Allahabad: Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha, Mr. S. Charnjit Singh Atwal while addressing students, faculty, scientists and Nobel Laureates at the Science Conclave 2008 at the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad (IIIT-A) said that India has a very long way to go in becoming a frontrunner in Science and Technology.

"In India, we have a long way to go in promoting science in our schools, colleges, universities and research institutions. The study of science and technology requires huge investment unlike Arts or any other subject. We have yet to set up world-class laboratories for testing, simulation and research," the Speaker said while speaking to the media.

He also invited the private sector to participate whole-heartedly in this gigantic task of making India, a research, testing and technology superpower. "The nation's interest is more important that top lines or bottom lines," he said.

Atwal quoted philosopher Bertrand Russell saying that Indians were known for 'nothing'. He later clarified that Russell was referring to the contribution of Indians in the field of mathematics, the decimal system and the concept of 'zero'.

Full Coverage of the Science Conclave 2008 by www.IndiaEduNews.net

He came down heavily on television channels for not encouraging and promoting Science and Technology programs.

"The television which is very popular now-a-days, hardly offers any science programs to fire the imagination of the younger generations. I am glad that the All India Radio has a program called Science Magazine and Radio Scope," he said lamenting that, "gone were the days when children were made to listen to radio classes at the school level as part of learning."

While speaking to media persons, Atwal exhorted them not to forget their responsibility to their nation. "We have to keep the larger interests in mind," he told them. Promoting science and inculcating a scientific temper in our youth is of paramount importance.

Atwal was all praises for Dr. M.D. Tiwari, Founding Director of IIIT-Allahabad and his entire staff and team.

"In spite of the recent terror attack in Mumbai, Dr. Tiwari went ahead with the program as planned. I am sure many people must have advised Dr. Tiwari to cancel or postpone the Nobel Laureates Science Conclave, but Dr. Tiwari stuck to his gut-feeling and has managed to pull off the event very well", said Mr. Atwal in his very brief interaction with media persons.

He also praised the Nobel Laureates who have come to India braving all sort of pressure in their home countries. "They are not Indians, but they have done India proud by visiting our country and spending an entire week with our students and Indian scientists. It is up to the Indian Mass Media to take their message and their knowledge to all the corners of our nation," he said.

By - Flynn Remedios