Building Innovators and Creators: Tod-Mod-Jod

Gwynne Shotwell, the President and Chief Operating Officer at SpaceX, states, “You can't be on the cusp of innovation and at the forefront of technology if you're wearing blinders. If you don't have an exploration program where you're exploring your world here on Earth, underwater, and in space, then you're wearing blinders and handicapping yourself”.

Many of the programs at Dayalbagh and DEI are designed to get children to be early explorers. Our post today is on “Tod-Mod-Jod”, a program to build curiosity in children and help them become innovators, creators and inventors.

Happy Exploring,

Anurag

तोD-मोD-जोD

Education is the crucible in which innovations and creativity are nurtured. Promoting creativity and originality through our educational institutions is a first step towards broadening and deepening the impact of innovation in our society and economy. To foster creativity at an early stage and to encourage an innovative mindset in the learners, it is necessary to provide a hands-on learning environment where students can de-construct, re-construct or re-purpose everyday objects that they see or use.

Rationale

The innovative skilling initiative in Dayalbagh Educational Institutions is based on the concept of, “Tod-Mod-Jod” or “तोD-मोD-जोD”, i.e. learning through dismantling, joining, adding, assembling, shaping, designing, redesigning, reshaping. This method of learning is in contrast to the conventional training. तोD-मोD-जोD (TMJ) not only allows students to understand the scientific principles behind the everyday products they use, but also helps the students to expand their horizons to larger concepts and applications so as to enable them to solve real world problems. For instance, students typically do not know the inside of a ceiling fan, तोD-मोD-जोD (TMJ) session would help them to understand how mechanical airflow and electric concepts and components are used.

Description

Dayalbagh Educational Institute introduced तोD-मोD-जोD at middle school level for innovative and self-motivated students who want to create a new product out of those used in daily life. The teacher as mentor encourages students to follow their creative instincts. The feedback from students shows a complete change in their perception towards machines and devices. Curiosity and inquisitiveness are encouraged. These are critical for nurturing an innovative mindset. It is hoped that तोD-मोD-जोD centres will develop a way to excite and challenge young minds in a fun learning environment.

Impact

• तोD-मोD-जोD centre provides a hands-on learning environment where students can de-construct, re-construct or re-purpose everyday objects that they see or use.

• Helpful in establishing the concept of learning through “Tinkering”, “Discovery”, and Experimentation”.

• Early Start towards building a nation of creators not just consumers of products.

• Make education relevant, real and fun

Student Testimonials

• “Will always be curious on how what I use actually works”.

• “Connects multi-disciplinary concepts learnt in textbooks to real life applications”.

• “We want तोD-मोD-जोD classes every day”.

Musings on the Dayalbagh Manufactures Exhibitions

In the last few weeks many Satsang Branches have sent lovely photographs of the

Dayalbagh Manufactures Exhibitions

in their Cities. Some very beautifully arranged displays!

Display at the Exhibition in Gurgaon on 2-3 September, 2017

I thought it will be very interesting to take you back by almost a century when these Dayalbagh Manufactures Exhibitions started, usually as part of larger Industrial exhibitions. The objectives of cottage industries/ manufacturing were clear right from the beginning. Dayalbagh wanted to provide an avenue for people to make an honourable living (better worldliness), move Indian manufacturing forward with technology as an enabler, and provide high quality goods at reasonable prices.

There is so much that I can share from Dayalbagh Literature, so much foresight… I have picked up a few excerpts from “Writings and Speeches of Param Guru Huzur Sahabji Maharaj (1928 – 1937), First Edition” for your perusal.

Dayalbagh Manufactures Exhibition Display in Pune on 7-8 Oct, 2017

Excerpt 1:

Thoughts from Revered Sir Anand Sarup ji after the last meeting of the sub-committee of the board of Industries, U.P. that was appointed to go into the question of resuscitating and developing the languishing cottage industries (textile and others), of the Province, held on 5th April 1930.

“The question now arises whether there are any means by which the industry can be made to stand on its legs again. People suggest that if cooperative or commercial societies are established in important weaving centers, they will do a lot to help it. Without doubt, it is an excellent suggestion, and, if carried to effect, it will enable the weavers to get the yarn they require at a reasonable price and to dispose of their products at reasonable rates. Besides, they will be saved from financial difficulties inasmuch as they will not have to keep any large stock of yarn or cloth with them.

Another way to help the industry is by encouraging the weavers at important centers to adopt modern designs. The world is mad after fashion, and unless the weavers are made to break their conservatism, there can be no harmony between the demand and supply.

But, in my opinion, the best way to help the industry is to introduce power looms in the homes of our weavers…”

Pamphlet of the NOIDA Exhibition held on 7-8 Oct 2017

Excerpt 2:

Moving on to 1931, an excerpt from the Thanksgiving Speech by Revered Sir Anand Sarup ji, thanking Dr. Gokul Chand Narang, Minister for Local Self Government in the Government of Undivided Punjab, at the Dayalbagh Manufactures Exhibition at Lahore.

