Scientists asked to work for people, not for credit

Stressing the need for change in the definition of impact factor in science research works, Union Science & Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan asked scientists to consider the usefulness of their research for the people as the impact factor, instead of the number of journals in which it appears or how many people referred it.

Speaking after inaugurating the ‘Gyan Sangam-2019’, a two-day national-level conference, organised by Prajna Pravah and KLE Technological University (KLETU) here on Thursday, he asked the scientists to take up people-centric research works, as science can solve all burning problems in the country.

The minister also advised the scientists to observe what other scientists in the country are doing, so that repetition of research on similar topics could be avoided. Science should grow like a social movement, but with proper vision and direction, he said.

India once excelled in all fields including science. Several discoveries took place in India, before the western world, but people then worked for public welfare and not for patent or credit, the minister said, giving the example of discoveries like chicken pox vaccination, and wireless telecommunication.

‘Great DNA’

“Indians have great DNA, due the country’s glorious part. We have to take inspiration from the past, but cannot live in the past. Indian scientists are not inferior to their counterparts of any country, and they are respected globally. Braindrain has stopped, and braingain is taking place, as many talented Indians in foreign countries want to come back and serve India,” Vardhan noted.

‘Be people-centric’

MP Pralhad Joshi noted that innovations in laboratories should reach the people, while scientists should work for the country, instead of multi-national companies.

Earlier, ‘Vijnan Bharati’ national organising secretary Jayant Sahasrabudde delivered a talk on ‘Pride of Bharat’, and he highlighted the importance of integrating Indian and western ideas of science, for a better future.

Karnatak University Dharwad (KUD) Vice-chancellor Pramod Gai, KLETU Vice-chancellor Ashok Shettar, Dr P R Mukund of RIT, Rochester, New York, Prajna Pravah national convener Nandakumar, and others were present.

Presentation of case studies, technical session, and music-dance demonstration followed.

‘Innovations of Bharat in science, technology & entrepreneurship’ is the theme of the event which will conclude on Friday (February 15).