In grand finale to 5-day session of 101th Indian Science Congress in Jammu, the Vice President, while delivering his valedictory address to the participants. laid full stress on dovetailing scientific inquiry and innovation to the social component in a way so as to maintain the Indian tradition of moving forward along with modern times but at the same time, not closing space for age old traditions of India in upholding social and ethical values of society. In essence, his valedictory address was reminiscent or rather re-interpretation of Gandhian philosophy of science in the inclusive service of mankind. There is no doubt that science and technology have revolutionised life on the globe and the phase that we are going through is unparalleled in its reach to the heights of excellence and glory. Never before has mankind exploited its creative and innovative faculty to the extent as in last two or three decades. Revolution in Information and Communication Technology has drastically impacted social life and opened a new world of space discovery.
But the serious question before us is that this tremendous and mind boggling scientific and technological advancement should not damage our social fabric and mankind should not lose the sight of spiritual domain that has been the source of great inspiration and peace to it. In particular, we in India have inherited rich spiritual legacy of developing close camaraderie with nature and its manifestations. In euphoria of scientific advancement, we should not allow positive achievements of our society lose their power and richness.
Governor N. N. Vohra, who wrapped up the five-day deliberations of the Congress, rightly stated that that there was no second thought about the potentiality of science and technology in transforming our economy and our life style in years to come. He also spoke about the fusion of science and spirituality asserting it was necessary for all of us to do a balancing act.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah thanked the participants and organisers for bringing to grand finale an event that will occupy very prominent place in the history of the State. The Chief Minister aptly appealed the scientists to apply their innovative and creative efforts to the promoting of the economy and well being of the people of the State. It is indeed a rare event and the State will undoubtedly benefit from it in due course of time. Infact, we were not deficit of resources in J&K State but the question was of their harnessing through scientific and technological instrumentality. Our lakes are full of weed which could be harnessed and put to advantage for the people of the State. Agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, tourism, mining, water resources etc. are our assets and the scientists would do well to make these areas productively beneficent so as to bring about radical change in the economy of the State. We sincerely hope that the Science Congress would generate scientific culture among the people, especially the student community of the state, and that is undoubtedly a positive gain. This was also the message of the Prime Minister when he inaugurated the Congress at the campus of Jammu University.
On this occasion, we should also express our gratefulness to our leaders of first generation who had, during the decades of the freedom struggle of Indian National Congress, kept themselves busy with planning the free India of their dream. In particular we should at this occasion laud the vision of our first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who was foremost in inculcating scientific and technological culture in the nation. Eighty per cent of India’s population lives in villages and bringing advantages of science and technology to the farthest village so as to change the life from poverty and destitution to plenty and prosperity is what science means to us in India. And this has been very eloquently and passionately expressed by the Vice President in his valedictory address. Today we have a large number of technological institutes and technical schools in the country with eminent scientists and technocrats and academics. The result is that we have the largest technical manpower among the Asian countries. It took us six decades to build this enormous infrastructure brick by brick. The time has come for delivery. Now our scientists and technocrats are required to make a show of their creative and innovative faculty. Science has to be put to the service of man. For long the people of the State will ruminate over what message the Science Congress has conveyed to the nation. The message has come from the wisest among us. Put in simplest terms the message is that a balance shall have to be struck between scientific advancement and retention of social and ethical values. And this had to be a very delicate blending of two elements.
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