India Poised to Lead Globally Through Science and Innovation, Says NITI Aayog Member

New Delhi, October 27 (Daily Kiran) : Prof. Govardhan Das, a member of NITI Aayog, stated on Tuesday that India has entered a new era where science, technology, and innovation are pivotal to the nation’s progress. Speaking at the ESTIC 2026 conference, he highlighted the event as a vital platform for showcasing India’s scientific and technological capabilities. This conference aims to unite various research, innovation, and scientific achievements occurring across the country.

In an interview with a news agency, Prof. Das emphasized that India is advancing with the concept of a “New India,” which has the potential to lead in the fields of science and technology. He cited the COVID-19 pandemic as a testament to this capability, noting that India not only developed vaccines for itself but also supplied them to over 150 countries. This, he said, underscores India’s scientific prowess and global contributions.

Prof. Das pointed out that remarkable work is taking place at different levels across the nation. He stressed the need to bring these efforts together on a single platform for collaboration, coordination, and knowledge sharing, which is why events like ESTIC 2026 are crucial.

He noted that while education was once considered the backbone of any country, today, both education and innovation are equally vital. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he stated, is committed to development driven by science, research, and innovation, playing a leading role in this transformation.

Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, India’s scientific ecosystem is becoming increasingly robust, and its momentum is expected to grow in the coming years. Efforts are underway to integrate science and technology into the mainstream of national development, which will help India carve out a new global identity.

Dr. Anil Kumar Tripathi, Director of IISER Mohali, also spoke about the significance of ESTIC 2026. He described it as an important opportunity to demonstrate India’s scientific and technological capabilities. He highlighted that to assume a leadership role on the global stage, a country must possess confidence, which stems from knowledge creation and scientific achievements.

Dr. Tripathi noted that the conference will facilitate collaboration among scientists, researchers, industry stakeholders, and others, enhancing opportunities for working on large and ambitious projects. Such events strengthen the collective capabilities of the country and aid in strategizing for the future.

He acknowledged that transforming scientific research into practical products and processes has long been a challenge in India. However, he pointed out that the past decade has seen significant changes due to government initiatives promoting startups and innovation.

Thanks to various government schemes and incentives, India’s startup ecosystem is rapidly evolving. This has led to more young entrepreneurs stepping forward to contribute to the development of products and technologies beneficial to society. Dr. Tripathi concluded that moving science from the laboratory to industry and society will be India’s next major achievement.