ln(exun)

Q. With the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and the fear that humans might become increasingly mechanized in their roles and functions, how do you see this affecting our humanity ?   “Change is inevitable. Change is the only constant” This famous quote from Plato, Einstein and other famous scientists reflects the evolving impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on society and education raises a key question: who will thrive in this new landscape? I believe that top-level mathematicians and lawyers are likely to fare better because their specialized skills are less susceptible to being replaced by automation.  There’s a certain uncertainty surrounding the future; it’s just a matter of time before we see significant changes. As technology advances rapidly, many professionals will need to adapt, but those who grasp foundational concepts will have a distinct advantage.  Instead of focusing solely on teaching coding to our students, we need to return to the basics...

  The rapid development of AI raises concerns about its impact on human creativity and collaboration. How might AI affect students' unique ideas, and how can we leverage technology to customize our events while preserving their distinct identity? It’s crucial for us to understand the significant impact AI has on our students’ ability to collaborate and be creative. While AI tools can greatly enhance idea generation and streamline processes, there’s a real concern that relying too heavily on these technologies could overshadow the individuality of student expression. To tackle this issue, we must establish an environment where students perceive AI as a valuable tool rather than a replacement for their original ideas. Integrating AI-driven platforms into our curriculum allows us to create personalised learning experiences that showcase each student's unique voice. For example, AI can assess individual interests and strengths, offering customised project recommendations to ignite ...

What do you think is more valuable in the long run: teaching students to program their creations efficiently or teaching them to understand the societal impact of the software they create? While programming efficiency is a crucial skill, understanding the societal impact of the software they create is far more valuable for students in the long run. Efficiency can be improved over time and several resources online can help them achieve better efficiency, but the ability to foresee how technology affects people, communities, and the world requires a deeper level of awareness that can be instilled in them only by a teacher in their early stages of education. By teaching students to consider the broader implications of their work, we prepare them to build technology that not only functions well but also serves society responsibly and ethically. Software doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it touches nearly every aspect of our lives, from healthcare and education to communication and privacy.  Wh...

  Do you think encouraging girls to join the tech field has come a long way, and what struggles have you faced on this journey? Significant progress has been made in encouraging girls to enter the tech field, but challenges remain. Initiatives like tech events and workshops have helped increase female participation by offering hands-on experience, and we’ve seen a steady rise in the number of girls pursuing computer science. However, some social barriers persist, such as the misconception that women in tech are mostly suited for design roles. Additionally, opportunities are often limited to select representatives at competitions, which doesn’t allow for widespread skill development. Expanding access and portraying computer science as a vital life skill, rather than just a subject, will inspire more girls to explore this field.

As a teacher, do you think AI can play a role in education? If yes, how? Absolutely, AI has immense potential to enhance education. It can automate administrative tasks, offer personalized learning experiences, and even provide career guidance based on students' interests, helping them avoid expensive counseling services. AI can assist teachers in developing lesson plans and other instructional materials. However, it’s important to use AI wisely. Over-reliance can stifle creativity and critical thinking, and not all students have access to the necessary technology. Ethical issues, like data privacy and biased algorithms, also need to be addressed. Balancing the use of AI with independent thinking is essential for ensuring that technology supports, rather than replaces, human ingenuity.

There is a large amount of competition and demand when it comes to the world of robotics. What advice would you give to students aspiring to get into this field? When faced with numerous competitions, a student must carefully select the most beneficial one to participate in, in order to advance in quality. Otherwise, despite winning numerous similar competitions, the student's progress may remain stagnant. It is essential for seniors to provide opportunities for their juniors to participate in some of these competitions. The key is to maintain a sense of curiosity and consistency. Focus on real-world problems and explore how robotics can offer solutions. Taking risks and experimenting is key—the most successful individuals are those who push boundaries and seek out new ideas. Competitions are valuable as they give you insight into where you stand in this competitive field and help prepare you for the future. Moreover, with the rapid growth of fields like AI and robotics, it's e...

If you could design a programming language from scratch that reflects your teaching style, what unique features or philosophies would it include? The tenets of my programming language would be simplicity, creativity, and problem-solving. The programming language would not merely focus on writing algorithms but would encourage students to think critically and systematically about problems. The language would have playful elements starting out as a form of visual block coding-much like Scratch but with a smooth transition to text-based coding as students advance. This would help bridge the gap between understanding logic and writing code. As students grow more confident, the syntax progressively evolves, introducing more complex constructs gradually, without overwhelming them and reducing the intimidation students feel when starting with a new programming language.  The language would encourage experimentation. I believe students learn best when they are given the freedom to explore,...

What essential elements have contributed to creating such a lively and dynamic atmosphere within Exun? Which significant moments have shaped the club's journey and influenced the culture of innovation within the club? The vibrant atmosphere in Exun comes from several key factors, starting with the fact that it’s a student-led club, fostering a sense of responsibility, creativity, and initiative. The diversity within the club, with students passionate about various fields such as coding, AI, robotics, and design, allows for cross-disciplinary learning and growth. The competitive spirit, showcased in high-level competitions and symposiums, drives innovation, while alumni support adds mentorship and guidance. Milestones such as the club’s founding in 1992 and the 28th Exun IT Symposium have cemented its legacy. Exun’s ability to adapt during the pandemic with virtual hackathons and alumni webinars has opened new doors for creativity and collaboration.

  There has been a lot of talk about the massive amount of E-Waste generated. How can this be controlled? Yes, with electronics in high demand, managing E-Waste responsibly is crucial. Proper disposal and recycling are essential once devices can no longer be used. Unfortunately, I’ve seen students disposing of batteries and LEDs in regular bins, which is dangerous due to the harmful chemicals they contain. In India, general waste management awareness is still lacking, but we have several recycling and refurbishment centers that can make better use of E-Waste. Following local laws and regulations for E-Waste disposal is important. If your devices are still functional, consider donating them to schools or nonprofits to extend their life.

