DICTATION EXERCISE - 42

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am indeed very happy to be present amidst you this afternoon for the nineteenth National Technology Day function being organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology. When we celebrate Technology Day, it is not only to commemorate the spectacular technological achievements of our nation. It is also to encourage the upcoming innovators and entrepreneurs, whose efforts are helping in percolating the benefits of science and technology to the society at large and the common man in particular. Scientific and technological developments are a key to any nation’s success. India is one of the top-ranking countries in the field of basic research. Indian science has progressed to become one of the most powerful instruments of knowledge. Yet in the wake of new demands of economic growth, it is necessary to embark on translating science and technology¹⁴⁰ into developmental needs in all sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, health, communication and education.

I am proud to state that¹⁶⁰ our nation has been making rapid strides. Last year, we witnessed a number of remarkable achievements in the field of science and technology. It was a proud moment for every Indian when ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle successfully launched 104 satellites into the orbit, marking the thirty-eighth consecutive successful mission of PSLV. India’s first Light Combat Aircraft Tejas was inducted into the Indian Air Force, marking the culmination of many years of painstaking research and hard work. Successful test firings of Medium and Long Range Surface to Air Missiles, which have been developed by DRDO in collaboration with Israel, were conducted. Maiden test flight of the Rustom-II Unmanned Aerial Vehicle was also successfully carried out by DRDO. While we applaud²⁸⁰ these significant achievements, we must also contemplate on whether the technological developments have been limited to only a few sectors. Our pursuits in science and technology have to be more inclusive and encompassing, improving the lives of our vast population.³²⁰ In building such a scenario, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) plays a pivotal role. It promotes new areas of scientific development and supports the entire eco-system, from seeding and capacity building in cutting-edge research to translational research. DST works deep in technology development and deployment; innovations and start-ups; and international collaborations. This, they do so, by supporting infrastructure, scientists and students in academic and R&D institutions across the country. DST has established strategically important systems and mechanisms to foster excellence and leadership in scientific R&D, aligned with India’s developmental aspirations.

It is heartening to know that DST’s initiatives⁴²⁰ like "National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovation”, called NIDHI, is aimed at building an innovation-driven entrepreneurial eco-system for wealth and job creation. The INSPIRE programme, or "Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research”, taps students early in life and nurtures them to take up science and pursue careers in research. "Scholarship for Higher Education”, or SHE, encourages students to⁴⁸⁰ undertake higher studies in science-intensive programmes by providing scholarships and mentoring through summer attachment. "Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing” called KIRAN, empowers women scientists who had a break in their career. I compliment DST for its efforts towards encouraging S&T as a mission and career in the country. Technology Development Board, which is the commercial wing of DST, is playing a stellar role in the development and commercialization of indigenous and imported technologies. In its twenty years of⁵⁶⁰ existence, the Board has vigorously pursued its mandate of providing financial assistance to Indian companies. In that respect, its role is aligned to the "Make in India” initiative of the government. Some projects of TDB have had a global impact especially in the pharmaceuticals and vaccines domain. Due to its efforts, India has emerged as a global supplier of childhood vaccines to UNICEF and World Health Organization.

Disparity between haves and have-nots, urban and rural areas, and exclusion or marginalization⁶⁴⁰ of certain groups can give rise to social unrest. It is crucial that more technological innovations are geared towards eliminating these disparities and differences. In our endeavor for global excellence, not even a single citizen should be left behind. ‘Technology for sustainable and inclusive growth’ is the need of the hour. And it is where you all - innovators, technocrats,⁷⁰⁰ entrepreneurs and policymakers - have an important role to play. You have to ensure that science and technology does not remain confined to a select few sectors only. Progress and growth of the country will be sustainable only if development for all is the overarching goal. For that, we have to ensure that all strata of the society enjoy the benefits of technological innovation and scientific advancements equally. India is a land of rich diversity, with outstanding talent hidden away even in the remotest areas and minutest villages. Such potential needs to be discovered and nurtured. Our nation has been⁸⁰⁰ making steady progress towards increasing connectivity between far-flung regions and integrating people from all walks of life. It is essential that we continue to move forward in this direction and use technology to create stable employment opportunities, encourage entrepreneurship, and⁸⁴⁰ build growth models that allow for inclusion of women and the disadvantaged. This will lead to the empowerment of citizens, which is the hallmark of a strong nation.

The challenges facing us are many. Ground-breaking innovations are required in key sectors like energy, education, healthcare and agriculture. Technological initiatives in these fields will have wide implications. I, therefore, urge the prominent gathering present here to give singular emphasis on these areas. On this occasion, I also take the opportunity of congratulating our agricultural scientists who have contributed to increasing foodgrains production in India to record levels. I must, however, add that radical innovations, which are long-term drivers of growth, must not come at the cost of our environment. With rapid⁹⁶⁰ industrialization and the consequent mechanization of different sectors, keeping carbon emissions in check has become imperative. In our quest for⁹⁸⁰ technical supremacy, we must always remember that a country’s progress, in the true sense, hinges upon striking a balance between fulfillment of economic needs and protection of the natural environment. The rising concerns about global climate change must spur us on to find novel technological solutions to achieve this objective.

