Act as platform for flowering of ingenious ideas that benefit the common man: President

Speaking on the occasion, the President called upon all gathered for the Conference to ensure that the Commonwealth Science Conference acts as a platform for the flowering of ingenious ideas that benefit the common man.

Quoting Prime Minister Nehru who said, “The future belongs to science and to those who make friendship with science".

The President welcomed the fact that the Conference will discuss building scientific capacity in developing nations.

He said the collaboration of young scientists from Commonwealth countries with leading laboratories of the world must be enhanced.

"There is also need to improve teaching and teacher quality at every level, especially schools. The Commonwealth Science Conference can be transformative for our future if concrete programmes of action can be evolved in these areas.," Mukherjee said.

The President called upon Commonwealth nations to join hands in bilateral and international ‘Mega Science’ initiatives.

He said young boys and girls from every social and economic context from every corner of the world must have the opportunity to learn the rigorous tools of science to fulfill their dreams to understand the mysteries of our planet and the universe.

The President said India would be happy to collaborate in whatever way possible with other nations, especially to strengthen the scientific base and research capabilities of the smaller countries of the Commonwealth.