He was delivering his inaugural speech at the 103rd Indian Science Congress at the University of Mysore campus.
Expressing his concerns on how traditional knowledge is at risk of
extinction in a globalised world, Modi said, "Like traditional
knowledge, science has also evolved through human experiences and
exploration of nature. So, we must recognize that science, as we see it,
does not constitute the only form of empirical knowledge about the
world.
"And, we must bridge the distance between traditional knowledge and
modern science, so that we can craft local and more sustainable
solutions for our challenges."
In his inaugural speech, Modi preferred to focus on issues of
innovations and reminded the gathering of what he had promised in Paris
during the climate conference in November when he along with other
leaders, including US president Barack Obama and French president
Francois Hollande, pitched for doubling of the national investments in
the area of innovation.
Modi said, "I also said in Paris that innovation is important not
just for combating climate change, but also for climate justice. For,
the developed world must leave enough of the little carbon space left
for developing countries to grow. For this, we need research and
innovation to make clean energy technology available, accessible and
affordable for all.
"At Paris, President Hollande, President Obama and I joined a number
of global leaders for an Innovation Summit. We pledged to double
national investments in innovation; and, build a global partnership that
combines the responsibility of governments with the innovative capacity
of the private sector. I also suggested an international network of
30-40 universities and labs focusing for next ten years on transforming
the way we produce, distribute and consume energy. We will also pursue
this in G20."
Speaking about increasing the country's focus on ocean or blue
economy, he said, "We will raise the level of our scientific efforts in
marine science".
He said, "We have entered into agreements on marine science and ocean
economy with several countries. We will also hold an International
Conference on 'Ocean economy and Pacific Island Countries' in New Delhi
in 2016."
Emphasizing on why it is important for India to grow not only for its
own sake but for the sake of the entire humanity, Modi said, "The
success of one-sixth of humanity will also mean a more prosperous and a
sustainable future for the world. We can only do this with your
leadership and support".
Referring to five Es, the Prime Minister noted that the impact of
scientific innovations would be the most when scientists and
technologists will keep these principles - Five Es "at the centre of
their enquiry and engineering."
According to the PM, the five Es are explained as: Economy - when we
find cost effective and efficient solutions; Environment - when our
carbon footprint is the lightest and the impact on the ecology is the
least possible; Energy - when our prosperity relies less on energy; and
the energy we use keeps our skies blue and our earth green; Empathy -
when our efforts are in tune with our culture, circumstances and social
challenges and Equity - when science advances inclusive development and
improves the welfare of the weakest.
Elaborating on these points, he said, "The impact of science will be
the most when scientists and technologists will keep the principles of
what I call 'Five Es' at the centre of their enquiry and engineering."
He further said, "This year, we mark a hundred years of a significant
moment in the history of science, when Albert Einstein published in
1916 'The Foundation of the General Theory of Relativity.' Today, we
must recall the humanism that defined his thought: "Concern for man
himself and his fate must always form the chief interest of all
technical endeavours."
Concluding his 33-minute speech, Modi said, "Nothing can be a higher
duty for us, whether we are in public life, or we are private citizens,
and whether we are in business or explore science, than to leave the
planet in a better state for our future generations. Let the different
disciplines of science, technology and engineering unite behind this
common purpose".
Over 100 eminent scientists from different universities and research
institutions will deliver plenary talks at the Indian Science Congress
on subjects like Nano Science, Space Science, Technology &
Applications, Diabetes, Evolution: The Frontiers, Atomic Energy, Safe
water and sanitation, Diseases and drug development, Public-Private
partnership for the Swachh Bharat Mission initiative during the five-day
meet.
Noble laureates Arthur B McDonald of USA; Dan Schetman of Israel;
John Gurdan of UK; Serge Haroche of France; David J Gross of USA and
Fields Medalist Manjul Bhargava will be the key speakers at a special
panel discussion on the topic "Science and Technology: Present and
Future".
As part of Indian Science Congress, the Children Science Congress
will be inaugurated by Nobel Laureate John B Gurdon (Nobel Prize in
Physiology or Medicine in 2012) on January 4 at the amphitheatre,
Manasagangothri inside the university campus.
Besides, the 5th Women's Science Congress will also be inaugurated on the second day on January 4.
January 12, 2016
Kalaivaraikalai
