NATIONAL TECH. DAY

National Technology Day 2013 was organized at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 11th May 2013. The program was conducted by Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India and Federation of Indian Chambers Commerce & Industry (FICCI). Fifteen years ago India laid a claim to the nuclear powers' club membership by conducting nuclear tests at Pokhran, on May 11th, 1998. The day, which proved the technical prowess of Indian scientists, is marked as the National Technology Day to inspire young minds to achieve high goals and excel at innovations. Advisor (R&D) Prof. TPN Singh and Ms. Nisha Sharma, Asst Prof, CSE attended the program.

Ms. Vimmi Choudhary (Radio & TV Announcer) welcomed the audience and expressed her thanks to all for devoting their valuable time for this important event. She stressed on the importance of National Technological day and briefly mentioned the various measures implemented by the Government in this direction.

The distinguished guests who graced the occasion were:

1. Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Honorable President of India

2. Sh. Sudini Jaipal Reddy, Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences

3. Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology

4. Dr. Anil Gupta ,Prof. IIM, Ahmedabad

5. Dr. S. K. Brahmachari, Secretary, DSIR and Director General, CSIR

Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, Dept of Science & Technology, GOI, extended a very warm welcome to the Honorable President Shri Pranab Mukherjee and hailed him as a connoisseur for Technical innovations. He exhorted the young minds to join the race for promotion of Technology. Technology may be a product for entrepreneurs but is a powerful tool in the hands of the community. Participation in front line technology is in itself a harbinger for competitiveness. He hailed Prof. Anil Gupta from IIM, Ahmedabad as one of the top 50 IPR exponents of the world and paid gushing tributes to his stellar contribution in this creative field. His sustainable Technology “SHRISTI” was referred with pride (Shristi’s primary objective is to work with the informal/rural sector and to provide technological know-how along with appropriate interventions. Shristi aims to create self-sustaining, viable producer groups and encourage them to use their own inherent skills as a means of employment, income generation and economic self-sufficiency). The National Innovation Foundation set up in association with DST by Prof. Anil Gupta was an example of his untiring efforts and perseverance for posterity to be benefitted.

Prof. Anil Gupta stated that the policy of Science &Technology was now rechristened as Policy of Science, Technology and Innovation. India is the only country in the world where Innovation is all inclusive. There is tremendous inertia in people and this must give way to innovation. There is a process underway of forming National Clubs of Innovation in all Central Universities to start with. Spreading ideas, creating products, solving hurdles should be a part of the curricula. Focus should be on the concept of Open Universities and the youth must be essentially involved in solving the country’s problems. Originality has become imperative. The students must visit MSME’s in summer season and take up issues for giving solutions. This must be made a part of the curriculum. Scepticism must be a way of life and is the soul of science. Inertia existing in our society is lamentable and the insouciance has to be removed by proper policies and motivations. The “CHUNAUTI” program (Challenges for unfolding and augmenting technological innovation for society) of DST was lauded for its perception and far reaching effects.

Shri Jaipal Reddy, Honorable Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences commended the President for his passionate commitment to the promotion of Science & technology. National Technology day is celebrated for accomplishment of technical ingenuity in strategic areas. Extent of Technology diffusion defines rate of progress of nations. The foremostpatriarch of Innovation was Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the intrepid freedom fighter who in 1823 spoke of development of scientific tools for human development. He was in real sense an avant-garde of technological emancipation. Pandit Nehru in his book Discovery of India described three most important aspects for a growing nation i.e. Technology, Labour and Capital. Risk financing is necessary for budding innovators for societal values. The Minister claimed that all grant proposals are being subjected to online tracking by his departments. He concluded that Innovation ecosystem should be technology inclusive.

The Honorable President Shri Pranab Mukerjee expressed his privilege for participation and stated his presence symbolizes the importance GOI is attaching to Technology development. He paid rich tributes to innovators, award winners, scientists and engineers who have contributed their essence despite many hurdles. The global market is fiercely competitive and one has to survive in this cauldron of turbulence. This decade of 2010 to 2020 is of innovation. There is a drive to recognize grass root innovators and promote them. The number of patents filed in India is very discouraging wherein USA and China are having twelve times the figure. The future prospects of growth and prosperity in India will depend on the process of innovation. Areas like Biotechnology, Pharma, Auto, IT, ITes, Software etc can become leaders in the coming millennium. The innovation strategy of India is different from other countries in terms of Inclusion. National Innovation council, State Innovation council and sectoral Innovation council are being allocated Rs 5000 crores. Innovation clusters are being set up as depositories and young minds must be ignited to pursue research & development. A strong ecosystem with support of all stake holders should be targeted. Technical obsolescence is rife and to equitably balance innovation is the only key. The President commended Baba Bhim Rao Ambedkar University at Lucknow for formation of Innovation department and the productive work carried out.