India Now Leading the World in Science and Technology: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh
New Delhi, Saturday -- Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said that India is now in a position to lead others across the world in science and technology, citing recent success stories led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He addressed the 8th convocation of Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), where he presented Doctor of Science degrees to four renowned scientists.
Dr Singh noted that AcSIR's academic approach is a cornerstone for achieving Prime Minister Modi's vision of a "Viksit Bharat 2047". He commended AcSIR for its innovative model, which blends diverse disciplines with emerging fields like medical research and agriculture. The institution has ranked among the top 3% of global universities despite being relatively young.
The Union Minister highlighted the institution's effective collaboration with other institutions, including CSIR, ICMR, and DST. He emphasized that AcSIR is a torchbearer of a new academic culture in India, promoting industry-academia collaboration and driving research and development.
Dr Singh spotlighted success stories in emerging areas like space and biotechnology, noting that India has progressed from a single-digit count to over 300 space startups and nearly 9,000 biotechnology startups. He also celebrated the accomplishments of women in science, citing the historic appointment of CSIR's first woman Director General.
The ceremony was attended by eminent dignitaries, including Prof Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor, Government of India; Prof N Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR & Secretary, DSIR; and Prof P Balaram, Chancellor, AcSIR. The event marked a significant milestone in India's ascent in global science and technology rankings, and underscores the country's potential to lead the world in innovation.
"We are proud of what has been achieved, but we must not rest on our laurels," Dr Jitendra Singh said. "There is still more work to be done, and I am confident that AcSIR will continue to play a leading role in propelling India forward."