Poorest should also have access to science and technology: Narendra Modi

Mumbai, Jan 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday said that the poorest should also have access to science and technology.

"To me, the arms of science, technology and innovation must reach the poorest, the remotest and the most vulnerable person," Modi said in his address at the 102nd Indian Science Congress 2015.

He added: "Our investments in science and technology are far too concentrated in the agencies of central government and must become more broad-based."

The prime minister also said that there was "mood of optimism for change in the country, the energy to pursue it, and confidence to achieve it".

The five-day event will see deliberations and presentation of papers by the scientific fraternity from across the globe.

This is after a gap of 45 years that the Science Congress is returning to Mumbai and the emphasis will be on showcasing it as a science city besides being the financial capital of India, an official release said.

Mumbai has world renowned institutes like Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Indian Institute of Technology, Tata Memorial Centre among others, which will be actively participating in the Science Congress.

The Congress Session will bring together eminent scientists, research scholars to popularise science and foster a scientific temperament.

The theme for 102nd ISC is "Science and Technology for Human Development."

PTI/IANS