Kolkata, Dec 7 (IANS) President Pratibha Patil Monday lauded the “creativity and innovation” of Indian scientists for helping enhance agricultural production in the country as well as their role in advancing the nuclear and space research programmes and other front-line technologies.
“Our growth has been propelled by, as also accompanied by, advances in research and development. The energy, creativity and innovation of our scientists have contributed to enhancing our agricultural production, increasing the range and the quality of goods produced by our manufacturers, as well as raising the efficiency of our service sector.

“Indian scientists have been instrumental in the significant advances we have made in the fields of nuclear and space science as also for our rapid strides in information technology, bio-technology and other frontline technologies,” Patil said while addressing the concluding function of the Indian National Science Academy’s (INSA) platinum jubilee year celebrations at the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP).

INSA is the apex body of Indian scientists representing all branches of science.

Patil said the Indian scientists have the knowledge base to undertake research in technologies required for the advancement of the nation.

“This is our strength as we build our nation and as we engage with the world. I am confident that India will make much progress in science and technology,” she said, adding the numbers of researchers and scientists need to be increased.

On India’s scientific excellence, the president said the quest for knowledge is “unending” and it must continue to cope with the change and new challenges which the entire world is facing today.

“The world is moving forward rapidly and decisively into an era where societies and economies are incrementally based on knowledge. The importance of nations in the 21st century shall be judged not by their economic strength alone, but also by their power to conceptualise inventions and bring their benefits to people.

“For a force multiplier effect, benefits of science must accrue to our people in our villages and in our cities. A store of scientific knowledge can only be useful when it is used for the betterment of the life of the people,” Patil said, pointing out the importance of encouraging the younger generation to study science.

“India has launched its second wave of investment in higher education. We are improving and expanding educational facilities and setting up more institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Science and central universities.

“We seek to enhance the number of people with higher education and to better their competence,” she said.

Patil, on a two-day visit to the city, is also scheduled to inaugurate the newly-installed solar photo voltaic power project at Raj Bhavan Monday evening.

She will leave for New Delhi Tuesday.