Moodubidire: Engineering is not merely a discipline of equations, machines and examinations; it is a creative and responsible field that seeks to solve real-world problems and shape the future, said former Pro Vice-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dr. Poornima Baliga.
She was speaking at ‘Agamana’, the induction program for first-year students of Alva’s Institute of Engineering & Technology (AIET), held at the AIET auditorium here on Monday.
Dr. Baliga said the next four years should not be confined to preparing for examinations, but should be a meaningful period of learning, experimentation, gaining experience and self-development. She urged students to cultivate curiosity, develop the habit of questioning, make effective use of laboratories and undertake practical projects.
There were immense opportunities for young engineers in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, healthcare technology and space technology, she said. Students should develop the skills and ideas necessary to contribute to these fields. Along with technical knowledge, engineers should cultivate empathy, social responsibility and human values, Dr. Baliga said. Academic setbacks, failures and lack of confidence should be viewed as natural stages of the learning process, she said, urging students to learn from such experiences and move forward with confidence.
Mangaluru Army Recruiting Office, Director, Colonel Somu Maharajan, while addressing students said discipline, consistency and hard work were essential for success. He encouraged engineering students to aspire for officer-level positions in the Indian Armed Forces. Discipline should not be viewed as a restriction, but as a means of developing self-control, consistency and confidence, he said. Drawing parallels between military and student life, Col. Maharajan said college marked the beginning of independent decision-making for many students. Students should maintain self-discipline even in the absence of direct supervision from parents and teachers, he said. He also encouraged them to explore opportunities to join the Armed Forces as officers.
Presiding over the program, Alva’s Education Foundation Managing Trustee Vivek Alva, said education should not be limited to producing certificate holders or engineers seeking employment, but should aim to create responsible individuals capable of making meaningful contributions to society. Students should take responsibility for their own growth and develop the courage to take risks, learn from failures and make new attempts, he said. He urged them to make effective use of the opportunities provided by the 42 student clubs on the campus to develop their skills, confidence and leadership qualities. The youth had the power to shape the future of the country, Alva said. The new ideas, technological knowledge and creativity of Gen Z could provide a new direction to the nation’s progress. Students should recognize their potential and channel their abilities towards the welfare of society, he said.
AIET Principal Dr. Peter Fernandes delivered the introductory remarks. Heads of various departments were present.