The Union Minister for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences and Health and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan today called upon the social organizations, including NGOs, to come out and help take the sciences from the laboratory to the masses. Addressing a Session on National Social Organisations and Institutions during the 5^th India International Science Festival (IISF) in Kolkata, he said India is at the forefront of technologies today. The Minister underlined the pivotal role NGOs can play to build a scientific temper in the country.

The four-day annual science festival is being organized in Kolkata from November 5 to November 8, 2019. It aims to build a strategy for inclusive advancement of Science and Technology. The theme for this year’s festival is RISEN India – Research, Innovation, and Science Empowering the Nation.

Participating in the National Startup Conclave and Expo, Dr Harsh Vardhan encouraged the brimming young minds to take advantage of the Government’s Startup India-Standup India programmes. He said the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has firm belief that the youth of this country will avail of the benefits of the twin schemes to launch new ventures and participate in the development of the country.

Later addressing the Assistive Technologies Conclave and Expo for Divyanjan, Dr Harsh Vardhan said the Differently Abled people can stand shoulder to shoulder with others. He asked delegates to focus their research on new technologies that can help overcome various physical disabilities.

The Minister also interacted with a gathering of the differently abled people attending the conclave. He also showed keen interest in the various scientific models and exhibits displayed at the Vigyan Samagam.

While attending an attempt by school children at creating a new Guinness World Record, Dr Harsh Vardhan lauded them for their keenness in science activities. In the event 480 students participated; out of them 268 students assembled radio kit simultaneously, thus achieving the Guinness Record for the most students assembling radio kit simultaneously.

Paying respects to great Bengali revolutionary Bipin Chandra Pal on his anniversary today, Dr Harsh Vardhan said the day incidentally also marks Cancer Awareness Day launched by him in 2014 and the Infant Protection Day, relevant to the IISF and the city hosting the Mega Science Fair.

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