Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 19: The inauguration of the AICTE sponsored six-day ATAL faculty development programme on ‘Tech-harvest: Advancing Computer Science & Agricultural Research for Sustainable Agriculture’ organised by the School of Information Science and Technology, department of computer applications (UG) was held on August 18 in Sanidhya Hall at St Aloysius University.
Dr Kiran Cotha, SJ, director of AIMIT was the chief guest for the programme. Dr Melwyn D’Cunha, SJ, Pro-VC of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) presided over the programme. Dr Ronald Nazareth, registrar of the University, Dr Charles Furtado, director of Admin Block, Dr Hemalatha N, dean of School of Information Science and Technology and Dr Ravindra Swami, associate dean and co-cordinator of the programme were on the dais.
Dr Kiran Cotha in his address spoke about AI and how radically AI has brought about a change in the world totally revolutionizing it and disrupting the economy, especially of the industries and the health sector. It has also redefined human life and works as well.
He also said that the education sector is still in the traditional mode and if the education sector doesn't adapt to the changes of AI, it’s very existence will be in danger. He also opined that the FDP was specifically organized to empower the faculty and the emerging research scholars by equipping them with the strategies, tools and inspiration to thrive and lead in the new digital era - the tech harvest which symbolizes the sharing and utilization of technological advancements to improve teaching.
Dr Melwyn D’Cunha in his presidential remarks spoke about tech-harvest for a sustainable agriculture. The green revolution in the 20th century is past history which helped millions of people for their livelihood. He also spoke about how waste generated in the houses more than 5 tons could be compressed into natural gas so that it could be used by autos and other vehicles. He encouraged the research scholars to get in touch with premier institutes such as CFTRI, Mysore or CPCRI, Kasaragod and other institutes like National Institute of Nutrition to know more about agriculture and smart irrigation.
Dr Hemalatha N welcomed the gathering. Premalatha Shetty compered the programme. Dr Ravindra Swami proposed the vote of thanks.