Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld, Media Network-Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jan 9: “Science and technology should help people at all times," said eminent space scientist and former chairman of ISRO, U R Rao while speaking at a regional conference on ecology here on Friday January 9.
The two-day KSTA regional conference on ‘Ecosystem: Emerging Issues’ was inaugurated at PPC auditorium here.
The programme, inaugurated by Sri Vishwapriyatheertha Swamiji of Admar Math, was organized by Karnataka Science and Technology Academy (KSTA) in association with Poornaprajna College, Udupi.
U R Rao further said, "Students have to go deeper into their studies. Things have been changing every day. All things on earth are interconnected. Science and technology should help people all the time. We need 220 million tons of food in our country. To achieve that target, we should implement advanced agricultural system in the country. Our nation needs to improve the agricultural system."
Stressing on the need to stop relying on imports, he said, “Why are we buying airplanes, which are made by China or other foreign countries? We are moving ahead without proper planning. Many things by IIRS are not yielding the desired results.
In his advice to the students, he said, "There should not be a word like ‘impossible’ in the life of a student. Keep working hard with dedication and you will achieve success”.
In his address, Sri Vishwapriyateertha Swamiji said, “Greed, irresponsibility, selfishness, excessive consumption and surplus earnings will spoil the ecosystem. A few years back, every home had a car, but now each person in the family owns a car. Polluted environment will lead to unhealthy life. Budding scientists should be recognized by the senior scientists to promote their thoughts. If saints and scientists go hand in hand, no one will be able to beat India."
U R Rao was felicitated by the Swamiji on the occasion.
Padmabhushan Awardee Dr M S Valiathan, former chancellor, Manipal University, said, “If a person follows knowledge (Vidya), dedication (Shruddha) and Upanishads in his life, he will lead an outstanding life. Optimism is the way to achievement."
Sadashiva Rao, principal presided over the programme.
The programme began with invocation by Rashmishree and team. Dr A M Ramesh welcomed the gathering. A P Bhat recited the Sammanapathra GS Chandrashekar, Pramod Madhwaraj, MLA Udupi, H Honnegowda and others were present on the occasion.