PM inaugurates 102nd Indian Science Congress: Calls upon Industry for higher investments for research by creating an autonomous corpus
Mumbai, Jan 03
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 102nd session of Indian
Science Congress 2015 at Mumbai University Saturday.
Speaking on this occasion, Modi called upon Indian industry and other
institutions to step up investments by creating an autonomous corpus
for research. He said India’s own pharmaceutical industry has carved
out a place for itself in the world, because it invests significantly
in research.
The Prime Minister promised that he would cut the cumbersome
procedures at the policy making level so that scientists and
researchers are able to concentrate on their work. Seeking the
co-operation of scientific community in transforming India, he said he
will ensure that pride and prestige of science and scientists is
restored in our country.
Modi further said ease of doing research is as important as the ease
of doing business, and his government will surely clear regulatory
policies for explorations in bio-diversity, nano-technology, clinical
research and agriculture. Modi asked the scientists to incorporate
traditional local knowledge to develop more appropriate, effective,
sustainable agriculture and affordable technologies that contribute
immensely to development and progress.
Similarly school education in science and maths should be more
innovative and stimulating so that scientific temperament can be
inculcated at early age. He added benefits of scientific researches
and innovations should reach the poorest, remotest and most vulnerable
in the country. The theme of this 5-day mega event is “Science and
Technology for Human Development.”
Asserting that science and technology is a valuable tool in
governance, Prime Minister said that it can break national barriers
and unify nations. He said, when the world closed doors on us, our
scientist responded with zeal and national spirit. He lauded the
achievement of ISRO in successfully launching Mangalyaan in first
attempt and congratulated the team of ISRO former chairman
Radhakrishanan. He also made special mention of the accurate
predictions made by scientists about cyclone HUDHUD that helped save
thousands of lives in coastal India.
He said digital connectivity should become as much a basic right as
access to school but we should also learn to use science for enhancing
performance. If not used wisely, science can turn out to be
disastrous.
The Prime Minister began his address by paying tribute to the eminent
researcher and Padmashree recipient Dr. Vasant Gowarikar, who passed
away in Pune Friday. He said Dr. Gowarikar’s contribution to space
research is immense. He later presented medals honouring nine eminent
researchers from across world who are attending the Science Congress
2015. The session was inaugurated in the presence of Governor of
Maharashtra, Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis, Union
Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Harshvardhan and Mumbai
University Vice Chancellor Dr. Rajan Welukar.