New Delhi: Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates underscored the pressing need for innovation to tackle various challenges during his speech at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on Thursday. He also stressed the importance of harnessing technology for societal benefit.
Addressing the audience on the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Gates expressed his fascination with its mysteries, stating, “If I was a student today, the mysteries of AI would draw me in. It is kind of weird that even the systems that are working so well, we don’t really understand them. I would definitely be drawn to that.”
Discussing his perspective on India, Gates remarked, “I am looking at India in a far broader way. I am lucky enough, through the work of the foundation, to look at innovators who can help with all kinds of problems — starting with health, but also agriculture, gender, and climate. We need fantastic Indian innovation,” during his keynote address on “Innovation for Public Good”.
Highlighting the pivotal role of technology in addressing societal challenges and driving positive change, Gates emphasized, “The need for innovation to deal with many different challenges is greater than ever. You are all lucky to be here and have gotten an incredible education. The complexity of how we take technology and shape it, you will get an opportunity to play a big role there.”
He encouraged students to view their careers not solely in terms of financial impact but also in fostering social equality. “Not only should you consider your career in terms of the financial impact – although that is important – but also whatever role you take on, do consider how that relates to achieving social equality. Technology should be leveraged for social good,” he added.
Before his appearance at IIT Delhi, Gates visited Odisha, where he met with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. During this visit, Gates spent over 30 minutes engaging with residents of slum areas, discussing their concerns and reviewing initiatives undertaken by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in the region.
In recognition of his contributions to global health, education, and efforts to combat climate change, Gates was honored with the KISS Humanitarian Award 2023.
Gates also visited Krushi Bhawan, where he interacted with top officials of the agriculture department, demonstrating his interest in exploring diverse aspects of India’s development initiatives.
