KOLKATA, Nov 5 - Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the fifth edition of the India International Science Festival (IISF) here asserting that no country in the world has progressed without the development of its science and technology.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the science festival via video conference. The function was attended by West Bengal Governor J Dhankar and Union Science and Technology Minister Dr Harsh Vardan.
Addressing the event, the Prime Minister said the theme of the festival � �RISEN: Research, Innovation and Science Empowering the Nation� reflects the aspirations of the 21st century India.
He said science and technology has a major impact on society, and therefore, the government is providing institutional support to both invention and innovation. Advocating a strong ecosystem supporting science and technology, he said every effort is being taken to support innovation in the country.
In this context, the Prime Minister mentioned that over 5,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, more than 200 Atal Incubation Centres have been established in the country.
�We need to think as to how science can be helpful in making our living easy. And that�s why science for society has a great relevance. When every scientist and citizen shall think and act on these lines, then the country would advance,� Modi said.
The Prime Minister also urged everyone to focus on long term solutions and benefits that science can provide us. �You should also be constantly careful about the international laws and standards,� he added.
�There are no failures in science. There are only efforts, experiments and success. If you keep this in mind while working then you would not face any difficulties either in your scientific investigation or in your life,� Modi said.
Dr Harsh Vardhan said a platform like the IISF is an opportunity to bridge the gap and bringing science and technology closer to the public for wider awareness. �Building scientific temper and motivating the children towards science and technology will help build a nation of opportunities and wide knowledge-base for progress of the country,� he said.
The minister said India is a land of opportunities where the participation of scientists in higher education and research and development has a pivotal role in fostering empowerment and development of people. He urged the scientific fraternity to encourage children towards an environment full of passion and spirit of scientific growth.
Later, addressing the Overseas Ministers and Diplomat Conclave, Dr Harsh Vardhan said, �I am fully convinced that each and every problem the people face can be solved through science.� Science is universal and not confined to any country�s border, he said.
Diplomats from Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, South Korea and the United Kingdom, among others, attended the conclave.
