Thursday, 04 May 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The union secretary, biotechnology department and eminent scientist Rajesh S Gokhale has said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and biotechnology hold the key for future and mastering them would pave the way for entry of India into the league of developed nations. He was delivering keynote address ‘Glimpses of transformation in India through science and technology’ at Doon University here on Wednesday.
The programme was organised to mark the G-20 summit being chaired and hosted by India this year. Gokhale said that India is passing through a transition phase and is strengthening its position at the global forum by continuously improving and updating its technology. He said that India is the fifth largest economy of the world and is ranked at the seventh position in foreign investment. The country is ranked number three in providing ecosystem to the start-ups. The science and technology secretary said that India showed it’s potential to the world during the pandemic of Covid-19 when it’s produced its own vaccine and administer highest number of doses per day. The country manufactured 11,000 ventilators within six months.
Gokhale further mentioned that by the year 2050, 50 per cent of food production needs to be from non-agricultural sources and highlighted that the future will be of bio-factories to produce microbial based chemicals and foods by utilizing wastes and renewable materials. “The bio-factories are going to replace chemical industries as well as reduce the stress on the agriculture sector.”
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice Chancellor of Doon University Surekha Dangwal gave details about the university’s various programs being organised as part of the youth connect program of G-20. She highlighted that Doon University has hosted distinguished dignitaries from various fields, including the President of India in recent months.
The higher education and science and technology secretary Shailesh Bagauli said that since Uttarakhand is blessed with natural resources, biodiversity is one area where there are tremendous opportunities for research, innovation and entrepreneurships.
The Director General of Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST), Durgesh Pant highlighted several initiatives taken by the state of Uttarakhand towards promoting innovations in science and technology.
The dean School of Social Sciences, R P Mamgain proposed the vote of thanks.