“The words of encouragement that you have so kindly spoken will, I can assure you go a long way to hearten our workers at Dayalbagh, and I can promise that every one of us will do his best to make ourselves deserving of the high praise that you have been pleased to bestow upon us.”

Exhibition Volunteers being served lunch by the Lunch Volunteers in NOIDA

Excerpt 3:

Moving on to Revered Sir Anand Sarup ji’s speech in 1934, where He inaugurated “The Tinnevelly (as I suppose Tirunelveli was called then) Swadeshi Industrial and Agricultural Exhibition” in which Dayalbagh was requested to participate in.

“… The members of the “Buy India” League, therefore, deserve to be congratulated on the wisdom and enterprise they have been showing for the last several years in rousing their countrymen from their long-drawn sleep and showing them the path of duty. It now remains for the public to appreciate their patriotic efforts and reward them with their mead of praise.”

Dayalbagh Manufactures Exhibition in Chennai on 27-Aug-2017

Excerpt 4:

Moving onto 1935, where “Memorandum on Dayalbagh”, a supplement to the Dayalbagh Herald was published on April 15th.

“There are at present 50 industries in Dayalbagh… The following is a complete list of the various branches of our industries:

1. General Factory

(a) Gramophone Branch (b) Metal buttons and rings (c) Electroplating (d) Painting (e) Carpentry (f) Smithy (g) Moulding (h) Door-fitting (i) Motor car and bicycle accessories (j) Platform weighing scales (k) Lamp stands and lanterns (l) Flour-mill (m) Oil pressing

2. Science Instruments

(a) Science instruments for Schools and Colleges (b) Dissecting and Drawing sets (c) Botanical and Zoological models (d) Laboratory and dispensing balances and weights

3. Stationery

(a) Fountain pens (b) Gold, steel and brass nibs (c) Cutlery (d) Ink and pastes

4. Electric Goods

(a) Electric fans and motors (b) Miscellaneous Electric goods (c) Electric and other clocks

5. Textile

(a) Wool spinning (b) Wool weaving (c) Cotton and mercerized weaving (d) Silk weaving (e) Washing branch (f) Dyeing branch (g) Ribbon weaving (h) Hosiery and under-wear (i) Blanket and shawls (j) Aerograph and block printing (k) Embroidery

6. Leather Goods Factory

(a) Footwear (b) Other leather goods (c) Card-board boxes

7. Tannery

(a) Chrome-tannery

8. Dairy

(a) Dairy (b) Irrigation

9. B.M. Works

(a) Cement and other tiles (b) Brick-field

10. Miscellaneous

(a) Toys (b) Disinfectants (c) Soap (d) Casein and casein products

11. Jewellery

(a) Silver chain (b) Gold ornaments

12. Printing

(a) Type printing press

13. Garden

(a) Fruit garden (b) Vegetable garden

…The profits from the industries are, in the main, passed on to the educational institutions of the Colony. …Besides the sums, the Sabha paid Rs… to the Dayalbagh Hospital and orphanage…

…But, unfortunately, very few people in India really care for the development of industries. The majority of the people are of the opinion that, India being primarily an agricultural country, the solution to its unemployment cum poverty problem lies in the improvement of its agriculture and dairy farms. But this is an absolutely wrong notion. Improved agriculture will no doubt result in increasing the agricultural output of the country, but who is going to buy in the increased output? It is sure to aggravate the troubles of the poor agriculturist unless arrangements are made to raise the price of the agricultural products…”

Footwear Stall at the Dayalbagh Manufactures Exhibition in Gurgaon

Excerpt 5:

Finally, a note that appeared in the Lucknow exhibition supplement of the Pioneer dated January 17, 1936.

“The stall of the widely known Agra institution, DAYALBAGH, is a large one packed with the most varied products, stressing the versatility of the institution’s members. Here are to be seen laboratory balances and weights, fountain pens, nibs and inks, gramophones, platform weighing machines, electric clocks, A.C. motors, ceiling and electric table fans, footwear and leather goods, silk, cotton and woollen cloth, butter and cream, cheese and a host of other articles as divers and as well finished as the best imports from overseas. The institution undertakes repairs to the most delicate laboratory and hospital apparatus, and is a large importer of chemicals, scientific instruments and chemical and glassware for laboratories and educational institutions.”

=====

So much foresight, a rich history and legacy behind what we do today. Here is to “Keep living up to this legacy and Building further on it”. Wishing you all a very Happy Diwali and Happy “Quality and Values” Day.

The post is by Anurag Singh, Editor, Sigma Six Q Blog.

