Interaction Meet of Students and Science Icons of India and Europe

The Ministry of Science and Technology today provided a unique opportunity to about one thousand students to interact the President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and a galaxy of Science icons from India and Europe which included Dr. C.N. R. Rao and two noble laureates namely Dr. Bert Sakmann, Department of Cell Physiology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg and Prof. Paul J. Crutzen , Emeritus Scientific Member of the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry in Mainz . Addressing the “Interaction Meet of EU and Indian Science Icons with Indian Students” on the occasion of India-EU Ministerial Science Conference in New Delhi, Dr. Kalam said that the most important ingredient for realizing a prosperous society is the ignited minds of the youth using science and technology as a powerful tool. He shared with his audience the uniqueness of five great Nobel Laureates, each one having unique traits which symbolize Value of Science; Science as a Life time mission; Science is Borderless; Science is about converting challenges into opportunities and Scientific Magnanimity. The President pointed out that the challenge before the scientific community is to provide Clean water, Energy Independence, Good Habitation, Pollution free atmosphere and Health for all leading to a peaceful, happy and prosperous planet.

On India-EU S&T Cooperation, the President observed that European Union represents a wealth of scientific potential with rich culture for research while India has emerged as a leading country with its demonstrated scientific and technological potential in many societal missions and is now in the growth path. He said both have the ability to blossom despite diversity and these combined strength can be utilized for the mutual advantage of both India and EU by joining together as partners in creating the world knowledge platform.

Earlier, Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Kapil Sibal said that his Ministry has been addressing the need to attract talent and youth to careers in science, technology and innovation. He said the motivating factor in modern economy or knowledge economy is the opportunities available to the youth. Stressing the need to create an environment in which such opportunities exist, he said it can be achieved by making science more friendly and accessible. to young generation. Shri Sibal informed the gathering that his Ministry has recently launched INSPIRE, (Innovation for Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) a programme to reach out to the young talent and help them to pursue their interest in science. He appealed to the student community to think big as India is on the move and creating new technologies is the need of the hour.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Annette Schavan, Federal Minister of Education and Research, Germany said that science is not only based on the wisdom of old but also on the queries of young for a better world. She said young scientists are the foundation of the science research and European Union is deeply impressed by India and her people in this field. Dr. Janez Potocnik, European Commissioner for Science and Research said that scientists and research deserve due recognition as the role of science icons is crucial.

Later research scholars and the students from various institutions and schools had an exclusive session with the science icons from India and Europe.

There was also an India-EU CEO’s Meet on the sidelines of the India-EU Ministerial Science Conference in which scientists and industrialists from both the Continents participated.

Source : Press Information Bureau
Date : February 08, 2007