Harnessing the prowess of Science and technology on the side-line of India assuming its G20 Presidency
By Priyanka S Raj
This year, National science Day was perfectly in sync with the20 Presidency event being celebrated at every corner of the states. The theme for National Science Day 2023 was ‘Global Science for Global Wellbeing’.
The Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science and Technology and Minister of state (Independent Charge) Ministry of Earth Sciences and Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office; Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space embraced the event.
Addressing at the event Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized on the theme Global Science for Global Well-being and highlighted India’s emerging global role and rising visibility in the international arena.
With the vision of creating a research ecosystem and need for capacity building in the development of India’s Higher Education system, the Minister unveiled the Vaibhav Fellowship. Speaking at the event, the minister stated that the Vaibhav Fellowship is designed to improve the research ecosystem of India’s higher education institutions by promoting academic and research partnerships between Indian institutions and the best institutions worldwide through the mobility of faculty and researchers from abroad to India. The Minister also appealed to the young researchers to lead the world with their innovations.
The Hon’ble Minister also added that out of 130 countries, we were at number 81 in the Global Innovation Index till 2015, but we have jumped to 40th position in 2022. “Today India is among the top three countries in the world in terms of PhDs and among the top three countries in the world in terms of start-up ecosystem.
He further mentioned that there has been a significant rise in the country’s overall performance in terms of a number of publications (globally ranked 3rd now from 6th in 2013 based on National Science Foundation database), patents (globally ranked 9th in terms of resident patent filing) and quality of research publications (globally ranked 9th now from 13th in 2013) during the last 9 years.
Appealing from the podium of National Science Day event “Dr Jitendra Singh asked the young scholars, young innovators, young talents of India to lead the world with their innovations. The Minister awarded the various scholars and science journalist and scientists for their remarkable contribution in their respective field.
“India’s Scientific Prowess will define and determine India’s Future Economy in the Amrit Kaal of next 25 years,” he concluded.
Prof Ajay Sood “This year theme of National Science Day for mooted by Prime Minister of India, itself is quite significant because of the G20s Presidency. Prof Ajay Sood while addressing at the National Science Day highlighted on the “Global Science for Global Well -being. Science has touched our lives, shaped our lives in all aspects over the years.
Science needs no boundaries. Science must strive for the welfare of the nation. We strive for innovation in Science and Technology for the benefit of the planet. As we know India made noteworthy strides to the science and technology and the Indian Scientists have made remarkable contribution over the years.
Science is the powerful tool that can transform the world and improve people’s life. It is crucial that Science can address the global challenges like poverty, hunger, climate action health and well-being, and thus we need to harness Science and Technology innovations to work together for a healthier, brighter & prosperous future generation, added Prof Ajay K Sood.
During the event, Prof Sood mentioned that “We are committed to work together with G20 members to drive scientific temper leadership for the betterment of our lives and nations altogether. We know Science, Technology, innovation and Education are the four pillars on which nation stands and holds equal strength for the overall development of the people.
Indian National Academy of Engineering Report of Committee on Technological Preparedness for Dealing with National Disruptions was released during NationalScienceDay2023 at Vigyan Bhawan in the auspicious presence of Dr Jitendra Singh and other dignitaries. The Hon’ble Minister along with other dignitaries also released the AWSAR Compendium published by Vigyan Prasar.
The event was graced by the Prof K Raghavan, Secretary of Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr M Ravichandran, Secretary of Department of Science and Technology, Dr S Chandrashekar and others Scientific fraternity.
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