Indian Science Congress concludes

PNS|Vijayawada

The 108th Indian Science Congress concluded at RTM Nagpur University, Maharashtra, on Sunday. The focal theme of the Science Congress was ‘Science & Technology: Development with Women Empowerment’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event and virtually addressed the gathering. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor of SRM University-AP, Prof D Narayana Rao, convened a plenary session, India @ 2030: Science & Technology – Opportunities and Challenges, on the first day.

Prof. D Narayana Rao and Dr Vijay Laxmi Saxena, general president of the Indian Science Congress, conferred the Ashutosh Mukherjee Award to Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Government of India. Students, scientists and research experts from various States attended the science meet.

The Congress hosted plenary sessions and sectional committee programmes. Mega Science Exhibition titled ‘Pride of India ISC Expo’ showcasing cutting-edge technologies, scientific products and services, initiatives and vision for the future of India in the fields of education, defence, space, life sciences and healthcare, agriculture and food processing, energy, environment, ICT and BFSI etc. Tribal Meet, Rashtriya Kishore Vaigyanik Sammelan (Children’s Science Congress), Science Communicators Congress, farmers meet, cultural programmes and the “Vigyan Jyot”, lighting of the Flame of Knowledge, were some of the major constituents of this scientific conclave.

The Women’s Science Congress and Women’s Meet discussed methods to improve women’s representation in STEM fields and ensure equality regarding access to education, research opportunities and employment. Strategies to develop women leaders in Science and Technology were a key point of discussion. The special pavilion, ‘Hall of Pride’, showcased the path-breaking contributions and progress made by women in the education, science and technology, information technology, biotechnology, banking and media sectors.