Mother tongue key to taking science to the masses: KSTA chief

Dignitaries at the three-day XLIX All India Botanical Conference and the International Symposium on ‘Advances in Plant Sciences and Accelerating Sustainable Innovations for the Bio-economy, at CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute in Mysuru on Sunday.

Karnataka Science and Technology Academy (KSTA) Chairman Rajasab A.H. said that scientific imagination, rather than mere accumulation of knowledge, is essential to drive innovation and address emerging societal challenges.

Mr. Rajasab stressed the need to make scientific knowledge accessible to the public, particularly through communication in the mother tongue.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the three-day XLIX All India Botanical Conference (AIBC) and the International Symposium on ‘Advances in Plant Sciences and Accelerating Sustainable Innovations for the Bio-economy (APSAIB)’ at CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) here on Sunday.

Emphasising the role of science in nation-building, Mr. Rajasab called for the adoption of innovations in agriculture, industrial development and other sectors to address emerging challenges.

He highlighted the importance of renewable energy as an alternative to fossil fuels, green building technologies, precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, robotics, waste-to-wealth technologies and carbon capture for sustainable development.

He also stressed that science popularisation in the mother tongue would help ensure that scientific knowledge and its benefits reach all sections of society.

Recalling his association with the University of Mysore and CSIR-CFTRI since his student days, he acknowledged Karnataka’s contributions to various fields and appreciated the Indian Botanical Society’s role in advancing botanical research and education.

The conference, being held from November 1 to 3, features 12 scientific sessions involving experts in botany and allied disciplines, besides eight thematic sections for oral presentations and poster presentations. Nearly 250 registered delegates from across the country, along with scientists and experts from national and international institutions, are participating.

During the inaugural programme, several awards recognising contributions to botanical sciences, teaching, research and academic excellence were presented.

P.V. Sane received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while S.M. Reddy received the Prof. H.Y. Mohan Ram Medal for Excellence in Teaching.

Giridhar Parvatam, Director of CSIR-CFTRI and organising secretary, outlined the objectives of the conference. Shanthi S. Sharma, president of the Indian Botanical Society, welcomed the gathering, while Seshu Lavania, its secretary, highlighted the society’s activities and contributions.

Best Oral and Poster Presentation Awards will also be presented to encourage research excellence.