Prime Minister NarendraModi inaugurated world’s largest science meet ‘106th Indian Science Congress (ISC)-2019’ at Lovely Professional University (Punjab) on January 3, 2019.
Delivering the inaugural address, the Prime Minister reflected on the theme of the event- ‘Future India: Science and Technology’ and shared that India’s true strength will be in connecting its science, technology and innovation with its people.
Recalling great Indian scientists including JC Bose, CV 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 NarendraModi 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 3 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 Modi.
