GOVERNOR: Science and technology helps in alleviating human sufferings

Faridkot, February 7, 2013: Science has helped man to use the natural resources in a splendid manner. It has helped him to produce what he needs, on the land, to sail in the oceans, and to fly in the sky, and to reach other planets and stars, in the space, to control diseases, and make his life healthier and happier, and understand inorganic and organic substances, energy and life, to fathom the depth, height and width of the inner world.  A man or a country which understand it correctly is likely to be more prosperous, happy and wise.

Expressing these views while addressing the 16th Punjab Science Congress today at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College, Faridkot organised by Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, the Punjab Governor and Chancellor, Shivraj V. Patil said the role of Science in boosting growth related technologies and creating a knowledge based society is well known and at the same time, its contribution in alleviating human sufferings and ensuring a prosperous and happy life on this planet was equally praiseworthy.

The Governor said science is one of the most important element which contributes towards the development of the economy of the country, for the development of the character of the individual and for the development of relation between the individual with the country and the world.

Patil said earlier for development, labour, capital and managerial skills were required. But today these were not enough for the overall development of the country. Today, Science and Technology are most important elements which plays a pivotal role for the development of the Country. Quoting Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Patil said that Pt. Nehru used to say that approached towards life should be scientific and holistic. For this first step taken by Pt. Nehru was introduction of Science at school, college and university level.

Appreciating the role of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Patil said that this University is Science University, which is doing good in this direction. He said other university should also take necessary steps to extend knowledge and research along with education. He said that Universities were expected to do research and development. But they were not coming upto the expectations. He said Research and Development was not possible by the State and Central Government alone. For this, he said, Universities and Industries should come forward and contribute jointly if not possible individually.

Patil said today this Conference was started by reciting the Guru Bani. It means, you recognise the relationship between science and spirituality. He said in fact, it would not be wrong to hold that spirituality is super since. Science you understand through experiments and what you do in laboratories. Spirituality is understood through institution and meditation, he added.

The Governor said that India has to develop their capabilities to bring about material well being of the people. Fortunately we are trying to do it. However, we need to do it with greater speed to catch up and march with the developed countries of the world.

The Governor said the initiative of the Baba Farid University, for organising the event in collaboration with Punjab Academy of Sciences Patiala is laudable, which will provide a unique forum for the scientists, technologists and other participants to share their knowledge, perceptions and experiences. He said that he was confident that the stimulating thoughts emerging from fruitful deliberations in the proposed conference will prove useful for all.

Patil also gave award to prominent scientists and doctors who contributed significantly in their respective fields. Awardees were Dr. R.S. Mann, President Dental Council and Members DCI, Professor A.K. Grover, Dr. R.C. Sobti, Prof. S.M. Bose, Prof. S.K. Kaushik and Dr. Santokh Singh Bedsha.

Earlier, the Punjab Governor Patil visited Tilla Baba Farid and offered chadar to pay his respect to the great sufi saint.

In his welcome address, Dr. S.S. Gill, Vice Chancellor of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences said that Scientists of Punjab made and extra efforts to promote science and technology by bringing up Punjab Academy of Sciences at Patiala in year 1997. He said the main interest of the Academy was to strengthen the various activities of scientist across the State of the Punjab as well as projection of their contribution at national and international level.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included M.P.Singh, Principal Secretary to Governor, Dr. Y. K. Chawla, Dr. Tarlok Singh, Dr. S.S. Gosal and Dr. I.J.S. Bansal.