Last Updated on June 17, 2026 10:51 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
Our Correspomdent / Aligarh
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh on Wednesday said technology has emerged as one of the most powerful instruments of social transformation and is playing a central role in India’s efforts toward economic progress, inclusive development and citizen empowerment.
Delivering the Sir Syed Memorial Lecture at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) on the theme “The Role of Technology in Social Transformation (Indian Perspective)”, Shri Harivansh said India is increasingly leveraging technology to expand opportunities for all sections of society, particularly economically weaker and underserved communities.
Acknowledging challenges arising from India’s vast population, diversity and infrastructure constraints, he said the country continues to advance steadily towards building a developed nation through citizen-centric technological interventions.
Highlighting the transformative impact of public policy and innovation, he referred to several flagship initiatives including Digital India, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), PM-KISAN, UPI, agri-drone applications and disaster alert systems, stating that technology-led governance has strengthened inclusion and improved service delivery.
He said India’s development model has focused on ensuring that technological progress reaches ordinary citizens and contributes to broader economic growth. According to him, enhanced infrastructure and digital integration have strengthened India’s position among major global economies.
Drawing historical parallels, Mr Harivansh recalled the vision of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, describing him as a reformer who promoted scientific thinking and modern education despite resistance and social challenges. He said Sir Syed’s efforts laid foundations for educational and social advancement and secured his place among the builders of modern India.
The Deputy Chairman also reflected on the ideas of social thinkers and referred to contemporary technological shifts, particularly the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He argued that emerging technologies are reshaping societies at an unprecedented scale and should be harnessed constructively to strengthen national development.
Referring to India’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said the country demonstrated scientific capability through indigenous vaccine development and humanitarian outreach. He also cited major engineering achievements, including infrastructure projects across difficult terrain, as examples of India’s technological competence.
Commenting on the global AI landscape, he said India’s approach aims to make technological advancement more accessible and inclusive, while emphasizing self-reliance and innovation as key drivers of long-term national progress.
Presiding over the event, AMU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Naima Khatoon said technology has transformed sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture and governance, but cautioned that its misuse can contribute to misinformation, online abuse and social polarisation. She underlined the importance of responsible digital behaviour alongside technological adoption.
The lecture was organised by the Sir Syed Academy, which has hosted eminent scholars, intellectuals and public figures since 1968. During the event, two books related to Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s life and legacy were also released.
Following the lecture, Harivansh participated in a plantation drive under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign and visited the Sir Syed Academy museum to view its historical collections.