(i-c-n-c) TALL - Humanizing Technology

This week our post is by Dr. Bani Dayal Dhir, Assistant Professor at the Department of English Studies, Dayalbagh Educational Institute. Recipient of the Institute’s prestigious Director’s medal throughout her studies, her primary research interests include Literature and Systems Theory and Consciousness studies, exploring the application of Generalized Physical Systems Theory Modelling, Interpretive Structural Modelling, Quantum Theory and Science of Consciousness in the study of literature.

Dr. Bani Dayal Dhir is the Coordinator of (i.c.n.c) TALL, Dayalbagh Educational Institute (DEI).

Dr. Bani writes...

DEI - iNFORMATION-cOMMUNICATION–nEURO-cOGNITIVE Technologies Assisted Language Lab, (i-c-n-c) TALL: An Overview

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both,

And be one traveller, long I stood,

And looked down one as far as I could,

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

…

I shall be telling this with a sigh,

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less travelled by,

And that has made all the difference.

The oft quoted symbolic poem of American poet Robert Frost underlines the dilemmas and conflicts we frequently confront while sailing on the vast ocean of life. Just like the speaker in the poem, how often do we speculate whether to go with the mainstream or off the beaten track, selecting an unusual and unknown path!

My intellectual journey in  the Garden of the Merciful, Dayalbagh, treading the path ‘unknown’ and ‘alien’  to the ‘coarse world’ has ushered in unquantifiable ‘difference’ and ‘change’ in my life making me nod in affirmation with Frost- “I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference!”. In today’s fragmented and turbulent world, the value based education system of  Dayalbagh, aiming to evolve  a Total Quality Person, not just a ‘soulless  intellectual being’, can only bring   ‘change’ and ‘difference’ in the lives of people and the world. Dayalbagh Educational Institute has a blessed vision!  I recall the proclamation of the August Founder of Dayalbagh, His Holiness Revered Sir Anand Sarup ji that ‘a university is expected to teach universal knowledge’ and it is this education Dayalbagh is aiming at.

The establishment of “iNFORMATION-cOMMUNICATION–nEURO-cOGNITIVE Technologies Assisted Language Lab”, popularly called “(i-c-n-c) TALL” at Dayalbagh Educational Institute illustrates this pursuit of Universal knowledge in Dayalbagh, with its unique blend of humanities and  technology. Surrounded by tall trees and lush green lawns, clad in green hue, the lab becomes an ideal place for learning and disseminating knowledge. I take this opportunity to mention that a few months back,  I came across an interesting  newspaper report which mentioned how a group of Tirunelveli based academicians had embarked on ‘landscape mission’ to give lessons on literature.  Similarly, I feel, amidst pristine nature, learning languages would become more motivating and animating with nature’s  purity and serenity impressing  ‘deep thoughts’ and ‘blessed mood’.

As the coordinator of the ‘one of its kind’ Language Lab cum Research Center, I deem it my proud privilege to present here a brief overview of the facilities and mission objectives of the lab which is ‘for all’.

(i-c-n-c) TALL facilitates  teaching and learning of various languages using technology and also promotes interdisciplinary research in the realms of consciousness, literature, language learning and teaching. It is  a central teaching cum interdisciplinary research Center of the Institute which functions in conjunction with the Centre of Consciousness Studies DEI.  State-of-the-art teaching spaces, rich software resources and expert support personnel together make the DEI (i-c-n-c) TALL a dynamic and highly efficient teaching and learning facility. It is the multilingual computing and assessment hub of the Institute with reliable audio and video recording capability, foreign language digital media content, and software images.

Facilities and Resources:

