Hyderabad: In a world racing through digital transformation, where AI, automation, and rapid upskilling dominate conversations around the future of work and learning, one message rang clear at the 75-year celebration of Badruka Educational Institutions: education must remain rooted in values, driven by purpose, and inclusive in its reach.
Delivering a powerful keynote that blended personal journey with technological foresight, Dr. BVR Mohan Reddy, Founder Chairman of Cyient and a Padma Shri awardee, captivated a packed auditorium in Hyderabad. The event marked a historic milestone for Badruka—an institution that has evolved from a local college to a beacon of excellence shaping India’s leaders, professionals, and citizens.
“We are at the confluence of a technology tsunami and a values crisis. Institutions like Badruka must be lighthouses that guide both,” Dr. Reddy said.
Honoring a Legacy, Celebrating Vision
Dr. Reddy began his address by paying tribute to Sri Raja Bankatlal Badruka and the family’s multigenerational commitment to nation-building through education. He praised the institution’s ability not just to produce students but to shape leaders who carry a strong sense of identity, service, and societal impact.
“This is not just an institution that shaped students—it shaped citizens, leaders, and nation builders,” he remarked.
Also Read:- Reclaiming Vishwa Guru: IndiGlobal Founder Charts Bold Vision for Indian Education
Education as a Passport to Dignity
Reflecting on his own journey from a modest background to leading a global tech enterprise, Dr. Reddy underscored that education is a non-negotiable necessity for India’s middle class.
“It gave me dignity, mobility, and identity,” he said. “My life was shaped not just by curriculum but by the values my teachers instilled in me.”
He recalled a lesson from his first year of engineering:
“If you lose your money, you may get it back. If you lose health, it’s hard to get back. But if you lose values, you may never get them back.”
The Tech Tsunami: Challenges & Opportunities
Dr. Reddy traced the exponential journey of technology—from room-sized mainframes in the 1970s to the smartphone revolutions of today. He spotlighted four tech shifts redefining the world:
- Miniaturization of computing
- Advanced sensor capabilities
- Edge computing
- Real-time AI-driven decision making
“AI is not just futuristic—it’s here, it’s real, and it’s changing everything from classrooms to clinics,” he noted, citing real-world examples like predictive aircraft maintenance and wearable health monitors.
Embracing Education 4.0
As learning models evolve, Dr. Reddy emphasized the need for interactive, interdisciplinary, and inclusive education.
“Teachers are no longer mere transmitters of knowledge—they are mentors, designers, and facilitators of lifelong learning.”
He advocated for breaking subject silos—where engineers learn philosophy, business students explore human behavior, and everyone learns climate science.
The 3 Cs of Great Teaching
He closed his address by offering a guiding framework for educators:
- Curiosity to spark inquiry
- Courage to innovate
- Commitment to transform lives
“In India, asking ‘why’ is often seen as rebellion. But real learning begins with curiosity.”
The event witnessed the presence of SGGBES Honorary Secretary Srikishan Badruka, Director General Prof. Abhirama Krishna, BCCA principal Dr. Mohan Kumar, several principals, directors, and faculty members, with a notable majority of women in attendance.