Tirupati all set for national science carnival from today

The 104th session of the prestigious Indian Science Congress (ISC) will be held from January 3 to 7 at the sprawling campus of Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati. It will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Eminent scientists, Nobel laureates, former Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) presidents, industry leaders, policy makers, innovators, academicians and thousands of national and international delegates will take part in it.

SV University can witness a host of scientific luminaries from several countries across the world. Nine Nobel Laureates from the U.S., Japan, France, Israel and Bangladesh would be attending the event. They will share their experiences. A huge contingent of 200 scientists from foreign nations, 10,000 scientists representing from various national laboratories, faculty members and research scholars from Indian universities and several others will take part in the event. They will exchange their views on a range of scientific issues, both on national and international issues.

Plenary sessions are being organised in tune with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to transform India through science and technology. The focal theme of the event is ‘Science and Technology for National Development.’ Indian Science Congress was established in 1914. The Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) is the premier Indian Science Community organisation. It was formed with the objective of advancing, promoting and furthering the cause of science in India. Over the years, ISCA has been headed by luminous personalities and scientists like Acharaya Prafulla Chandra Ray, Sir M Visvesvaraya, Sir JC Bose, Professor CV Raman, Sir Lewis L Fermor, Dr DN Wadia, Sir Shanti S Bhatnagar, Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru, Prof PC Mahala Novis, Dr Homi Bhabha, Dr MS Swaminathan, Prof MGK Menon, Prof CNR Rao, Prof Yash Pal, Dr RA Mashelkar, Dr RS Paroda, Prof SS Katiyar, Dr K Kasturirangan, Dr Asis Datta, Dr Manmohan Singh and Dr NK Ganguly etc.

With 150 members and 35 papers communicated for presenting at the first session in 1914, ISCA has grown into a strong fraternity with more than 10,000 members till date. For the last 103 years, the annual meet of Indian Science Congress (ISC) has been bringing together the entire scientific fraternity to discuss the key issues pertaining to various streams of science. The recommendations resulting out of this brainstorming sessions forms the basis to chart future course of action to the Government of India.

Focal theme of Science Congress
The science and technology plays a vital role in the national development. Science is known as the study of knowledge, which is made into a system and depends on analysing and understanding facts. Technology is basically the application of this scientific knowledge. Hence, science and technology can help generate inclusive and sustainable development of a nation. Indian science has come to be regarded as one of the most powerful instruments of growth and development, especially in the emerging scenario and competitive economy.

In the wake of recent developments and the new demands that are being placed on the S&T system, it is necessary to deliberate upon some major science-related issues which have relevance to national needs and will be of relevance for tomorrow's technology. The theme of 104th ISC therefore, has been aptly chosen as “Science & Technology for National Development.” The 104th Congress is expected to give a new direction and impetus to research and development as well as policy framework and education in India aimed at all-round national development.

Pride of India Expo
The Pride of India (PoI) Expo organised concurrently with the Indian Science Congress is a confluence of new ideas, innovations and products encompassing the entire canvas of scientific world. The expo showcases cutting-edge technologies, scientific products and services, achievements, innovations, initiatives, and vision for future of India's leading public and private organizations, research labs, institutions dealing with education, defence, space, life sciences and healthcare, agriculture and food processing, energy, environment, infrastructure, automobiles, ICT, BFSI etc. Over the years, the PoI Expo has emerged as an excellent platform for meaningful interaction between scientific fraternity, academia and entrepreneurs, technology transfers, collaborations in Research and Development, launch of tech-driven innovative products, concepts etc striking right cord with all its stakeholders.

Hall of Pride
The Hall of Pride is a dedicated pavilion which portrays the life journey of eminent personalities who have contributed immensely to the welfare and progress of the country through their landmark achievements in S&T and have made India proud. This pavilion is designed by India’s well-known artists and stands out as one of the most popular and captivating divisions of all. It is pertinent to mention that every year all the dignitaries to the congress apart from lakhs of students and general public make a point to visit this special pavilion. .The vision behind the Hall of Pride is to depict the role models and inspire young generation to pursue careers in science and industry and dedicate their service to our beloved nation.

