TIRUPATI: Shanta Biotech Managing Director K Varaprasad Reddy today called upon schoolchildren to convert every obstacle into a stepping stone for successful career in life.
Addressing the Valedictory of 2nd AP Science Congress here today, he emphasised the need for coordination between young scientists, intellectuals and government for making strides in biotechnology.
He was critical of rulers in the country for neglecting research and advocated establishment of more research laboratories for producing vaccines.
Maintaining that the mindset of rulers must change, he observed, ``While spending thousands of crores for strengthening our defence sector to tackle our insignificant neighbour, Government has been ignoring research in science and technology by allotting meagre funds.’’ Taking a dig at the statement that India is a developing country, he said, ``I have been hearing the same statement for one-and-a-half decade and it remains to be seen how long it is going to take to pronounce ourselves a developed nation.’’ He detailed students every hurdle faced in his journey of transforming his 15 crore Shanta Biotech to the present day Rs 3,700 crore drug manufacturing major.
He felicitated several participants, including children for their paper presentation.
The three-day session of the Science Congress made three resolutions-- To make available more funds for universities for R&D, Emphasis on industry-university interaction sessions and initiatives for funding to scientists.
AP Science Akademy president Narayana Rao said that the resolutions would be sent to both the Central and State Governments.
Speaking on the occasion, Sri Venkateswara University Vice-Chancellor N Prabhakara Rao said that the varsity was doing marvelous job in biotechnology and several Central Government institutions expressed their willingness to fund the projects here.
SVU Rector K Ratnaiah, 2nd APSC organising secretary DC Reddy and others were present.