The Rural Development Minister of Mizoram – Lalruatkima, who also holds the Information & Public Relations (IPR) portfolio today inaugurated the state’s biggest science event – ‘Mizoram Science Congress 2022’ at the Conference Hall of Mizoram Legislative Annex Building.
It aims to bring together scientific minds encompassing various disciplines of science, an event which was also graced by the legislator and Vice Chairman of Human Resources Development Board – L. Thangmawia.
Lalruatkima highlighted the overarching role of science and technology in welfare of human lives and human society and said that the speed and scale of changes encountered today are unprecedented.
He noted that the responses to today’s challenges and problems must be deeply rooted in a curiosity-driven scientific tradition which allows quick adaptation to new realities.
Speaking the rapid rise of cyber-physical systems, he remarked even though these systems have the potential to pose unprecedented challenges and stresses to our demographic dividend nevertheless we can turn it into a huge opportunity by research, training and skilling in robotics, artificial intelligence, digital manufacturing, big data analysis, deep learning, quantum communication and Internet-of-Things.
“There is a need to develop and exploit these technologies in services and manufacturing sectors; in agriculture, water, energy & traffic management; health, environment, infrastructure and Geo Information Systems; security; financial systems and in combating crime,” he added.
He said that by 2030, India will be among the top three countries in science and technology and will be among the most attractive destinations for the best talent in the world.
The minister further added that “The country fully appreciates the strong role of science and technology in meeting societal needs and that science must meet the rising aspirations of our people. We must create an environment for sharing ideas and resources. The brightest and best in every corner should have the opportunity to excel in science. This will ensure that our youth get high-end training exposure to the best of science and technology to make them job-ready in a competitive world.”
He also inaugurated a science exhibition held at Aizawl City Park, as a part of the Congress where school students, government departments, science NGOs and innovators have put up their exhibits and innovations.
The 4th edition is being organized by Mizoram Science, Technology, and Innovation Council (MISTIC), in collaboration with science NGOs in the state such as Mizo Academy of Sciences (MAS), Mizoram Science Society (MSS), Science Teachers’ Association, Mizoram (STAM), Geological Society of Mizoram (GSM), Mizoram Mathematics Society (MMS), Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Network (BIOCONE) and Mizoram Information & Technology Society (MITS).
Hosted in two phases, the event for the first phase was Children Science Congress, held from October 20-21st, where child scientists representing all the eleven districts of Mizoram presented their scientific models. At least, 10 child scientists were selected through the event to represent the state at the National Children Science Congress.
