Defence Minister calls for special attention to Research and Development

Bengaluru, Oct 16: Observing that there is a "mad rush" for IT engineers, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said Research and Development (R&D) is a very important field and it needs special attention.

Noting that former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam's greatest contribution was in building "scientific temperament" by striking chord with young minds, which, Parrikar said, "is very important for any country particularly in the research and development field, because nowadays we have that mad rush for IT engineers, then the rush for engineers, but the basic sciences were left there."

He said it was actually the research of basic science which probably laid the foundation for technological research.

"Dr Kalam created interest among young minds in pure science, scientific research and crated the scientific temperament. I think his biggest contribution was igniting interest among the young generation to consider science, technology as carrier; to consider science technology as what what would add to the nation's wealth."

Kalam also encouraged them to stay back so that they can contribute to the net national intelligence wealth, Parrikar said after inaugurating Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial Seminar on 'Developing & Sustaining a Vibrant R&D for Indian Aerospace & Defence Sector' here.

Stating that probably due to Kalam's efforts some of them came back to serve the country, Parrikar said, "the current political leadership also goes in the same line which may result in some reverse exodus."

Complimenting Indian Aerospace and Defence Industry for organising the seminar, the Defence Minister said "... this is a very important beginning for a concept which my government under the leadership of (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi ji is trying to also formulate."

PTI