Kalam puts scientists on mission mode

New Delhi, May 11 (UNI) President APJ Abdul Kalam today suggested four research missions for Indian scientists and technologists to empower the nation, including research in earthquake forecast and increasing solar energy generation.

In his address on 'Technology Day', Dr Kalam said science can effect fundamental changes in the ground rule of economic competitiveness.

To achieve the goal of becoming a developed country, self- reliance was needed in critical technologies as well as technology flow ensured into industry, he added.

Placing the four research missions before the scientific community, he said research should be undertaken in earthquake forecast using multiple parameters such as pre-shock conditions, electro-magnetic phenomena before tremors and ionospheric anomalies.

He also advocated research in improving Jatropha plant oil content to 45 per cent from the present 28 per cent in bio-diesel for automobiles as well as increasing yield of Jatropha seeds per plant suiting needs of different agro-climatic regions.

Dr Kalam also called upon the scientists to work towards increasing solar cell efficiency from the existing 12-14 per cent to 45-50 per cent using nano technology in solar cells.

Research on convergence on bio-nano-info technologies leading to innovation in healthcare products, electronic systems, material technology and bioscience was another area that require the attention of scientists, he added.

Earlier, Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal called for developing skilled human resource in educational institutions to accelerate innovation and boost research and development.

Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, who was the chief guest at the main 'Technology Day' function in the capital said the country should aim at increasing the number of students enrolling for higher education from the present 8 per cent to 20 per cent to increase skilled manpower.

Bharat Biotech International Ltd., Hyderabad and Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi received the awards for excellence in technology. The award for successful commercialisation of a technology-based product for SSI units went to SEC Industries Private Ltd., Hyderabad and Eagle Engineering Works, Chennai.

UNI FZ Mir KN2023