VIJAYAWADA: Vice-Chancellor of Acharya Nagarjuna University V. Balamohandas has said that biotechnology is making rapid strides in the field of research and it is next only to information technology in creating new areas for development and job opportunities. He has underlined the need for India to catch up with the West as far as biotechnology and related subjects are concerned.

Inaugurating a national seminar on `Application of biotechnology for crop and animal improvement' organised by Montessori Mahila Kalasala on Tuesday, Prof. Balamohandas said that a lot of research was taking place in biotechnology in the developed world and a developing country like India could not remain silent on this front.

Interesting observation

The Vice-Chancellor pointed out that there was a very interesting statement from none other than Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates on his next preference after information technology. "It was reported in newspapers. Bill Gates said he would have gone in favour of biotechnology after IT. It shows how challenging and important this branch of knowledge has become. It is no wonder that a student would opt for biotechnology as a second choice," he added.

Kalasala president V.V. Krishna Rao said that science had never been so research-intensive as it was in the current years and subjects like biotechnology would throw enormous challenges and opportunities for dedicated students and researchers.

Kalasala director and correspondent V. Koteswaramma said that an active `knowledge society' was evolving with its strength drawn from technological advances and this was certainly contributing to the well-being of all. "Acquisition of skills and information has become all the more important. Researchers and budding scientists have to put in more efforts. Seminars and conferences give them an opportunity to come into contact with experts," she added. Ms. Koteswaramma pointed out that biotechnology would provide wider scope for students in research and career opportunities. Special emphasis would be given to a student's devoted study of the subject and the way one would be able to use its applications to improve quality of life in general, she said. Biotechnology would touch almost all other branches of science and its applications were particularly relevant with regard to all living things, she added. Head of Department of Biotechnology N. Lakshmi, professor of University of Hyderabad P.B. Kirti, professor of SKD University T. Pullaiah and others were present.

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