‘India has data, demography, demand, democracy to achieve world-class scientific solutions’
New Delhi, Dec 22 (Agency) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the country has data, demography, demand and democracy, to achieve world-class scientific solutions. ‘To achieve this world class education, health, connectivity and rural solutions, today’s India has data, demography and demand. ‘Above all, India has democracy to balance and protect all this. That is why the world trusts India,’ the Prime Minister said, while delivering the inaugural address at the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2020.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister said India has a rich legacy in science, technology and innovation. ‘Our scientists have done path-breaking research. Our tech industry is at the forefront of solving global problems. But, India wants to do more. We look at the past with pride, but want an even better future,’ Mr Modi said. ‘All our efforts are aimed at making India the most trustworthy centre for scientific learning. At the same time, we want our scientific community to share and grow with the best of global talent. ‘One of the steps taken to achieve this is hosting and participating in hackathons, to provide exposure and opportunity to Indian scientists,’ he added. He asserted that the New National Education Policy will help in fostering scientific temper from an early age.
The Prime Minister said now, the focus has shifted from outlays to outcome, from textbooks to research and application. The Policy will encourage creation of a pool of top quality teachers. This approach will help the budding scientists. This is being supplemented by Atal Innovation Mission and Atal Tinkering labs, added Mr Modi. He said for Quality research, the Government is running Prime Minister Research Fellows Scheme to encourage the best talent of the country to undertake research as per the talent and interest. The Prime Minister further said that the scheme is helping scientists in the top institutes. He emphasised the importance of making the benefits of science and technology available to all. Mr Modi said that Science and Technology are bridging the gap of scarcity and impact. It is connecting the poorest of the poor with the government. With digital advances, India is becoming a centre of evolution and revolution of global high-tech power, he added.