Promoting science in lives
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The 27th Kerala Science Congress carried forward by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology & Environment will be concluding on January 29 at Alappuzha.
More than 2000 delegates including researchers, teachers, scholars, and students, are likely to attend the annual congress spanning four days. The event conducted every year identifies new talents in scientific research, encourages new discoveries and inventions and works to develop scientific awareness among the new generation. It in short provides a platform for young scientists of Kerala to contribute towards the promotion of Science and Technology in the State. Started in 1989, the first Science Congress was conducted in Kochi in February in the same year based on the theme ‘Natural resources and technological development of Kerala’. The event has grown significantly over the past 26 years with the involvement of an increasing number of science professionals and students. The Kerala Science Congress covers technical sessions that span a wide range of themes and talented young researchers are honored for their work. Discourses with senior experts and professionals are also part of the program. The 27th science congress concluding today is themed on ‘Traditional Industries’ to focus on the impact of technological innovations in reviving the traditional industries and making them self-sustainable.
Chief Minister while inaugurating the event said that scientific researches should upgrade people’s standard of living and eradicate poverty. But little efforts have been made in the direction of combining the scientific researches with the development activities and the production strategies. Despite having an exceptionally fertile soil, abundance of pure water, annual heavy rains along with highly educated youths in the state, the young generation toils outside the state as well as abroad sending foreign currency that bolsters the economy. In Kerala, an industrial production setup that involves them or let them participate is not happening. The sector has yet to develop and flourish. Just like the scientific research and educational institutions, the industrial sector should also be contributing towards the economy. The fact that the venture is not receiving the deserved attention, consideration or seriousness plainly reflects our weaknesses and priorities. We have a long way to go in making people aware of scientific researches and the significance of science in our lives.
