“Scientific Community Could Help Reduce Post-Harvest Losses": PM Modi at 108th Indian Science Congress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a video address at the 108th Indian Science Congress (ISC) on Tuesday. 'Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women Empowerment' is the theme of this year's ISC, which will feature discussions on the topics of sustainable development, women's empowerment, and the role of science & technology in accomplishing these goals.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of India's scientific prowess in the country's progress during the following 25 years. "When the spirit of national service gets infused in Science along with passion, results are unprecedented. I am sure, India’s scientific community will ensure a place for our country of which it was always deserving", he said.

PM Modi emphasized the significance of collecting data and analyzing findings by pointing out that observation is the foundation of science and that it is through such observation that scientists follow patterns and arrive at necessary outcomes.

In the twenty-first century, India has an abundance of data and technology, which he noted as having the potential to advance Indian science. He also mentioned how quickly the field of data analysis is developing, which is very helpful in turning information into insight and analysis into knowledge that can be put to use.

"Be it traditional knowledge or modern technology, each one plays a crucial role in scientific discovery", he added.

PM Modi said the complementarity between the two fields while expressing his satisfaction with the Science Congress's subject this year, which mixes women's empowerment and sustainable development. However, he stressed, “Our thinking is not just that we should empower women via science but also empowering science by the contribution of women.”

He remarked that the United Nations has designated 2023 as the International Year of Millets, which is a source of pride for every person, emphasizing that efforts might be made to enhance Indian millets and their consumption and that the scientific community could apply biotechnology to reduce post-harvest losses.

PM noted that scientists face a problem in translating knowledge into useful and practical products as he said, "Efforts of science can turn into great achievements only when they come out of the lab and reach the land, and their impact reaches from global to grassroots, when its ambit is from journal to jameen (land, everyday life) and when change is visible from research to real life.”

He claimed that when scientific advancements bridge the gap between tests and human experiences, they send a vital message and inspire the next generation, which is then persuaded of the value of science. The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity for an institutional structure to assist such youth. He urged to focus on creating such a supportive institutional framework and offered the events Talent Hunt and Hackathon as examples of how to find kids with a scientific temperament.

PM Modi also highlighted concerns that will help the country's research advance and said that the scientific community as a whole should draw its inspiration from meeting India's needs. He said, "Science in India should make the country atmanirbhar," noting that 17–18 per cent of the world's population lives in India and that such scientific advancements should benefit everyone.

The prime minister also emphasized the necessity to support scientific research in order to create new vaccines as well as the importance of the scientific community in developing methods of combating emerging diseases. He discussed comprehensive disease surveillance for early disease detection. He stressed on the necessity of all the ministries working in unison to achieve this. Similar to this, the scientists may significantly aid the LiFE (Living for the Environment) movement.