International conference concludes at IIT-K

KANPUR: The three-day international conference on 'Liberalising Research in Science and Technology, Studies in Science Policy' concluded at the IIT-Kanpur here on Friday.
The guest speakers pointed out the importance and positive effects of globalisation and liberalisation in context with India. Lakhwinder Singh, professor, Punjabi University, Patiala, while talking on the subject 'National Innovation System' in the era of liberalisation pointed out: "The developed countries of the world spend 70 per cent of the expenditure in the field of research and development.According to their needs, the new technology is developed by these developed countries and then this technology is transferred to the developing or the less developed country."
"The National Innovation System should be developed according to the needs of our country in such a way that it should benefit the masses to the maximum extent possible," said Prof Singh, while talking about National Innovation System.
Dr MU Khan, a senior scientist and a consultant to UNESCO and member of European Space Agency, expressed concern that if the mass exodus from rural areas to metro cities did not stop, there would be shortage of civic amenities, like potable water, in the near future.
Dr Khan further illustrated his point with the help of the example of Delhi, which was growing at the rate of 4.2 per cent per annum, whereas the country was growing at the rate of 2.2 per cent per annum. "If this does not stop soon, then there will be a lack of civic amenities. Therefore, more jobs should be generated in the rural areas, through the implementation of science and technology so that mass exodus from rural to urban areas stops."
Another key speaker, Dr M Patairiya, director, National Council for Science and Technology Communication, Ministry of Department of Science and Technology, emphasised on the synchronisation of head and hands for excellence. He said the aim of the department was to spread awareness among masses about science and technology.
Referring to the mass communication course run by the Kanpur University, Dr Patairiya said: "We have already introduced science journalism as a separate subject in the mass communication course in Indore University, Lucknow University etc. We have sent a proposal for introducing the same new subject (science journalism) to the Kanpur University as we want to increase the scope of science reports and bulletins in the media and want a wide coverage of the same."
Dr Karuna Jain, professor at IIT-Bombay, while speaking on the topic 'Effect of Liberalisation on Industrial Research and Development' expressed: "Though recession is still going on, but it will not last long. Globalisation has left its good impact on our country. Human capital is highly skilled and also our students are sharp and adaptive, so there are bright chances for us to bloom in all spheres and also in chemical industry."