Mysuru all set to capture PM Modi’s Science and Technology mantra for nation

Mysuru, Dec 29: The 103rd Indian Science Congress (103ISC) is expected to set new benchmarks for Science and Technology (S&T) missions in the country, going by the response it has evoked from participants across the world.

Addressing the media in the city on Tuesday, Prof K S Rangappa, Vice Chancellor, University of Mysore (UoM) said that the organisers are geared up to receive over 15,000 delegates across the world. The event is scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 3.

While the talks and debates would hover around S&T for common man, the event will also throw light on issues such as cancer, asthma and diabetes.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation and Indian Space Research Organisation are among the major participants at the ‘Pride of India' exhibition being held simultaneously during 103ISC.

Prime Minister Modi is expected to spell out his government's S&T charter during the event.

In addition to his inaugural speech, the PM will also give away gold medals to Nobel laureates and winners of various contest held by the Indian Science Congress Association.

Prof Rangappa said over 500 scientists are delivering talks covering areas such as Nano Science, Space and Technology, Energy, Swachh Bharat Mission - to name a few.

Over 4000 students from across India

The officials have declared all the 103ISC venues as plastic-free and no-smoking zones. Out of the expected 15000 registered delegates, around 4000 will be students.

"The volunteer strength has crossed 2000 and majority of them are students. We have dedicated the Hall of Pride to former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, who was a regular at every editions of ISC," Prof Rangappa said.

He said the organisers will be releasing a special issue of Billion Beats, a publication from Dr Kalam's family.

To a question as to whether the government takes the suggestions from various ISCs seriously, Prof Rangappa said: "We are not politicians. We are teachers and scientists. We are doing our job."

When probed into the likely agenda to be farmed at 103ISC, the vice-chancellor said only towards the end of the event, a clear picture could emerge.

The organisers said they are taking every step to ensure that 103ISC doesn't veer off its focus, unlike the last edition in Mumbai.

Dr M V Avinash, 103ISC organising committee member, said that the event will emerge as a great knowledgeable platform.

"The students are bound to gain maximum from the meet. It is the fundamental platform that stands at the cradle of true science of India," says Dr Avinash.

Dr S Srikantaswamy, another organising committee member, told OneIndia that accommodation and transportation for 10,000 people has already been arranged.

OneIndia News