Traditional knowledge is our exclusive asset; in order to achieve best of both worlds, Science and Technology Department has launched a “Traditional Knowledge Digital Library”: Dr. Singh
Despite meeting international standards, India created its own rules
Dr. Jitendra Singh says, “Being students of Science we are taught to speak with evidence and our belief in Indianness is not just out of national pride but it is based on sound scientific research.”
Dr. Jitendra Singh addresses the 6th National Convention of Vigyan Bharati (VIBHA) here at MIT-ADT University, saying, “Indian solutions for Indian problems and Indian data for Indian innovations as our spectrum, and even our human phenotype, is different from the rest of the world.”
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, spoke on the occasion. He also remembered his involvement with the VIBHA conventions before. He described it as a significant leap in Swadeshi Science with Swadeshi Spirit, aiming to combine scientific temper with Indian temper in the best way possible।
The Union Minister for Science and Technology recounted the history of Vigyan Bharati (VIBHA), which began in the 1980s, and noted that scientific enthusiasts got along. Additionally, he noted that in 2007, VIBHA received the “Nehru Award”, which was presented to it by the then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. This award is a testimony of the organization’s contribution in the field of science, which transcends political affiliations.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, a well-known diabetologist, said that central obesity and visceral obesity are high in our country. These are known to be a risk factor for metabolic diseases like heart disease and hypertension, so we should have separate health data. He claimed that some diseases are more common in India because Indian phenotype and DNA are different from the rest of the world. We need an integrated and holistic approach to combat these issues. We also need to combine our traditional knowledge and modern medicine.
Ancient knowledge is our only asset. To achieve the best of both worlds, the Science and Technology Department has launched the “Traditional Knowledge Digital Library. “He also said that people’s prejudiced perception changed in the coronavirus era. He explained that during Pandemic, people from so-called advanced countries reached out to him for any Ayurvedic treatment or cure.
Dr. Jitendra Singh talked about the advancements in science and technology in the last decade, saying, “Under Prime Minister Modi since 2014, we have received ample support, and any positive suggestion kept forward was always welcomed. He also said that India has become a leading nation, which the so-called developed nations have accepted.
Dr. Jitendra Singh traced India’s scientific revolution from 350 startups in 2014 to nearly 1.5 lakh in 2024, saying, “India established its own standards despite meeting the International standards.” He stated that India is now ranked third among global startups by the world। He talked about how India rose from 81st place in 2014 to 40th place on the Global Innovation Index, emphasizing innovation and research and development। While going, he said that we ranked third in terms of the number of PhDs in science.
The Union Minister for Earth Sciences expressed his confidence that India, with its 7,500 km long coastline and rich marine resources, will be the biggest exporter of fisheries and contributor to the blue economy as a result of the deep sea mission. Dr. Jitendra Singh said, “we had only one startup in 2022 and now we have around 200 startups in 2024,” while highlighting the success of India’s new Space policy, which opened the space sector for private players.”
He also congratulated Dr. Shekhar Mande for Aroma Mission and said that “Agriprenuers” in the program are earning lakhs of people who have not even finished college. He praised PM Modi’s leadership, saying that India never had a lack of scientific acumen and that it lacked an enabling environment, which is now feasible thanks to the present regime.
Dr. Jitendra Singh imparted wisdom to the young scientific community, saying, “Being students of Science we are taught to speak with evidence and our belief in Indianness is not just out of national pride but it is based on sound scientific research, He encouraged them to collaborate between the public and private sectors with collective effort, adding cultural and capital resources.
According to Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Vigyan Bharati (VIBHA) continues to play a significant role in the advancement of science. Dr. Satheesh Reddy, former DRDO Chairman. Dr. Vijay Bhatkar, former president; Dr. Shekhar Mande, VIBHA President; Swami Srikantananda Maharaj, Pune’s Adhyaksha Ramakrishna Math. Convention also had Prof. Vishwanath Karad, President of MIT, Pune.