BENGALURU: Scientist Prof C N R Rao said no other state in the country offers a greater impetus towards science and technology compared to Karnataka, and added that the government and scientists should strive hard not to lose the tag.
He was speaking on the occasion of the Scientists and Engineers State Awards ceremony for the years 2013 and 2014 held here on Wednesday.
“I can say that Karnataka is the only state in the country that is providing a strong impetus for the growth of S&T. Earlier, the sector used to receive around Rs 2 crore as funding from the government, which has now been increased to Rs 20 crore. The vision group for S&T that is present here is only unique to Karnataka,” said Rao.
CM Seeks Scientists’ Help: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that scientists must strive to ensure that the problems of farmers in the state are alleviated. “Scientists must work to ensure that crop yield and quality are improved so that farmers are benefited,” he added.
Scientists and Engineers Felicitated
On the occasion, 25 scientists and engineers who have contributed towards the growth of the S&T sector in the state were felicitated. There were five categories for the awards, including Sir M Visweswaraya State Award for Senior Scientists, Dr Raja Ramanna Award for Scientists, Sir C V Raman Award for Young Engineers and the Dr Kalpana Chawla Award for Young Women Scientists.
ISRO Chairman Dr A S Kiran Kumar was given the Sir M Visweswaraya State Award for Senior Scientists 2013, while for 2014, Prof MRN Murthy of the Indian Institute of Science was felicitated.