Devising strategies for inclusive and sustainable development will require collaborative efforts among the public and private sectors. Strong political will and commitment, backed by firm and effective policies; investment in infrastructure and education; and focus on adoption of eco-friendly technologies will enable us to promote inclusive growth without compromising on sustainability. I encourage the innovators, policymakers, and technological spearheads gathered here today to join hands and take our nation to the upper echelons of development. Make India a force to reckon with in the world. I wish each one of¹¹²⁰ you present here the very best for the future.

Dictation Exercise 4

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am happy to be amidst you this evening for the National Technology Day celebrations. This Day – eleventh of May, eighteen years ago is significant in relation to the development of India’s technological capabilities. On this day in 1998, India achieved a major breakthrough in nuclear technology by successfully carrying out tests at Pokhran. This day is also associated with achievements in our missile and aviation technologies.

National Technology Day is symbolic of our quest for scientific inquiry and technological excellence, and a translation of that quest into an integrated scientific, societal and industrial approach. It marks not only our technological innovations but their successful commercialization making the fruits of painstaking research available to the people at large.

On this occasion, I compliment the dedicated scientists and technologists of our nation. It is their untiring efforts and (140) missionary zeal that has paved the way for India’s emergence as a technology power. We are now working towards a (160) technological revolution aimed at empowering millions of our countrymen.

          Recognizing science and technology as a key element of economic development, we have always laid a strong focus on research and technology development. India is gradually inching towards becoming one of the leading countries in the field of scientific research. It is enviably placed amongst the top five nations in the field of space exploration. ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, in its thirty-fifth flight recently, successfully launched a 1,425 kg satellite into the orbit. This was the seventh and the final satellite in the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System enabling us to enter an exclusive club of nations. I congratulate the entire community of Indian space scientists for this unique (280) "Made in India” accomplishment. We must not rest on our laurels as this achievement should propel us to further upgrade our existing technologies. With rapid changes occurring in science education and research, only those countries having a technological edge will (320) emerge successful in the fiercely competitive global market.

         

          Innovation is the antidote to stagnation. The youth of our country are brimming with ideas and enterprise. They are harnessing technology to find solutions to day-to-day problems of the common man. Ingenuity aided by technology can bring substantial welfare benefits. I, therefore, find the theme of the National Technology Day Function this year, which is "Technology Enablers of Start-up India”, quite relevant and appropriate. The technology start-up landscape has emerged as a major driving force for Indian entrepreneurship from 2010 onwards. With an estimated 4,300 start-ups, India is the third largest start-up eco-system (420) in the world today. A central feature of this ‘start-up movement’ is the greater involvement of our youth. In fact, 72 percent of the start-up founders in India are below the age of thirty five years. Congratulations to all of them.

          The combined might of this talented breed of new-age entrepreneurs is there to be tapped. Their technology-cum-business models are (480) already solving some of the vexed problems that citizens face in their day-to-day lives. Some unique solutions introduced by them include delivery of medicines and groceries; expanding the budget hotel market; providing affordable and quick healthcare services, education and agricultural technology; and language learning. Their products are disrupting their respective industries in a positive way. Given the growing mobile penetration in the country, start-ups are beginning to come up in sectors ranging from handicrafts, education, agriculture, tourism and transportation. (560) The jobs created by these start-ups and the markets they serve are acting as instruments of inclusive growth. I have no doubt the Indian market and the society at large has the appetite to absorb the huge potential of start-ups promises.

          India must have a strategy to unleash the potential of the youth to provide meaningful opportunities for their participation in the start-up system. This will help us reap the benefits of a favourable demographic transition currently underway. It will (640) also help provide direct and effective intervention to uplift the quality of life among millions of marginalized citizens.

          A bright scenario is emerging for the Indian start-up eco-system with the presence of favourable factors like availability of funding, platform for consolidation, suitable technology and a burgeoning domestic market. We could witness the arrival of many more start-ups in the future. (700) The possibility of 11,000 start-ups by 2020 is not a dream but a reality.

          The Government is seized of the growth potential of start-ups in the country. The Start-Up India initiative was launched in January this year, with an action plan to promote entrepreneurship and job creation in the country. I hope to see more and more entrepreneurial talent spreading their wings and creating innovative product solutions for a growing market. The Stand-Up India scheme will aid in mobilizing the large reservoir of untapped potential among women and the under-privileged sections. These schemes, to my mind, have the potential to (800) trigger another round of socio-economic transformation, similar to the initiatives of last decade when rights to job, education and food were provided, backed by legal guarantees.

          Through initiatives like Digital India and Make-in-India, the Government is steadily building an environment (840) conducive to start-ups. However for such an eco-system to thrive, government efforts are not enough. It requires the contribution and eager participation of stakeholders at various levels. On the occasion of the National Technology Day, I urge you all to take a pledge to make sustained efforts in this direction.

          Before I conclude, let me say that India is gradually emerging as a world leader in many technology areas. By placing a premium on novelty and creative thought, we can spur common citizens to find innovative answers to important socio-economic challenges of our times. I appeal to all our countrymen to rise to the occasion and make innovation a way of life. I wish you all Godspeed and success in your endeavours. (962)