Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Manipur on Friday. (Photo: Twitter/@PIB_India)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday arrived at Imphal in Manipur to address the 105th session of the Indian Science Congress “Reaching the unreached through Science and Technology”. He was received by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and Governor Najma Heptulla at Imphal Airport.
Modi will inaugurate the national Science Congress and later launch several developmental projects. The Science Congress is expected to see a congregation of about 5000 delegations including three Noble laureates, scientists, scholars and researchers from all across the country, Public Relations Officer Ganesh Sethi of Manipur University said.
The event was first scheduled to be held in January at Osmania University in Hyderabad. However, owing to “disturbances on campus”, it was cancelled and shifted to Imphal. Organisers feel that the last minute shift may hit the ISC, with fewer delegates attending the carnival and plenary session.
Addressing the inaugural session of the 105th Indian Science Congress in Imphal, Prime Minister Modi said that "National Sports University will help in providing training to nourish the skills of Manipur youth".
Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan, while addressing the inaugural session of the 105th Indian Science Congress in Imphal claimed that cosmologist Stephen Hawking, who passed away this week, had said the Vedas have a theory that is superior to Albert Einstein's e=mc^2 theory of relativity.
#ISC2018 –Each and every custom and ritual of Hinduism is steeped in science; every modern Indian achievement is a continuation of our ancient scientific achievement. Even Stephen Hawking said, our Vedas might have a theory superior to Einstein’s law E=MC2. @moefcc @IndiaDST pic.twitter.com/QP9PbLElCd
"The Government of India has sanctioned ten India Reserve Battalions for north-eastern states, which include two battalions for Manipur. These two battalions will directly provide job opportunities to about 2,000 youth in the state."
"Today, seven out of eight states of north-east India are connected by rail network. Projects are going on to connect the remaining state capitals, including Imphal to broad gauge network," Modi said.
Speaking on the welfare of doctors and teachers, Modi said, 'Doctors, teachers and nurses posted in remote areas of the districts face many hardships due to lack of proper accommodation. To address this problem, I have laid the foundation stone for construction of accommodation for them at 19 specified locations.'
Advocating for online marketing, the PM said: I request Biren Singh to popularise e-marketing among the people in Manipur. Women here will be hugely benefited by this. I have inaugurated 1000 Anganwadi centres in the state to improve the lives of thousands of mothers and their children.
"Woman power in this state has always been a source of inspiration for the country. Today on this occasion, I salute the great revolutionary and daughter of the nation Rani Gaidinliu. I am also privileged to inaugurate a park dedicated in her name," the PM said.
"The way people of Manipur seem happy indicates how well the state government is working here," he added.
While addressing the gathering at a function for foundation stone laying ceremony in Manipur, PM Modi said: The former government's policies and decisions brought immense negativity in the society. However, this has now been changed by CM Biren Singh. Whether it is law and order, corruptions or transparency, the Manipur government is steadily working on each front.
"We have to be ready in implementing technologies vital for the growth and prosperity of the nation. Technology will allow far greater penetration of services such as education, healthcare, and banking to our citizens," Modi added.
While concluding his inaugural speech, the PM said, "I am confident that through the dedicated efforts of our scientists, we are embarking on the road to a glorious future. The future we wish for ourselves and for our children."
The PM also said that India has a rich tradition and a long history of both discovery and use of science and technology. "It is time to reclaim our rightful place among the front-line nations in this field. I call upon the scientific community to extend its research from the labs to the land," he said.
"We have approved a 'Prime Minister’s Research Fellows' scheme. Under this project, the bright minds from the best of universities will be offered direct admission for PhD programme in institutes like IIT. It will help promote indigenous research," Modi said.
"India faces several socio-economic challenges which affect a large section of our population. We need science to make India clean, green and prosperous."
Speaking on the need to inculcate scientific temper among the youth, the PM said: Scientific and social responsibility is the need of the hour. Are we doing enough to ensure children are getting sufficient exposure to science in India? We have to throw upon our nation, institution and laboratories to our children. I urge scientists to hold interactions with school-going children and spend 100 hours every year with 100 students of Classes XI and XII, discussing various aspects of science and technology. Imagine how many scientists we will be able to nurture this way.
Modi added, "It is time to redefine R&D - Research for the Development of the nation. Science is the means to improve the lives of others. The time is right to commit ourselves to facilitate the ease of living of 1.5 crore Indians through power and potential of science and technology."
While addressing the crowd, the PM said: I am told that this is just the second time in over a century, that the Indian Science Congress is being held in the North-East. This is a testimony to the resurgent spirit of the North East. It bodes well for the future.
The PM is visiting Manipur a day after completion of one year of the BJP-led coalition government in the state on Friday. Security in the state, particularly in Imphal town and the places where Modi will visit and lay down foundation stones, have been beefed up, high ranking police officials said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at Manipur University to inaugurate the 105th session of the Indian Science Congress and launch several projects. Follow this space for more updates.