New Delhi: The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that the ultimate aim of all research and development in science & technology is to make life better for the common man and to create a peaceful, prosperous planet. He was addressing the gathering at an event to interact with the Faculty and Students of Indian Institute of Science (IISc), in Bengaluru, Karnataka, toady. He has also visited the Centre for Nano Science Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science. The Governor of Karnataka, Shri Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala, the Home Minister of Karnataka, Shri R. Ramalinga Reddy and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
The Vice President said that he was hugely impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities and the high quality research being carried out at the Centre. He complimented IISc for delivering highly sophisticated micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) pressure transducers to DRDO for use in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). This Institute was founded in 1909 as a result of the joint efforts of Jamsetji Nussarwanji Tata, the Government of India and the Maharaja of Mysore, he added.
The Vice President said that over the last century, many illustrious legendary scientists like Sir C.V Raman and Dr. C.N.R. Rao have shaped this institute. Excellence has been the hallmark and innovation the all pervading spirit of this great institution and we must preserve this grand tradition, he added.
The Vice President said that ancient India has had a long tradition of scientific inquiry and a number of achievements too numerous to enumerate. From green revolution to making India a leading power in space technology, Indian scientists have shown that they can rise to the occasion not only to feed the growing population, but also harness state-of-the-art technology for socio-economic development, he added.
Following is the Text of Vice President’s address:
“I am indeed extremely delighted to be with you all at this internationally renowned, prestigious centre of scientific research that all Indians should be legitimately proud of.
Just now, I went around the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering. I am hugely impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities and the high quality research being carried out at the Centre. I would like to compliment IISc for delivering highly sophisticated micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) pressure transducers to DRDO for use in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
I am told that IISc is also collaborating with top industries on various projects. Such partnerships will definitely help in providing a thrust to Research and Development(R & D) activities in the country.
In fact, I recall that partnership is at the heart of IISc’s origin and its later functioning. The Indian Institute of Science was founded in 1909 as a result of the joint efforts of Jamsetji Nussarwanji Tata, the Government of India and the Maharaja of Mysore.
In addition to the principle of partnership about which I shall dwell upon a little later, there are two other underlying principles I would like to emphasize. They are promoting a culture of excellence and nurturing a culture of innovation.
Over the last century, many illustrious legendary scientists like Sir C.V Raman and Dr. C.N.R. Rao have shaped this institute. Excellence has been the hallmark and innovation the all pervading spirit of this great institution. We must preserve this grand tradition.
I am glad that all of you, as heirs to this legacy. are continuing your efforts to shape this as a well-known centre of excellence.
As you all are aware, ancient India has had a long tradition of scientific inquiry and a number of achievements too numerous to enumerate. We must draw inspiration from this rich heritage and add to this rich repertory of thought and innovation.
Since Independence many scientific institutions, universities and premier educational institutes like IISc have made significant contribution to India’s growth story.
From green revolution to making India a leading power in space technology, Indian scientists have shown that they can rise to the occasion not only to feed the growing population, but also harness state-of-the-art technology for socio-economic development from agriculture to urban planning, apart from using it for telecommunications, television broadcasting and meteorological services.
All this has been possible because of the quest for excellence, by building on the past and learning from all that the world has to offer us. Innovative scientists have made and continue to make significant contribution in various fields.
The survey released by Springer Nature, India last year mentioned that India ranked second amongst the countries with highest increase in contribution to high-quality scientific research just next to China.
According to the key findings of Global Innovation Index 2017, Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands, USA and UK are world’s most innovative countries, while a group of nations, including India, Kenya and Viet Nam are outperforming their development-level peers.
The Index, co-authored by Cornell University, INSEAD and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) mentioned that India, 60th globally, is the top-ranked economy in central and southern Asia and has outperformed on innovation relative to its GDP per capita for seven years in a row. India has shown improvements in most areas, including in infrastructure, business sophistication, knowledge and technology and creative outputs.
Innovation plays a key role in driving knowledge-based economy. This is the time for India to capitalize on its demographic advantage as 65 per cent of the population is below 35 years of age.
Young and budding scientists must be encouraged to come out with out-of-the-box solutions or disruptive technologies that will help in finding solutions to scientific problems and leapfrogging development.
For this to happen, a proper ecosystem has to be created in every scientific institution where excellence should be the touchstone. Directors/ Team Leaders/ Project Leaders should make special efforts in mentoring and handholding talented and bright students and young scientists. Encouragement is key.
We must equip the young minds with the knowledge and skills required to pursue research and make a lasting contribution to the world of scientific knowledge. As the Upanishadic teachers said long ago, “Saha veeryam karava vahay, tejaswina avadhitamastu” meaning that the ”Let teachers and the students collaboratively work together to expand the frontiers of knowledge.” This is the culture of excellence we all should aim for. For this to happen, the teachers must strive to access the best thoughts and ideas from all over the globe. They should connect with the best minds and then attempt to be the best of the best in the world. We must think and aim big.
Innovation is another key principle I would like to emphasize. In fact, you all as scientists start with that basic question: “Can I foresee something that does not exist today?” You ask difficult questions and seek answers. You are ready to say: “Why not? Why is it not possible?” You must continue with the same passion and enthusiasm in your quest to unravel a new world. The world will be richer because of your imagination, application of your knowledge and skills.
I said, the world will be richer. It will be rich because your discoveries and inventions make the lives of people around you better. The scientific discoveries have been continuously opening up further doors to acquisition of new knowledge and newer inventions. This widening of the knowledge base is happening at a very fast pace. It can happen faster and have a positive impact on human lives if you can keep the spirit of partnership alive. This is the third principle I would like to emphasize.
Increasingly, the knowledge is becoming multi-disciplinary and research and development using these approaches has become absolutely necessary. We need to expand the knowledge networks and enter into partnerships that will accelerate the pace and quality of the outcomes. It is not possible for government to do this alone. We need creative partnership arrangements so that our efforts are useful for the larger humanity. The academic circles, industrial houses and the government must look at the societal challenges and seek answers through collaborations and partnerships. We must build upon the strengths of each partner. There must be a unique synergy in our working. Only then can we move faster with greater confidence.
You all have a bright and challenging future ahead. I am truly impressed by the work being done by each one of you individually as well as collectively. I urge the Government and the private sector to provide you with an environment that can facilitate your efforts. I hope the leadership of the institute will continue to nurture talent, ignite the spark of creativity and innovation and as Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore had said, let us move away from the “dreary desert sands of dead habits” and have our sights set high and unleash the potential within you.
The ultimate aim of all research and development in science & technology is to make life better for the common man and to create a peaceful, prosperous planet.
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