AICTE Chairman speaks at Karnataka Geotechnical Fusion-2023; recalls contribution of Wadiyar rule

Mysore/Mysuru: Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Prof. T.G. Sitharam paid tribute to the contributions of the Wadiyar family of Mysore and Sir M. Visvesvaraya towards industrialising the region and contributing immensely to the overall growth of the area.

He was speaking at a National Conference ‘Karnataka Geotechnical Fusion-2023’ organised by Indian Geotechnical Society (IGS) at Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering (VVCE), Mysuru, on Saturday.

Prof. Sitharam emphasised the pivotal role of technical education in India’s pursuit of becoming the world’s third-largest economy. He stressed that knowledge alone is insufficient and skills are equally crucial. India’s focus is on developing the skills of 500 million young people in the coming years and he encouraged the audience to upskill and reskill to remain relevant in today’s fast-paced world.

India ranks among the top five countries in terms of research papers, the number of Ph.Ds produced and patent filings. It is the third-largest hub for startups, with more than 110 unicorns. The country boasts over 3,600 engineering colleges, producing over 1 million engineers annually.

Prof. Sitharam lauded the achievements of ISRO scientists, many of whom come from small cities and have studied in AICTE-approved engineering colleges. He urged students to remain focused on research and innovation for a successful future.

AICTE has taken significant steps to promote education in regional languages and support talent from rural India. India is experiencing an era of growth and innovation, marked by the establishment of AICTE idea labs, startup ecosystems and entrepreneurial support.

During the event celebrating the 75th year of IGS, President Dr. Anil Joseph encouraged students to gain practical exposure and advised young civil engineers to remain in the core engineering field instead of seeking opportunities in IT companies. He emphasised the importance of learning Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to drive technological innovations in civil engineering.

The Indian Geotechnical Society (IGS), established in 1948, serves as a bridge between civil engineers and geologists, supporting research in engineering geology, soil dynamics, rock mechanics and other applied fields, as well as their practical applications.

IGS Secretary Dr. A.P. Singh, IGS Bangalore Chapter Head Dr. Madhavi Latha, Hubballi Chapter Head Dr. S.S. Quadri, Mysore Chapter Chairman Dr. S.K. Prasad, Suratkal Chapter Chairman Dr. Sreevalsa Kolathayar and Dr. B. Sadashivegowda, P. Vishwanath, Gundappa Gowda, and Sreeshaila Ramannavar from VVCE were present on the occasion.