Date:17/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/17/stories/2007111753211000.htm

National

Indian Science Conference from Nov.23

Staff Correspondent

Will help scholars reflect on a “meaningful relationship” between science, spirituality

Abdul Kalam to deliver valedictory address; several ministers to attend event
Conference aimed at building up public awareness about practical aspects of science

BHOPAL: Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will deliver the valedictory address at the three-day Indian Science Conference beginning here on November 23.

Briefing mediapersons about the conference, State Science and Technology Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said here on Friday that one main aim is to build public awareness about the practical aspects of science among the youth, children, village artisans, farmers and women. He said the conference would provide an opportunity to renowned scholars to deliberate on a “meaningful relationship” between science and spirituality.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan will be the chief guest at the inaugural session to be held at Rabindra Bhavan here on November 23. Besides Mr. Kalam, Union Minister Suresh Pachouri, Uttarakhand Minister for Science and Technology Ramesh Pokhriyal and Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman G. Madhavan Nair are expected to attend the valedictory function.

The conference is being organised jointly by the State Government, the State Science and Technology Council, Rajiv Gandhi Technology University and Vigyan Bharati. It will be attended by top officials from the Union Government, Central Departments of Science and Technology, Bio-Technology and the Planning Commission. Mr. Vijayvargiya told journalists that special sessions would be organised to ensure that scientists from different States are able to directly meet children, farmers and artisans. Vijay Bhatkar, who had led the team of engineers in CDAC to produce India’s first supercomputer PARAM, would be one of the main speakers, he said, adding that about 2,000 delegates are expected to attend the conference.

Along with this event, an Indian Science Expo will also be held at the sprawling Lal Parade ground here from November 21 to 25. Mr. Vijayvargiya told mediapersons that the State Government was going to start the process of formulating a Science Policy. The aim of this policy would be to build up awareness about science among children, youth, women, farmers and artisans, he said.