Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the country needs "strong pathways to commercialisation, that leverage our Research and Development achievements, through industrial products."
"We need strong pathways to commercialisation, that leverage our Research and Development achievements, through industrial products. The future is about convergence and connected technologies. We should catalyse, harness and manage change for the nation’s prosperity," PM Modi said during the inaugural address of 106th edition of Indian Science Congress (ISC)-2019 in Jalandhar district of Punjab.
"Our strengths in R&D are built on the backbone of our national laboratories, central universities, IIT, IISc, TIFR & IISER. However, over 95% of our students go to state universities & colleges. A strong research ecosystem must be developed in these Universities & Colleges," PM Modi stressed.
"The life and works of Indian Scientists are a compelling testament of integration of deep fundamental insights with technology development and nation-building. It is through our modern temples of science that India is transforming its present and working to secure its future," PM Modi further said.
PM also said that established industries must support startups.
"Industries must now contribute by providing timely support to the startups," PM said.
PM also remembered 2018 and said it was a "good year" for the country.
"2018 was a good year for Indian science. Among our achievements this year are: Production of Aviation Grade Biofuel, Divya Nayan - a machine for visually impaired, Inexpensive devices for diagnosis of Cervical Cancer, TB, Dengue, a real-time landslide warning system," Modi said.
PM also urged citizens of the country to built "a new India through science."
"Let us work for building a new India through science. An India that is ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of present and future. An India that is bubbling with ideas, knowledge, wisdom and action. An India that is stronger, confident, prosperous and healthier," said PM.
Modi also added Jai Anusandhan to former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri's famous slogan of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan and Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Jai Vigyan.
"Today's new slogan is Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan and Jai Anusandhan. I would like to add Jai Anusandhan to it," he said.
In keeping with the PM’s vision to give a boost to the spirit of science, technology and innovation across the country, it was the fifth Indian Science Congress addressed by Prime Minister Modi since he assumed office.
In the Past, he has delivered inaugural addresses at 105th edition of ISC in 2018, 104th edition in 2017, 103rd edition in 2016 and 102nd edition in 2015.
WATCH VIDEO: PM Modi inaugurates 106th Indian Science Congress in Jalandhar
