We must hasten pace of scientific knowledge to help ourselves: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday stated that communication and globalization would enable the developing countries to aspire for cutting edge scientific achievement and progress like never before.

Inaugurating the 21st general meeting of the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS) at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre, he said the vision of Prof Abdus Salam that led him to establish the Third World Academy of Sciences in 1983.

He said Prof Salam had great faith in the potential of scientists of the developing world and also in the essential unity of scientific purpose in advancing human civilization.

Recalling his association with Prof Salam, the PM said “I had a great privilege of knowing Professor Salam way back from the 1950s when I was an under graduate in St John’s College, Cambridge and Professor Salam was a fellow of St John’s College.

“Subsequently, I and he worked very closely to write the report of the South Commission which was headed by Professor Julius Nyerere, the former President of Tanzania,” the Prime Minister said.

Dr Singh said the challenges that developing countries face are similar, whether it is in combating tropical diseases, transforming traditional agriculture, or predicting and tackling natural disasters.

He said the problems of under-development do not receive adequate attention in the advanced industrialized countries.

“Nor should we expect others to solve our problems for us. I believe that we can and should make a renewed and determined effort to quicken the pace of developing scientific knowledge and application that is relevant to our own needs and circumstances” the Prime Minister said.

He hoped that it is only science that can provide the answers.

“The concerns of developing countries need to be voiced more forcefully in these processes. As governments we are trying to create greater synergy and coherence in policies among developing countries, but these efforts must be backed by solid technical inputs,” Dr Singh stated.

He hoped the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World can play a very important role in providing a space where scientific collaboration on critical areas such as climate change can be facilitated.

The Prime Minister gave away the TWAS prizes and medals to scientists in various fields, in recognition of their outstanding contributions.

Over 350 scientists from 50 countries are taking part in the annual event, being held for the second time in India after 2002.

Dr Singh distributed the India Science prize, on behalf of the Indian National Science Academy, to world-renowned statistician C. Radhakrishna Rao. The prize carried a reward of Rs. 25 lakh in cash and a 200 gram gold medal.

He was also presented the TWAS medal for being an eminent economist and promoter of science and technology.

Governor ESL Narasimhan, Chief Minister K Rosaiah, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Prithviraj Chavan, TWAS president Jacob Palis and others attended the inaugural session of the four-day event.