The country needs strong emphasis on teaching and research in basic science, said Vice President M. Hamid Ansari here on Saturday.

Speaking after unveiling the plaque for the foundation of the JSS Science and Technology University in the city, Mr. Ansari said: “No national scientific enterprise can be sustainable in the long term if it does not contain generous room for curiosity-driven research.”

However, he noted a regressive trend since the past few years in the universities, with science losing out to other disciplines, mainly professional courses. He also remarked that universities had become mere teaching centres, while research was being ignored.

Mr. Ansari said India was recognised as an Information Technology hub, but it was equally important for the country to be a science innovation hub to achieve technological self-sufficiency and conceive local solutions to India’s problems like poverty, agricultural productivity, water conservation and climate change.

“Our failure to develop manufacturing capabilities in critical segments of the defence industry is a case in point,” he said, pointing out that even the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas was equipped with an engine manufactured by the General Electric in the United States of America.

Despite achievements in many fields, there is little evidence of scientific temper in noticeable segments of Indian society, including the elite, as irrational beliefs and practices persist. “It is not without significance that today, we have a large number of faith-oriented television channels but not a single Indian science channel. What is paradoxical is that after much efforts to inculcate rational outlook among the citizens, we find that even scientists who practice science do not necessarily possess a scientific temper,” he added.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah described the inauguration of the new university as a milestone in the annals of the JSS Mahavidyapeetha and the state and assured all assistance to foster its growth. Karnataka was making rapid strides in the field of science and technology and the new IIT at Dharwad to be inaugurated on July 31st was another feather in the cap of the state in fostering science and technology, he said.

Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE), which was accorded the University status by the Government, will continue to offer under graduate courses in 12 disciplines of engineering, besides taking up research in select areas.

Governor Vajubhai R Vala, Suttur seer Sri Shivaratrideshikendra Swami, Vice Chancellor B.G.Sangameshwar, principal Syed Shakibur Rahman, elected representatives, faculty and students of SJCE were present.