MUMBAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the 102nd session of Indian Science Congress at the University of Mumbai today.
These are the highlights:
Before beginning my speech I would like to pay tributes to Shri Vasant Gowarikar.
It is a great honour to participate in the Indian Science Congress. I thank University of Mumbai for hosting it.
I feel humbled by the work that scientists do. And, I find science and technology an invaluable ally in governance and development.
Human civilization has advanced because of the basic human spirit of enquiry and quest for understanding our universe and world.
It is a search driven by the belief in what our Vedas described as, Satye Sarvam Pratishthitam – Everything is established in Truth.
Science may be the product of human brain. But, it is also driven by the compassion of human heart -the desire to make human life better.
We have here with us Nobel Laureates, whose work in science has given new hope against dreaded diseases.
Science and technology has helped reduce poverty and advance prosperity.
A nation’s progress and its human development are linked to science and technology.
Science & technology can also remove national barriers, unify the world and advance peace.
When we speak of science & human dev, we cannot divorce it from questions of political decisions, social choices, equity, ethics & access.
Human development has been larger purpose and driving force of India’s scientific pursuits. And, science has helped shape modern India.
Our scientists have placed us at the forefront of the world in many areas.
Whenever the world shut its door on us, our scientists responded with the zeal of a national mission.
When the world sought our collaboration, they reached out with the openness that is inherent in our society.
Our achievements give us pride, but they do not blind us to the enormous challenges that we face in India.
There is a mood of optimism for change in the country, the energy to pursue it, and, confidence to achieve it.
But, the dreams we all share for India will depend as much on science and technology as it will on policy and resources.
To me, the arms of science, technology and innovation must reach the poorest, the remotest and the most vulnerable person.
Our investments in science & technology are far too concentrated in the agencies of Central Government & must become more broad-based Have placed science and technology at the forefront of our diplomatic engagement.
Our children should see role models in scientists as much as sportsmen.
I would personally love to meet the best of our young scientists.
We should draw inspiration from our achievements in the last decade.
We need to put science and technology and innovation at the top of our national priorities.
Digital connectivity should become as much a basic right as access to school.
Our long term global competitiveness will not depend on what others are doing but the process of sustained development and innovation.
Arms of science and technology must reach the poorest.
(PTI)