Science and technology should improve the quality of people’s lives – Vice President

New Delhi, 4 March (HS): The Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday emphasised upon the importance of emotional and social skills for engineering students along with technical skills. He said that these skills will enable them to adapt to a rapidly changing world.

Interacting with students of IIT Tirupati on the occasion of its sixth Institute Day, the Vice President appealed to them to connect their knowledge with social relevance. “I am sure you will shape your destiny and contribute to the national transformation with your knowledge and skills you absorb here”, he told the students.

Terming technological advancement as a key decisive factor in the development architecture of a country, Naidu highlighted the need to move steadily and swiftly on the path of technological advancement. At the same time, he wanted that science and technology should improve the quality of people’s lives. The Vice President also cautioned to remain vigilant about the environment and climate change while keeping pace with technological advancement.

Stating that IITs represent the face of a new resurgent and aspirational India, the Vice President said that it is an India determined to reclaim its rightful place in the comity of nations. “This is a dream that can be realized only if we can improve our education system”, he said.

Referring to the New Education Policy as a well thought out document, Naidu emphasised the need to quickly translate this policy into action. In its spirit, the Vice President called for providing initial schooling in child’s mother tongue. He also called for efforts to increase the use of Indian languages in technical education, along with their use in administration and judiciary.

He noted with concern that out of around 1.5 million engineers passing out each year, only seven percent are suitable for core engineering jobs. “We have to increase employability and ensure that the skills required for the world of work are imparted”, he said.