The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi at the 105th session of the Indian Science Congress, at Manipur University, in Imphal on March 16. (PIB Photo)
Urges scientists to spend ‘100 hours a year’ with students
IMPHAL, MARCH 16 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today 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 development of the nation.
Addressing the inaugural session of the 105th Indian Science Congress here at Manipur University, he said India has a rich tradition and a long history of both discovery and use of science and technology.
"It is time to reclaim our rightful place among the front-line nations in this field," he said, calling upon the scientific community to extend its research from "the labs to the land".
Modi said the country has to be "future ready" in implementing technologies vital for the growth and prosperity of the nation.
"Technology will allow far greater penetration of services such as education, health care and banking to our citizens," he said.
There is need, the prime minister said, to communicate our scientific achievements to society.
This, he said, 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 said.
Modi also urged scientists "to spend 100 hours a year" with school students to teach them various aspects of science.
"I appeal to the scientists to spend at least 100 hours a year with 100 school students of classes 9 to 11 to teach them the aspects of science. This will go a long way in exposing the students to science," he said in his speech.
Modi pointed out that this was the second Science Congress in the northeastern region in the last 100 years. Over 5,000 invitees are taking part, including 2,000 research scholars and scientists.
Stating that the World Health Organisation was planning to eradicate tuberculosis globally by 2030, he said India would accomplish this mission by 2025.
