The India story of social transformation is slowly unfolding and in this decade of innovation every sector needs prudent solutions to persistent problems, said President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurating an exhibition of innovations at Rashtrapati Bhavan here on Thursday.
Mr. Mukherjee, who also presented the 7th Biennial Grassroots Innovations Awards, expressed hope that innovators would continue to strive for reducing drudgery, improving efficiency and enhancing the quality of life of the masses without impairing their environment.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said the achievements of the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) over the past decade based on voluntary contributions of thousands of Honey Bee Network members are creditable. He said that reaching out to different villages through Shodh Yatras, a new idiom of social connectivity, had been achieved at the grassroots level. Recognising creative people at their doorsteps sends out a message that the country cares for the rich knowledge of otherwise less-known people, he added.
Dr. R. A. Mashelkar of the National Innovation Foundation also presented the book ‘India Innovates’ to the President. “I am particularly happy that in the 7th Biennial Awards there are innovators from all parts of the country. There are children and there are also older people. Obviously, innovative solutions can be found at any age. But if we start early, we can make a much bigger impact over a lifetime. I suggest that NIF organises workshops for creative children who are awarded every year to help them understand and meet the social challenges in their lives. Their creativity and inquisitiveness has to be harnessed for larger social good. School and college textbooks should also have a few lessons based on the life of grassroots innovators and innovative children,” said the President.
