The increase in number of Padma awards to 21 for science and engineering, including 16 for science alone this year, reflects the increasing importance being given to science by the country and has send a strong message to the youth, feel scientists.
"This is a very strong message. The government has given a good message to the country. It is a tribute to science," Dr C N R Rao, a recipient of the Bharat Ratna award said.
Dr RA Mashelkar, who is one of the recipient of Padma Vibhushan, this year agrees. "The fact that a Bharat Ratna has gone to a scientist is strong message. This augurs well for science. What is important is that this will attract young brains to the field of science.
"It is a true recognition for science. These are non- tangible methods for supporting science," says a senior official of the science and technology department.
The science, technology and innovation policy(STI), 2013, which aspires to put India among the top five global scientific powers by the year 2020, was released at the centenary session of the Indian science congress in Kolkata last year.
"It is an ambitious goal. It aims to produce and nurture talent in science to stimulate research in our universities and to develop young leaders in the field of science," says a senior scientist who is participating in the conclave.
{{/usCountry}}"It is an ambitious goal. It aims to produce and nurture talent in science to stimulate research in our universities and to develop young leaders in the field of science," says a senior scientist who is participating in the conclave.
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