Bengaluru: Innovations in the field of science and technology that can uplift the lives of underprivileged communities should be encouraged, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the 107th Indian Science Congress in Bengaluru Friday.
The PM called on the younger generation to innovate, patent, produce and prosper, and said these four steps will lead India towards faster development. He also stressed on the need to transform the landscape of Indian science, technology and innovation.
The five-day event is being held at the University of Agricultural Sciences in Bengaluru.
A “new India”, he said, needs technology and a logical temperament. He added that science and technology will play key roles in bringing societies together and connecting citizens with their government.
The Modi government has been criticised for resorting to internet clampdowns, especially in Kashmir.
Never before, the PM said, has a government and a large population adopted technology so rapidly. “Today, farmers are able sell their products directly to consumers without the need to rely on a middleman. Farmers are getting information about weather at their fingertips because of technology,” he said. The PM also credited Aadhaar-assisted technological advances for these benefits.
Critics of Aadhaar have earlier alleged that they were harassed for identifying loopholes in the unique identification system.
Modi also said every scientist and innovator dreams to work in Bengaluru, and this aspiration is a matter of national pride. Innovation, he added, is the key to realising the growth of a nation.
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‘Innovations to help realise government policies’
Speaking about the upliftment of farmers, Modi said his government will roll out big push for technology. He also called upon the youth to help realise government’s policies such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to give safe drinking tap water to all households.
Talking about a sustainable economy, Modi encouraged innovations to reuse and recycle waste to help the environment. He also said innovations to stop crop burning, reducing indoor pollution, newer medical technologies to eradicate tuberculosis by 2025 and cyclone warning systems should be focussed on.
He discussed the government’s plans and aspirations towards water resources and deep sea explorations. Deep sea explorations, he said, can reveal vast resources of energy, food and minerals.
The Modi government has already launched its first deep ocean mission for sustainable use of ocean resources.
The Indian Science Congress has historically been associated with ministers and college administrators professing nationalistic statements. The event had previously run into controversies when speakers, including a scientist and a vice-chancellor made some pseudoscientific comments.
This year’s event will see talks on subjects ranging from anthropology, agriculture, material science, earth science, and more. A smaller event for women and children in science will also be held. The programme schedule can be found here.
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No mention of Pakistan! Strange.