The Hindu : Karnataka News : President calls for scientific responses to meet new challenges to society

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Saturday, May 09, 2009
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Karnataka

President calls for scientific responses to meet new challenges to society

Staff Reporter

Refers to climate change, global warming as other pressing problems

Attends valedictory function of IISc. centenary fete
Plaque rededicating the institute to the nation unveiled

BANGALORE: Calling for the development of a “strong scientific and research base” for the country, President Pratibha Patil said that solutions to many complex challenges before humankind today — such as the recent swine flu outbreak — lay in scientific and technological responses.

“In recent times, we have heard about diseases unheard of till now: HIV/AIDS, avian flu, SARS, mad-cow disease and, most recently, swine flu or H1N1 influenza… Can we find timely antidotes and vaccines to combat new diseases and also provide adequate and affordable healthcare to all citizens of the world,” asked Ms. Patil at the valedictory function of the centenary celebrations of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) on Friday. “As new viruses mutate, generating new strains of infections, several developing countries find their medical facilities overburdened, limited or inaccessible.

Preventive approaches

“The welfare of human beings will increase immensely when the marvel of science will cure ailments in as non-intrusive a manner as possible, with as little expense as possible and by following preventive approaches.”

“Among the other pressing problems of our time that need the scientific community’s involvement are climate change and global warming, which are changing weather patterns, threatening ecological balance and livelihoods,” said Ms. Patil. “The use of natural resources on a sustainable basis and in a manner that does not cause pollution or only limited emissions would… depend upon green inventions being made available for extensive use at affordable costs.”

The President made a special mention of women scientists she had met and had been “deeply impressed with the work that they are doing” whether in brain research, missile development or space technology. Tracing terrorists who “operate and find sanctuary in remote and difficult terrain is a complex operation.” “What can be the contribution of science and technology to the fight against terrorism,” she asked.

Ms. Patil unveiled a plaque rededicating the institute to the nation.

Governor Rameshwar Thakur, Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa and head of the Knowledge Commission K. Kasturirangan, MP, spoke.

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