Science the driving force of development : CM
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 15 2012:
The five-day long Science Meet 2012 organised by Manipur Science and Technology Council under the sponsorship of NCSTC, Department of Science & Technology, Govt of India concluded at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen with Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Francis Ngajokpa gracing the valedictory programme as the chief guest and functional president respectively.
speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister stating that science has become an integral part of human life asserted that it (science) no longer can be confined to a few seriously devoted scientists and technologists.
"We are living in the age of science and technology, and most of our activities are controlled and fashioned by science right from the cradle to the grave," highlighted the CM and commented that 'science has therefore been recognised as the driving force behind progress of humankind' .
Expressing confidence that organising science meet every year in the state will go a long way in supporting innovation system and a broaderbased educational base, he also noted that initiatives of event spearhead MASTEC would promote awareness on science and benefit cross section of the society, particularly the student community.
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Pointing out that scientific capability will ultimately be the determining factor on one's ability to overcome challenges that lie ahead, the CM said that with new challenges such as scarcity of resources, diseases, food security etc, effectively tackling these crucial issues would depend very much on the quality of institutions of science and technology of the State.
Stressing on the need for chalking out effective strategies to achieve greater energy efficiency along with renewed vigour and focus on renewable sources of energy, he said harnessing clean energy sources in line with the global trend has become a necessity rather to accelerate economic growth and at the same time safeguard the environment.
MASTEC should have a strong outward orientation for creating a platform for science popularisation, technology transfer and to encourage innovators in the State for which it may require stepping up alliances to expose the young students of the State in other parts of India and abroad in order to enhance their competitiveness, suggested the Chief Minister while affirming that MASTEC has to take the lead role in giving new boost to science and technological development in Manipur.
The chief guest and president also distributed prizes and awards to winners of competitions held in different discipline during the Science Meet, which had STFM, MAPS, MACA and GENIM as the collaborators.
In connection with the five-day event, four book stalls, same number of IT stalls and four sections of Handloom and Handicraft were also put on display.
Department of Science and Technology Director Th Surendranath in his address conveyed that the Science Meet was held this year under theme of 'Clean Energy Options and Nuclear Safety'.
He also informed that live snakes and samples of the reptile species were brought by scientist delegates from other States and delivered lectures on various measures regarding snake bite treatment.
Among others, Principal Secretary (Sc & Tech) LP Golmei, students and teachers of various schools were also present at the closing ceremony.