In a recorded video message played at the presentation of Infosys Prize 2014 organised by the Infosys Science Foundation yesterday in Kolkata, Mukherjee said research work must bring about betterment of people.
“Research endeavours must advance the realms of knowledge and improve the lives of the common man. It must bring about social, environmental and economic betterment of our people,” he said.
The President highlighted milestones achieved by the country in the field of science and said while these milestones are a matter of pride for the nation, they also remind us of the distance still left to cover.
“Science is one of the creative endeavours of human mind.
It plays a vital role in the advancement of human life and is central to technological progress. A scientific culture must determine the choices and decisions made by individuals, societies and nations,” he said.
Acknowledging the scientific development under first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the President said the country adopted science and technology as a priority from the early days of our independence under his guidance.
“The creation of institutions for research and higher education began from 1950 itself. As early as 1951, the country decided to set up an Atomic Energy Commission which has enabled India build her own nuclear reactors. Soon, our space programme started enabling us to launch satellites into space,” he said.
PTI