Vijayawada, April 18 (Bureau) Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday emphasized the need to use science and technology for the common good of the people and to solve their pressing problems, adding that ‘science should serve the cause of society and not of a few elite’, and wanted people’s aspirations and goals to set the agenda for science and technology development. Addressing the gathering after releasing a publication titled, “Dr. Y. Nayudamma: Essays, Speeches, Notes & Others” at Swarna Bharat Trust, Atkur, near Vijayawada on Monday, Venkaiah Naidu said that science and technology should not turn the people into its slaves.
The book, released as part of the Birth Centenary of renowned scientist, Dr. Yalavarthi Nayudamma, has been compiled and edited by the former Commissioner of Income Tax, Dr. Chandrahas and Dr. K. Seshagiri Rao. Praising the vision of Dr. Nayudamma about the future of science and technology, the Vice President said that he wanted the application of science and technology for the common good, propelled by societal values. He advised all concerned to read the book to develop a proper understanding of various issues and concerns about the pursuit and application of the tools of science and technology. Naidu said that the human being has now to be called the ‘technological animal’. He further observed that the relentless quest for a better living has thrown up some serious issues and concerns about the purpose, relevance, values and consequences of the blind folded pursuit and application of science and technology.
He expressed serious concern over the rapid resource depletion, ecological imbalance and inequities as a result of the developmental strategies being followed globally, and called for alternative development models for sustainable and harmonious development. Dr. Nayudamma made a deep analysis of such issues and was able to make this profession widely acceptable by enabling the removal of stench and improving the skills of those involved in it, he said emphasizing that ‘the science and technology should enable more gainful employment’. “We need to provide the kind of knowledge that enables the resolution of the problems of our nation collectively,” he said. “Nationalism, accordingly, is a positive force for rapid progress of our nation by realizing the full potential of every individual. It is not a negative factor as is being sought to be propagated by some,” he further said. The Governor of Mizoram, K Haribabu, Vijayawada MP, Kesineni Shrinivas (Nani), Chairman of Swarna Bharat Trust, Kamineni Shrinivas, NFERD Chairman, Dr DK Mohan, NFERD Secretary, Gopalakrishna, editor of the book, Dr Chandrahas, trainees and staff of Swarna Bharat Trust and others attended the event.