Shillong: The 96th Indian Science Congress which has been held annually since 1914 was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in Shillong today.

More than 3,000 delegates, including foreign scientists and some Nobel Laureates are expected to attend the meet.

"Science Education and Attraction of Talent for Excellence in Research" is the theme of the 96th Indian Science Congress, hosted by the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU).

Science education is a fundamental requirement for any modern nation to meet the challenges and avail of the opportunities of the modern scientific and technologic age.

A large number of young scientists, engineers and technologists from India and abroad have assembled here to participate in the Science Congress.

Inaugurating the congress, Dr. Singh said, "I am truly delighted that this year the Indian Science Congress is meeting here in Shillong. The North Eastern Hill University has emerged as one of our premier central universities. It has become an important centre of excellence in this part of our country. I commend the organizers of the Congress for choosing NEHU for this year's Science Congress."

The North-eastern region of the country has a wealth of human and natural resources that can contribute immensely to the overall social, economic, cultural and technological development of India. It is the home of many valuable plants like Citrus and animals like the Yak and Mithun.

The rice varieties from this region have contributed valuable genes that offer resistance to pests and diseases. The challenge lies in using modern science and technology to convert these biological endowments into concrete economic benefits for this region and for the country as a whole.

Addressing the people, Dr. Singh further said, "The spread of science and of scientific temper, and the educational development of our people, is integral to our struggle for political and economic emancipation. Each one of you is not just engaged in teaching and research in the respective scientific disciplines, you are engaged in the modernisation and development of a traditional society and culture as such your work is of immense societal importance."


"I do recognize that India lags behind not just developed western nations, but also the newly industrializing economies of Asia. While our government is doing its bit to ensure quantitative development, the leadership for qualitative development must come from you," added Dr. Singh.

Dr. Singh informed that in order to promote research in the area of drugs and pharmaceuticals, a special scheme with a provision for providing grant to industry for research and development on neglected diseases has been initiated. Open-source drug discovery and CSIR-800 are major steps forward in ensuring social gains from publicly funded research.

"Our Universities must do more to foster a research environment. We need strengthening of institutional leadership in Universities and research institutions. We need a new generation of role models and leaders."

Dr. Singh urged that each one of Indian talented youth to contribute to the national effort to build a truly knowledge based society and a science-based economy in this ancient land of Bharat.