"New India” needs technology and a “logical temperament” to invent and disseminate technological solutions, says PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called upon students to “innovate, patent, produce and prosper” in his inaugural speech at the 107th Indian Science Congress.

“New India” needed technology and a “logical temperament” to invent and disseminate technological solutions.

Cost-effective agriculture was critical to benefit farmers, he said at the function themed ‘Science and Technology: Rural Development.’

At the event in the University of Agriculture Sciences (UAS), GKVK campus, he was accompanied on stage by Harsh Vardhan, Union Science Minister; Rajendra Prasad, Vice Chancellor, UAS; K.S. Rangappa, General President, Indian Science Congress Association.

Mr. Rangappa, in his address beseeched the Prime Minister that he “turn his attention a little more on science and technology” for the country to scale newer heights.

The inaugural saw thousands of students, scientists and officials from the Union Science Ministry in attendance.

According to the organisers, about 15,000 participants were expected to attend the event between January 3 and 7.

A highlight of this edition of the gathering is the Farmers Congress that is expected to see 110 “innovative” farmers discuss climate change, agriculture and novel farming practices.

PTI adds:

Deep sea exploration

Mr. Modi said that scientists in the country will now focus on deep sea exploration, after a successful space programme. Speaking at the Indian Science Congress in Bengaluru, he said, “Our successes in space exploration should now be mirrored in the new frontier of the deep sea. We need to explore, map and responsibly harness the vast oceanic resources of water, energy, food and minerals.”

The Prime Minister also congratulated scientists for helping improve India’s ranking in the Innovation Index. “Our programs have created more technology business incubators in the last five years than in the previous 50 years! I congratulate our scientists for these accomplishments. When we start the year 2020 with positivity and optimism of science and technology driven development, we take one more step in fulfilling our dream.”