While inaugurating the 108th Indian Science Congress at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU), Nagpur virtually , Prime Minister said that globally women are making their mark and at G-20 of which India has taken over the presidency, has prioritized women-led development as a major topic. “Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women Empowerment” is the main theme of this year’s
ISC, which will feature discussions on the topics of sustainable development, women’s empowerment, and the role of science & technology in achieving these goals. The purpose of the 108th Indian Science Congress (ISC), according to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is to advance science through the contributions of women, not just to advance women through science.
The Prime Minister stated that over the past eight years, India has undertaken extraordinary initiatives in the areas of governance, society, and the economy, all of which are currently being discussed around the globe. He emphasized on the importance of India’s scientific strength in the country’s development over the following 25 years. “The increasing participation of women is proof that both women and science are progressing in the nation,” Prime Minister said. Today also happens to be the birthday of revolutionary social reformer and educationist Savitribai Phule .
The Prime Minister gave the example of the Mudra Yojna, which has been crucial in empowering women in India, in highlighting the women who demonstrate their strength to the world, whether it be in a partnership in small industries and businesses or leadership in the start-up world.PM Modi emphasized the value of women participating in scientific research and how the rise in female participation reflects the advancement of both society and science. He said that “Today, the country’s thinking is not that women should be empowered through science, but science should also be empowered with the participation of women.”
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for an institutional framework to inspire the youth. He gave the events Talent Hunt and Hackathon as examples of how to find kids with a scientific temperament. He emphasized the importance of focusing on futuristic ideas and areas where no work is being done. He requested that AI, AR, and VR be prioritized.Asserting the importance of science in making India Atmanirbhar PM Modi said, “Science should make India Atmanirbhar. The efforts of Science can bear fruit only when they go from labs to land.
Dr.Jitendra Singh, Union minister of state (independent charge) for science and technology and earth sciences, said sustainability is key to solving our current problems such as climate and clean energy. ‘The 108th ISC will help India advance through the 21st century and become a modern society’, he said.
The participants in the conference held discussions on issues of women’s empowerment, women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), and the role of science and tech in sustainable development. The participants discussed and deliberated on ways to increase the number of women in higher echelons of teaching, research and industry, along with trying to find ways to provide women with equal access to STEM , education, research opportunities and economic participation. A special programme to showcase the contribution of women in science and technology was also held, which also witnessed lectures by renowned women scientists, PMO added.
Several other programmes were also organised alongside ISC. Children’s Science Congress was also organised to help stimulate scientific interest and temperament among children. Tribal Science Congress was also held which was also a platform for scientific display of indigenous ancient knowledge systems and practice, along with focusing on the empowerment of tribal women.
The economic and social progress of nations depends on the application of STEM and this industry is interwoven with gender-neutral, innovative strategies. In fact, according to a World Bank report, women make up more than 40% of Indians with degrees in STEM .
India is also making significant progress in this area, as the IITs recently reported a 20% increase in the enrollment of female students for the academic years 2021–2022. The need to close the gender gap in technical fields of study is becoming more urgent as a result of the nation’s rapid digital transformation and the growing demand for a technologically skilled labor force.
It is crucial that deliberate policies are put in place to ensure opportunities for them to acquire STEM-related competencies in light of the rapidly expanding global digital economy. Our society cannot afford to lose the contributions made to innovation and technology by millions of girls and women.
The 108th ISC with a variety of sessions and presentations by scientists will go on till January 7th , 2023.
