I am pleased to launch the ‘Vaccinate India Programme’,
an initiative of the Government of Karnataka in collaboration with Give
India Foundation, which has been enabling individuals and
organizations to raise and donate funds for different causes with the aim
to alleviate poverty in the country. As you are aware, concerted
action by the Government of India, all the State Governments and Union
Territories as also various stakeholders, especially the healthcare
personnel and scientists, has enabled the country to contain COVID-19 in a
fairly satisfactory manner. Unfortunately, the pandemic has claimed more
than 4 lakh lives so far, even as all out efforts are being made to ramp up our
health infrastructure, which was stretched to its limits during the
crisis.120 Ever since it broke out, the pandemic shook the
entire world. Even the most advanced nations with more modern and140 better medical facilities could not effectively cope with the
magnitude of the crisis. It has severely impacted economies, lives and
livelihoods160 globally. Taking the required doses of vaccine,
wearing masks, maintaining safe physical distance, frequently washing
hands and observing personal hygiene have become imperative for all of us, even
as we move forward to fight the pandemic with greater resolve. The
Government of India and all the States have been working collectively to inoculate
more and more people against COVID-19. I am happy to note that so far 58
crore vaccine doses have been administered and 13 crore people have240 been fully vaccinated in the country.
I am pleased to
note that organizations like Give India Foundation are supplementing the
efforts of the Government. While the number of inoculations done
so far is quite commendable, we need to step up280 the pace of vaccination, widen the net and ensure access to everyone. I
am happy to learn that vaccines for children are in the pipeline. With a large
population of adults taking the first of the two doses, we are definitely320 better placed in tackling COVID-19 now. It is now clear that
vaccination is the most effective shield against COVID-19. While it may not
fully protect a person from getting infected, vaccination will definitely help
in preventing hospitalization and lessen360 the severity of the disease. In other words, even if a person is
infected by the virus, the disease will be mild. It should be remembered
that Coronavirus pandemic created an unprecedented situation on every front.
We are still not totally out of the woods and there is every need for each
one of us to continue with all COVID-related420 protocols and precautions. It is a huge relief that the recovery rate
in the country has reached 97 per cent and the number of infections and deaths
has substantially declined when compared to the situation a few months ago.
But there is absolutely no room for complacency. We cannot afford to
lower our guard. There appears to be hesitancy in480 some quarters to get vaccinated. It is absolutely essential to educate
and create awareness about the safety and importance of getting vaccinated
among those who are still harbouring doubts. It should be
remembered that universal vaccination and following COVID-appropriate
behaviour are crucial to effectively combating the pandemic. I urge the medical
fraternity in general and the Indian Medical Association in particular,
to take up special awareness campaigns in this regard. The media also
needs to educate people about the safety560 of vaccines and the need to shed vaccine
hesitancy. False beliefs need to be dispelled by providing
accurate information.
As mentioned
earlier, the pandemic has brought into sharp focus the need to fill the gaps in
our health infrastructure from600 urban centres to rural hinterlands on a
priority. Special attention needs to be bestowed on backward and
remote areas in this regard. The private sector must join hands with
the Government to give a major boost to the health infrastructure. 640 I must congratulate our scientists, pharma companies,
entrepreneurs, doctors, and regulatory authorities for
fast-tracking the manufacture of vaccines, including the indigenous ones, as
also PPE kits, sanitizers, facial masks and other equipment in the true
spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat. I would like to once again
compliment the Give India Foundation for collaborating with various donors and
partner organizations to700 facilitate administration of COVID-19 vaccines to
the underprivileged sections of society.
It
gives me great pleasure to be with all of720 you this morning and interact with some of the
eminent scientists and researchers of the country. I am
also pleased to lay the foundation stone of the Innovation and
Development Centre of this institute, which will showcase its scientific
breakthroughs. I am happy to see the vast strides and impressive achievements
made by this institute in the fields of interdisciplinary science
and engineering research. In a span of 30 years, it has established itself
as a leading scientific research800 centre with an excellent publication record.
I am told that many alumni of this institute are occupying
important positions in academia and industry. I am aware that the main
focus of this institution is to produce Ph.D. and Master of840 Science students. I am pleased to know that this Centre’s
research has received global attention and has been recognized both in
the form of granted patents and fellowships to prestigious associations
in the country and overseas.
I
firmly believe that the research conducted by any institution should be
relevant to society—be it academic or industrial. In this context, translational
research assumes importance and I am glad to note that this institution has
generated over 300 patents and promoted establishment of a few startups based
on indigenous inventions. I am happy to learn that this Centre has built a
network with other institutes of repute and established academic links with
scientists from across the globe. The intellectual atmosphere will
naturally960 get invigorated by the exchange of
ideas and interactions with scientists from all over the world. While
this institute is980 known for conducting cutting-edge research
in a wide range of areas, I would like to suggest to the scientists
and researchers here to undertake research in new emerging areas of science
like high performance engineering materials and artificial intelligence. If
we talk about the global scenario, I find that this institute has made
excellent impact on international arena by positioning itself among the
top institutions in its areas of expertise. I hope it will continue to maintain
its standing and continue on its quest for excellence making it one of the best
universities in the world. Every scientist should strive1080 to excel and innovate for improving the lives
of the people. In other words, scientists should come up with out-of-the-box
solutions to address various challenges faced by mankind from climate change to
agriculture to health and medicine, among others. 1120 This premier institute, which is in league with
prestigious organizations, can contribute immensely towards fostering
scientific temper in the country and improving research outcomes. The
National Education Policy 2020 will ensure that students have access to new teaching
and learning strategies across all segments. This will create the right
educational ecosystem and enrich their knowledge base as also honing their
skill sets. I am happy to note that this institute is playing an active role in
this regard.
My
dear students, 1200 I must say, you are quite fortunate to study here and carry out research on
modern-day cutting-edge science and technology under the guidance of
eminent scientists. This sort of serene environment provides the right ambience
for students to pursue research in their chosen field. Science is
the backbone for the progress and technological advancement of any
country. India is1260 uniquely blessed with a huge demographic dividend
with a young population. The need of the hour is to inculcate scientific
temper1280 from a young age and promote world-class
scientific research that addresses societal problems. You have embarked on an exciting
career and you must leave no stone unturned to achieve your goals. Please
remember that there is no substitute to hard work. You must
always strive to push the boundaries and never remain content or complacent
with status quo. You are among the privileged students who are receiving
quality education. You should make optimum use of the opportunity you have got
and shine like bright stars. With the knowledge and exposure received from this
Centre, I am sure that you will contribute to national growth in a
significant way. I would also urge the faculty members to ensure a
congenial1400 atmosphere for students to study, explore and
conduct research. I am pleased to learn that this centre has been
organizing science outreach programmes for the past two decades. I am told that
the outreach has benefitted several hundreds of students and teachers1440 of various educational institutions. I
am happy to know that these programmes were conducted in online mode during the
pandemic. I would like to compliment the institute for the work done in
connection with the COVID-19 pandemic situation and the steps initiated to
promote few start-ups on indigenous activities in line with Make in India
programme. I am also happy to note
that the Innovation and Development Centre would host startup companies
initiated with in-house inventions. I hope
that this institute will stay true to its reputation and continue to churn out
brilliant scientists and researchers who will play a significant role in
the overall development of our country.
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