'India Among Top 10 Countries In Field Of Science': PM Modi At Indian Science Congress

The five-day 108th session of ISC is taking place at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, which is celebrating its centenary. 

PM Modi Inaugurates Indian Science Congress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the 108th edition of the Indian Science Congress through video conferencing. The five-day 108th session of ISC is taking place at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, which is celebrating its centenary.

''The increasing participation of women is a reflection of the progress of society and science.'' said Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the conference.  

''In 21 st century of India, we have two things in plenty: Data and Technology. These can take India's science to new heights. Data analysis is rapidly moving ahead. It helps in converting information into insight and analysis into actionable knowledge.'' said PM Modi.

''In the field of Science, India has found its place in the top 10 countries of the world. Till 2015, in 130 countries, India was at 81st place in the Global Innovation Index. In 2022, we leapt to 40th place. In Phds & Startup ecosystem, India is among the top three countries.'' PM Modi added.

Today India is among the top 3 nations in startups. Till 2015 we were at 81st place in the Global Innovation Index of 130 countries, but in 2022 we have reached 40th place: PM Modi at the 108th Indian Science Congress pic.twitter.com/iuIsygcFxL

— ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2023

''Science should make India Atmanirbhar. The efforts of Science can bear fruit only when they go from labs to land. With 2023 being declared as the International Year of Millets, India's millets and their use should be further improved with the use of science.'' said PM Modi.

''The efforts of Science can turn into significant achievements only when they reach from 'Lab to Land' and when their impact is from 'Global levels to Grassroots'.'' He added.

The focal theme of this year's Science Congress is "Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women Empowerment." The annual Congress will see discussions on issues of sustainable development, women empowerment, and the role of science and technology in achieving these objectives.

Secretaries of science departments are expected to present a 2030 roadmap in their respective fields. The event will also feature deliberations on a range of subjects, including on the Covid pandemic, advances in computer sciences, cancer research, space sciences, and vaccines.

Participants are slated to discuss ways to increase the number of women in higher rungs of teaching, research, and industry. They will also deliberate on ways to increase the number of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and their equal status in education, research opportunities, and economic participation.

A special programme to showcase the contribution of women in science and technology will also be held with lectures by renowned women scientists.

The event will also see a Children's Science Congress, organized to help stimulate scientific interest and temperament among children. The Farmers' Science Congress will provide a platform to improve the bio-economy and attract young people to agriculture.

The Tribal Science Congress will be a platform for the scientific display of indigenous ancient knowledge systems and practices and will focus on the empowerment of tribal women. 

The previous edition of the Indian Science Congress, a key event in the science calendar, was held in Bengaluru in January 2020.