Harsh Vardhan asks scientists, researchers to think 'out-of-the-box'

Panaji: Indian scientists should think 'out of the box' while carrying out research so as to conform to the national development path, Union Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan said.

"The Narendra Modi-led government is committed towards science and its progress. The scientists should think out of the box and come out with research that can push the nation on growth path by benefiting the public," he said addressing the twelfth International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Science on Sunday evening.

The minister said there are 350 million people living below the poverty line in India and the scientist community can work out technologies and provide solutions for their problems.

"We have developed new technologies and done thousands of research for over decades now. But how many of it have actually benefited the society? The researches have not been put to use of mankind. If technologies are not in the interest of the public, then they are of no use," he said.

The minister said there is huge potential to convert scientific studies for benefit of common man.

"There are nearly 350 million people living below poverty line and I feel science has solution to many of their problems. Significant part of our research should contribute in resolving the problem that common men suffer," he said.

Addressing the media, Vardhan stated that Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Science has decided to hold brain-storming sessions for scientists and is trying to re-orient the thinking of researchers as how their efforts can actually be translated for the benefit of mankind.

"It's time to think reverse. Rather than doing research and finding out whether its suits the need of mankind, let us first find out what are the needs of common men and then do the research accordingly," he opined.

He said the Modi government has given highest priority to ideas, capable of giving a push to country's growth.

"The Prime Minister has a strong vision to take the country forward on scientific research. It aims to make India a science power," he said.