Scientific pursuit must focus on aiding Swachch Bharat, Digital India

Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences while inaugurating a two day Conclave of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, at Hyderabad during 6th-7th July 2015 said that this conclave is a unique opportunity to introspect sincerely as to how much we can do to serve humanity by converting knowledge to solutions.

This Conclave is being organized to brainstorm on the achievements of the ministry and also set the future directions for implementing S&T based interventions for meeting the challenges faced by the country. Secretary, DST, Directors/Heads of Statutory Bodies, 21 Autonomous Institutions, Survey of India, National Atlas & Thematic Mapping Organisation and Programme Divisions of DST are participating in the conclave.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan suggested that the autonomous institutions of the department should actively engage in fulfilling the National Agenda such as Swasth Bharat, Swatch Bharat, Digital India as outlined by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. He appealed to the scientific fraternity to provide their valuable inputs and vision for application of S&T based interventions to achieve global competence, focus on alleviating the sufferings of the common man and develop S&T based approach to fast forward the process of socio-economic development of the country.

Shri Y S Chowdary, Hon’ble Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences in his address flagged some of the challenges faced by the country and called upon Scientists to give a thought for efficient utilization of our huge human resource through proper skilling so that this becomes an asset to the country. He suggested the scientific institutions to work in a network mode and connect R&D with the people. He also suggested the scientific institutions to prepare a blue print of the needs and potentials and come out with actionable programmes.

Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST presented an overview of the recent activities and achievements of the Department. He emphasized the role of DST in promotion of Basic Research on new and emerging areas which had led to the emergence of several new Science Ministries/Departments such as Environment and Forests, New and Renewable Energy, Biotechnology, Scientific and Industrial Research, Earth Sciences. He also mentioned that the autonomous institutions of DST are “Hot-Spots of knowledge” wherein R&D is being cultivated and nurtured in unique areas of science. He informed that over the global average of 4% in scientific publication, India has achieved 13% growth rate during last few years. India has achieved 3rd rank in the world in terms of scientific publications in the area of Nano Science and Technology largely due to efforts of Nano Mission of DST. He also emphasized to evolve mechanisms for faster technology commercialization.