The writer, a molecular biologist, is in-charge of the foreign affairs department of the BJP.
Science for Society
PM Modi’s vision is to promote ‘ease of living’ through ‘ease of doing science’
At the 102nd Indian Science Congress held in Mumbai in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “To me, the arms of science, technology and innovation must reach the poorest, the remotest and the most vulnerable person.” It was an address that clearly articulated Modi’s vision of charting a path for the pragmatic use of science and technology to aid growth and development in India. The address was a clarion call to the scientific community and provided a new whiff of inspiration to the millions of Indians interested in science.
This vision of the prime minister has improving “Ease of Living” for ordinary citizens at its core. It was an attempt at motivating scientists and researchers to direct their focus towards resolving the issues that disrupt the life of the common man.
The transformation in the last four-and-half years has been remarkable. From engaging with Nobel laureates to brainstorming with India’s scientific community, from interacting with young minds engaged in Hackathons to posing questions for innovators and startup founders, the PM has made science the fulcrum of New India.
This, of course, was no simple task, especially in a country where institutions work in silos, where there are no connecting links between scientists and common citizens, and where research institutes are not qualitatively geared to deal with the requirements of 125 crore Indians. The issues faced by common citizens are complex and the solutions to them require an inter-disciplinary approach. In the last four years, the government has tried to enhance collaboration between various scientific streams to enhance the productivity of our research and development.
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