Jalandhar, Jan 03 (Only Kashmir): The Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated world’s largest science meet ‘106th Indian Science Congress (ISC)-2019’ at Lovely Professional University (Punjab).
In his inaugural address Modi said, feeling happy to be in the company of great scientists and scholars from across India and abroad, he congratulated ISCA for selection of the theme of the event this year – ‘Future India: Science and Technology’. Reflecting on it, he shared that India’s true strength will be in connecting its science, technology and innovation with its people.
Recalling great Indian scientists including J.C. Bose, C.V. Raman and more for their services to the people through minimum resources under maximum struggle, he underlined that through modern science India is transforming its present and working continuously to secure its future. Recalling two former PMs for their joint slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kissan, Jai Vigyan” given to the country, he laid utmost importance to research in the country by further adding to it “Jai Anusndhan”. He stressed that the pursuit of science can be fulfilled through generation of profound and disruptive knowledge, and then use of that for socio-economic good.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India has made significant progress in ‘Ease of Doing Business’ index but a lot more was needed with respect to ‘Ease of Living’ index. He called on the scientific fraternity to develop simple and affordable technologies that can connect with the common man to increase ease of living.
Speaking on achievements in the space sector, the Prime Minister mentioned the success of Cartosat 2 and other satellites. He said preparations are underway for sending three Indians into space, through the Gaganyaan in 2022. He also shared that the ‘Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council’ will help formulate appropriate Science and Technology interventions, catalyze collaborations across stakeholder Ministries and implement multi-stakeholder policy initiatives.
Mentioning about various achievements of Indian science in 2018, including production of aviation grade biofuel; DivyaNayan – a machine for visually impaired; inexpensive devices for diagnosis of cervical cancer, dengue; real-time landslide warning system; he said that strong pathways to commercialization, are needed to leverage our Research & Development achievements, through industrial products. He also called for research, which is a fusion of Arts and Humanities, Social Science, Science and Technology.
“Research for research sake does not help. We are building an ecosystem to commercialise innovations to benefit the farming community and common people. We have set up more incubation centres in the last four years than in the last 40 years,” added Mr Modi. Scientific fraternity has to come out with a way of linking scientific advances to societal development, he said, adding that more scientific work is needed in the areas of affordable healthcare, agricultural productivity, food processing and related fields.
Prime Minister Modi also had a ‘Chai pe Charcha’ with three Nobel Laureates Prof Thomas Sudoph, Prof Avram Hershko & Prof Duncan Haldane who are attending the Science Congress.
Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan, Governor of Punjab HE VPS Badnore, State Cabinet Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Mr. Vijay Sampla, Punjab State Minister for Industry and Commerce Shyam Sunder Arora, Indian Science Congress Association General President Dr Manoj Kumar Chakrabarti and Lovely Professional University Chancellor Ashok Mittal were also present at the inaugural ceremony.
LPU Chancellor Mr. Ashok Mittal said, “We are excited to welcome the Honourable PM and the leaders of the global and national scientific community to our campus”. The 5-day Science Congress includes a host of events with the theme ‘Future India: Science and Technology’. Children’s Science Congress and Women Science Congress are two of the key events.
The Children’s Science Congress is a unique opportunity for children in the age group of 10-17 years to showcase their innovative ideas. Over 5,000 school students, selected after qualifying in State and District level competitions, will showcase their exhibits, models, and charts.
The Women Science Congress will highlight the contribution of women in science and technology. It will have 12 women leaders and scientists delivering lectures.
