Reiterating that the objective of Information Technology was affordability and creation of a knowledge-based society, Union Minister for Communication and Information Technology A. Raja on Saturday said science should benefit the poor.
Addressing a function organised by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) to distribute certificates to rural students, who attended the Intel Learn Programme, the Minister said he was happy that the students had got exposure to pertinent issues such as global warming and sanitation.
Appreciating the role played by the MSSRF in this regard, Mr. Raja expressed his desire to work with the organisation in the implementation of the National e-governance policy and National Knowledge Network unveiled by the Central government.
After listening to the rural children narrating their experiences and interacting with the rural people through video-conferencing, DMK MP Kanimozhi said their achievement had clearly proved that every community could effectively address local issues if awareness was created.
“At a time, when people prefer to live in a small circle promoting their own interest, the efforts made by the MSSRF to create awareness among the people about their surroundings is appreciable,” she said. MSSRF chairman M.S. Swaminathan said informal education along with school education was necessary for heralding knowledge revolution in the rural areas.
“Every child is a scientist. All they needed is the opportunity,” he said and quoted Jawaharlal Nehru to stress the need to develop scientific temper.
State Information Technology Minister Poongothai Aladi Aruna wanted Intel to participate in the internet conference to be organised in connection with the World Classical Tamil Conference in Coimbatore. Country President of Intel Technology India Private Ltd Praveen Vishakantaiah participated.
