PM inaugurates 94th Science Congress

Chidambaram, Jan 3 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today inaugurated the five-day 94th Indian Science Congress (ISC) at Annamalai University in Tamil Nadu.

Speaking after presenting awards to distinguished scientists from India and abroad, including Nobel laureates Prof Aaron Ciechanover and Prof Hartmut Michel, Dr Singh said the venue of the meet was most appropriate.

''Chidambaram, home to the ancient temple of Lord Natraja, the cosmic dancer -- which is a timely and contextual reminder of the worshipful reverence Indians give to the five elements -- fire, water, air, earth and space.... the town has temples to all these,'' he said.

Recalling the theme of this year's Congress is the ''Planet Earth'', Dr Singh pointed out that India was a ''microsm of the planet.'' ''The country has various ecological zones and both our national anthem and national song 'Vande Mataram' speak of the unity of these elements,'' he said.

Stating that the three major challenges the planet faces are the availability of water, food, and energy, the Prime Minister urged the meet to deliberate on these issues, and cited Red Indian chief, Chief Seattle that ''we do not own the earth, but borrow it from our children.'' The Science Congress will address vital issues concerning Planet Earth-- global warming, monsoon forecast, energy security, natural disasters and environmental pollution.

Nobel Laureates-- Prof Ciechanover and Prof Michel-- and Prof Robert C Gallo, co-discoverer of HIV, will deliver public lectures at the annual Congress that will have 21 theme sessions.

A mega Exhibition, 'Pride of India', will be held simultaneously at the University campus where the country's leading public and private sector organisations, government departments, research labs and institutions will showcase their products, services, technologies and other achievements.

The 'Hall of Pride', a section of the science expo, will this year be dedicated to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Ghanshyamdas Birla.

The theme pavilion-- Environment and Energy-- will focus on optimum energy use.

'Planet Earth' has been chosen as the theme of the Congress since 2007 is being celebrated as the International Year of the Planet Earth by the United Nations.

UNI