V.R. Siddhartha Engineering College Principal G. Sambasiva Rao on Wednesday said all-round development of a nation was directly related to advancement in science and technology.
“We have the option of transforming our youth into a force to reckon with by putting to proper use the abundant human resources the country is gifted with,” said Mr. Rao at the inaugural of a three-day ‘Science, Technology & Environment Exhibition’ organised by Gora Science Centre.
Expressing grave concern over falling educational standards in engineering colleges, he said several young engineers of Indian origin who left the country nearly two or three decades ago in search of greener pastures in the offshore lands were today in exalted positions, bringing laurels to their motherland across the world. “In stark contrast, today we find a large number of engineering colleges but without the required standards.”
Speaking about what he called the diminishing value of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), he said the fact that 40 per cent of students in the once-coveted institutes failed in mathematics spoke volumes about their sinking performance.
He said belying their parents’ dreams, students failed to rise up to their expectations mainly because they did not focus on their academics. Resultantly, a large number of them secured degrees but were out of sync with practical knowledge.
Mr. Rao complimented the Gora family for their relentless crusade against blind beliefs and their endeavour to promote scientific temper through events like science exhibition.
Deputy Transport Commissioner, Krishna district, A. Mohan, said education was key to progress. Referring to revolutionary changes in the transport sector due to advancement of science and technology, he said but it was unfortunate that some people were misusing these benefits. Over-speeding vehicles on busy roads was one such example, he said, informing that in Vijayawada alone, road accidents claimed 175 lives last year.
Former national president of Indian Medical Association G. Samaram said science was at the base of the development of a society. He said youth must inculcate in them spirit of inquisitiveness besides showing interest in research and analysis.
Atheist Centre Executive Director G. Vijayam, Gora Science Director Niyanta and others spoke.
