NEW DELHI: Union Minister of Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, Dr Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday asked all stakeholders to promote and make science and technology reach every remote location of the country.
Speaking online at the curtain raiser of India International Science Festival, 2020, organised at the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh, he emphasised upon the importance of science and technology to make India self-reliant and contribute in global welfare.
He briefed the audience about the importance and relevance of celebrating this festival and felicitated DIHAR for the contribution it is making in terms of research and development to improve the agro-animal development of Ladakh region, according to a statement issued here.
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, RK Mathur, spoke about the role of science and technology to improve the socio-economic standards of the local population and briefed the audience about the huge potential of renewable energy sources of Ladakh to make the region self-sustainable with zero carbon emission.
He said the inherent capacity of science and technology to reach every corner of our country irrespective of challenging physical boundaries becomes more relevant for Ladakh, where the prevailing harsh environment throws great challenge for sustenance of humans and animals.
It has immensely helped to make livelihood in Ladakh more comfortable for the public and remunerative for the local farmers, for which contribution of DIHAR is commendable, he added.
Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Member of Parliament from Ladakh, said contributions made by DIHAR by developing suitable technologies to increase the availability of fresh vegetables in Ladakh should be disseminated in various other domains and far flung locations.
Dr AK Singh, Director General (Life Science) DRDO, mentioned about the importance of taking science beyond the premises of research and development institutes to actual field locations so that livelihood of the population is made healthier, economical and sustainable. He further emphasised upon strengthening science and technology to find local solutions to local problems.
Dr OP Chaurasia, Director DIHAR, spoke about the importance of organising such an event in remote location of Ladakh and said that DIHAR is committed to disseminate the technologies developed by it among the masses in this high-altitude region.
He added that the aim of the event is to engage the public with science and celebrate the joy of science and show the ways how science, technology, engineering and mathematics provide us with the solutions to improve our lives.