The future of Science & Technology in India lies in convergence and integration, said Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. Speaking at a webinar on “Science and Scientist in the New Millennium” organized by the Faculty of Natural Sciences to mark the centenary celebrations of Jamia Millia Islamia Prof. Sharma spoke of doing relevant science that would give direction to the society.
The direction of the future stems from what the mind craves, he underlined. Sustainable Development can be realized through a shared responsibility and appreciation of diversity and inclusion, as mandated by Nature itself, he added. Pitching for the institution-industry linkage, he suggested that Indian universities can find themselves on the growth trajectory only through participation in an eco-system that has characteristic interface between knowledge-creator and knowledge-user.
Exhorting youth to work towards a shared purpose through cultivation of scientific temper he counselled development of Atma Nirbharta (self-reliance) by instilling the elements of self-confidence, self-respect and self-reflection. Prof Sharma also spoke about the new initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology in the form Vigyan Jyoti and GATI innovative pilot-projects launched in 2020 to promote participation of girl students for pursuit of STEM and gender equity in science and technology. No development in the society would be possible without including women in the processes of science and technology and without synergising invention and innovation.
Earlier, Prof. Najma Akhtar, Vice Chancellor, JMI welcomed the speaker to share his remarkable scientific journey and sought his mentorship for the young faculty and students of the university to attain excellence in research and development. Prof. Akhtar lauded the role of the DST Secretary for the promotion of science and technology in the country. Prof. Seemi Farhat Basir, Dean, Faculty of Natural Sciences offered summing up remarks and proposed a formal vote of thanks. The event, which had hundreds of attendees from India and abroad, was moderated by Dr. Nida Jamil Khan , Assistant Professor, Department of Biosciences , Jamia Millia Islamia.
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