Modi urges scientists to take science to people, redefine R & D

"Scientific and social responsibility is the need of the hour. Are we doing enough to ensure children are getting sufficient exposure to science in India? We have to throw upon our nation, institution and laboratories to our children. I urge scientists to hold interactions with school-going children and spend 100 hours every year with 100 students of Classes XI and XII, discussing various aspects of science and technology. Imagine how many scientists we will be able to nurture this way," Modi said while inaugurating the 105th Indian  Science C

The Indian Science Congress  was scheduled to be held at Osmania University in Hyderabad from January 3 to 7. It was rescheduled to March 16-March 20 and its venue was moved to the Manipur University after the Osmania University authorities expressed their inability to host the event owing to "disturbances on the campus."

The prime minister also urged scientists to extend research from lab to the land and reach a wider audience.

“I call upon the scientific community to extend its research from the labs to the land.  Technology will allow services such as education, healthcare and banking to reach a wider audience," he said, adding that the country must be ready to implement such technology that is vital for the growth and prosperity of the nation."

“The time is ripe to redefine ‘R&D’ as ‘research’ for the ‘development’ of the nation... “Science is, after all, but a means to a far greater end; of making a difference in the lives of others, of furthering human progress and welfare.”

The PM  said the Government has set a target of 100 GW of installed solar power by 2022. He asked scientists to take up the challenge of finding out a more efficient module.

“We are committed to increasing the share of non-fossil fuel based capacity in the electricity mix above 40% by 2030,” Modi said. “India is a leader in the multi-country Solar Alliance and in Mission Innovation. These groupings are providing a thrust to R&D for clean energy.”

Modi said  India needs science to make India "clean, green and prosperous."

"We are committed to increasing the share of non-fossil fuel based capacity in the electricity mix above 40% by 2030. India is a leader in the multi-country Solar Alliance and in Mission Innovation. These groupings are providing a thrust to R&D for clean energy," he said.