Technology should assist, not dominate research, says Dr Chinnappa Gowda at SDM workshop
Ujire, September 11, 2025: Technology should serve as a tool in the research process and not dominate or dictate the spirit of inquiry, said former Vice-Chancellor of Karnataka Janapada University, Haveri, Dr. K. Chinnappa Gowda.
He was speaking after inaugurating a two-day workshop on “Research Writing and Publishing– A Methodological Perspective” organised by the Research and Development Cell of SDM College, Ujire on Thursday.
“Technology should reduce the researcher’s effort and act as an assistant. But the researcher must remain central to the process. Without the researcher, technology has no meaning, as it is itself a product of human inquiry. Research must therefore be human-centric, not technology-centric,” Dr. Gowda said.
He cautioned students not to treat research merely as a qualification for teaching posts or a shortcut to recognition. “Research is not a fashion or a career guarantee, but the result of personal curiosity and passion for discovery. Continuous reading, hunger for knowledge, and commitment to inquiry are essential qualities of a good teacher,” he added.
Emphasising that research and teaching are inseparable, he said every new idea or concept that emerges in the classroom is a result of a teacher’s research mindset. He stressed that research requires personal observation and experience, alongside study and writing. “Existing knowledge provides the scientific foundation, but researchers must build new arguments, perspectives and insights on it,” he remarked.
Dr. Gowda urged students to adopt a clear approach—either by expanding or refining existing knowledge or introducing fresh perspectives—rather than producing repetitive, shallow work. He noted with concern that many recent research studies lacked depth and urged institutions and research guides to focus on quality.
Presiding over the programme, SDM College Principal Dr. Vishwanath P. said research is demanding but fulfilling, and workshops like these are being organised to draw more students into research.
Dean of SDM PG Centre, Dr. Soumya B. P., welcomed the gathering. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Divakara K. and Dr. Sudarshan P.
