Scientists are today's rishi, munis: Maharashtra governor BS Koshyari

NAGPUR: Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 108th Indian Science Congress (ISC), governor BS Koshyari on Tuesday said India's sages and seers could see beyond time and space because of their spirituality. Today, our scientists are playing the role of rishi and munis, said Koshyari, addressing the scientific community at the Nagpur University campus.
"India is a country of rishi-munis. Who are these rishi and munis? Why are they called drashta rishis? Why are they called seers? Because they could see beyond time and space. Today, scientists like you are our rishi and munis. Our rishi and munis achieved not just worldly things but also the soul and god through their spirituality," he said.
The governor recalled that many people pointed out to him that this is the age of artificial intelligence. "No doubt. But Vivekanda had said India would lead the world in 21st century. On one call of PM Narendra Modi, the world embraced yoga. This shows we are moving ahead in spirituality. I am happy when I read historian Arnold Toynbee, who said 21st century belongs to India and that of its spirituality," he said.
The Maharashtra governor added that former PM Lal Bahudar Shastri gave the slogan Jai Jawan Jai Kisan while former PM Atal Behari Vajapyee added Jai Vigyan to the slogan. "Under Modiji, India has progressed in all sectors," he said.
Chief minister Eknath Shinde, Union minister Nitin Gadkari, minister of science and technology Jitendra Singh, deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, and ISC organizing committee president Vijayshree Saxena were seated on the dais.
All of them, besides Koshyari, referred to social reformer Savitribai Phule in their addresses while highlighting the significance of women empowerment.
Gadkari said the focus is on two aspects 'Atmanirbhar bharat' and '5 trillion economy'. "Our 65% population lives in rural parts. Using sustainable technology, we will have to work for their development in villages, poor labourers and farmers. Based on 'Jal, zameen, janwar aur jungle', we will have to increase the rural GDP," he said.
Chief minister Eknath Shinde said women scientists are leaving their mark on challenging positions in space technology, mathematics, science etc.
"I salute them on this occasion. Science and technology has taken driving position in nation's progress and its pace increased in last 6 to 7 years. Maharashtra has remained ahead in promoting science and technology," he said.