Science & Indian Scientists helped in gaining Independence-Dr Singh

Science and Indian Scientists not only helped India in gaining Independence, but also sustaining it for 75 years. Addressing a National Conference  on “Indian Independence Movement & the Role of Science”, Minister for Science & Technolog Dr Jitendra Singh said, India has made a "giant leap" in the field of science and technology in the past seven years. He reiterated that India is already on the ascent and Science & Technology will be the key determinants of the roadmap for next 25 years when we celebrate 100 years of India’s Independence.

Dr Singh described Mahatma Gandhi as one of the greatest scientific strategists who, through his weapon of Non-Violence, waged scientific battle against British subjugation and aggression. He further narrated that Bapu and many of his contemporaries had also adopted psychological techniques to put the British adversaries on the defensive. The minister  said, vision of “Self-reliance” during colonial era encouraged Indian scientists and patriots to establish their own scientific institutions and industries. Dr. Mahendralal Sircar established the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science in 1876. Acharya P. C. Ray established The Bengal Chemical and Pharmaceutical Works in 1901 which was the foundation stone of indigenous industry in our country. He said, Indian scientists during freedom struggle emphasized on social harmony, equality, rationalism, secularism and universalism. In this two-day National Conference, around 3500 participants joined the event.