“Abundant opportunities await if artificial intelligence is used wisely,” said Mohammed Alimuzzaman, Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Chennai, who was the chief guest at the inauguration of Gravitas ’26.
The three-day technology, management and knowledge festival, Gravitas ’26, began at the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) on Friday.
Alimuzzaman noted that Gravitas has entered its 17th edition and has successfully nurtured employment opportunities, young entrepreneurs and startups over the years.
“Students’ innovative ideas should aim to enhance human lives. Be bold in your innovations, but remain responsible in your creative endeavours,” he advised. “Students should compete with passion and a strong will to win. Something you build for a competition could eventually transform into your first startup.”
Highlighting the current technological landscape, he added: “We are living in an extraordinary time. Artificial intelligence is finding solutions to age-old problems. While we must exercise caution in utilising AI, endless opportunities await if it is applied correctly. Technology does not become valuable merely because it is new; it gains true value when it connects people, improves lives and resolves real human problems.”
Presiding over the event, VIT Founder and Chancellor G. Viswanathan recalled his close ties with Bangladesh, noting that he had stood as a strong supporter in the Indian Parliament during the nation’s formation in 1971.
On economic progress, he observed: “Over the past eight years, Bangladesh has surpassed India in per capita income. Bangladesh’s per capita income stands at $2,900, compared to India’s $2,800, while Pakistan lags far behind at $1,700. Per capita income improves only when technology is effectively harnessed.”
Discussing global industry dynamics, he pointed out that HCL operates across 60 countries with 2,24,000 employees from 161 nations, and its revenue has crossed $14 billion. “Developing nations must leverage technology for economic growth.
India is one of the world’s largest importers of arms. If we improve relations with our neighbours, funds spent on purchasing weapons can instead be redirected towards education, healthcare and welfare for the poor and middle class, driving robust economic growth.”
He stressed that science and technology must serve human development, suggesting that drones should be used to boost productivity rather than for destruction. He also acknowledged Bangladesh’s notable strides in textile manufacturing, where it has surpassed India.
Prince Jayakumar, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Talent Acquistion of HCL, told the gathering that HCL was born out of necessity during India’s Emergency period, when multinational companies exited the country. The company developed its own processors, motherboards and operating systems, continually evolving its research and development to meet market demands.
“HCL innovates for the world and solves real-life challenges. Events like Gravitas spark diverse, fresh ideas. Innovation is a continuous journey, and with the advent of AI, the true power of technology lies in using it to create novel, breakthrough solutions,” he said.
After the inaugural ceremony, the chief guest inaugurated and toured the Combat Vehicles Technology Exhibition organised by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) from Avadi, Chennai.
The inauguration was attended by Sankar Viswanathan and Sekar Viswanathan, Vice Presidents, VIT; Sandhya Pentareddy, Executive Director; Kadhambari S. Viswanathan, Assistant Vice President; Ramani Balasundaram, Trustee; Pawan Vadapalli, Global Head of Digital Business Services at HCL Tech; and Sudhakar, Gravitas Coordinator, along with other dignitaries, faculty members and students.
