Speech for ICEIL 2024: Leveraging Emerging Technologies for a Self-Reliant Nation by Ritesh Arya

 

Speech for ICEIL 2024: Leveraging Emerging Technologies for a Self-Reliant Nation by Ritesh Arya

Good morning, distinguished speakers, Prof. Charandeep, esteemed guests, colleagues, and friends.

I am truly honored to be here today at the International Conference on Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Leadership. I would like to thank the organizers for bringing us together to discuss such a critical topic: 'Leveraging Emerging Technologies for a Self-Reliant Nation.' However, I would just like to add one important element: the integration of traditional wisdom for sustainable development.

In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to harness science and technology is crucial not only for economic growth but also for building a resilient and self-reliant nation. Emerging technologies offer us solutions that were previously unimaginable, enabling us to address challenges in energy, water resources, climate change, and beyond.

But sometimes, in our excitement to adopt new science and technology, we forget the importance of basic science and traditional knowledge. As a geologist, my expertise lies in understanding the Earth—rocks, water, minerals, and fossils. These elements hold valuable lessons for us.

For example, in modern urban planning, projects like Sambhawana City by DLF or MIST by Tata reflect innovative designs, but these cities were planned first, and only afterward did they start looking for water sources. This is reminiscent of the British when they came to Kasauli—they had to transport water by collecting it from springs 10 kilometers downstream. In contrast, earlier habitations were built near natural water sources, with wells often constructed inside forts, ensuring a secure and sustainable water supply from the outset.

Similarly, when we look at infrastructure development such as the National Kalka-Shimla Highway, we see it is prone to landslides and environmental degradation. In comparison, the UNESCO World Heritage Kalka-Shimla train track, built over 120 years ago, demonstrates sustainable design principles that have withstood the test of time. This highlights the importance of integrating traditional wisdom with modern innovation, ensuring that new developments are in harmony with the natural environment.

As a geologist, my journey has taken me from the remote high-altitude deserts of Ladakh to the cutting edge of geothermal energy exploration. Through my work in finding water in extreme environments and promoting sustainable energy, I’ve seen firsthand how scientific innovation can transform lives and empower villages to become self-reliant.

Let me cite the examples of the UAE and Norway. Before the discovery of oil, both countries were vastly different from what we see today. The UAE was a desert with very few resources, and Norway had a relatively modest economy. The discovery and strategic use of oil in both countries completely transformed them, leading to immense prosperity and a high standard of living for their citizens.

Now, let’s compare this to India. We have an abundance of natural resources, yet many of the regions where these resources are found—such as Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha—remain impoverished. The native populations of these areas continue to suffer, largely due to policies that date back to the British colonial era, which prioritized extraction over empowerment. These flawed policies have been perpetuated post-independence, escalating the conflict between local communities and industrialists, rather than providing inclusive growth.

A similar pattern can be seen in the hydropower projects of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Villages have been submerged, and people displaced, yet no sustainable relief has been provided. These projects, which could have been a source of prosperity, instead leave behind a trail of environmental degradation and social disruption. This highlights the need to rethink our policies and ensure that scientific and technological advancements, particularly in resource management, are applied in ways that benefit local communities and promote sustainable development.

Furthermore, using science and technology without proper consideration for sustainability has led to the pollution of our land, air, and water. Delhi is a living example of this. Despite the advancement in various fields, the air quality in Delhi remains hazardous, with millions suffering from respiratory issues. The waters of the Yamuna River, once a lifeline for the city, are now black and toxic. Instead of taking concrete steps to improve these conditions, we seem to have accepted them as the status quo.

It is ironic that while we have the scientific knowledge and technological tools to reverse such damage, we have chosen to keep the waters of the Yamuna polluted, demanding more water resources elsewhere, rather than cleaning and restoring what we already have. This highlights a deeper issue: the misalignment between technological progress and responsible environmental stewardship. If we continue down this path, we will only escalate the damage to our ecosystems, making our quest for a self-reliant nation all the more difficult.

In conclusion, while emerging technologies provide incredible opportunities for building a self-reliant nation, we must not lose sight of the principles of sustainability and equity. By blending traditional wisdom with cutting-edge science and technology, and ensuring that the benefits of development reach the most vulnerable, we can truly leverage these innovations for the greater good. The time has come for us to rethink how we approach progress, ensuring that every step forward is balanced with respect for the environment and the communities that depend on it.

Thank you."