HYDERABAD: Union minister for science and technology Dr Harsh Vardhan on Saturday exhorted the scientists to find solutions to the basic problems faced by the people and opined that all the research and equipment would be useless unless the fruits of research reach the common man.
Inaugurating the Medical Biotechnology Complex of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) here, he said “The research ideas of scientists should not come from laboratories, see what people need and plan the research work accordingly. All the research and equipment are of no use unless it benefits the mankind. Introspect the work done so far and chalk out the direction for future research,” he said.
“It is the right time to give some breaking news in this field. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has great passion for scientific knowledge and is keen on connecting that knowledge for human welfare. The world is looking at us. Deliver some breakthroughs in the field of medicine,” he added.
Union minister for labour and employment Bandaru Dattatreya said “The poorest of the poor should get benefited by the work done by the scientists. Ensure that medicines reach common man at affordable prices through your research.”
Union minister of state for science and technology Y S Chowdhary asked the scientific institutions to become self- sufficient and advised them to not depend on government for support. “The scientific institutions should get a commercial wing which will help them in becoming self- sufficient. Use your resources to the optimum level, have a five year rolling plan and revisit it again every year and make it better.”
“Taking a cue from USA, we need to promote science tourism and attract students. Why can’t we open gates of scientific institutions on every Sunday and generate anincome out of it. Some of the best brains of India are working in other countries. Its time to show them our infrastructure and get the NRIs back to India,” he added.
CCMB Director Ch Mohan Rao gave an overview of the new facility saying that it had three components Clinical Research Facility, Nanobiology Laboratory for Biomedical Applications and Common Research and Technology Hub (CRTDH). Explaining about the unique features of nanotechnology laboratory, he said “This lab is open for collaborative efforts from entrepreneurs. The entire hall remains unassigned to any particular scientists. The entire hall is left without partitioning and tables are on the wheels.”
‘Take Our Country to Glorious Heights’
Realize strengths, come out of the routine mode, be proactive, take inspiration from our glorious past and take our country to the top, Harsh Vardhan advised the gathering here on Saturday.
Addressing media and staff of CSIR- Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Harsh Vardhan said “We have capabilities, experience and tract record. From first to 17th century we are the best in each and every field. Have a dream and dedicate your life to it, even if it is seemingly difficult, it can be achieved. Science has solutions to almost all the problems and if scientists apply their brain any problem can be solved.” Our PM want to take India to the top most position in fast track mode, help him in achieving his goal, he added.