Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space emphasised on the need of multiplying the successful models of community capacity development through STI across the nation and nurturing the local level innovation for sustainable development while interacting with community groups at the inaugural ceremony of Techनींव@75 as a part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
“The self-confidence that you have expressed would be a source of inspiration to all others. PM Narendra Modi has emphasised on the welfare of tribal communities, and the scientific Ministries will continue to extend all possible support to the tribal people for their welfare,” he emphasised to the community groups and social changemakers who shared their feedback, experiences and suggestions for sustainable socioeconomic empowerment of communities through STI.
“Through science and technology, we have to reach marginalised communities. The Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences would remain devoted in this endeavour,” he assured.
Techनींव@75 is a year-long celebration highlighting the STI empowerment of the community for creating equitable, inclusive economic growth. The 75-hour programme launched on 15th November 2021, will continue till Independence Day 2022. The programme spanning 25 days (3hour/day) includes experience sharing of community groups, Conclave of social changemakers and roundtable discussions among various stakeholders for nurturing local innovation, apart from compilation of 75 impactful stories on India’s progress towards Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.
Interacting with community groups and change-makers, the Hon’ble Minister stressed that the time has come for creating more science and technology based local entrepreneurship for strengthening vocal for local Mission of the nation.
“Techनींव@75 is an appropriate and timely initiative of the Ministry of Science and Technology & the Ministry of Earth Sciences to showcase the strong foundation that has been laid in the community for adoption of STI for better livelihood outcomes across the country,” Dr. Singh said.
Dr. Shekhar Mande, Director-General Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Dr. M Ravichandran, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), as well as officials from DST, DBT, CSIR, and MoES, were present at the inaugural programme. Dr Debapriya Dutta, Adviser and Head, SEED–SSTP Division, DST coordinated the programme.
Community representatives from Dairy farmers group, Jammu; Kamurang Women Group from Himachal Pradesh; Kanthariamman Society for Seaweed Cultivation and Seaweed Products Production Organization, Tamil Nadu and changemakers Aniket Kannade from Kendure village of Pune, Maharashtra; Biswanath Dasgupta STI hub Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Puruliya, WB and Dadasaheb Gaikwad STI-hub Aurangabad were present during the interaction session.