• Main lab with 25 computers, 3 class rooms and one lecture Hall. 
• A network of computers, server with appropriate application software (Instructor server / Student Client).
• Orell Digital language Lab software, installed at  i-c-n-c Tall, facilitates the learning of any language effortlessly. The software has the following features: 
• ASL- Tool to assign speaking and listening activities to students
• Intercom- Enables two-way communication between the teacher and students
• Live Classroom-   It performs live classes and allows evaluation of students' learning activities
• Lesson Studio-  It allows teacher to create study materials in video, audio and text format.
• e-Writer - It is used to  assign writing assignments to students
• e- Reader - It is used to send reading assignments to individual or group of students.
• Screen Viewer - Teacher can capture the students' screen and monitor their activities even without their knowledge.
• Model Student - With this feature we can select a student as a model for other learners to view the assignments submitted by the model student.
• BillBoard - It is used to write news or information for students
• Alert - It is an aid for students to call the teacher
• The lab is also equipped with LED Projector WXGA, Projection Screen, smart boards, 49” LED LFD Displays, Lumens Document Camera, Digital Podium with control panels, Sony VCU Camera, Audio System with Speakers and Microphone, Audio Mixer
• The lab resources are not only available on-campus, but can be accessed and used off-campus.
• The lab is used not only for teaching English, but it is used for teaching Indian Regional languages and other foreign Languages as well.
• Artificial Intelligent  tools  like “Chat Bots” are also available. The following Chat Bots are currently being used:
• Alice ESL Bot is useful for Practicing English.
• Leslie Linguo is an ESL-oriented chat robot and dictionary with text-to-speech feature  to practice oral and written communication in English.
• ESL Robot lets one practice English.
• Andy Bot is a friendly robot which can be used by beginners to converse in English. One can learn language by actually using it in a conversation. One can take grammar lessons and learn new words every day! 
• The lab is equipped with Two ‘Multilingual Electronic Translators – ECTACO 500 AL’. ECTACO 500 AL is one of the best translators available in the world because  of its ability to translate numerous languages on the fly.
• The Lab has access to various useful links, websites, and apps for language learning. For example – British Council online tools, ESL Gold, ESL.net, 101 Languages of the World, Sanskrit learning tools, Online Sanskrit Sandhi tool, Online Sanskrit newspaper, Online Sanskrit dictionaries, Online Sanskrit Newspapers, Sanskrit thesaurus, Monier Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary, http://lexica.indica-et-buddhica.org/dict/lexica, Monier Williams Online Dictionary [English to Sanskrit], Sanskrit OCR tool. 

(i-c-n-c)TALL - Sanskrit  Teaching and Research

One of the primary objectives of (i-c-n-c-)TALL is to  conserve and disseminate the treasure of Sanskrit language, the language of Devas, language of transcendental consciousness by using ICT. It is aiming to promote man – machine interaction, natural language processing with reference to Sanskrit, including  spoken Sanskrit to make it once again the dominant language of the world. This multi-cultural and multi-lingual lab cum research center would also motivate Sanskrit scholars to pursue research in neuroscience, cognition, computational Sanskrit and Science of Consciousness using EEG, MEG and fMRI  installed at DEI.

While referring to Sanskrit language, I am reminded of Albert Einstein, who, once tried talking in Sanskrit to Dr. B.N. Gupta, an Indian scientist. Dr. Gupta’s confession that he did not know the language left Einstein stunned and his instant response was: 

“You hail from India which is the home of Hindu Philosophy, yet you have not cared to learn that language. Come along, see my library which treasures classics from Sanskritam.”

With immense delight, I also state that we are in the process of developing a Digital Library for Sanskrit Texts, Scriptures and other literature along with English and other languages to open up a huge ocean of knowledge  hidden in Sanskrit compositions and treatises  composed centuries ago. Sanskrit Language Learning material is being prepared by DEI Sanskrit Department. The Content includes Listening comprehension exercises, videos of short stories (Panchatantra  etc.), narration of the shlokas of the Bhagvadgita and their explanation, grammar, essays on a variety of topics, videos  for conversation, etc. We propose to run short term certificate courses in Spoken Sanskrit and they can be also run in distance mode. Researchers have observed that as compared to other languages, Sanskrit has many advantages for computer processing due to its structural properties. Through Sanskrit language teaching and research at (i-c-n-c) TALL, we are making a humble effort to open up a huge  ocean of  knowledge  in different areas hidden in Sanskrit compositions and  treatises composed centuries ago. I quote here the following observation of Paul Kiparsky, Emeritus Professor at Stanford University,

“Many of the insights of Panini's grammar still remain to be recaptured, but those that are already understood constitute a major theoretical contribution.” 

Virtual Lab for Vocational  Electronic Centre for Cultural Studies in DEI

This Lab would be developed as a unique place where skill based vocational courses  are proposed  to be  launched to provide “linguistic - technical competence” to all, thus helping people earn livelihood and also fulfilling the needs of the country. Vocational programmes such as Creative writing and Digital Skills, Communicative Skills, Translation, Certificate /diploma courses in speaking &writing other Indian and foreign languages are proposed, blending beautifully ‘Power of Man’ and ‘Power of Technology’. All vocational programmes, short term certificate programmes including lab facility will be available off campus as well so students and faculty at different places may make optimum utilization of the rich lab. Conforming to the mission objective of DEI, in the words of Most Revered Prof. Prem Saran Satsangi Sahab is transformation of India to a knowledge society, the learning at Lab aims to make people skilled to lead a better life. In this context it would not be inappropriate to quote the following observation of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan: 

“India is a free nation but it will be free in true sense only  when  each Indian will have employment and shelter.”

Most Revered Prof Prem Saran Satsangi Sahab in his address at the inauguration of Distance Education Programme at MTV Puram enlightened:

“Now we switch from the top down and bottom up approach to the middle out approach for management and planning of education. And it is at the middle level of vocational education that we are making a beginning here. Primary level education is already established. The top level is already there in the form of Satsangis here.  So we now go to the middle level and we use the middle–out approach of linking it to the bottom level providing the children with the Primary  education at the present and then moving out towards the top and providing inter-linkage with the spiritual education. So that is how the whole education system will get completed and will have the realization of the University in Satsang in the true sense.”

Reinforcing  the lofty ideal of ‘self-reliance’, inspiring each one saying, “Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string”, our humble endeavour is to make everyone realize, in the words of  Ralph Waldo Emerson, “the power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried.” Adequate exposure to state of the art technology and ‘hands on experience’ to “each and all” will make them competent to work in various capacities in various organizations and even motivate them for self- employment.

Research in Psycholinguistics: Researchers from DEI Psychology Department  have proposed to conduct experiments exploring the linguistic competence of learners. They have proposed to pursue studies in the areas of memory, attention, perception, speech disorders, slow learning. In collaboration with Psychology department tests are proposed- Boston naming test, (BNT), Clinical Evaluation of Language Functioning (CELF), Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT), Multilingual Aphasia Examination, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT), Test of Written language (TOWL) etc.

Upliftment of underprivileged children:  It  is one of the mission objectives of the lab cum research center to impart training and education to the tribal and rural children and adults.  Special  language  learning  programmes  are proposed to be launched for socially and economically deprived strata of the society. The lab would initiate such programmes for the children of Rajaborari, Murar and MTV Puram. 

On- Going Interdisciplinary Research Initiatives and language teaching Programmes at (i-c-n-c) TALL: A Bird’s Eye View

• In collaboration with Center for Consciousness Studies experiments in Neuroaesthetics to study the impact of various literary texts on human brain and also personality using MEG. The results were presented at the international conference “The Science of Consciousness”, Tucson, University of Arizona held  in April from 25-30, 2016.
• The Department of English is running  four compulsory lab courses as part of the undergraduate English programme. The students are evaluated on the basis of the practical assignments done throughout the semester covering four important skills – reading, writing, speaking and listening.
• The Department of Sanskrit has launched the Sanskrit Work Experience Course for undergraduate students. 
• The Department of Hindi has launched Hindi tutorial class for undergraduate students.
• One of the unique features is the launch of English lab classes for the children of  DEI Primary School from class 1 to 5.  It’s a delight to watch these  kids operating the software efficiently and  learning  English. Apart from Dayalbagh Primary School, the students of class 6,7,8 of DEI Prem Vidyalaya and DEI REI Inter College are also having their regular English lab Classes.
• The syllabus of English lab classes has been designed in such a way that it integrates the topics done in the traditional lecture method in the class room. The lab classes reinforce their learning through interactive method, speaking and listening activities. At the same time ,they also get an opportunity to learn useful additional topics.

• Classes of  Dayalbagh School of languages have commenced successfully. 
• A One Week English proficiency Course is  organized  every year at ( i-c-n-c) TALL during winter camp at DEI. 
• Experiments in Language and Psychology by the Department of Psychology. 

The lab cum research center at Dayalbagh functions with the noble objective of ‘humanizing technology’ not ‘technology technisizing human’.  To recall the words of Most Revered Dr. M. B. Lal Sahab,  the founder of Dayalbagh Educational Institute:

We should try to see that the modern trends become only supplements and not substitutes of our basic concepts of education. We do not like to put the clock back but would certainly do well to introduce a more human and realistic approach to education to meet the present day needs of society.

In an age when man is becoming an automaton with the displacement of  the qualities of humility, love and generosity, plagued by the Frostian dilemma – which road to travel? Making choices on the basis of short term myopic considerations, I believe learning humanities in the Technology Assisted Language Lab (TALL) will enable children  evolve and grow TALLER  and reach the Zenith with the blend of scientific temper and humanistic spirit. In his latest book entitled, Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (2017), Max Tegmark raises concerns regarding human life in the age of technology. As ‘(i-c-n-c) TALL’ envisions the era of Superintelligent machines, it also follows the enlightening guiding lines of Most Revered Prof. Prem Saran Satsangi Sahab that the Superintelligent machines developed with innovative qualities and values alone can be beneficial. He also observes that the misuse of Superintelligent machines can be prevented by developing supermen endowed with values. While imparting linguistic- technical competence within the Value-Based Education system of DEI, (i-c-n-c) TALL endeavours to exemplify the unique ‘Dayalbagh Way of Life’. The relation between “quality of life” and “quality of education” has been elucidated by Most Revered Prof. Prem Saran Satsangi Sahab through His model of “Sigma Six Q Way of Dayalbagh Life”.

As we march ahead with firm conviction, reverence and humility to translate the lofty vision of making (i-c-n-c) TALL a unique learning and Research center in the world, I place the following prayer, by Robert Browning, at the Lotus Feet of Supreme Lord Almighty:

Take and use Thy work:

Amend what flaws may lurk,

What strain o' the stuff, what warpings past the aim!

