‘Science,technology lack focus in India’

He was speaking at the Science City in Ahmedabad to inaugurate the 17th National Children’s Science Congress on Sunday.

He said private institutes should take an initiative to invest in the science and technology sector.

The Vice-President added that there is a need for continued research in high technology,which makes manpower requirement inevitable.

“The government is going to start supporting scholarships in the rural and urban areas. Innovations of all kinds would be promoted through these scholarships. The Prime Minister’s Office would increase the expenditure on science and technology from one per cent of the total GDP (Gross Domestic Product) to two per cent in the coming five years,” said Ansari.

Meanwhile,eminent scientist Professor Yashpal,who is also the president of the National Council for Science and Technology Communication Network,addressed a gathering of nearly 5,000 students at the venue.

He said: “The education system should give freedom to the children. I tell teachers to learn from them instead of relying on a parochial system of education.”

Prof Yashpal,who started his career 35 years ago from Ahmedabad further said: “Children are teachers of teachers.”

He added: “This is the place where television had first started; not in the city but in the villages. You should realise the importance of this place and continue innovations in science.”

Junior scientists from abroad among participants

More than 500 junior scientists from India and abroad are going to participate in the 17th National Children’s Science Congress in Ahmedabad. Students from ASEAN countries (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) will also participate in this event.

Dimas Adekhrisna,Technical Assistant,Science and Technology Division,ASEAN,told The Indian Express: “ASEAN is focusing on nine important areas: Marine,Food and Technology,Renewable Energy,Space and Technology,Climate Change,Information Source and Development,Biotechnology,Material Science and Information Communication Technology.”

He added: “The most important area is climate change. The ASEAN-Science and Technology department is focusing on renewable energy sources. There are 20 projects going on in ASEAN countries including India. ASEAN and India Cooperation Fund are jointly funding these projects in India.”

Students from Thailand,Indonesia,Singapore and Laos will also participate in this event.

Wanpen Iam,a physics teacher from Thailand said,“I have heard India is now into computers. I am looking forward to scientific innovations in this country and share them with my students in Thailand.”

Chief Minister Narendra Modi will have high-tea with the junior scientists from all over the world at the conference.