Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, June 19: While delivering the inaugural address as chief guest at a seminar-cum-workshop on “Solar Powered Water Pumping Systems” organised by “Institute of Public Health Engineers (IPHE) India” and “International Committee of the Red Cross” at the India International Centre (IIC) here today, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Science & Technology (Independent Charge), Earth Sciences (Independent Charge), Atomic Energy and Space said, solar energy is going to play a crucial role in future scientific and social progress and observed, just as electricity was a gift of 19th century and electronics a gift of 20th century, solar energy is going to be a gift of science and technology in 21st century.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said, as the increasing requirement for power and energy sources becomes a major concern in a country like India, solar energy holds the promise to play a central role in day to day life of the people. “In a developing country like ours, where scarcity in water supply is rampant and there are also the issues of hygiene and cost-effectiveness, the concept of solar powered water pumping system can offer a new and viable alternative option”, he added.
Congratulating the organisers for holding an enlightening meet on the subject, he said, it is unfortunate that somehow science and technology does not enjoy its deserved priority and therefore, a scientific meet like this with wider involvement of society will help in bringing awareness among the common masses about the ways and means of energy available to the people and optimum methods of its utility.
“India is making rapid strides in every sphere of life and in its global march towards progress and prosperity, solar energy and its application is going to be a major contributor in India-2020 becoming a global leader,” he added.
Pledging every kind of support from the Department of Science and Technology for encouraging research and new projects by innovative scholars and particularly young scientists, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, it will be his Ministry’s endeavour to open science and technology for wider social participation and thereby as a means of social transformation.
Prominent scientists present on the occasion included Mary Werntz, Benjamin Wahren, Dinesh Chand and S.K. Sharma.
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