Patil calls for innovative ways to overcome new challenges

Updated on: Monday, November 01, 2010

Asking technocrats to adopt new ways to overcome challenges thrown up by the changing times, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil underlined the need for using latest technology for development.

"A time of change leads to many challenges which have to be overcome. It is in such times that there is a need to look at methods of doing things in new and innovative ways and also with the help of cutting edge technologies," Patil said in her inaugural address at the PanIIT alumni conference here.

Noting that science and society had evolved together and would continue to do so, she said technology had altered the the manner in which people undertake activities and were leading as a consequence to social changes.In a video message, she said, Science and technology are regarded as the most powerful instruments for changing lives and for bringing the benefits of inclusive growth to the maximum number of people, Patil said in a video message at the conclave with the theme Sustainable transformation: Our New India.

"I am happy to know that you are going to deliberate on the needs of a better quality of life in society, environment sustainability and to the imperative of developing and using low carbon footprint technologies," she said, adding, these are the issues of great importance and relevance for sustainable and all round development.

Referring to India's growing young population, she said, "Today, our nation stands at a crucial stage. It has many advantages including a predominantly young population and one of the world's fastest growing economies." On India emerging as a global power she said, "We are also regarded as one of the leading nations in the area of trained scientific and technical manpower."

There were about 3000 IIT alumni attending the three-day conference here. While praising IIT alumni for their role in transforming the nation through their work and ideas, she said, "Government is undertaking various schemes and initiatives which shall lead to the creation of a 'New India'.

Caling upon IITians to be ready to contribute to India's progress and prosperity in an exemplary way she said the conclave could be an opportunity for a rewarding partnership between the public, private and civil society. Speaking at the conclave New and Renewable Minister Farooq Abdullah said, "you (IITians) can do a lot for the country and for the world.

"We have to work together for producing sufficient cheap and renewable energy as India is lacking on this front. About 40 per cent of populations still do not have energy."

Patil calls for innovative ways to overcome new challenges

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