Purpose
Science, technology and, their use in economic development and commercialization have impacted the world in a manner unprecedented and at ever accelerating pace. The rate of change during Industrial Revolution accelerated manifolds during the IT/ Computer based era a few decades ago and now with automation, robotics, artificial Intelligence and the Internet of things, changes are occurring by the minute. Developments in the field of space technology, atomic energy, electronics, biotechnology, modern agriculture, telecommunication, manufacturing systems have made life comfortable but have attendant issues of altering future environments and ethics due to human Greed overtaking the Green. Though the technology offered large connectivity interpersonal relationships, value system and the entire sociological firmament in respect of harmony stands compromised.
Current digital and technology divide implies that every nation now comprises two nations; with only a few with access to technology and with a knowledge to use it. A majority of others, devoid of such access and those who live in constant existential crisis full of want and fear are in real danger of being left out.
This can be remedied only through education, empowerment through knowledge and through hand holding of the societies to assimilate newer techno-socio- paradigms. The time is also ripe to evaluate some of the emerging technologies with unknown consequences – such as the gene editing, automation and knowledge fakery. The emerging challenges of this century, therefore, need management through varied approaches including an emphasis on the basic tenets of ethics and spirituality followed by sages like Prof. D.S. Kothari who frequently spoke on the need combining science and spirituality by incorporating the principles of Satya (Truth), Brahamacharya (Celibacy), Aparigraha (Minimal consumption), Achorya (No theft) and Ahimsa (Non-violence). And, these call for value additions to the education to create, Socially Responsible, Technology Enabled, Globally Connected, Ethical and Rational citizenry.