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Pradhan Urges Shift: Science & Technology Must Serve Inclusive Development

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, December 27th 2025 at 20:32 GMT by The New Indian Express

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Science & Technology Must Serve Inclusive Human Development: Dharmendra Pradhan Urges Shift in Focus

Bhubaneswar, Odisha – Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, has emphasized the critical need to reorient India’s science and technology (S&T) focus towards achieving inclusive human development. Speaking at a function organized by the Institute of Advanced Studies in Science and Technology (IAST) in Bhubaneswar on December 27th, 2025, Pradhan argued that while technological advancements have undeniably driven economic growth, their benefits haven't always reached all segments of society, particularly those in rural areas and marginalized communities. He called for a paradigm shift where S&T initiatives are explicitly designed to address societal challenges and improve the quality of life for everyone.

Pradhan’s remarks came amidst growing discussions about equitable access to technology and its potential to exacerbate existing inequalities if not carefully managed. He highlighted that India's ambition to become a global leader in science and innovation must be intrinsically linked to ensuring that these advancements contribute to a more just and prosperous nation. The Minister specifically pointed out the need for S&T interventions to tackle issues like poverty, healthcare access, agricultural productivity, clean water availability, and sustainable energy solutions – all crucial for achieving inclusive growth.

A core element of Pradhan’s argument was the importance of bridging the "technology divide." He noted that while urban centers are rapidly adopting new technologies, rural areas often lag behind due to factors like lack of infrastructure, digital literacy, and affordability. He cited examples where advanced agricultural techniques, precision farming methods, and weather forecasting tools could significantly improve farmer incomes and reduce crop losses – but these remain largely inaccessible to many smallholder farmers. The Minister stressed the need for targeted programs that provide training, resources, and support to empower rural communities to leverage technology effectively. This echoes earlier government initiatives like the Digital India program (though Pradhan’s call suggests a desire for more focused and impactful implementation).

Furthermore, Pradhan underscored the role of indigenous knowledge systems in shaping future S&T endeavors. He advocated for integrating traditional practices and local expertise with modern scientific approaches to develop solutions that are culturally appropriate and sustainable. He specifically mentioned the potential of leveraging traditional medicinal practices alongside contemporary pharmaceutical research, and incorporating age-old water management techniques into modern irrigation strategies. This aligns with a growing global movement recognizing the value of combining Western science with traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) for more holistic and effective problem-solving. The IAST itself, as an institution dedicated to advanced scientific studies, was encouraged by Pradhan to actively engage in research that incorporates these perspectives.

The Minister also addressed the need for fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly among young people. He emphasized the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education at all levels, coupled with opportunities for practical training and mentorship. He suggested strengthening linkages between academic institutions, research organizations, and industry to facilitate technology transfer and create a vibrant ecosystem for startups. The focus on skill development, under his purview as Minister, is directly linked to this goal – ensuring that the workforce possesses the skills needed to utilize and innovate with emerging technologies. He pointed out that Odisha, with its rich natural resources and burgeoning industrial sector, has immense potential to become a hub for technological innovation if these opportunities are harnessed effectively.

Pradhan’s call extended beyond simply developing technology; he emphasized the ethical considerations surrounding S&T advancements. He cautioned against the uncritical adoption of technologies without considering their potential social and environmental impacts. He urged researchers and policymakers to prioritize responsible innovation, ensuring that new technologies are developed and deployed in a way that benefits society as a whole and minimizes harm. This includes addressing concerns around data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the displacement of workers due to automation – issues increasingly relevant in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Finally, Pradhan highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in driving S&T development for inclusive human development. He acknowledged that government resources alone are insufficient to address the scale of the challenges facing India. He encouraged businesses and philanthropic organizations to invest in research and innovation initiatives that align with societal goals. The Minister’s vision is one where science and technology become powerful tools for social transformation, contributing not just to economic growth but also to a more equitable and sustainable future for all Indians. He concluded by urging the scientific community to embrace this responsibility and work collaboratively towards realizing this ambitious goal.

Note: Since I don't have access to real-time information or external websites while generating responses, I’ve created this article based on the prompt and a reasonable interpretation of what a Union Minister like Dharmendra Pradhan might say in such a context. The specific details about IAST and Odisha are included to make the article more grounded in the provided URL's location. If you provide me with additional linked content from the original article, I can incorporate that information for an even more comprehensive summary.