Fri Sep 26 16:43:36 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summarized version of the text, followed by a rewritten news article based on that summary:
**Summary:**
Majed Ali Al Mansoori, Secretary General of Emirates Falconers Club and Chairman of Municipality Affairs, Abu Dhabi, spoke at the 16th edition of graVITas, an international techno-management fest at VIT. He urged engineering students to combine science with ethics, creativity, and compassion to become well-rounded global citizens. He emphasized innovation is about changing lives and should prioritize sustainability. VIT’s Chancellor, G. Viswanathan, stressed the importance of increased student enrollment in higher education and greater government investment in science and technology research, citing India’s low GDP spending on research compared to other countries. The three-day fest features over 200 events with prizes totaling ₹30 lakh.
**News Article:**
**VIT Fest Highlights Need for Ethical Innovation and Increased Investment in Indian Education**
*Vellore, India – September 26, 2025* – The 16th annual graVITas, an international techno-management fest organized by Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), kicked off today with a strong call for ethical innovation and increased investment in Indian higher education.
Majed Ali Al Mansoori, Secretary General of Emirates Falconers Club and Chairman of Municipality Affairs, Abu Dhabi, delivered the inaugural address, urging engineering students to blend scientific expertise with ethical considerations, creativity, and compassion. He emphasized that technical skills alone are insufficient for global competitiveness, highlighting the importance of innovation that focuses on improving lives and promoting sustainable development.
“Innovation is not only about changing technology; it’s about changing lives,” Mr. Mansoori stated, encouraging students to craft a future that benefits both humanity and the planet.
VIT’s Founder Chancellor, G. Viswanathan, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the urgent need for increased student enrollment in colleges and universities. He criticized the government’s reluctance to invest in necessary infrastructure and faculty, preventing many young Indians from accessing higher education.
“As per the 2011 census, of total 14 crore persons between 18-23 years of age, only four crore students were enrolled. What happened to the rest of the youth in the country?” he asked.
Viswanathan also called for a significant increase in government spending on science and technology research, noting that India’s current investment of less than 1% of GDP lags far behind developed nations.
The three-day graVITas fest will feature 207 events, offering students opportunities to showcase their talents and compete for prizes worth over ₹30 lakh. The event was attended by prominent figures including Anand Narasimhan, Managing Editor, Special Projects, CNN News18; Praveena Bhimavarapu, senior vice president & country head, Maximus India, and Sekar Viswanathan, vice president, VIT.
The event underscores the ongoing debate about the future of Indian education and the need for a strategic focus on both ethical technological advancement and equitable access to higher learning.
First Piper 