By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net
Bhopal: Curtain was drawn on the three-day Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan (All India Science Conference) 2007 with 10-point recommendations that emphasized on promoting traditional scientific knowledge along with modern science and increased community participation for balanced and sustainable development here on Sunday.
The former President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, who was the chief guest at the valedictory function, said that the biggest challenge for scientists these days is to use science for the betterment of living status of general public, while addressing the closing ceremony of Indian Science Conference.
Dr. Abdul Kalam Science & Technology for rural development and gave details of PURA (providing urban amenities to rural areas) project as envisaged by him. He said that the new paradigm of science should focus on this aspect.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan presided over the function. ISRO Chairman Dr Madhavan Nair and Union Minister Suresh Pachouri were present amongst others on the occasion.
Dr. Abdul Kalam, while lauding the participation of farmers, artisans and students in the conference, said that science had led to the basic changes in the human life and provided regular innovative changes. “Science provides us the unique vision and helps to explore realities,” he added.
He said that India had achieved remarkably in the fields of astronomy, health, mathematics, agriculture and various other fields. Kalam stated that problems like life science, food production, expansion of communication mediums, reducing the urban-rural divide and employment generation were hassling the scientists these days.
Dr. Abdul Kalam expressed happiness over the fact that Madhya Pradesh Government was working seriously for implementing the 11-point programme for comprehensive development to mark the Golden Jubilee year of State Assembly.
He hoped that Madhya Pradesh would be a developed State by fulfilling these missions with dedication by 2015.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” was the crux of our culture and tradition. “The mindless activities of development has led to the present dangers like Global Warming,” the Chief Minister said. Chouhan said that they were going ahead with the 11-point programme as advised by Dr. Abdul Kalam for the State. He further said that the State Government had developed half million water systems with the public participation of Rs 200 crores in the last 2 years. He assured that they would not allow Madhya Pradesh to lag behind in the second Green Revolution and use of science would be insured for the betterment of general public.
The Chief Minister said that under the Mission Excellence, 100,000 students would be taken to prominent science centres and scholarships would be provided to talented 100 students.
Chouhan assured that recommendations and decisions of the sammelan which were relevant in context of Madhya Pradesh would be implemented. He said that MP Council for Science and Technology would initiate 5 fellowships in the name of five prominent scientists of the country.
“We are preparing the visionary document for the development of Science & Technology in the State,” added Chouhan.
Union Minister Suresh Pachouri appreciated the sammelan and subjects for debate. He emphasized that management of natural resources was crucial for sustainable development.
ISRO Chairman Dr. Madhavan Nair said that 20 Rural Resource Centres would be established for the development and expansion of education in Madhya Pradesh. These Centres would be used to teach various subjects at the schools situated in the far-flung areas. ([email protected])