Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 7: Emphasizing the tremendous role of science and technology in nation building, N. N. Vohra, Governor, has called for creating a vast corpus of scientists and technocrats to tackle varied problems and taking the State and the country fast forward on the path of self-reliance, progress and prosperity.
The Governor, as chief guest, was inaugurating the 5-day Science Camp for “Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE 2013)” for students, organized by the Kashmir University here today. This Science Camp, in which about 300 talented science students from the Kashmir valley are participating, has been sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, under its INSPIRE Programme.
The Governor observed that in J&K we have problems which are peculiar to our State, adding that if we groom our scientists they can tackle these. Elaborating, he said that one of these problems is of earthquakes and referred to the recurring tremors which had been taking place in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts for the past some months. Another problem flagged by the Governor was about the emerging challenges of global warming and climate change and their serious impact on agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, forests, animal and sheep husbandry and allied sectors.
Referring to the proposed visit of the students to Dal lake during the ongoing INSPIRE Camp, the Governor urged them for taking interest that what can be done for the protection and conservation of Dal lake, Wular and other water bodies in the State.
The Governor also referred to various innovations and emphasized their importance for the overall economic development of the State.
Referring to the INSPIRE Programme, the Governor, who is Chancellor of the Kashmir University, observed that it is a very imaginative programme sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, with a view to enable the bright students to pursue science as careers for which scholarships are also available. He impressed upon the students participating in the INSPIRE camp to take best advantage of a galaxy of scientists participating in this programme and interact with them. He wished them fruitful deliberations and bright future ahead.
Earlier, the Governor was presented a memento by Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir.
Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, speaking on the occasion advised the students to interact with the renowned scientists during the INSPIRE Programme, learn about scientific knowledge and become tomorrow’s leaders of science in the State and the country.
Prof. Uma Shanker, Professor at the School of Ecology and Conservation, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore, threw light on the importance of INSPIRE Programme.
Prof. Ron Vale from the University of California said that he was highly impressed with the advancements made by India in the arenas of science and technology.
Prof. Irshad Ahmad Nawchoo, Head of Department, Botany, University of Kashmir, presented a vote of thanks, while Dr. M. A. Shah, Convenor of the INSPIRE Programme, gave details of the various workshops, interactive sessions and other activities to be undertaken during the INSPIRE camp.
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