Vigyan Jyoti
The Vigyan Jyoti (Flame of Knowledge) is a novel initiative to popularise science and encourage it as a career amongst the youth thus preparing scientists and innovators of tomorrow. It was conceptualized on the lines of Olympic Torch and inspired by the vision 2020 of our former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam of making India powerful, prosperous nation by reaching the benefits of Science and Technology to every Indian and enriching the quality of life. Vigyan Jyoti shall be ceremoniously flagged off from India's capital New Delhi for the host university.

Travelling through various educational institutes in urban and rural areas and spreading the awareness for Science & Technology, it will reach Tirupati covering over 2,000 km. It will be received at a grand ceremony in the presence of dignitaries and students at the Sri Venkateswara (SV) University, Tirupati.

Genesis - XV Symposium
Genesis, a one day symposium, will be organised on 4th January, concurrent to the congress bringing together captains and thought leaders from the sector face-to-face with leading scientists and academicians to drive the agenda on contemporary issues. The Genesis symposium was introduced in 2000 with the objective to bridge the gap between science and industry. The focal theme of 15th Genesis symposium is ‘Indian Industry Catalysing National Development through Science, Technology and Innovation.’

It is aligned with the theme of 104th Indian Science Congress. Innovation is the buzz word for success and ‘Make in India’ is the mission for industry to drive the nation's development. It is the new entrepreneur, the Start-up and the SMEs with a novel innovation, who will be a critical player in the socio-economic growth plans of the Government of India. And this is reinforced with the Prime Minister’s mandate of ‘Make in India.’

The Genesis Symposium invites the leading industries, R&D Institutes and trade associations to discover, nurture and accelerate this innovation and entrepreneurship, through acquisition of novel technologies, vendor development programmes and mentoring, incubation, etc.

Children Science Congress
As part of this great event, the Children Science Congress is organised simultaneously to provide a unique opportunity to children to use their scientific temperament and knowledge and to quench their thirst for creativity by conducting scientific experiments. It generally comprises a three-day event which encourages children to visualise science and stimulate their scientific temperament by giving school children a unique platform to showcase their innovation and creativity in scientific projects.

The Children Science Congress will be hosted by Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam on January 4th, 5th and 6th on its campus. An Hindi essay competition on the focal theme of the 104th ISC – "Science and Technology For National Development – will be organised. The Children Science Congress popularly known as Rashtriya Kishore Vaigyanik Sammelan is organised every year along with the Indian Science congress. It is a unique opportunity for the young students, in the age-group of 10- 17 years from all over the country, to improve their scientific knowledge and expand their innovative talents in the field of science and technology.

Women Science Congress
This programme is to motivate the participation of a large number of women scientists from various institutions across the country. The 104th Indian Science Congress is organising a programme. Theme of this programme is intended to showcase the contributions of women in science and technology. Renowned women scientists will be delivering lectures in this session. Registered women members can participate in women science congress.

The seventh Science Communicators’ Meet (SCM) also known as “Rashtriya Vigyan Sancharak Sammelan” is one of the important events of the 104th Indian Science Congress. An initiative for science communicators for professional growth, this Sammelan will focus on the theme of "Science and Technology for National Development." Participation is invited from outstanding academics, activists, journalists, film makers, scientists,

communicators, etc., who are members of the Indian Science Congress Association. Fellowship will include travel support to Tirupati and waiver of registration fees for participation in the 104th Indian Science Congress. Some entries may be selected for poster presentation and others for oral presentation. Plenary sessions will be organized during the programme from 3rd to 7th January at the venue. (Writer is ADG, PIB, Hyderabad)

By Dr P J Sudhakar