Youth must lead science and technology Former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam's address at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Hamirpur Former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam today called upon the youth to work towards building a creative leadership in different disciplines and achieving new goals for the country. Delivering his convocation address at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Hamirpur, Dr Kalam said the time has come for a drastic change in the traditional roles from a commander to coach. He also highlighted issues of infrastructure development, energy generation and the need of safe drinking water for the masses in the country. Kalam asked the educational institute to focus on emerging as a technical human resource provider for the state. The NIT, he recommended, should adopt all local 20 senior secondary schools for quality education and also create a 'energy independence plan' for the district through micro-hydel plants, solar energy systems, bio-mass plants and wind power, besides dense afforestation to make it fossil fuel free. Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, who also spoke on the occasion, asked the engineering fraternity to respect the environmental requirements and come forward to help find quality alternatives for development of the country. Source: Indian Express, Jan 4, 2009 |
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Youth must lead science and technology
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Age no bar to lead scientific institutions
Age no bar to lead scientific institutions Gist of PM's address to 96th Science Congree, Shillong Contending that the government has laid down the foundation to foster research, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asked scientists to promote younger talent and strengthen leadership in universities and research institutions. "The best science is done by young people. Our institutions must be receptive to the needs of the young people. They must promote younger talent and allow youth to lead," he said inaugurating the 96th Indian Science Congress at the picturesque North Eastern Hill University campus in Shillong. Singh said the government can at best ease the supply side constraints on teaching and research and the demand side stimulus must come from institutions and the industry. "India is lagging behind not just developed western nations, but also the newly industrialising economies of Asia," Singh said adding that while the government is doing its bit to ensure quantitative development, the leadership for qualitative development must come from the scientific community. "Our universities must do more to foster a research environment. We need strengthening of institutional leadership in universities and research institutions," the Prime Minister said. Seniority and age may be relevant in the bureaucratic system, but scientific institutions must be led by intellectual leaders, irrespective of age, he said. Singh asked the industry to invest more in R and D and boost the demand for science and technology graduates and researchers. Source: Indian Express, Jan 3, 2009 |