Homegrown scientific developments to be key focus at Indian Science Congress

PM Modi to inaugurate the 103rd edition of Indian Science Congress in Mysuru today

The flavour of the season is “Make in India” and if there is not enough investment in homegrown science and technology development, the goal would mean very little. These could almost be the thoughts of the core committee of the Indian Science Congress Association, which has decided on “Science & Technology for Indigenous Development in India” as the theme for the 103rd edition of the event that will be kicked off in Mysuru from today.

While Mysuru doesn’t share its capital’s glory, the city does have a more painted history of its contributions to science and technology in the country. The Science Congress comes to Mysuru after 34 years.

Mysuru gave the  world its first rockets and missiles. Hyder Ali, the erstwhile ruler of the Mysuru kingdom, developed war rockets — using metal cylinders instead of paper ones to contain the combustion powder, allowing for a much longer range. His son, Tipu Sultan, continued to fund the development of these rockets and even used them in his fight against the British.

Avoiding controversy seems to be the biggest requirement from the 103rd Indian Science Congress, which is being held in the relatively sleepy town of Mysuru. Modi’s first Science Congress, the 102nd edition held in Mumbai last year, was seen as making a laughing stock of academia when mythological references were passed off as scientific discovery. This time, the organisers are more cautious and the focus is on scientific developments.

This year’s event comes few days after the government unveiled the National Biotechnology Development Strategy-2025, outlining a vision for the coming decade in building a workforce that would work on new biotech products.

Creating infrastructure for research and  development and commercialisation, besides establishing India as global biomanufacturing hub. There is also a monetary target of making the industry $ 100 billion by 2025.

Prime Minister Modi is expected to unveil his strategy for science and technology development for the decade ahead and also outline steps to increase spending on science to 2 per cent of the GDP.

Women and children too are being made a big part of the event, with separate events being held under the two horizontals. The goal is simple — motivate as many youngsters to participate in scientific discovery and research, and promote science as a field for women in the country.

“Publicising the scientific findings made by women matters a lot since they’re sidelined when it comes to inclusion in the fields of science and technology,” said Asna Ujoor, convener of the women’s Science Congress.

“We plan to come out with certain policy amendments that will help improve women’s representation. That’s why we’ve invited HRD Minister Smriti Irani, since she’s working on a new education policy,” she added.