President Pranab Mukherjee has said that Gandhian model of decentralized, distributed and diversified innovation-based enterprises is perhaps the best way forward to solve the problems faced by the world today.
Presenting National Biennial Awards for Grassroots Innovations and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge at Rashtrapati Bhavan today, Mr Mukherjee said, global economy continues to remain weak and industrial growth is becoming more jobless in nature, even in emerging economies. He said, Gandhiji had always wanted to blend modern science and technology with community knowledge and institutions and his message has become extremely relevant in today’s context.
The President said, to further enrich the eco-system around inclusive innovations, there is a need that all public and private systems around grassroots innovations to become empathetic enablers. He said, there is a need to do it, not just for India, but for the whole world. Mr Mukherjee said, the emergence of an inclusive innovation eco-system uniquely suited to India requires several more steps than what has already been taken by the government and civil society.
The President said it is also important to imbibe in children a spirit of scientific inquiry and there is a need to encourage them to pursue their curiosity and creativity. He said, India is poised to take the fruits of development through initiatives like start-up India, Digital India and Clean India to all corners of the country. He said, Ideas of innovators will make a true difference only if people in different roles and institutions join hands in creating compassion and creativity in the country.
In his address, Minister for Science and Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan stressed on coordination and cooperation among states to make India self reliant in sustainable technology. He also mentioned about programmes like Atal Innovation Mission, Start Up, and Skill India which aims at Innovation.