Addressed at the closing ceremony of the 9th India International Science Festival-2023 at THSTI Biotech Institute in Faridabad
The amount of 'Haryana Vigyan Ratna' award has been increased from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 4 lakh – CM Haryana
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, January 20 -
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal stated that there is a committed effort to enhance education in science and technology in the state of Haryana. The Haryana government will establish a Science City on 50 acres in either Faridabad or Gurugram district to promote new scientific research and innovations. The search for suitable land is currently underway. The Chief Minister addressed as the Chief Guest during the closing ceremony of the 9th India International Science Festival held at THSTI Biotech Institute, Faridabad on Saturday.
He said that today Haryana has got the opportunity to host this 9th Science Festival. Congratulating on the successful organization of the event, he highlighted the participation of students, teachers, researchers, scientists, entrepreneurs, educators, startups, and international representatives in the Science Festival. He commended all participants for their contributions. He stated that the Science Festival showcases India's achievements in the fields of science and technology, fostering knowledge exchange and dialogue between various stakeholders engaged in the same field. Referring to Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi's dedication to science, he said that the mantra of "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, and Jai Anusandhan" sets a new direction for India to progress. The India International Science Festival is the country's largest science festival, with the theme "Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal." The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of science and technology in achieving Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi's vision of making India a glorious, prosperous, powerful, self-reliant, and developed nation by the year 2047. He acknowledged the valuable contributions of Indian scientists throughout history, from ancient times to modern-day stalwarts like Homi Jehangir Bhabha, Jagadish Chandra Bose, Srinivasa Ramanujan, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, and others.
He expressed pride in India's achievements, such as the successful development of two COVID-19 vaccines and their distribution to other countries. He highlighted India's progress in space exploration, including the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the southern pole of the moon and the establishment of the Aditya L-1 mission for solar study.
The Chief Minister commended the visionary Vikram Sarabhai, Chairman of the Indian National Committee for Space Research, for conceptualizing the use of satellite technology for communication and weather forecasting. He also mentioned the initiation of the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) in India. He encouraged the youth to engage in research and innovation, stating that in today's new India, opportunities are opening up in the fields of research and innovation in science, technology, and entrepreneurship.
CM further highlighted the significance of the Science Festival in promoting creativity in science, technology, and innovation for India's progress, fostering a platform for interaction among all stakeholders. The festival included workshops, symposiums, science competitions, technology shows, exhibitions, and more, spanning 17 subjects over three days. India has been a pioneer in the fields of science and technology since ancient times, and the Chief Minister expressed optimism about the ongoing wave of startup programmes in science in contemporary India.
Establishment of Science Clubs in Every District
To promote science education, the establishment of science clubs is underway in 10 government senior secondary schools in each district. These science clubs will play a crucial role in fostering scientific thinking and awareness among young students.
Exposure visits are organized to enhance the interest of meritorious students in science. During these visits, students are taken to various science centres and science cities across the country to acquaint them with scientific research. Exceptional scientists in the state are honored with Haryana Vigyan Ratna and Yuva Vigyan Ratna Awards. Last year, in the ceremony organized on National Science Day, 11 scientists were honoured for the years 2019, 2020 and 2021. The amount of the 'Haryana Vigyan Ratna' award has been increased from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 4 lakh.
He further stated that in order to promote science education among the students of the state, the Department of Science and Technology also gives scholarships to students studying science subjects from class XI to (Ph.D) level. Scholarships are given Rs. 1500 per month for 11th and 12th class, Rs. 4,000 per month for B.Sc students, Rs. 6,000 per month for M.Sc students and Rs. 18,000 to Rs. 21,000 per month for Ph.D students. Six separate government universities have been established in the state for science and technology education and research. Additionally, other universities also provide education in science. The Vishwakarma Skill University has been established in the village Dudhola in Palwal district. The India International Science Festival is an outreach event for those who can benefit from science, technology, and innovation.
On this occasion, the Minister of Higher Education, Sh. Mool Chand Sharma, addressed the gathering. Several dignitaries, including MLA, Smt. Seema Trikha and MLA, Sh. Narender Gupta from Faridabad, besides numerous scholars and students, attended the program.