Vigyan Mahakumbh in Odisha concludes

Mega fest of science bid adieu to Odisha

--‘Make science boom for mankind, not a tool for destruction’

Hemanta Kumar Pradhan

BHUBANESWAR: With a tune of 'Science and Technology for Inclusive Innovation - Role of Women' and a land mark beginning of the Women’s Science Congress for the first time, the prestigious 99th Indian Science Congress (ISC) which was continuing at KIIT University here concluded on Saturday with honor and glory of grand success and global acclamation for Koraputean tribal lifestyle towards agricultural biodiversity.

A five-day mega event started from January 3 to 7 with around 15,000 participants, including eight Nobel laureates, scientists and policy makers and thousands of visitors across the country was the wonderful moments for the 99th ISC and its organisers KIIT University and NISER. The deliberation made by great thinkers, scientists and policy makers was memorable.

Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh’s inaugural address, “The Government plans to hike 2 percent of GDP for science” to “India’s position is important to world” quote by Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia and former president Kalam’s, “Dream big to achieve big” to kids while inaugurating Children’s Science Congress and Indian Ambassador to the USA Nirupama Rao’s address, “No society is modern sans equal scope to women,” while inaugurating the maiden Women’s Science Congress were the inspiring public address for the young students and researchers, science lovers and peoples of the country.

The Vigyan Mahakumbh (grand festival of science) had Pride of India-Science Expo by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of the ISC. The DRDO stalls were the attraction of the young students and visitors. Main attractions among outdoor exhibits were models of strategic and tactical missiles like Agni, Prithvi, Nag, Akash, BrahMos and Astra. Scientists of 30 research laboratories across the country were interacting with the students and visitors about the research and development in DRDO and its products including light combat Aircraft-Tejas, UAVs NISHANT and Lakshya, Varunastra and torpedoes. Besides the DRDO stalls, different stalls of PSUs, Government, private and Odisha were the attractions of the 99th ISC.

On the sidelines of 99th ISC, Women’s Science Congress was organised for the first time, Children’s Science Congress, Rashtriya Viigyan Chalchitra Mela-2012, India Pride Expo and successful conduction of UNESCO Kalinga award during the five-day mega scientific event has created history with this grand success of the science congress in Odisha after a gap of 34 years.    

Addressing valedictory function of the 99th ISC, Governor of Odisha MC Bhandare said science has changed the entire scenario and in the knowledge society the role of women is becoming very vital day to day. The ultimate aim of science is to improve quality of life of people. “Make science boom for mankind, not a tool for the destruction,” he said.

On the valedictory function, 28 participants were awarded with Best Poster awards in 14 categories. Apart from this, pride of India award and awards to the winner of national level essay and quiz were given in the function. The Vigyan Jyot handed over for next 100th ISC which will be held at Kolkata next year.