Keonics’ efforts to bring technology to rural children and prepare the future generation is welcome: CM D.K. Shivakumar.
KEONICS Celebrates 50 Years
Priority to Industry-Oriented Curriculum to Enhance Skills among Children
IT Sector to be Promoted in Hubballi, Shivamogga, Kalaburagi and Mangaluru through Beyond Bengaluru
Bengaluru, September 22 (Karnataka Information):
“KEONICS has embarked on a major initiative to take technology to rural children through AI-powered KIO computers. I welcome KEONICS’ vision of preparing children for the future,” Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said.
Speaking after inaugurating the 50th Foundation Day celebration of KEONICS, held at a private hotel in Bengaluru on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said, “This is a golden day for KEONICS. KEONICS was established when I was studying in school. At that time, Veerappa Moily was the Industries Minister, S.M. Krishna was the Deputy Minister and Devaraj Urs was the Chief Minister. It is my fortune to sit in the position held by them and stand before you today.”
“Recently, I had the honour of unveiling the KIO computer being provided to children through KEONICS. Today, we are at a juncture where we are building the future. We are entering the era of AI and KEONICS has identified new possibilities and developed KIO. Through this, it is preparing Karnataka for the future. The organisation was established during the tenure of Devaraj Urs and it has provided employment to many people. Technology and science mean Bengaluru,” he said.
IT and Technology to be Promoted in Hubballi, Shivamogga, Kalaburagi and Mangaluru through Beyond Bengaluru
“Technology services are currently being provided in all sectors. Technology is being used to rectify property records in Bengaluru and to issue khatas to citizens. The Government has taken up the initiative to provide digital property records for 40 lakhs properties in Bengaluru. In addition, the records will be delivered door-to-door. Distribution of these records to the public in the city will begin after the SIR is completed,” he said.
“Along with Bengaluru, we have decided to promote information technology in Hubballi, Shivamogga, Kalaburagi and Mangaluru. Under the Beyond Bengaluru concept, we are working to promote the growth of industries in other districts as well. Whatever the problem may be, we must think positively and find solutions. AI technology has arrived and is becoming accessible to everyone. I congratulate KEONICS for taking this technology to schools in rural areas and to small entrepreneurs,” he said.
Instructions to Prioritise Industry-Oriented Curriculum to Enhance Skills among Children
“We have 30,000 vacant engineering seats. Those who have studied engineering are receiving low salaries and we are considering how this issue can be addressed. I have instructed that the curriculum be made industry-oriented to prioritise skill development among children. In some foreign countries, degrees are not sought while offering employment. They only ask whether the candidate possesses the skills suitable for the job,” he said.
“Our youth should become job creators rather than merely job seekers. Our government is giving greater attention to entrepreneurs. This institution is carrying forward the legacy of technology. If you require land in the future, let us know; our government will stand by you and extend its support. Those working in Electronic City are the foundation of the progress of Bengaluru and the country. Our government is a government for the people. We want to create leaders in all sectors. Our government will always think positively. Let us all work together to build the future of Karnataka,” he said.
“I recently provided information to the Prime Minister about the establishment of the Indian Institute of Science during his programme in Mysuru. When Tata and Swami Vivekananda were travelling on a ship, they discussed the need for science in India. When they subsequently met the Maharaja of Mysuru and made a request, the Maharaja provided 300 acres of land and Rs. 5 lakhs for the purpose. Thus, the Indian Institute of Science was established. The journey of science that began there has today grown to such a large scale, with more than 250 engineering colleges and lakhs of employees working in Electronic City,” he said.
KEONICS – 50 Years of Exploration, Technology and Progress
“When KEONICS was established, Bengaluru had a population of 20 lakh. Today, it has a population of 1.40 crore. The Karnataka Government laid a strong foundation for the technology sector with foresight even then. I thank Devaraj Urs and Veerappa Moily for this. KEONICS is not limited to Bengaluru alone. It has contributed to the manufacturing sector as well. It has been a 50-year journey of exploration, technology and progress,” he said.
“It is a matter of happiness that a statue of Baliga, the first Managing Director of KEONICS, has been installed. Priyank Kharge and Sharath Bache Gowda have not forgotten their roots. While California has 16 lakhs IT professionals, Bengaluru has 26 lakhs IT professionals. Our city has grown to such an extent. Major companies have come up near Electronic City, giving Bengaluru its identity as a technology hub. Assistance was provided for the construction of a flyover in this area during the tenure of Manmohan Singh. Not only that, the flyovers at Nelamangala, the airport and the Kolar Road were constructed under the UPA Government,” he said.
“I do not know much about using computers and electronics. During our time, calculators and televisions had just arrived. Later, computers came. We had to obtain a recommendation from an MP to get a telephone connection. In 1981, I obtained one after getting a recommendation from an MP named Rajagopal. But today, everyone has mobile phones. Some people have two or three mobile phones. Subsequently, the era of semiconductors and AI has arrived,” he informed.
Former Chief Minister Veerappa Moily, Home Minister Priyank Kharge, Chief Minister’s Political Advisor A.S. Ponnanna and KEONICS Chairman Sharath Bache Gowda were present on the occasion.
