Delhi, Mar 2
\nNEW DELHI, March 2: The Modi government is promoting and acknowledging grassroots innovators for the first time in India, said Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh.<\/p>\n
Addressing the Silver Jubilee celebration of the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) an autonomous institute under Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. of India via virtual mode, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized Prime Minister Modi\u2019s commitment to \u2018Virasat Bhi aur Vikas Bhi,\u2019 integrating India\u2019s exclusive traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technology. Dr. Jitendra Singh also released a postal stamp, followed by a Magazine titled ‘Innovation frontline’ and a coffee table book.<\/p>\n
Highlighting the critical role of rural innovation in India\u2019s economy, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, Minister of State in the Prime Minister\u2019s Office, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, and Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed that innovations originating in remote villages will be scaled up, ensuring equal opportunities and resources as available in urban areas.<\/p>\n
He applauded India\u2019s transformation from the \u2018Fragile Five\u2019 to the \u2018First Five\u2019 and its soon-to-be fourth place in the global economy. He called for a scientific approach to harnessing underexplored sectors, including those in the rural areas, that were neglected under previous regimes.<\/p>\n
Dr. Jitendra Singh also recalled PM Modi\u2019s clarion call to celebrate National Science Day with a festive fervour, as mentioned in last week\u2019s \u2018Mann Ki Baat\u2019 program. He described it as unprecedented for a Prime Minister to extend such patronage to science and technology.<\/p>\n
Expressing his delight after speaking to the Padma Awardees who fostered innovation, Dr. Jitendra Singh questioned the long delay in recognizing these unsung heroes, many of whom began their work as early as the 1990s. He credited PM Modi for transforming the Padma Awards into \u2018People\u2019s Padma\u2019 in the truest sense.<\/p>\n
The Minister highlighted the Micro Venture Innovation Fund (MVIF)\u2014a pioneering initiative by NIF with SIDBI that has provided necessary risk capital to 238 innovation-based enterprise projects. Calling it a novel initiative, he debunked the myth that only elite scientists with fancy degrees can drive innovation and startups. He cited the success of the Lavender Revolution, backed by CSIR-IIIM Jammu, and the Floriculture Revolution, driven by CSIR-IHBT Palampur.<\/p>\n
\u2018India\u2019s Techade\u2019 Vision: Affordable and Globally Appealing Technology, Dr. Singh reiterated that India\u2019s technology is inherently affordable and cost-effective, making it globally appealing. Celebrating NIF\u2019s 25-year journey, he announced that 713 patents have been granted in India and 5 in the USA, underscoring NIF\u2019s role in fostering grassroots innovations. He also highlighted that NIF was one of the early institutions in India to host a Technology Business Incubator (TBI), now known as NIF Incubation and Entrepreneurship Council (NIFientreC). Over 25 grassroots startups and several hundred enterprises, some with \u20b910+ crore annual turnover, are thriving under its support, creating rural employment opportunities.<\/p>\n
The S&T Minister emphasized that under PM Modi\u2019s visionary leadership, India has unlocked the space sector for private participation. He also noted that, for the first time, the nuclear energy sector has been opened to private players, as announced in the recent budget.<\/p>\n
Building Viksit Bharat @ 2047 Dr. Singh called upon all innovators to contribute towards making India a \u2018Viksit Bharat\u2019 by 2047. Concluding his address, he described NIF\u2019s 25-year journey as a testament to inclusivity, shaping India’s innovation landscape by successfully identifying, supporting, and disseminating grassroots innovations\u2014reaching even the most remote border villages.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith science and technology thriving under PM Modi\u2019s leadership, these are indeed the best times for innovation and research in India\u201d concludes Minister Dr. Singh.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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