Can Technology Lead to a Prosperous Society (Ava Maiti Memorial Lecture)

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It is a privilege for me to write a few words to introduce the paper entitled "Can Technology Lead To A Prosperous Society" by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister and Secretary, Department of Defence R & D, Ministry of Defence, New Delhi which was delivered as the Ava Maiti Memorial Lecture on April 10, 1997, at the Asiatic Society.

The subject is one of vital interests to all thinking persons who have seen the entry of technology in every sphere of society. Many, however, regard the rapid development of technology with suspicion, distrusting it as an encroachment into our lives. Dr Kalam's lecture removes this misconception from our minds and makes us realise that while technology helps to make the country self-reliant and strengthens national security, both essential requirements for our survival, it also helps in many ways to build a healthy and prosperous society. The technology involved in the launching of the Prithvi missile has benefited Medical Science and been used by Cardiologists and Orthopaedic doctors around the Chandipur testing site and the environment has been improved and a bird sanctuary built.

Beginning with a historical account of methods of warfare Dr Kalam comes to present times. Not only have missile systems reached an advanced system of development and defence strengthened, technology has also actively helped in societal missions like converting the desert Leh valley into green arable land.