Asserting that scientific innovation and research is a key tool in bringing about desired socio-economic changes in the society, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called on the scientific community to commit itself to producing solutions relevant to local needs and conditions, and said that while science is universal, technology must be local.
Speaking on Future India: Science and Technology at the 106th Indian Science Congress at Lovely Professional university (LPU) in Jalandhar, Modi said “Our Scientists must commit themselves to addressing problems of affordable healthcare, housing, clean air, water and energy, agricultural productivity and food processing. While Science is universal, technology must be local for providing solutions relevant to local needs and conditions,” Modi said.
In the Past, Modi has delivered inaugural address at 103rd, 104th and 105th editions of ISC in in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Underscoring the importance of research and innovation, Modi also invoked a news slogan 'Jai Anusandhan', building on the previous slogans of former Prime Ministers.
"Our former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shashtri gave us the slogan, Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.Twenty years ago in a historic address at Pokhran, our great Prime Minister Atal Ji had recognised the contributions of science and technology fort India and he added Jai Vigyan. I wish to add to it, Jai Anusandhaan."
The Prime Minister said that while India's ranking in the ease of doing business is rising, India needs to improve on 'Ease of Living' as well.
Emphasising the need of a holistic eco-system for research, the Prime Minister said that the country needs to do everything to increase its research capabilities if it is to utilise its talent pool and develop into a knowledge-based society.
Modi also impressed upon the Congress to find such technological solutions that can improve the lives of poorest of the poor and said that there is a need to connect Science with the lfie of an ordinary citizen
The Prime Minister said that Indian needs to take leadership in scientific innovation saying "In the fast-changing world, India nor has no right to slowdown, and neither the time to wait so that we can follow others."
