Extend research from labs to land: PM Modi to scientists
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday exhorted scientists to extend their research from "the labs to the land" for the greater benefit of the people and said time was ripe to redefine R&D as research for the development of the nation. The Prime Minister said India has a rich tradition and a long history of both discovery and use of science and Technology.
India has to be "future ready" in implementing technologies
Addressing the inaugural session of the 105th Indian Science Congress, Modi called upon the scientific community to extend its research from "the labs to the land". He said, "It is time to reclaim our rightful place among the front-line nations in this field." Modi said the country has to be "future ready" in implementing technologies vital for the growth and prosperity of the nation.
Need to communicate our scientific achievements to society
Modi said, "Technology will allow far greater penetration of services such as education, healthcare, and banking to our citizens." There is need to communicate our scientific achievements to society. It will help inculcate scientific temper among the youth. "We have to throw open our institutions and laboratories to our children. I call upon scientists to develop a mechanism for interaction with school-children," he added.
Modi requested scientists to spend time with school students
The Prime Minister said it was his "personal request" that scientists spend 100 hours per annum with 100 students of classes 9 to 12 to discuss science and technology as it could help nurture scientific temperament among the youth. Meanwhile, the government has set a target of 100 GW (gigawatt) of installed solar power by 2022, PM Modi told the gathering in Imphal.
