in science through transparent research and ensure that scientific advancements benefit all sections of society.
She also called for traditional knowledge systems to be evaluated through modern scientific methods and emphasised the need for interdisciplinary approaches to address challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pandemics and food security.
Stressing the importance of environmental sustainability, she said development indicators should go beyond GDP to include soil health, water quality, forests and biodiversity. She also highlighted the need to recognise women’s contributions to agriculture and ensure their access to land rights and economic opportunities.
On AI, she emphasised the importance of ethical regulations, data privacy, addressing algorithmic bias and ensuring equitable access to technological benefits. Addressing the graduates, she urged them to cultivate intellectual curiosity, embrace lifelong learning and combine ambition with compassion and social responsibility. She said Viksit Bharat 2047 should be a healthy, prosperous, knowledge-driven, inclusive and environmentally sustainable nation.
371 Students Receive Degrees: S. Somanath
University Chancellor and former ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath said that 371 students from six academic schools received degrees and diplomas at the third convocation. Nineteen students were honoured with academic excellence medals and awards.
He said the university has nearly 3,000 students representing around 28 states, reflecting its diverse academic environment. Financial assistance and scholarships are being provided to ensure that students are not deprived of higher education due to economic constraints.
Highlighting the university’s growing infrastructure, he said a ground station had recently been established on campus. The university is also strengthening its aerospace ecosystem through collaborations with startups and industries. It has formulated its own AI policy to improve teaching and learning processes.
Developing Young Leaders is University’s Mission: Yashwant Dongre
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Yashwant Dongre said developing young leadership is one of the key objectives of Chanakya University. The institution promotes interdisciplinary education by giving equal importance to technology and social sciences.
Students are being trained in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, aerospace and cybersecurity, with opportunities for industry-linked internships. The university aims to expand its student strength to 10,000–15,000 in the coming years.
Several dignitaries, including Co-Chancellor M.P. Kumar, T.V. Mohandas Pai, President of Arin Capital Partners, Prof. M.K. Sridhar, President of CESS, and Prof. B. Mahadevan of IIM Bangalore, attended the convocation.
The third convocation was held at Chanakya University’s Global Campus in the KIADB Aerospace Industrial Area near Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.
The convocation conveyed the message:
“Rooted in knowledge traditions, guided by science and committed to humanity.”
