PUNJAB SCIENCE CONGRESS INAUGURATED AT PAU SCIENCE CAN IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE: MEMBER NITI AAYOG

Ludhiana, February 7, 2018: “Despite materialistic progress, the quest for improving the quality of life still persists,” said Prof Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, while inaugurating the 21st Punjab Science Congress on “Scientific Advances for Inclusive Development and Environmental Protection” at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today. The PAU has organized the Science Congress under the aegis of Punjab Academy of Sciences (PAS), Patiala.

Prof Chand said science can play a vital role in improving the quality of life. It is time for the society to reflect what the present trend in science is, what are its strengths and weaknesses, and what we are doing, he observed. India (34%) is ahead of China (23%) in terms of investment in research and development by private sector, he disclosed. But in publications, India (93,000) needs to step up in comparison to China (more than 2 lakh), he added. Prof Chand called for inter-disciplinary collaborations to check natural resource depletion and protect the environment. “Science often makes miracles,” he said, while adding it can go a long way in benefiting the farmers.

In his presidential remarks, Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, said, “Although progress has been made, yet the disparity between rural and urban, agriculture and non-agriculture still exists.” Detailed analysis of inclusive development and environmental protection needs to be done, he added. This calls for developing networks, putting up research together, utilizing resources, minimizing duplication and coming up with recommendations, he said.

In her welcome address, Dr G.K. Sangha, Dean, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, PAU, and Convener of the Organizing Committee, said the pace of growth at all levels and in all disciplines needs to be accelerated. Revealing that Science Congress has got an overwhelming response, Dr Sangha informed that around 800 extracts have been received from the intelligentsia of the country.

Dr IJS Bansal, President of PAS, said innovation in agriculture has enhanced the production. Science, technology and innovation are the key factors for economic growth, he added. New discoveries including new technologies and techniques will surely make the world a better place to live in, he remarked.

Dr Jagtar Singh, Secretary of PAS, said the Punjab Academy of Sciences was established to promote scientists’ contributions; and motivate scientists, teachers and students to excel in their fields.

Dr Shammi Kapoor, Organizing Secretary, proposed a vote of thanks while Dr S.S. Hundal, Member of the organizing committee, conducted the programme. About 900 delegates from Punjab and adjoining states including renowned agricultural scientists, experts from government and non-government organizations, corporate representatives, and 200 students and teachers from schools attended the inaugural session.

On the occasion, the Punjab Academy of Sciences conferred Dr D.S. Brar, Adjunct Professor, School of Agricultural Biotechnology, PAU, with the “Life Time Achievement Award” for his outstanding contribution to agriculture. In addition, fellowships were awarded to Dr Ashwani Kumar (entomology), Dr H.S. Bedi (cardiovascular), Dr Inderjeet Singh (environmental sciences), Dr Sanjeev Puri (biochemistry and biomolecular studies) and Dr Yadvendra Singh (soil science). Dr Shailender Jain received “Gurcharan Singh Oration Award” for his contribution to electrical engineering while Dr Puneet Girdhar got “Dr Lal Singh Oration Award” for his contribution to medical sciences.

Apart from this, eminent scientists were honoured for their significant contributions to the development of landmark varieties. Dr Khem Singh Gill, former PAU VC, and Dr G.S. Nanda, former Director of Research, PAU, were honoured for developing landmark wheat variety (WL 711); Dr G.S. Brar, former Senior Rice Breeder, for developing rice variety (PR 106); and Dr Gill for developing pearl millet hybrid (HB 1). Dr A.S. Khera, former PAU VC; Dr B.S. Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU; Dr V.K. Saxena, former Head, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics; and Dr N.S. Malhi, former Vice-Chancellor, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, were honoured for developing maize composite ‘VIJAY.’ Dr H.S. Brar, former Senior Pulses Breeder, was honoured for developing landmark chickpea varieties (C 235 and L 550); Dr P.D. Mehndiratta for developing oat variety (Kent); and Dr K.S. Thind, Additional Director Research (Crop Improvement), for developing sugarcane variety (CoJ 64). Dr S.S. Banga, ICAR National Professor, and Dr M.L. Gupta, former Senior Oilseed Breeder, were honoured for developing landmark oilseed variety (RLM 198).

During the inauguration, the chief guest released a set of publications and a CD. Dr Dhillon honoured Prof Chand with a memento and shawl. An exhibition, highlighting 50 years of Green Revolution, was also put up by the Centre for Communication and International Linkages, PAU.