Amaravati: Indian scientists need to be leaders says Prof Sharma
Ashuthosh Sharma, Secetary of Department of Science and Technology, virtually addressing a webinar organised by SRM-AP in Amaravati on Saturday. Pro Vice-Chancellor D Narayana Rao and chairman of APSCHE Hemachandra Reddy also participated.
Amaravati: THE scientists of the country need to be leaders and not the followers, said Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary of Union Department of Science and Technology (DST), while addressing from the virtual podium in Delhi and delivering the university distinguished lecture on 'Art of Science in the Time of Virus and Beyond: The Brave New World' organised by the SRM University-AP here on Saturday.
Prof Sharma, dwelling at length on science, technology and innovation, explained, "Innovation pertains to visual imaginations and thinking. Knowledge becomes sustainable when invention and innovation are balanced. Invention uses resources to produce knowledge, whereas innovation deploys knowledge to generate economic resources."
Prof Sharma accentuated that Covid-19 taught us the lesson that sustainable development, which as a result of sustainable knowledge, can address major challenges. Urging everyone to do their individual job well, Prof Sharma said that capacity of learning is the most prized possession. He suggested the scientific community to become self-reliant.
Prof K Hema Chandra Reddy, chairman of the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education, Prof V S Rao, Vice-Chancellor, Prof D Narayana Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor, faculty members, and more than 700 participants attended the lecture. Earlier, Prof D Narayana Rao welcomed the guests.
Hema Chandra Reddy delivered a brief speech on research initiatives in science and technology introduced by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. He said, "The AP government is planning to establish a State Research Board to promote multidisciplinary quality research and coordination among universities."
Some of the faculty members interacted with the DST secretary and made a brief presentation about a few flagship projects of the University--"SRM – Amara Raja Centre for Energy Storage Devices," "Hydrogen-Powered Fuel Cell-based train in association with the Ministry of Railways," 3-D printing of Gold Jewellery in association with Tanishq Jewelers."