Chief Minister Emphasizes the Need for the Practical Application of Research to Benefit Society
Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today participated in the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2024 at IIT Guwahati.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sarma emphasized the IISF as a testament to India’s steadfast commitment to innovation, excellence, and the crucial role that science and technology play in driving national development and prosperity. He noted that this event embodies the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose leadership has been instrumental in the development of the Northeast, particularly through the transformative influence of scientific progress. He contended that in our contemporary landscape, a nation’s progress is intricately linked to the harmonious integration of technology, resources, and capital, highlighting technology as the primary catalyst for transformation. Such advancements, he posited, are crucial for achieving social equity, reducing poverty, and improving living standards. He noted that from agriculture to healthcare, environmental science, energy production, and communication, science acts as the engine of innovation, significantly enhancing human existence and paving the way for a sustainable future.
The CM reflected on India’s storied scientific heritage, tracing the nation’s rich legacy of intellectual and technological achievements from ancient centers of learning such as Takshashila and Nalanda to the pioneering contributions of renowned figures like Aryabhata, Charaka, and Sushruta. This enduring legacy, he asserted, affirms India’s historical role as a reservoir of knowledge and a vanguard in the pursuit of scientific progress. Focusing on Assam’s own scientific lineage, he remarked on the region’s tradition of intellectual inquiry, epitomized by the ancient title of Pragjyotishpur, which denotes Assam’s historical significance in astrology and astronomy. He cited the Navagraha and Surya temples as historic artefacts reflecting this heritage while highlighting medieval Assam’s notable contributions to planetary science, medicine, and veterinary practices, as evidenced by seminal works such as Vaidyakalpataru and Hastividyarnava.
Dr. Sarma acknowledged India’s recent achievements in the realms of science and technology under the progressive leadership of Prime Minister Modi. He noted that India is now ranked among the top three countries globally concerning scientific research publications and is nurturing a vibrant start-up ecosystem. The nation stands poised to emerge as a global leader in innovation, illustrated by unprecedented patent filings. This remarkable advancement is mirrored in India’s climb up the Global Innovation Index, ascending from 81st place in 2013 to 40th in 2023. He pointed to significant investments in space exploration, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy as critical to reshaping society and improving the lives of millions. Milestones such as the Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan missions, he noted, have positioned India at the forefront of space exploration, while initiatives like the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) have catalysed vital collaborations across academia, industry, and government, creating a robust research ecosystem.
The CM proposed a series of initiatives aimed at capitalizing on Assam’s strategic location in alignment with India’s Act East Policy. These initiatives include establishing bio-foundries and bio-manufacturing hubs to enhance local industries and stimulate innovation, particularly within the bio-resources sector. He underscored Assam’s unique bio-resources, including Agar and indigenous flora, which hold significant economic promise, especially in the global fragrance and essential oils markets. To this end, Dr. Sarma requested the creation of a dedicated fragrance vertical by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) in Assam, alongside an incubation unit and R&D facility by the Department of Biotechnology. He outlined other initiatives aimed at propelling scientific and technological progress in Assam, including the creation of SC/ST cells under the Assam Science Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC) to tackle community-specific challenges through science and technology. He recommended the establishment of Skill Vigyan Centres to train technicians, entrepreneurs, and students in collaboration with academic institutions such as Tezpur University, Gauhati University, NIPER-Guwahati, and Biswanath College of Agriculture. He proposed the creation of the North East Institute for Climate Studies and Adaptation, intended to address the region’s climate vulnerabilities while preserving its rich biodiversity and integrating indigenous knowledge into climate adaptation strategies. The CM also highlighted the significance of the 200 bighas of land allocated by the Assam government for ISRO’s NETRA Project, aimed at enhancing spatial situational awareness in the region, and stressed the necessity of establishing a radar and communication training center as part of this initiative to empower the youth of Northeast India. He proposed the establishment of the fourth Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET) in Assam, focusing on pioneering research in hydrogen generation, energy storage, and the use of 2D materials. Dr. Sarma reaffirmed his conviction that these initiatives possess transformative potential for Assam and the Northeast and earnestly called for the support of all stakeholders to bring these aspirations to fruition, thereby fostering scientific innovation along with regional economic and social development.
Today’s event was attended by Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Science & Technology, Minister Keshab Mahanta, Dasanglu Pul, Minister of Science & Technology, Arunachal Pradesh, Dr. V K Saraswat, member NITI Aayog, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Sec., DST, Dr. N Kalaiselvi, Secretary DSIR & DG, CSIR, Prof. A K Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser, GOI, Dr. Shiv Kumar Sharma, National organizing secretary, VIBHA, Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Sec., DBT, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT-G, and other dignitaries.
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