Space scientists
from NASA, ARIANE, European Space Agency (ESA) and from some developing
countries including Malaysia and Thailand will be taking part
in the 90th Indian Science Congress (ISC), being held
in Bangalore in the first week of next month. Space technology
and its application will dominate the 5-day mega science event
being hosted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
and the Bangalore University. From the industry side, the Confederation
of Indian Industry (CII) is co-sponsoring the event. This was
announced by the General President of the Indian Science Congress
and Chairman ISRO, Dr. K. Kasturirangan here last night.
As customary, the
Congress would be inaugurated by the Prime Minister Shri Atal
Bihari Vajpayee and the keynote address by the Minister for Human
Resource Development and Science & Technology Dr. Murli Manohar
Joshi.
Giving details of
the agenda before the Congress, Dr. Kasturirangan said the focus
will be on "frontier science and cutting-edge technologies". At
this beginning of the 21st century, science and technology
finds itself in a more challenging situation than before, to meet
the future needs of the country in particular and the mankind
in general. Industry which has a crucial role to play in this
task, is closely interlinked with science and technology. The
need of the hour is a vigorous and informed debate on production
and use of scientific knowledge as well as the acquisition of
cutting-edge technologies. The nation needs to embark on a scientific
approach which will catalyse technological advancement in the
areas of electronics, super-conductors, energy, advanced materials,
robotics, informatics and networking, space, defence, biotechnology,
medical science, agriculture, materials technology and atomic
energy. The advancement in these frontier areas of science will
help generate a whole range of new products and services that
will benefit the masses of the nation and enhance India’s global
competitiveness, Dr. Kasturirangan averred.
Nearly 6000 delegates
including those from developed and developing countries will be
taking part in the 182 session hours 14 sectional intense scientific
deliberations and interactions spread over five days. There will
be six plenary sessions on key areas i.e. energy, biotechnology,
information technology, medicine and immunisation, food and environment
and advanced materials.
In addition there
will be three panel sessions on important issues relating to climate
change, urban transport and perspectives of science pursuit in
India. 5000 school children mostly from Bangalore and other parts
of the country will be interacting with the scientists on science,
technology and environment. The industry will put up a unique
exhibition "Science Expo – 2003", showcasing Indian scientific
and technological expertise, to feel proud of. Another highlight
will be the space galleria in which major space agencies and industries
from around the world are expected to take part. A symposium on
"leadership through technologies" will bring to fore the best
of industry, government, academia and NGOs to share their views
on how India needs to move towards achieving technology leadership
and industry culture. The Minister for Information Technology
Shri Pramod Mahajan will be inaugurating this symposium. Two unique
events, i.e., space summit and university meet will be added attractions.
