Find solutions to climate change, water scarcity: Prez to scientists

Mohali: President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday exhorted scientists and students to work towards finding solutions to challenges such as climate change and water scarcity, while underscoring that science and technology must continue to play a role in nation building.

Kovind, who was addressing the 7th convocation of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) here, also encouraged students, who graduated on Sunday, to become entrepreneurs and asked them to give back to society, especially to the less privileged.

"The purpose of scientific research is threefold. First, science and technology must continue to play a role in nation building. As our nation evolves and our society changes, are needs too are transformed. Yet, science and technology will always be required to find answers to developmental questions," he said.

"Today, the questions before us range from battling climate change to providing low-cost, but effective, healthcare solutions. And, from helping our farmers overcome productivity and water-scarcity challenges to building sustainable cities and houses that are socially inclusive and provide a life of dignity to the last family in the last mohalla. The IISER network must immerse itself in these tasks," the president said.

Noting that science and technology have a symbiotic relationship with business and industry, Kovind said science and commerce can do a lot together. "Product invention and process innovation; converting the learning of the lab into commercially viable products; using technology to promote efficiency, enterprise and employment, there is so much science and commerce can do together.

"The combination of research institutions, technology start-ups incubated in campuses, and a knowledge-based business culture can be transformational. Silicon valley in California (in the US) and Bengaluru in India are two examples of this. IISER must strive to play a similar role in Mohali and neighbouring cities," he said.

Kovind said institutions of scientific education and research were important for innovation and expanding frontiers of knowledge.

"This is the fundamental and to my mind, most critical value of scientific research. It is to keep alive the instinct of curiosity that is at the root of our civilisation. The history of science tells us, this route requires patience. But, it can lead to unexpected and dramatic leaps in human imagination," he said.

"I urge those graduating today, as well as others studying at IISER, to keep these three motivations in mind as they climb higher. In their own way, these three motivations of science and research will help you to serve fellow citizens, to serve society and country, and to serve the larger cause of humanity," Kovind said.