Agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan has urged the youth to work on transformational changes that benefit society.
In his key-note address at the 3rd edition of the Indian Youth Science Congress held recently in New Delhi, Prof. Swaminathan called upon the youth to engage in movements such as the Green Revolution that touched the lives of the population at large and raised the quality of life.
The congress has the theme ‘Youth and Agenda 21: Shaping a Sustainable Future', to chalk out a mandate for the youth, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 1992.
Earlier, while launching the meet, Ajay Maken, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, stressed the importance of providing opportunities for youth and lauded the efforts of the organisers in putting together a forum for youth. He elaborated on various schemes that the government has put together for the youth.
S. Ayyappan, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research & Education, highlighted the achievements of science and technology in India such as the $35 laptop. The world had begun to look to India for innovative products and services.
P. Sathyanarayanan, Vice-Chancellor, SRM University, said that the youth constituted a valuable resource and could help transform the nation into a developed country.
Panel discussions highlighted lack of awareness on various opportunities for youth and motivated the young student delegates to think beyond their textbooks and curriculum.
Students were given an exposure to biodiversity conservation efforts done by various institutions.