How has technology enhanced equal access to digital learning , and why is this increased accessibility crucial for real -world opportunities and success ? Technology has greatly enhanced equal access to digital learning by providing students, regardless of their geographical or socio-economic background, with opportunities to engage with high-quality resources and courses online. In computer science, this means that even students in remote areas can learn essential skills through coding boot camps and collaborative projects, which fosters a diverse range of voices in the tech field. This accessibility is crucial because it prepares students for the digital economy, where adaptability and continuous learning are key. By ensuring that all students can participate in the tech landscape, we not only enrich their learning experiences but also equip them to seize real-world opportunities and succeed in their future careers.

Have you ever pondered why are you so propelled to all the Colorful apps on your phone? Why every time you open your device your hands reach out for the Instagram or YouTube Icon? or Why when you start watching reels or playing a game you just can’t stop?All of this is because of the UI/ UX of these apps. UI or User Interface, along with UX or User eXperience is what makes all these apps a big hit! All these big companies like Meta, YouTube and Google, hire people just to design their apps and website in such a way that they play with the human brain like by using bright colours, specific fonts which are pleasing to the eyes or symmetrical placement patterns which catch our attention and force us to open the app and explore a bit more. Have you ever wondered that when you start scrolling aimlessly on Youtube or Instagram why can’t you stop? This is because of the super efficient and seamless User Interface developed by the App developers. They provide us entertainment right at our fing...

 Where do forgotten passwords flee? Do they reach the clouds, once caged now free, "I am password1 think about me?" Do they rest in a collection of lost keys? Once they unlocked all we sought, Now forgotten slipping from thought, I think about the hackers they fought, Importance of strong passwords they taught. Do they gather in cyberspace, A quiet, never remembered place? Do they lie in a case, Waiting for us to find them, without any trace? Do they sigh as we move on, With new password drawn? They thought "she'll come back next dawn" While with a new password, with no worries, she yawns. -Yadavi Mehrotra

SpaceX's Elon Musk has revealed plans to launch uncrewed missions to Mars in just two years, followed by crewed missions four years later. However, given SpaceX's tendency to set ambitious timelines, this schedule may face challenges in reality. Concurrently, China aims for a human mission to Mars as early as 2033, accelerating its uncrewed sample return mission by two years. The UAE also has ardent plants to create a livable community on Mars by 2117.  The enormity of outer space poses considerable challenges to human health, encompassing risks associated with radiation exposure, the effects of microgravity, and the psychological ramifications of isolation and confinement experienced by astronauts. Prolonged exposure to radiation presents serious hazards, heightening the risk of developing cancer, neurological conditions, and damage to bodily tissues, which can result in ailments such as cataracts and gastrointestinal problems.  To address these challenges, some bioethicis ts...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) as is making ripples in the art world, but its rise brings eagreness, anticipation along with inquietude and unease. With the advancement of AI, we’re seeing more and more machines help artists with their work, create art work for the artists and even assist in curating exhibits. A point to ponder on !! While some view this as progress, others raise deep questions about what art really is—and whether technology can ever truly replicate the soul and emotion that human creativity brings to the table.  What is undeniable is the ability of AI to push artistic boundaries beyond the human imagination. For instance, strikingly original works are created by AI algorithms like Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). The GAN also has an expertise in analysing vast data and generating new and extensive data. This can open up exciting and new avenues for experimentation and analysis for several artists as AI not only allows and aids them in manipulating forms and c...

In a fast-paced world like ours, there is an increasing need for processing data in a way that reduces latency, improves bandwidth efficiency, and allows customization. This means of processing data comes in the form of Edge Computing.  At its core, edge computing refers to processing data at or near the "edge" of the network, where the data is generated, rather than relying solely on a central cloud-based server. In other words, instead of sending all data to a distant cloud for processing, devices like sensors, routers, and even smartphones handle some of the computation locally.  For example, let’s take self-driving cars. These vehicles are equipped with several sensors that produce vast amounts of real-time data- on speed, road conditions, nearby obstacles, and more. If all this data were to be sent to a central data center for analysis and decision-making, the delay could result in severe accidents. In this case, edge computing helps in processing the data and making spl...

Flying vehicle technology is slowly but surely taking off (pun intended)! It is bringing to life our favorite science fiction stories. And for us to be witnessing this in our lifetime is exhilarating! Flying cars in movies like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Back to The Future are no longer tales of fantasy. Picture yourself zipping and zooming above traffic jams in your sleek new McLaren Skyrider, landing directly on your house rooftops, and stepping out of your flying car as if it were all in a day's work. Due  to unbelievable advancements in engineering and technology flying cars are here to stay. The cool science of aerodynamics is at the core of flying cars. These vehicles use wings or rotors to raise themselves off the ground. It’s all about using good old physics to defy gravity. Flying car prototypes currently use hybrid or electric engines, mixing traditional fuel with electric power for minimizing the carbon footprint. The multiple small rotors ensure stability and control w...

Exun returns, once again, bringing together tech enthusiasts to push the limits on 9th and 10th November! Dive into a lineup of our dynamic events: from the thrill of the Quiz and the creativity-fuelled Designathon to the electrifying Robosoccer with Roboknights; Domain Squares’ gaming showdown, the exciting cubing events by Cubxl, combined with a unique challenge from CyberX! Each moment is an opportunity to learn, connect, inspire, and redefine what’s possible.