: Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien has called for ensuring greater allocation for research work and formulating a science policy that provides the highest priority to such activities.
Inaugurating the valedictory session of the 27{+t}{+h}Kerala Science Congress here on Thursday, Mr. Kurien lamented that the allocation for science and technology constituted only one per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The situation was such at a time when other countries, including China and the U.S., utilised four per cent of their GDP for the purpose.
He was of the view that scientific activities must be provided a free hand, wherein failures that might occur should not be criticised. “Several achievements have been made following numerous failures. Notably, the invention of the electric bulb by Thomas Alva Edison was the result of several failures that he had overcome,” he pointed out.
Mr. Kurien added that the academic syllabus should be designed in a manner that scientific outlook was created among youngsters.
The lack of such an attitude had resulted in the inability among many to differentiate between faith and superstition. He stressed the need to focus on undertaking further research activities in traditional sectors.
Delivering the presidential address, Minister for Home r Ramesh Chennithala called for formulating a new Kerala model of development that highlighted scientific progress.
Mr. Kurien and Mr. Chennithala gave away the Best Paper Awards, Best Poster Awards and the awards to the participants of the Children’s Science Congress that was conducted earlier in the day.
According to KSCSTE member-secretary K.K. Ramachandran, the recommendations evolved during the course of the science congress would be submitted to the State government. A monitoring committee would be put in place for the purpose.
K.C. Venugopal, MP; scientist Tessy Thomas; KSCSTE director George Varghese; programme general convener K.R. Lekha; and organising committee chairperson B.G. Sreedevi were among those who spoke at the valedictory session.
