Need to concentrate on science and technology research: Ex-Isro chief

Nagpur Updates February 21, 2020

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Nagpur: Research is a soul of science for which the government should allocate more funds so that India can make rapid progress and be on a par with the developed countries, said Padma Vibhushan K Kasturirangan, former chief of the Indian Space Research Organization (Isro) on Thursday.

After receiving Dr. Mohan Dharia Rashtranirman Puraskar 2020 from the Vanarai Foundation at a program held at the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (Neeri) auditorium, Kasturirangan referred to the congratulations.

His excellent contribution to national reconstruction and his pioneering work in space science are celebrated. On the dais were sitting former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, Neeri Rakesh Kumar manager, his predecessor Satish Wate, Dr. Vedprakash Mishra, social worker Girish Gandhi and former minister Rajendra Mulak.

Kasturirangan said countries such as China spend a lot of money on science. India too, he said, will focus on research in different fields and foster a scientific temper for prosperity.
“Isro and Neeri have been working together in science, study and taking action to reduce pollution which has proven fruitful,” he said.

Praising Chavan, the scientist said he was one of the MPs who wholeheartedly supported the scientific and technological advancements. In his speech, Chavan recalled his association with Kasturirangan and said when he was a minister in the Union cabinet he worked with him for several years. Whatever duties were delegated to him while he held important positions, he did justice, Chavan said.

The former CM said education quality should be improved, and more investment in science and research should be made. Mishra said intellectuals should play an active role in making society better. Honoring intellectuals is a sign of a healthy society and it’s a matter of pride that Kasturirangan gets the honor, he added. The proceedings were conducted by Rekha Dandige Ghiya, while Vanarai Foundation Secretary Nilesh Khandekar suggested a thank you vote.