Dr. Jitendra Singh says India’s youth is destined to lead tomorrow’s science

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that while India’s youth is destined to lead tomorrow’s science, it is the youth scientists who will lead tomorrow’s India. On the eve of National Science Exhibition and Project Competition for youth under the aegis of "Inspire" programme beginning tomorrow at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, the Minister of State gave his message, here today, Dwelling on the wide dimensions of “INSPIRE” (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) programme for the youth, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that this is one of the most innovative programmes developed by Department of Science & Technology headed by him and is aimed to attract talent to the study of science at an early age, thus helping to build the vital human resource pool for science and technology with a long term foresight. Dr. Jitendra Singh said that ever since he took over the charge of Ministry of Science & Technology four months ago, it has been his constant endeavour to catch young minds with innovative aptitude at their formative stage, so that foundation of future India based on science, rests in the hands of the best talent available. In this regard, he cited the introduction of a scheme called “SEAT” – Scheme for Early Attraction of Talent, which aims to attract talented youth to study science by awarding them for their work and another scheme called “SHE” – Scholarship for Higher Education, which aims to encourage talented youth to undertake higher education in science programmes by providing them scholarships and arranging for them summer attachment/ fellowship with established researchers. The Science Exhibition cum Project Competition beginning tomorrow will follow a scientific method to select the best of the best, said Dr. Jitendra Singh and explained that initially two students are selected from each middle and high school of the country, who then participate in district-level project competition, following which the best 5-10% entries from the district level are selected for participation at the State level and eventually the best 5% entries from the State go on to participate at the national level. Referring to his recent decision making it mandatory for over 5000 scientists working in the Department of Science & Technology to take at least 12 hours of classes in schools and colleges in each academic year, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that this would enable scientists to come out of the confines of laboratory and play the role of mentors to potential scientists of next generation.