V-P Radhakrishnan calls for science-led growth to meet global challenges

Bhubaneswar, July 9 (IANS) Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday called upon young scientists to harness science and technology to address global challenges, saying scientific capability is fundamental to achieving India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.

Addressing the graduating students at the convocation of the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) here, Vice-President Radhakrishnan said that the world today faces unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges, including climate change, emerging diseases and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and advanced materials.

In such a scenario, the Vice-President said, science must not only generate knowledge but also guide policy and ensure sustainability.

He stressed that for a country like India, with its demographic strength and developmental aspirations, scientific capability is not optional but foundational to achieving the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.

Emphasising the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, Vice-President Radhakrishnan said that contemporary challenges cannot be addressed within the boundaries of a single discipline.

He urged the graduating students to nurture curiosity, uphold integrity, embrace challenges and use their knowledge for the larger good of society.

“Science is not only about finding answers but also about asking the right questions,” the Vice-President remarked.

Highlighting India’s growing stature in science and innovation, Vice-President Radhakrishnan said that the country’s achievements in space missions, vaccine development, digital public infrastructure and renewable energy have earned it global recognition.

He urged the graduates to balance ambition with responsibility and progress with compassion, adding that their research, ideas and integrity would shape the future of society.

Paying tribute to the legacy of Dr. Homi Bhabha, Vice-President Radhakrishnan said that institutions such as NISER are carrying forward India’s rich scientific tradition by producing talented scientists who are contributing to fundamental sciences, atomic energy, healthcare physics and other emerging interdisciplinary fields.

He appreciated the institution’s alumni for enhancing India’s scientific footprint through research and academic excellence in India and abroad.

Recalling the day his father told him about the demise of Dr. Homi Bhabha, the Vice-President said that it was a major setback for the country’s atomic research.

However, he added, the country emerged stronger from the tragedy and has since become one of the world’s leading nations in atomic research.

The Vice-President also expressed hope that many of the graduates from NISER would go on to become future Dr. Homi Bhabhas, making significant contributions to India’s scientific and technological advancement.

The ceremony was attended by the Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati; Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi; Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and other dignitaries.

–IANS

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