My times be in Thy hand!

Perfect the cup as planned!

Notes from DEI IEEE R10 Humanitarian Technology Conference

The Dayalbagh Way of Life is not fixed at some point of time in the past. It is evolving with immense innovation, with Dayalbagh and its institutions imbibing and contributing technology to make human life on this planet more sustainable. The innovation cycle followed by Dayalbagh is evolutionary and not revolutionary, so that we can take each person along.

In the words of Revered Prof. Prem Saran Satsangi, from his book, Management of Rural Energy Systems, published in 1983, “…in the service of The Last, The Least, The Lowest, and the Lost Among Mankind”. So, we are looking at implementation of technology that furthers the Humanitarian cause.

In December 2016, Dayalbagh Educational Institute hosted and conducted the IEEE Region 10 Humanitarian Technology Conference (HTC). IEEE, as many of you may be aware is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity, with ~450,000 IEEE members in over 160 countries.

The focus of this Conference was on Sigma Six Q & Smart Villages: making sustainability a way of life. The scope of conference papers included, the application/innovation of technology to improve quality in the following areas: Energy, Education Systems, Environment Systems, Healthcare, Agriculture & Dairy, Smart Village and Women Empowerment & Security.

Here is a summary of the topics of the Conference Speakers, speakers outside of DEI and IEEE...

On Day 1, in the Theme Session, the first speaker was Padma Bhushan Dr. V K Saraswat, Former Secretary Defence R&D, Member NITI Aayog.

Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat is an Indian scientist who formerly served as the Director General of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Indian Minister of Defence. He is presently member of NITI Aayog i.e. the organization that replaced the Planning Commission of India and Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Dr. Saraswat kick-started the Theme Session on Gandhiji's quote on our working for a Planet that we will not see. He walked us through the past, the damages caused by our advancement, like land-fills, impact on rivers, depletion of non-renewable sources, loss of habitat and other staggering challenges like global health, food, water, rising temperatures, species extinction, coral bleaching and mortality, coastal flooding and reconfiguration of coast lines, droughts, disease vectors. He took us through disruptions like Global Urbanization, accelerating climate change, aging world, greater global connections. He gave us a glimpse and road map for the future, developing and deploying transformative and enabling technologies and the necessary and desirable transformations for sustainability and ushering in a human centric era.

Dr. Anoop Srivastava, IG, Indian Railways, presented his views on “Sigma Six Q practices in Dayalbagh, a smart eco-village”.

Abstract from his talk…

Establishment of Dayalbagh has a unique place in the history of India. The metaphorical foundation stone of Dayalbagh was laid on 15th Jan 1915 in the form of plantation of a mulberry tree by its August Founder, Sir Anand Swarup Sahab, which heralded conversion of a sandy, barren land into a lively green-belt created and maintained by the settlement of like-minded people. At the time when planned development of the kind we know today was rare, it was only a divine plan that could envisage enrichment of the colony with Sigma Six Q practices in the days to come.

A term coined by Revered Prof. Prem Saran Satsangi, to describe the Dayalbagh way of life, Sigma Six Q refers to the six salient qualities that are inherent in the dynamics of this eco village. Summation of these qualities, viz., Innovation, Air Quality, Water Quality, Health and Education, Agriculture and Dairy, and Values- such as duty, beauty, humility courage, temperance, wisdom, loyalty and justice-leads to synergistically enhanced impact on the system. Dr. Srivastava’s talk covered the highlights of Sigma Six Q Model as practised in Dayalbagh and its importance for sustainable growth.

The third speaker in the Theme Session was Padma Shri Dr. Ashok Gulati, India’s top Agricultural Economist whose topic was “Growing the Third Crop – Doubling farmers’ incomes by harvesting solar power”.

Abstract from his talk…

Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi said, “Poverty is the worst form of violence” and also considered “Science without Humanity” as a spiritual sin. He suggested the use of technology to alleviate poverty and thus uplift humanity.

Government of India has set an ambitious target of 100,000 MW of solar power capacity to be achieved by 2022. Interestingly, Government of India has also set another ambitious target of doubling farmers' incomes by 2022!

The uppermost question in everyone's mind is: can these targets be achieved by 2022?

This is particularly so when the current solar power capacity in the country touched 8000 MW by July end, 2016, and no country in the world has such an ambitious target as India has set out for 2022.  On farmers' real incomes, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the recent past (FY 2003 to FY 2013) has been a mere 3.5%; and doubling these incomes by 2022 would mean increasing this CAGR from 3.5% to more than 12%. 

