 "PM Modi closes ISC 2019 speech with the announcement of a new science and tech council")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off the annual, five-day Indian Science Congress with an inauguration speech earlier today. He addressed a gathering of close to 20,000 researchers, scientists and students at the Lovely Professional University in Jalandhar, Punjab, the venue of this years’ 106th edition of the Congress.
Back in Delhi, it looked like someone was missing the PM in action.
Rahul Gandhi took a jibe at the PM for having bunked the Rafale exam in parliament today and underscored the Indian Science Congress in the process. If only the event he was running off to wasn’t an important, international, annual event that shapes science & tech policy, and education, Mr Gandhi. If only. The General President of the Indian Science Congress Association, Dr Manoj Kumar Chakrabarti opened the inauguration speeches by introducing the senior members of the ISCA, Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dr Chakrabarthi invited the Union minister for Science and Technology, Dr Harsh Vardhan, to address the young and eager audience.
Living in the “Golden Period” for SciTech
Dr Harsh Vardhan shared that India is currently enjoying the “Golden period” in Indian science under PM Modi’s guidance. “With all the advancements we have seen in the different areas of science today, it is clear that we are comparable to the best in the world,” Dr Vardhan said. “All the missions and initiatives that have been seen under his leadership are a result of planning, of which the science and technology community is a crucial part. I would like to thank each one of you – all the members of the scientific community in India – for carrying us through all the progress we have seen under the Hon’ble Prime Minister.”
Brain drain to ‘brain gain’
Modi opened his speech wishing everyone a happy new year and said that it was a good time to look back at India’s legacy in science and technology. “The Indian Science Congress has a rich legacy…. and we continue to learn from their commitment and dedication,” the PM said, speaking of scientists who began their stellar careers in India. “Birbal Sahani, Hargobind Khorana, Kalpana Chawla…We have contributed in a big way to scientific knowledge across the world.” Modi also recalled former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s acknowledgement of science and technology during his speech at Pokhran. “It is now time to take a step forward.. the slogan now becomes Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhaan,” said Modi.
Pioneering SciTech in India
More incubators have been established in the last 4 years for startups than the 40 years that came before that, according to Modi, speaking about the massive boost in innovative science and tech startups in recent years. “Industry must now help startups with mentorship and guidance…Bringing big data , AI and blockchain to solve India’s biggest challenges – healthcare, agriculture and developmental needs can only be done by our innovative scientists and engineers.” This is an important goal for India’s immediate future, Modi said.
Space and Satellites
“By 2022, the mission to send three Indians to space is underway ,’ Modi said proudly. “ISRO has tested the crew module and escape system. I have no doubt that our scientists will bring success to the mission, and at the planned time,” the PM said, speaking of the Gaganyaan mission.
SciTech education needs to be redefined
The vast majority of students in the country go to state universities, where the quality of research really needs to improve. This is something the HRD Ministry and we are addressing, the PM said.
A new vision
India needs a new and ambitious plan for the road ahead. This is the prime objective of the PM’s Science Technology and Innovation Council (PM-STIAC). The PM-STIAC will call on scientist, engineers, innovators, educators and other professionals to advise on how we can meet our ambitions for a new future and a new India. “With vivid imaginations and consistent effort, the forces of the universe can be made to work for an inspired mind. How do we fire up the minds of the Indian youth who are the minds of cutting-edge research?” asked Modi as he closed his inauguration address quoting Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. “India is teeming with a new generation of creative and confident minds…The government is committed to providing them with an enabling environment,” Modi concluded.