Harsh Vardhan calls on scientists to think out-of-box

Bhubaneswar: Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan today called upon the young scientists here to think out-of-box while doing innovation work in research laboratories. He said the work of scientists should not be limited and remain closed in the four walls of laboratories instead of percolating down to the common man.

At a press meet held at the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT) here, the Union Minister urged the scientists to complete the R&D projects in a time-bound manner as the present Government does not like any delay in fructifying the research related knowledge.

Earlier in the day, Harsh Vardhan attended the golden jubilee ceremony of the institute. Addressing scientists and students there, he said scientists should explore the possibilities of using more and more scientific skills for proper utilization of mineral resources.

He further said India has achieved a key position in the global science and research fields. More than 250 Indian scientists have returned back to the country in the last two to three years. “Steps are afoot to ensure use of more and more science and technological skills in Make in India and Start up India programmes,” the Minister said.

The Union Minister also laid foundation stone of for the Iron Ore Pelletisation Pilot Plant at the premises of the IIMT and later had discussion with scientists and researchers of the institute.

Later, he visited the Institute of Life Science here and inaugurated a new research and development building at the institute’s premises. He later attended a special workshop at the institute, where he called upon scientists at the institute to do research on the deadly disease Japanese Encephalitis that has so far claimed 53 lives so far in the Malkangiri district.