Our global review suggests that costs of solar power have come down across the world, by about 70 per cent since 2010-11. Most projects have been executed as ground mounted utilities or as rooftop solar. But we submit an innovative policy- that saves on land as well as help to augment farmers’ incomes. A significant progress can be made towards achievement of both of these goals of Government of India, provided both are conceived and implemented in unison, a sort of marrying each other, with innovative policies- like the guaranteed feed-in-tariffs (FIT) for solar power generated on farmers' fields- to back this alliance. Solar power can be used all along the agriculture value chain- as a third crop for farmer fields, for solar powered irrigation systems, for cold storage's and processing industries like dehydration. A true model of Competitiveness with Inclusiveness, this can be Scaled up in a Sustainable manner (CISS Model). This will also help to reduce power subsidies of state electricity boards (SEBs), wherever solar power can substitute existing connections.

The only thing to be seen is how to raise advance capital funds, how to organize farmers on these lines, how to convince the Discoms for guaranteed feed-in-tariffs, and how long it is persevered till the goals are reached!

On Day 2, we had a Special Session on Science of Consciousness (more on this in a separate post - a small summary here)

Prof. Vishal Sahni presented a paper on “Innovative (Superintelligence with Spiritual-Quality and Value Based Control-) Graph Theoretic Quantum System Modelling (IGTQSM)”.

This was followed by a session by Dr. Anirban Bandyopadhyay on “Consciousness is music of the primes”.

Dr. Dayal Pyari Srivastava presented her research on “Scientific Epistemology and the Phenomenology of Consciousness: Looking for Correspondence between them using SQUID based MEG Device”.

The session ended with Dr. Bani Dayal Dhir giving an overview of (i-c-n-c-) TALL, “(iNFORMATION-cOMMUNICATION-nEURO-cOGNITIVE-) Technologies Assisted Language Lab at Dayalbagh Educational Institute.

On Day 3, we had Mr. Jayant Krishna, COO, National Skill Development Corporation, whose talk was on “Reaping the Demographic Dividend through Skilling India, leveraging technology for Skill delivery”.

Abstract from his talk...

Education is the key to sustainable development. It is the creation, adaptation and sharing of knowledge, skills and values that is essential to development – both at the individual level as well as at the macro level. Right to Education is not only an excellent catalyst for social change and justice, it helps us understand and realise our other rights – economic, social and cultural.

Education combined with skills form the driving forces of economic growth and social development for any country. With the rise of the knowledge society and growth of digital media, the goal posts keep changing for what might constitute as basic functional literacy.

India has developed a national higher education system that offers multiple choices and pathways to acquire a variety of skills. With nearly 700 universities and more than 35,000 affiliated colleges enrolling more than 20 million students. In contrast to the ageing population of the western world, India has a unique 20–25 years window of opportunity called the “demographic dividend”. This demographic dividend presents a tremendous opportunity for India to become a global economic leader. It is expected that India will have more than 700 million people in the working population by 2022, with 12 million people expected to join the workforce each year. This talent pool needs to be adequately skilled.

In order to prevent demographic dividend from turning into a demographic disaster, the government has taken several steps to empower people at the grass root level and help them acquire skills in order to earn a better livelihood. In November 2014, the government also formed the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, which will catalyse skill development initiatives across the country.  The single biggest reform is the amendment to the archaic Apprenticeship Act, which now make it easier for companies to hire and train apprentices. Apprenticeship has been a successful model of skilling youth in countries all over the world. This reform alone can increase the number of apprenticeships in India from the current 2.4 lakh to 30 lakh a year. The motivation through Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) has driven more than 20 lakh candidates to get skilled and certified in the last one year. The journey has just started; the path has just been laid to lead India into an era of becoming the skills capital of the World. 

Editor’s Note: Dayalbagh Educational Institute is one of the top Institutes for Vocational Education.

The Valedictory Speaker was Dr. Ajoy K Bhattacharya, MD, National Green Highway Mission who talked about his mission, “Carbon Sequestration – My Way is the Highway”

Abstract from his talk...

Dr. Bhattacharya talked about developing eco-friendly National Highways for Sustainable Environment & Inclusive Growth, with objectives of develop a systematic framework for Integrated Green Corridor Development along National Highways, Build resilient ecosystem in the form of “Green Corridors” along National Highways for Combating global warming and climate change effects, Optimum GHG sequestration, conservation of native species of the region, develop unique green corridors with aesthetic appeal, reduce the impacts of air, noise pollution and dust, reduce soil erosion at embankment slopes, reduce the effects of wind and incoming UV radiation.

Additionally, there were two special tracks and a Hackathon.

Special Track 1: Women in Engineering track

The theme of the session was, “Women Empowerment to break barriers and lead the smart world”.

The chief guest was Ms. Sneh Bijlani, Treasurer of Dayalbagh Educational Institute. She captivated the audience by narrating her own experiences in achieving top level positions and the hardships one has to face as a woman and how she overcame these with perseverance.

