The former Chairman of ISRO A.S. Kiran Kumar has urged youth to get ready to face the challenges posed by the increased use of Artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
“Advancements in AI have begun to change the way we work and we can expect greater changes in the near future. AI is being leveraged to process data on health, commerce, communications and transportation. AI may bring a new industrial revolution that is far different from the earlier ones. Youth should equip themselves to face such challenges,” he said.
He was delivering his convocation address at the Rani Channamma University at the Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi on Tuesday.
“Human beings have evolved mega, macro, mini, micro and nano robots capable of performing hugely different tasks demanding huge physical and enormous intellectual capabilities. The tasks are performed with these tools not only in one’s vicinity but also in remote places beyond earth in space,” he said.
“We should develop the ability to map the features and functions of robots designed and built by human beings to your own functions and features and through that process, understand the capability to use it, build on it and equip yourselves with an ability to navigate your journey through life,” he said.
He urged the university to not only focus on teaching and research but also be a stakeholder in the development of the region.
“Universities and educational institutions can play an important role in the overall development of a region. They need to identify the persisting problems and issues and address them by conducting systematic studies involving domain experts and come up with sustainable solutions,” he said.
He said that India is set to benefit from the growing global space economy. “Space economy expected to grow to a trillion dollars in the coming years is beckoning India to build on its current space technology capability to becoming a significant player and benefit in the process. India is currently in the process of transforming itself from a space capable country to a country with space technology capacity to provide solutions and services to itself and others. This brings in a huge opportunity to the youth of the country to acquire knowledge and skills to develop solutions which are impactful and cost-effective,” he said.
“Over the last six decades India has not only launched its own satellites but has also put into space more than 400 satellites of 34 countries by building variants of rockets using solid motors, liquid and cryogenic engines. Space which is considered as the fourth frontier for humanity after land, ocean and air, is becoming an area of immense importance and also, offers a huge economic opportunity. Space technology is growing to encompass space exploration, space exploitation, space adventure, space tourism, space habitation, space for earth, space for space and space for power,” he said.
Thought leaders
Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot asked youth to become thought leaders. “For India to become a superpower, we must produce thought leaders in all disciplines. As the youth of this country, you are going to be the drivers of our economy and development. Our youth will be called upon to play an important role in many countries of the world where the population will be ageing. Our success in taking advantage of the demographic dividend depends upon how we convert our youth into productive human resources through education, skills and values,” he said.
“It is through innovation, research and development that we can bring positive transformation in society and address many of its problems, including poverty, health issues, unemployment, etc. You, as graduates of this university, have the responsibility of ushering in societal transformation using the knowledge you have acquired here,” he said.
“I urge you, the graduating students, to become entrepreneurs and create jobs. India doesn’t need job-seekers; we want job givers and job creators,” he said.
“The perception of India in the eyes of the world has changed remarkably. India has emerged as the fastest growing economy in the world. This change of perception is taking place at the most appropriate juncture when India has emerged as the most youthful nation in the world,” he said.
“Our country has been a beacon of knowledge for thousands of years, with remarkable contributions in the Vedas, the Upanishads, Ayurveda, Yoga, Philosophy and Law. Our youth must research and present this knowledge on the global stage as India advances toward becoming a Vishwa Guru. We are confident of becoming Viksit Bharat, a prosperous developed nation, by 2047,” he said.
Published – November 25, 2025 07:28 pm IST
