The sixth edition of India International Science Festival 2020 concluded on Thursday. The science festival was coordinated by CSIR-National Environment Engineering Research Institute, Ministry of Science and Technology and Vijnana Bharti and was started on December 22.
Attending the valedictory session as chief guest through virtual mode, Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla stated that in this modern era, particularly in the 21st Century, scientists, engineers and medical professionals play a pivotal role. These professionals in these fields, in turn, will explore ways and means in solving the problems faced by the people such as problems in energy, sustainability, environment, water, food, disease and most importantly in the healthcare sector.
Since the percentage of the scientific and technological workforce has been increasing day by day, women, at this juncture, need to participate and explore solutions to technical problems as well as for generating employment in scientific areas and entrepreneurship, she said.
Najma further stated that more women in science and engineering should endeavour to be entrepreneurs in order to start new companies; create business units, organisations among others and function as social entrepreneurs focused on societal issues.
The conclave will certainly showcase the strengths and activities of women in science and entrepreneurship and provide a platform for the young women scientists and entrepreneurs to interact with experts in these fields, she added.
Pointing out the IT skills of the Northeast people, the governor said that thousands of young persons are working in these sectors and earning a good name for themselves and their organisations.
In Manipur, for example, hospitality comes naturally to the younger people and their IT skills are par excellence. Organisations in the country should have a special focus on the Northeast with the aim of training them in these sectors and giving them good employment and entrepreneurship ideas, she said.
She added that many Manipuri scientists, engineers and others in IT sectors are working not only in the country but in various foreign countries.
Najma Heptulla also appreciated the efforts made by the Ministry of Science and Technology to organise such a mega event at this critical juncture of COVID-19 pandemic.