Special Track 2: Young Professionals Track

This track was focused on “The Digital Revolution and its implications in everyday life”. The speakers view was that with the dawn of digital technologies, we are in the early stages of significant changes leading us into the age of “Systems”. The machine age which has industrial revolution as its counterpart is now giving way to “Systems Age” having automation and AI (Artificial Intelligence) as its technological counterparts. “The Rise of the Robots” and “Machine Learning” technologies are will cause unemployment so much so in about thirty years, half of world population will be out of jobs according to a report. As one computer scientist put it, "We are approaching a time when machines will be able to outperform humans at almost any task. I believe that society needs to confront this question before it is upon us: if machines are capable of doing almost any work humans can do, what will humans do?” In the years to come life could be absolute leisure with no work and this could be death knell for human survival, particularly if the developing technology is not kept as a good servant. These sentiments were echoed when Stephan Hawking had said that AI, if left unchecked, "could spell the end of the human race". Elon Musk (Tesla Inc.) also sounded that future advancements in AI could be akin to "we are summoning the demon".

In order to understand the revolution, we are experiencing we need to look more closely at the concepts, ideas and philosophies that are shaping the evolving world view. This calls for a shift in our thinking that is required as the world unfolds around us in this “Systems Age”. The globalized world is a giant social system, interdependent and interconnected (hyper connected). So, our approaches to understand and solve problems cannot be based on mechanistic view of the world, hitherto followed. If we are complacent and maintain status quo on how we think and act in a reactive mode, there will be “degradation of our quality of life, if not our standard of living”. As we move into the systems age, we need to supplement our high-tech abilities, with thinking abilities that are high concept (systemic ideas, detecting patterns, creativity) and high touch (empathize, purpose and meaning).

And in parallel to all these sessions we had the fun-filled Hackathon

Typically, these conferences tend to be academic in nature, with limited industry and student interaction. In this conference, a hackathon/makethon was launched, as it offers the opportunity to bring together the best of:

• Academia – latest technology and research ideas. Bringing theoretical concepts to real world through building prototypes.
• Industry – state of the art engineering and design concepts, science in action. A platform where the academic and student community provides new ideas and new talent to fuel the next generation of their products and service offerings.
• Students – motivated, enthusiastic next generation leaders of technology. This event offers access to cutting edge technology, which helps them gain hands on technical skills in line with industry trends.

There were over 150 registrations and 70 final participants. It represented how the next generation of student members will be indispensable in our search for sustainable solutions to some of the major, existential problems that lie before us – climate change, unprecedented pollution, population growth, diseases and epidemics, and natural disasters.

The winning projects were:

Efficient Water Management

Water is a big problem: Today, India ranks second worldwide in farm output. Agriculture and allied sectors like forestry and fisheries accounted for 13.7% of the GDP (gross domestic product) in 2013, about 50% of the workforce. We have come up with an Efficient Water supply management System in which adequate amount of water will be used, based on the crop, time during the crop cycle and in a drip irrigation way and not flood. 

Real Time Automatic Plougher and Sower (RAPS)

Nowadays farmers face problem in getting adequate labour. This system will reduce labour work of farmers and help in increasing the preciseness in seed sowing system. The system is a robotic vehicle that facilitates ploughing fields and sowing seeds without human intervention.

Park IT

Majority of the Traffic problem is due to improper parking system.  In India 25% Accidents are due to improper parking in Metro Cities. This prototype consists of a mobile app and hardware unit that helps user book the parking slot in real time. This system will solve daily life parking problem faced by people in Metro cities. This system will allow you to register your vehicle number in the parking system through mobile app. The system will also notify you about the available parking space nearby.

Sound of Silence

Speech impaired people always face difficulty in communicating and socializing with people around them. The system recognizes gestures of speech impaired people and convert them into sound signals. Hence this system helps speech impaired people to communicate effectively with the people around them. This will overall create a change in their day to day life.

Any Time Medicine (ATM)

We come across long queues around medical shops and at times there is an early shutdown of medical shops. This causes inconvenience to public who require medicines in urgency. The project aims at providing medicine anytime and anywhere. This system helps to get the medicine you require in case of emergency. Tap on the medicine of your choice and you can pay by scanning QR code. In case the medicine is not available a message will be displayed to convey the same.

Smart cycle sharing system

Going from one place to another in big educational, corporate and community campus is very time consuming. The density of vehicles is exponentially rising not only causing health related issues, but also rising environmental concerns.  The complete system consists of GPS based tracking device that helps in real time tracking of bicycle. The user has an option to pre-book the cycle through mobile app.

That’s it for now.

Thanks to Prof. Bhagwan Das for his inputs and help. We will take you through further details of some of the Plenary talks in later posts.

The above post is by Anurag Singh, the Sigma Six Q Blog Editor.