Belagavi: Former Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister V K Aatre said, engineering was an interface between societal needs and scientific knowledge which allows people to realise Bacon's philosophy that science was for good of humanity.
Delivering the key note address at the 20th annual convocation of Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) organised at its headquarters 'Jnana Sangama' here on Saturday, Dr Aatre said, engineering was a problem-solving profession where one needs to identify problem, set goals, look at alternatives, select possible solution, implement and evaluate, and if necessary, use feedback to go through the whole process again.
He said, the next three decades will witness drastic development and changes in field of engineering. So, engineers must develop skills to turn products of 'imagination' into real-world innovations. As man's knowledge and needs were increasing, demands for engineering was growing, giving new opportunities for young graduates.
Lack of world-class infrastructure has been the main obstructing factor in growth and development of India despite it being fifth largest economy. Indian public transport system has been operating beyond its capacities and sanitation was still a major issue. Urban areas produce 70 million tons of solid waste causing health issues and environmental degradation, he noted.
Explaining the challenges that engineers must be ready to address, Dr Aatre said, engineers must promote green energy to improve sustainability and reduce carbon foot print. They must identify viable alternative energy sources, address climate change through innovations, design new-looking cities, safeguard data, and wealth against cyber attacks, feed growing population through cutting edge biotechnology and agricultural innovations, and educate first world engineers to solve third world problems, he said.
VTU Vice-chancellor Karisiddappa presided over the programme.
Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science was conferred on Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Science & Technology.
Medallists prefer jobs over higher education
Most of the students who bagged medals at the annual convocation of VTU on Saturday preferred jobs over pursuing higher education.
Civil engineer Asmath Sharmeen T S of Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management, Mangaluru, who received the highest 13 gold medals said, she was planning for a job but would opt for a PG course only if she gets a seat in the college of her choice.
Showing her seven gold medals, electrical engineer Apoorva H R of Vidya Vardhaka College of Engineering, Mysuru said, her father who is a small farmer suffered a stroke recently and to help the family tide over the crisis, she has joined a private company. But she will appear for civil services exams after two years.
Mechanical engineer Arun D from BMS Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, who also received seven gold medals, is currently an intern with a company and will look for a job for financial stability.
Electronic & Communication Engineer Gagana Reddy from Sir M Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, who also bagged seven gold medals said, she will pursue a PG course in the US, and would later return to India to work.