Time we had eco-friendly tech: Isro chief

MYSURU: Indian Space Research Organization (Isro) chairman A S Kiran Kumar said that most designs and innovations in science and engineering are inspired by nature as engineers are turning to nature for inspiration to design products.

Speaking at the sixth Graduation Day of Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering here on Saturday, Kumar said that some international business houses have developed machines inspired by nature. "Aviation industry has designed A380 aircraft after having inspired from wings of steppe eagles, while ship manufacturers adapt features of shark skin to reduce friction. The Eastgate Building in Zimbabwe follows the termite architecture. Nature is full of viable ideas, and we need to see and listen to nature, its language, laws and ways to understand it," he said.

Expressing concerns on overexploitation of natural resources, the Isro chief said that environment-related problems have been created by the development of industrial society since the industrial revolution. "Successive industrial revolutions have increased man's capacity to transform nature. Various studies show that greenhouse gas emissions, caused by natural phenomena, are augmented by ever-growing human needs. This has resulted in global warming, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, air pollution, groundwater contamination and other adverse effects due to technological innovations without considering the consequences," he added.

"There is a need to implement environment-friendly technologies. Living harmoniously with nature is the need of the hour. There is also a need for skilled and knowledgeable generation which can comprehend the changing scenario and address issues pertaining to sustainable development. We need to innovate and bring in technologies which help the country grow without adversely impacting its natural resources," Kumar said.

Saying that the recent success of Isro's Mars Orbiter Mission was due to the team effort, Kumar said that Indian academia will play a major role in nurturing and providing talent pool for enabling the country grow, compete and succeed in all spheres.

On the occasion, 13 students who scored highest marks in various courses in MTech, one student each from MBA and MCA and 12 toppers from BE received medals and certificate from Suttur Mutt seer Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami.