India has moved from tech follower to global leader in science and innovation: Jitendra Singh

The article titled "India has moved from tech follower to global leader in science and innovation: Jitendra Singh" published on ThePrint.in, discusses the transformation of India's role in the global science and technology landscape as articulated by Union Minister Jitendra Singh. The minister's statements were made during the 108th Indian Science Congress held in Nagpur, where he highlighted the significant strides India has made in various scientific and technological fields, positioning the country as a global leader rather than a mere follower.

Jitendra Singh emphasized that India's journey from being a technology follower to a leader is marked by several key achievements across different sectors. He pointed out that India's space program, managed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has been a pivotal factor in this transformation. The successful missions like Chandrayaan-2 and the upcoming Chandrayaan-3, along with the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), have not only showcased India's capabilities but have also placed it among the elite group of nations with advanced space technology. These missions have been achieved at a fraction of the cost compared to similar endeavors by other countries, demonstrating India's efficiency and innovation in space technology.

In addition to space, Singh highlighted India's advancements in the field of nuclear energy. The country's nuclear power program, which includes the development of indigenous reactors and the successful operation of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, underscores India's growing expertise in this critical area. The minister also mentioned the strides made in renewable energy, particularly in solar power, where India has set ambitious targets and is making significant progress towards achieving them. The International Solar Alliance, co-founded by India, is another testament to the country's leadership in promoting sustainable energy solutions globally.

The minister also touched upon the biotechnology sector, where India has made remarkable progress. The development of affordable vaccines and the rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic through the production of vaccines like Covaxin and Covishield have positioned India as a key player in global health. The establishment of the Department of Biotechnology and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has further bolstered India's capabilities in this field, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Singh also emphasized the role of digital technology in India's transformation. The Digital India initiative, launched in 2015, has been instrumental in driving digital transformation across various sectors. The success of initiatives like Aadhaar, the world's largest biometric ID system, and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which has revolutionized digital payments, are clear indicators of India's leadership in digital technology. The minister highlighted that these digital platforms have not only improved governance and service delivery but have also empowered citizens and businesses, contributing to economic growth.

The minister also discussed the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in India. He mentioned the Atal Innovation Mission, which aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among young Indians, and the Startup India initiative, which provides support and incentives to startups. These initiatives have led to a surge in entrepreneurial activity, with India now boasting one of the largest startup ecosystems in the world. The minister emphasized that this vibrant startup ecosystem is a key driver of India's transition from a technology follower to a leader.

Singh also highlighted the role of education and research in driving India's scientific and technological progress. He mentioned the establishment of new institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), which are focused on producing high-quality research and skilled professionals. The minister stressed the need for continued investment in education and research to sustain and further enhance India's position as a global leader in science and technology.

The minister also touched upon the importance of international collaboration in advancing scientific and technological capabilities. He mentioned India's participation in global initiatives like the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project and the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project, which are collaborative efforts involving multiple countries. These collaborations not only enhance India's capabilities but also contribute to global scientific progress.

In conclusion, Jitendra Singh's remarks at the Indian Science Congress underscored India's remarkable journey from being a technology follower to a global leader in science and innovation. The minister highlighted achievements in space, nuclear energy, renewable energy, biotechnology, digital technology, and entrepreneurship, as well as the importance of education, research, and international collaboration. These factors collectively demonstrate India's growing influence and leadership in the global science and technology landscape. The minister's vision for the future involves continued investment and focus on these areas to ensure that India remains at the forefront of scientific and technological advancements.

Read the Full ThePrint Article at:
https://theprint.in/india/india-has-moved-from-tech-follower-to-global-leader-in-science-and-innovation-jitendra-singh/2667546/