AIZAWL, Oct 4 - Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan inaugurated the second edition of the Mizoram Science Congress (MSC), a two-day event organised by the Mizoram Science, Technology and Innovation Council (MISTIC) in collaboration with seven science NGOs from the State, at the Pachhunga University College here today.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajasekharan said that science and technology are essential components of socio-economic development. He pointed out that the world�s richest countries today are the ones which lead on the science and technological front. He stressed that technological edge is the key to their continued dominance.
The Governor observed that Mizoram has the potential to move ahead of others and attain the desirable socio-economic growth due to its high literacy rate. For this, top quality education, specially in science and technology, is needed. The Governor added: �We should focus our preference of science education and research towards our strengths � eco-tourism, horticulture, forestry and environment sectors, coupled with improvement in information and communication technology and healthcare.�
Welcoming the gathering, Dr RK Lalianthanga, chief scientific officer and chairman of the MSC 2018 organising committee, said the congress has provided a common platform for scientists from various disciplines, students and individuals interested in science. He hoped that the second Mizoram Science Congress would ignite their minds, resulting in the revival of science education and research in Mizoram.
Prof MRN Murthy of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, gave a talk on this year�s theme, �Perspective and trends in the development of science education and research�. Dr Laldinpuia, secretary of the MSC 2018 organising committee, also presented a brief report on this year�s Congress.
Eleven professors, including three from outside the State, are participating in the Congress. Four parallel technical sessions will be held during the two-day event. A total of 110 abstract papers have been received and 24 science models will be on display.
