Good morning to all the teachers and students gathered here today. When we look at human civilization, we have come a very long way from where we began as Homo sapiens. What has been the driver of the growth of human civilization? This is a pertinent question that several historians have tried to answer. But if we keenly look into history, it is evident that technology is the major driver of civilizational growth.
The first and most important technology that influenced mankind is the invention of fire and the wheel. Technology played an important role in directing the growth of civilization. Today, we talk about the smart phones and computers as technology but these inventions all began when mankind invented the fire and the wheel. This drives the point that technology is the basis for the growth of human civilization.
Technology is more of a double edged sword. To put this in perspective, let us take the example of a computer. Computers and the internet have made our lives very easy in the sense that we can do practically anything with it. At the same time, we have the risk of being exposed to cyber bullies or other kinds of frauds on the internet. The same is true of technologies such as nuclear reactors.
Technology in this sense is both a boon and a bane. This makes regulating technology very important. We need cyber protection systems that will protect people from physical, emotional and psychological harm. We need nuclear energy use regulations to ensure that the technologies being used for our betterment are not going to harm us in the future.
I would like to conclude my speech by saying that we need responsible technology that will benefit mankind and not control them. It is in our hands as creators and consumers of technology to be aware and cautious when it comes to technology.