Padma Vibhushan awardee and eminent scientist Dr Raghunath Mashelkar was conferred the Dr Mohan Dharia Nation Building Award here at a felicitation ceremony, organised by Vanrai Foundation.
Addressing the gathering, Mashelkar said there is a need to utilise knowledge of science and technology to make six lakh villages in the country self-sufficient.
"Scientists have learnt how research converts money into knowledge but now they should focus on goal of creating innovation, because innovation converts knowledge into money," he said.
Union Minister for Transport and Shipping, Nitin Gadkari felicitated Mashelkar with the honour along with a cash award of Rs 1 lakh, here yesterday.
Emphasising on "inclusive growth", Mashelkar said that research and innovations should go hand in hand together and during 2010-2020 decade India should think of achieving accelerated inclusive growth through inclusive innovations.
"Innovation and passion is all fine, but scientist community should have compassion in heart for nation building. I have got success because I have worked for every hour, 24x7 in a week and I will continue to work for nation building," the scientist said.
