President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday underlined that the benefits of technology should reach the remotest areas and the poorest of the poor.

Technology should be used as an instrument of social justice, she said, addressing the students and faculty members of G Narayanamma Institute of Technology and Science for Women and also students of the BM Malani Nursing College and Suman Junior College of Mahila Dakshata Samithi in Hyderabad.

Observing that engineering has played a big role in technological advancements including computers, medical equipment, internet, smart devices and digital payment systems, Murmu said the role of engineering as a profession becomes very critical in today’s world where unthinkable and unprecedented problems need quick and sustainable solutions.

Engineers, she said, have the power to make the world a better place. The solutions that they find and technologies that they would create in the future should be people-oriented and environment-friendly.

Noting that India had recently at COP 27 reiterated its vision of a safe planet in a one-word Mantra – LiFE which stands for Lifestyle for Environment, Murmu said; ”We have been achieving our climate targets and upgrading them. We are taking new initiatives in renewable energy, e-mobility, ethanol-blended fuels, and green hydrogen. These initiatives can start producing better results on the ground through technological innovations.”

The President said that technology in today’s world has social, economic, political, educational, environmental and geo-political dimensions. It is continuously evolving and impacting every arena.

She expressed hope that engineers would come out with innovative technologies for the benefit of the public at large and improve the quality of life of the people. She said that they should also think about engineering solutions for the disadvantaged sections, senior citizens, divyang persons and other people who need special support.

She advised students to be empowered and empower others too. She said that they should not be satisfied just with their own success and happiness. They have a duty towards the nation and humanity as a whole. They should use their talent and technological capabilities for the larger good.