When we talk about technology the most important technology that is available to the common person is the versatile computer.
This device has increased efficiency, increased accountability and has increased the number of services that can be provided.
In our society today there is hardly any area, which is not touched by computer. From the morning news paper to the late night TV show every activity of ours seems to be inter linked with technology that has mad our life seemingly easier? Or is it easier?
Because a fault in technology sometimes takes more time to rectify and since we are so tied to technology we can’t move forward and feel immobilized.
The example will be the microwave oven in your house.If you are used to making your meal in it then you can imagine how hard it is to toast a simple bread without it or electricity!
Technology in communication is probably the most talked about area since it touches the life of all humans.
The e-mail has nearly eliminated the old and beautiful post box. Probably the days of the khaki dress clad postman or the now saree clad post woman will be a thing of the past within few years.
It is interesting to note that the Government has shut down telegraphic services in almost all cities and towns since the advent of the telephone and more specifically the STD services. The new generation of children may only see the telegraphic machine in the museum!
Probably within few years the old and loveable telephone on your desk will also be consigned to the dustbin with mobile phones becoming affordable and easy.
In this field alone the rapid changes in technology has given an opportunity for employment while eliminating the jobs connected with old technology.
I would say that technology has made more people take to education as livelihoods are linked to rapid developments in the field of science.
If the internet has enabled us to access more resources it is distinct advantage to the society. It has given online support to groups of people who are unable to leave their homes. It is an input for income generation for thousands who work from home. Consultation and collaboration have become easy, thanks to the greatest invention of this era – the internet.
We are able to locate persons, network with them and even raise funds through internet. A thing that could probably was not been imagined two decades ago. Technology in communication has given the society to reach more people within a short span of time.
Just imagine how radio, TV, SMS and such technologies are used to help people in need. Be it blood donation or rushing for rescue, technology has made it possible for us to lessen the burden caused by natural disasters.
If travel was a big event during the early 1900, today it is a part of everyday life for many. The modern jet has made us go round the globe faster. Who knows, if the technology for space travel also becomes affordable people may be circling the earth in-between break, lunch and dinner!
Technology has helped students learn more topics sooner. Greater access to information, better integration of multi media into presentations has changed the methodology of teaching.
The village school master with a cane in his hand cannot be seen any more. It is all together a different fact that no one ever feared the cane in those days and probably it was sign of the imperialistic order adapted to desi style! Today, technology helps the teachers make better use of their time and talents in the set amount of time.
Technological advancement in the field of publishing has enabled books to be viewed on line and this even helps in preserving the ecology. Trees are saved. Waste is controlled and recycled wherever needed.
In France technology has enabled people to use sea water for distillation and generation of electricity.
The advancements in robotics have helped in various operations that would be considered dangerous to men. Gas lines across the deserts are maintained by technology that even helps in preventing leakages.
For those of you who have used the old fountain pen and consider it as a valuable possession, the modern ballpoint pen is a technological advancement that has done away with the ink and ink-fillers. Gone are the days of stained shirts or the fun the school kids used to have by splashing ink on their classmates.
From the box camera of the 50’s – today’s digital camera and even the camera phone is an advancement that has taken the society rapidly to greater heights in the field of photography.
The recent launch of the i – phone in USA promises to more than just a phone. The video has not only helped in entertainment but also in education. The law enforcement authorities use for security. The benefits to the society are endless. If a giant antenna has been reduced to a small dish to bring in live feed directly into your home it is the marvel of technology.
The functioning or rather the mal functioning of the heart is now rectified with mini aturized machines implanted for pumping blood! The advances in medicine where machines act as lungs and keep people alive are wonders of this era. The society’s longevity has increased by few years, thanks to wonders of scan and other diagnostic instruments invented.
Lost?
No problem any more. The Global Positioning System helps operating through a constellation of 24 satellites can help you find pets that just wandered away. Again, the benefit of technology for mankind.
Do you know that the seats in airplane and space crafts and now in most automobiles are made of temper foam? The simple technology is temperature sensitive and conforms to your body’s contours and makes you feel comfortable. It is now used in home furnishing.
Want to beat the heat? Liquid cooled garments, used by astronauts while in space are now made for people on the earth.
People make up a society. As technology touches a person from head to foot we can say that the role of technology in the modern society is linked to the life of every individual.
But friends,
you will appreciate that the modern technology has yet to find a replacement for human heart and we the Rotarians work to serve the community, to serve the humanity, to serve the Nation and world at large with our heart and here lies the difference between others and the Rotarians. Long Live Technology – Let us wait to have many more areas where technology can change the shape of the society.