Technology and Humanity

Excerpts from Dr. Krishna Chivukula's speech at the Investiture Ceremony of the Krishna Chivukula Block at IIT Madras.

My alma mater, which has played a significant role in shaping my life and career. As an IIT patriot, having completed my B. Tech with Honors at IIT Bombay in Mechanical Engineering in 1968 and my Masters in Aeronautical Engineering at IIT Madras in 1970, I look back at my time here with immense gratitude. The two years I spent at IIT Madras were some of the most unforgettable and delightful of my life, filled with lasting friendships and invaluable mentorships.

As we look to the future, several emerging trends in technology demand our attention:

1. Massive Impact: Every technological change will have a substantial impact on our lives.

2. Shorter Life Cycles: The lifespan of technologies will become increasingly brief.

3. Frequent Changes: Technological advancements will occur more frequently.

4. Greater Downsides: The potential negative consequences of technology will become more pronounced.

These trends present significant challenges for humanity, particularly in our ability to adapt to these rapid changes. However, before delving into the potential dangers, it is important to acknowledge the immense benefits that technology has brought to humanity over the millennia.

Technology's Role in Human Progress    

Since the dawn of civilization over 10,000 years ago, technological innovation has been the driving force behind human progress. The advancements we have achieved in such a short span are nothing short of remarkable. From agriculture and medicine to communication and transportation, technology has enabled us to overcome countless challenges and improve our quality of life.

Consider the technologies that have revolutionized food production, conquered diseases, accelerated communication across continents, and even enabled us to fly. These innovations have addressed real human needs, fulfilling our basic requirements for food, shelter, safety, and more. This direct correspondence between technological innovation and human need has been the hallmark of progress.

However, in recent years, this alignment between technology and human need has begun to falter. Today, we often innovate not to meet genuine human needs, but simply because we can. The gap between what we need and what we create is widening, leading to social instability and other unintended consequences.

Take, for example, the advent of the smartphone, a groundbreaking innovation that has transformed our lives in countless ways. Yet, it has also contributed to a breakdown in family communication, increased rates of depression, and a loss of community. We have reached a point where technology is beginning to self-actualize, rather than serving the purpose of human actualization.

Among the most concerning developments in recent years is the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). While every technology carries the potential for misuse, the risks associated with AI are particularly alarming. AI, driven by profit motives, has the potential to spiral out of control, leading to consequences we may not be able to contain.

As someone who has been educated at top institutions like IIT and Harvard, and who has built successful global companies, I am deeply concerned about the trajectory of AI. If we do not act now to establish guardrails and control this technology, humanity could find itself sliding down an irredeemable path.

The question we must ask ourselves is: Do we need artificial intelligence when natural intelligence is so lacking in the world? Shouldn't we focus on improving natural intelligence to eliminate wars, poverty, and hunger, and to enhance the quality of life for all?

AI is still in its nascent stages, but it poses a real danger if left unchecked. We must restrict, contain, and channel AI toward specific, non-destructive purposes. It must be treated with the same caution as a weapon of mass destruction.

IIT Madras, as a leader in technological innovation, has a critical role to play in ensuring that technology serves humanity rather than disrupts it. I challenge you, the future leaders of innovation, to manage technological advancements in a responsible manner. Satisfy your intellectual curiosity, but do not lose sight of the simple joys of human existence. Keep humanity at the heart of all that you do.

Distinguished Alumnus Dr. Krishna Chivukula, Founder and CEO of INDO-MIM Limited, made history with a monumental donation of Rs. 228 crore to IIT Madras, the single largest donation ever received by the institute. The Investiture Ceremony of the Krishna Chivukula Block was attended by Dr. Chivukula's family, Indo-MIM employees, and friends, marking a significant moment in the institution's history.