‘Science & technology for a sustainable future’
Our Correspondent
Kohima | April 6
Nagaland today joined the rest of the country in observing National Science Day under the theme ‘Science & technology for a sustainable future.’
National Science Day is celebrated across India each year to mark the discovery of the Raman Effect by Indian physicist Chandrashekhara Venkata Raman on 28 February 1928.
For his discovery, C.V. Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
In the state capital Kohima, the programme was organized by District Education Officer, Kohima with Dr. Limatemjen, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Kohima Science College, Jotsoma as the guest speaker. Held at held at Little Flower Higher Secondary School, Kohima, several students from 14 educational institutions from Kohima joined the programme.
Limatemjen dwelled on different aspects concerning science and technology which will lead to a sustainable future. Educating the students on sustainable development, Limatemjen stressed on developments which meets the needs and aspirations of the current generation without compromising the ability to meet the future generation.
“Science is seen as an organized search for ‘truth’ and objective knowledge about reality and the laws of nature, while technology encompasses essentially three meanings; tools and instruments to enhance human ability to shape nature and solve problems,” he said.
Limatemjen also taught the students the practice of sustainable agriculture which will not damage the environment nor reduce the biodiversity. “To achieve this goal, we will require a prudent combination of a new technologies and ecological sensitivity.
Stating the desired outcome of sustainable development, he stressed on clean water and air, fertile soil and good food, a livelihood and a healthy economy. Towards this desire, he also underlined the need for an optimum population size so as to avoid poverty and diseases.
The principle of a sustainable society encompasses respect and care for the community of life, improve the quality of human life, conserve the earth’s vitality and diversity and minimize the depletion on non-renewable resources, he stated.
Limatemjen felt that deep changes are needed in high school and college education on science, technology and sustainability. “The history of technology, the differences among technologies in various cultures, the societal processes and decision structures that shape technological innovations and the consequences of technology for society should be taught in ways that engage students in a deeper understanding of technological change processes,” he asserted.
“Sustainability needs to be taught in a holistic way, connecting technology with institutions and values, ecology with economy and society, consumers with producers and governments, short term with long term, well-being with equity and difference between cultures with global values,” he added. He also encouraged all the students to contribute their share towards this desire by requesting them to plant a tree every year.
