Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 102nd session of Indian Science Congress 2015 at Mumbai University today. Speaking on this occasion, Mr Modi stressed and lauded the contribution of science and technology in every field of human development. 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.
The Prime Minister 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.
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.
