Prime Minister addresses the 108th Indian Science Congress
January 06, 2023
India’s scientific community will ensure a deserving place for our country
-Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 108th Indian Science Congress inaugural session through video conferencing on 3rd January 2023. The event was organized at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur Universities’ (RTMNU) Amravati Road campus, Maharashtra. The theme of this year’s Indian Science Congress was ‘Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women Empowerment’.
While addressing the audience at the event, the Prime Minister highlighted the strength of India’s scientific sector and the developments that have taken place in the last 25 years. He said, “When the spirit of national service gets infused in science along with passion, results are unprecedented. I am sure, India’s scientific community will ensure a place for our country of which it was always deserving.”
The Prime Minister was elated to share India’s upward shift from 81st place in 2015 to 40th place in 2022 in Global Innovation Index. He also highlighted the fact that India is one of the top nations in terms of start-up ecosystems and individual Ph.D. holders.
The Prime Minister also discussed the example of the Mudra Yojna. It has been crucial in empowering women in India and demonstrating their strength to the world. It reflected women’s contribution in small industries and enterprises and leadership in the start-up sector. He was elated to share the fact that the percentage of women working in research and development has doubled over the years.
The Prime Minister brought attention to the fact that 17-18% of the total human population resides in India and he believes that such development in the science sector will benefit the entire population in the future. He also informed everyone that the country is working on a National Hydrogen Mission and discussed the need to manufacture electrolyzers within India to make it a success.
He stressed the importance of scientific research and development communities in the country on dealing with new viruses and diseases. He also highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts by all the Ministries to improve integrated disease surveillance to ensure timely detection.
He acknowledged India’s efforts in the world of quantum computing and said, “India is moving fast in the direction of quantum computers, chemistry, communication, sensors, cryptography and new materials.”
The Prime Minister further emphasized that a clear roadmap is needed for the future that should include all the constructive points discussed in Indian Science Congress. He concluded his address by saying “In Amrit Kaal, we have to make India the most advanced laboratory of modern science”.
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