May science and technology bring welfare to the world!

Esteemed colleagues, dear students, and fellow enthusiasts of science and technology:

I am thrilled to share that today we successfully concluded the 3-day S&T extravaganza of the Dehradun International Science and Technology Festival at our campus. It was attended by leaders and scientists of various state and central research labs and institutions, high govt. officials and various educationists – along with the students from schools and colleges around the state.? We had great conversations with, and presentations by, experts, including Padma Shree awardee Prem Chand Sharma -- in subjects ranging from Green Energy to Biotechnology, Rocketry to Astronomy, Cyber Security to Semiconductors and AI, from Disaster Management to AgriTech conclave, Rural Entrepreneurship to Intellectual Property Rights, and Drone technology to Robotics. Many “science is fun” activities were hands-on, and the quiz & art competitions including stargazing were open-air for the young students. There were nearly 80 exhibition stalls, 25 events, and estimated 16-17 thousand footfalls. I am also grateful to the four keynoters two of whom were present in person and two remote (Qualcomm and Siemens) who graciously accepted my invitation. It was also a great collaboration between DITU, UCOST, USERC, DST’s SEED, and SRDSTA among others. Below, I share some of the thoughts I shared with the attendees.

???????? ????????????? ???????? ??????? ???????. Translated from the Sanskrit, "May science and technology bring welfare to the world!"? As we gathered for the grand inauguration of the fourth Dehradun International Science and Technology Festival, it meant to me an extraordinary celebration of human curiosity, discovery, and innovation.

Throughout history, science and technology have played a transformative role in shaping societies and improving the human condition. From the first wheel that humans made to the Chandraayan 3 landing, scientific inquiry and scientific mindset have advanced human progress and pushed open new frontiers. In India, we have a rich heritage of scientific knowledge dating back to ancient times, and today, we stand at the cusp of an era of unprecedented technological advancement.

However, unscientific beliefs and dogmas, and a lack of awareness & scientific temperament still plague our great nation. So, the benefits of science and technology and more importantly the scientific temperament must reach every corner of our vast country. Popularization, or making science and technology accessible and understandable to all, is not a mere choice but an imperative. It is also a means to bridge the gap between the scientific community and the citizens they serve.

Popularization doesn't mean oversimplification; it means effective communication. It involves translating complex scientific concepts into relatable, everyday language, thereby enabling people from all walks of life to engage with and benefit from scientific advancements. Whether it's explaining the wonders of space exploration, the intricacies of genetic engineering, the impact of AI on everyday life, or the importance of renewable energy and carbon sequestration, popularization empowers every citizen to be an informed participant in our ever-evolving world.

By increasing awareness, we empower individuals to advocate for policies that are grounded in scientific evidence and foster progress – this remains a cornerstone of a thriving democracy. ?As we move forward, let us remember that science and technology are not exclusive domains of the elite or the experts. They belong to us all! Our efforts are, and should be, therefore as inclusive as doable – for the youngsters and adults alike, from any background and financial status.

In India, initiatives like the Dehradun International Science and Technology Festival (DISTF) are leading the way in making science and technology not just accessible but also exciting. We are thrilled to be a willing and abetting agent of this mission! Here you’ll find innovation, learning, and discovery converging to inspire and elevate the world of science and technology – through the various conclaves, events, exhibits, and workshops.

To our students, rural entrepreneurs, science enthusiasts, practicing scientists, and all the bright minds gathered there, I shared a few words of encouragement:

"Dear students, you are the future torchbearers of innovation. Use this platform we have offered to fuel your passion for science and technology. Remember, learning is a journey, not a destination, and your curiosity is your greatest asset. Embrace every opportunity, challenge yourselves, and never stop asking "Why or how?" The answers you seek may unlock the solutions to tomorrow's greatest challenges. So, embrace the possibilities, collaborate, be curious, and let your collective energy ignite the future.

To our rural entrepreneurs and eco-conscious among you, you are the embodiment of resilience and ingenuity. Take advantage of this festival to network, learn, and grow. Let your experiences and innovations shine as beacons of progress and transformative change.

Dear science enthusiasts and citizens, you are the bridge between discovery and the real world. Your enthusiasm fuels the fires of exploration. Stay curious, stay passionate, and use this event to connect with like-minded individuals. Together, we can amplify the impact of science and technology on our lives and society.

Last but not least, dear practicing scientists and technologists, your relentless dedication to unravelling the mysteries of our world in pursuit of truth, your commitment to pushing the boundaries of what we know or build, and your ability to translate scientific discoveries into real-world solutions are indispensable to drive progress in our rapidly evolving world."

This occasion reminds me of the great, late cosmologist Carl Sagan who was a gifted science communicator – worthy of emulation by us all. In one episode of his worldwide hit series “Cosmos”, Sagan discussed the concept of evolution. He began by explaining the basic principles of evolution, such as natural selection and genetic variation. Then, he presented evidence to support the theory of evolution, such as the fossil records and the similarities between different species. Here is how he would have described and made it relatable and memorable:

"Imagine a vast library containing all the world's books. Each book is for a different species of plant or animal. The library is constantly evolving, as new books are added, and old books are removed. The books that are added are the new species that have evolved. The books that are removed are the species that have gone extinct. Some continue to remain and get used a lot.

The librarian is natural selection. The librarian decides which books to add to the library and which books to remove. The librarian chooses the books that are best adapted/suited to the library's environment.

The library is Earth. The books are the plants and animals that live on Earth. Natural selection is the process by which new species evolve and old species go extinct."

Effective communication about S&T topics is super important and it really should be a 2-way conversation to truly bring about a scientific temperament. I hope that we commit to a future where science and technology illuminate the path forward for every citizen of India. May we be a nation that not only celebrates its heritage of knowledge but one that creates a future where science and technology are accessible, understandable, and beneficial to all!

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Thank you!