How Can Technology Drive Progress While Preventing Misuse? Explanation by: Jeet Adani

Jeet Adani, who is the Director of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. stated at IIT Bombay’s Techfest 2024 that India must not fall behind in the global race of technical advancement, it is highlighted that technology can greatly modify or improve lives but can also be harmful.

Adani emphasized that we cannot delay in advancing and adopting technology. “Our generation needs to build capabilities to lead India into this new technology era if we want to stay at the top of our game and realize our dream of Viksit Bharat–to become a USD 26-trillion economy by 2047”, he said.

The Two Faces of Technology

In today’s time phase technology is an important term across various sectors, but it also poses risks– fake news, online scams, cybercrime, and counterfeit currency are the biggest examples of misusing the technology. He cited that as the power and scope of technology increases, India must be cautious not to use the harmful aspect of technology rather than useful things.

“Technology is only as good as the benefit it provides”, he stated.

The Promise and Responsibility of AI

Mr. Adani underlines that the transformation of Artificial Intelligence and innovations like the Quantum Computing Chip, Willow by Google hold huge promise for resolving complex challenges in renewable energy, drug discovery, and climate change. However, he warned that this much-advanced technology and innovations come with significant responsibility.

“What you do with that kind of power is a choice – whether to solve the world’s problems or create new ones”. Requesting students to use technology to achieve societal goals, he said the next generation should be responsible for the new changes in technology and uplift humanity.

India’s Technological Journey

It is noted that India has already made important changes in technology to address pressing challenges. Enabling annually 180 billion cashless transactions with UPI and Digital India to access digital services. The 180 billion is a bigger number than the other economy countries like the UK or the US Or Singapore etc.

Adani commented that India is growing day by day in technology for good reason while addressing challenges in education, healthcare, and governance. He gave examples from the Group of Adani like simulation-based training is upgrading safety in the workplace. Also at the “Adani-Managed airports” revolutions like eGates, DigiYatra and the Avio app are increasing the experience of the passengers at airports.

Moreover, the group’s work on the “largest clean energy project” in the Kutch Desert underscores the use of cutting-edge technologies.

A Vision for the Future

Adani concluded for the younger generation: “Be responsible with the technology, do not misuse the power, and make sure that it serves humanity’s collective good”. The huge technology potential can guide us anywhere, however, it is our duty to set the path.

The Moral of Adani’s speech is:

“Everyone wishes a better future for the next generation, make today great for an inclusive tomorrow”. India’s continuous journey towards technology is undoubtedly good but misuse remains a concern, so be responsible before taking any step with technology.