New Delhi, Jan 6, IRNA — Scientists should start considering earth, moon and mars as an economic complex for future habitat expansion of human beings, said Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
Former President of India in his public lecture on the topic ‘It can be done’, at the ongoing 97th Indian Science Congress, at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala state said that Indian scientists should look forward to celebrating the socio-economic development of India in 2020.
He then proposed his vision of transition of Indian Science from 2020 to 2050 saying that the vision for 2050 is one of dynamic growth, adding that a global knowledge society backed by value system and spirit of compassion would be the backbone of the vision.
According to Dr. abdul kalam, some of the key elements of the visision are proper water management, sustainable agriculture development using organic farming practices, energy consumption and sustainability. He also cited customized healthcare for promoting enhanced longevity, balancing the greenhouse gas budget and emergence of new global leaders focussing on multi-disciplinary action among other elements necessary for such a vision.
Dr. Kalam emphasized the need to develop and promote connectivity and collaboration among universities and organizations like ISRO, DAE, CSIR as well as industries.
Improving science infrastructure in schools and colleges, bringing a fundamental change in Indian universities and institutions based on both academic and research performance and focusing on challenges of human needs are other issues that require urgent attention, he added.
He called on Indian scientists to help science evolve globally with a comprehensive approach by 2050. Dr. Kalam stressed the need to ignite the creativity of children from pre-school level and to inculcate interest in research from school to university level.
The 97th Indian Science Congress which was inaugurated by the country’s Prime Minister on January 3, 2010 is hosted by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the University of Kerala. Some 7,000 delegates are present in the event, with 5,000-odd delegates for the main event and over 1,500 school students for the National Children’s Science Congress that will be held on the sidelines of the mega event.
The first meeting of the Congress was held from January 15-17, 1914 at the premises of the Asiatic Society, Calcutta, with the honourable Justice Sir Asutosh Mookerjee, the then Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University as President.