HYDERABAD: P rime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived in the city late on Monday evening on a 16 hour-long visit in connection with the inaugural of the 93rd Indian Science Congress (ISC) to a warm reception.

Those present at the reception arranged in Begumpet Airport included Governor Sushil Kumar Shinde, Union Minister for Urban Development S. Jaipal Reddy, Speaker K.R. Suresh Reddy, Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy and PCC president K. Keshav Rao. Among officials at the reception were Chief Secretary T.K. Dewan and DGP Swaranjit Sen.

A host of Congress party leaders at different levels in the PCC and AICC were also present. After inaugurating the ISC, Dr. Manmohan Singh will lay the foundation for the Outer Ring Road and address a public meeting flying to Port Blair. Soon after the reception the Prime Minister and his entourage drove to the Raj Bhavan.

All set for science event

Meanwhile, the stage is set for the annual mega science event of the country.

Some 5,000 to 6,000 delegates from various parts of the country and 80 foreign participants from 29 countries will attend the five-day Congress, which is being hosted by the Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University. This is first time that an agricultural varsity is hosting the Congress.

India Science award

Briefing reporters after the inauguration of a media centre by Mines and Geology Minister P. Sabitha Indra Reddy, Vice-Chancellor S. Raghuvardhana Reddy said the Prime Minister would also give away the India Science Award carrying a cash prize of Rs. 25 lakhs for the first time. This apart, awards in the categories of best and young scientists would also be given.

One of the highlights of the Congress would be the national virtual conference on January 5 in which President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam would interact with farmersof five States - Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Rajasthan - through videoconference.

In addition to launching "Mission 2007 - Every Village - a knowledge centre," the President would also inaugurate the Children's Science Congress the same day, involving the participation of over 700 delegates from different parts of the country. In addition to the general sessions, the Congress would feature 10 plenary sessions wherein experts would deliberate on different aspects like science and disaster management, protecting bio and agri-diversity and rural energy.

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