The initiative was of empowerment of women through science and technology. However, women have proved their strengths in all sectors. This is a time when science and technology can be strengthened with the cooperation of women. This was stated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. Modi was delivering inaugural speech of 108th Indian Science Congress (ISC), hosted by Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University. The theme of the ISC is ‘Science and Technology for sustainable development with Women empowerment’. Modi inaugurated the ISC through video conferencing mode.
Maharashtra Governor and Chancellor of universities in Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Highways and Shipping and Chairman of RTMNU Centenary Year Celebrations Committee Nitin Gadkari were the guests of honour. President of ISC Association Dr Vijay Laxmi Saxena; RTMNU Vice-Chancellor Dr Subhash Chaudhari were seated on the dais.
India has taken a big leap and had reached a position where the world is looking towards it. May it be start-ups, in which contributions of women are noteworthy. In sports, the performance has markedly improved through reviving the Guru-Shishya tradition and making facilities available at the lowest level. A similar approach should be adopted by the scientists to inspire the youth. The approach should be to make India self-reliant in all the sectors and also provide ways and means for the betterment of the entire global society, Modi said.
In the next 25 years, India should reach the place, it deserved for years. Modern scientists should explore the ancient treasure of knowledge and develop scientific aptitude among the youth and children.
Modi also emphasised the need for programmes like Talent Hunt and provide opportunities to the young ones, which has shown results in the field of sports.
Modi suggested the fields of clean energy, cooperation with the industry in scientific research, development of new vaccines, integrated research in the health sector, e-waste disposal, Quantum mechanics, research and developing expertise in semiconductor chips.
Koshyari said that in ancient era Rishi, Muni has vision like modern scientists. They can see the future and carry out research for betterment of entire society. The research should be aimed at building spirituality, as envisioned by Swami Vivekanand.
Eknath Shinde also suggested that the University should propagate the scientific mindset as envisaged by Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj. The ISC should plan for promoting science and provide opportunities in the field of space, agriculture, medicine, environment etc, which is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Gadkari spoke of appropriate technology for the 65 per cent of the population which lives in rural India. The technology should be need-based and reduce imports to make India self-reliant.
Dr Jitendra Singh also spoke about developing sustainable technology which could meet global challenges. He stated that about 90 per cent of the satellites launched by India are during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The earnings through research in space technology have increased drastically.
Dr Vijay Laxmi Saxena delivered the welcome address. Dr Chaudhari made introductory remarks.
