Varanasi, June 13: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called upon young scientists, researchers, and technical experts to link innovation and research with nation-building and public welfare. He emphasized that India possesses immense potential in fields such as science, agriculture, medicine, entrepreneurship, Ayurveda, and traditional knowledge. Speaking at the inauguration of the seventh national convention of Vigyan Bharati, CM Yogi stated that research should not be confined to laboratories but should aim for economic upliftment, public welfare, and establishing India as a powerful nation.
The Chief Minister expressed his happiness that the seventh national convention of Vigyan Bharati is being held in the sacred land of Kashi, with over 1,300 representatives registered. He noted that Banaras Hindu University is a result of the efforts of Mahamana Madan Mohan Malviya, aimed at restoring Kashi’s ancient identity in knowledge and science. CM Yogi expressed confidence that the synergy of Indian knowledge traditions, modern science, research, and innovation will play a crucial role in making India a developed nation and giving it a new identity on the global stage.
He remarked that the effective journey of modern science spans around 400-500 years, while India has been a center of knowledge, science, and innovation for thousands of years. Two thousand years ago, India’s share in the global economy was 44-45 percent. Even during the challenging times of foreign invasions, it remained at 24-25 percent, but it dropped to 1.5 to 2 percent at the time of independence. Indian farmers were not just farmers; they were also inventors and innovators. Traditional practices in natural farming, animal husbandry, and maintaining soil fertility were evidence of their scientific thinking.
CM Yogi referenced the Bhagavad Gita, stating that agriculture, cow protection, and commerce were interconnected aspects of the Indian economy. However, over time, reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides increased, distancing us from our core traditions. He noted that Indian traders did not merely conduct business; they connected the nation. Indian artisans were not just craftsmen but entrepreneurs who brought Indian products to the global market. The same model is relevant today for self-reliance and sustainable development.
He highlighted the work of the great scientist Jagdish Chandra Bose, whose experiments demonstrated that plants possess sensitivity and consciousness. If a plant can understand positive and negative influences, it is easy to infer the impact of negative thinking on society. Foreign invaders, leftist ideologies, and anti-India tendencies have long attempted to undermine Indian knowledge traditions and pride, causing society to drift away from its roots.
Sharing memories from his childhood, CM Yogi recalled how his mother encouraged him to grow vegetables in small patches in their village in Uttarakhand. Every aspect of Indian life is connected to science. From the use of turmeric and spices in the kitchen to various daily traditions, a scientific perspective is evident. Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted that India effectively tackled the crisis despite a population of 1.4 billion, thanks to the natural immunity of its people and traditional lifestyles. The practice of tying animals in fields from March to October exemplified natural and cow-based farming. The weakening of this system has led to increased farming costs, affected soil fertility, and deepened the agricultural crisis.
He mentioned that after the government took office in 2017, an initiative was launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance to revive traditional industries in Uttar Pradesh. Through the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, artisans were connected with technology, design, packaging, and marketing. As a result, the state’s exports surged from ₹86,000 crores to over ₹2 lakh crores. Currently, there are 9.6 million MSME units operating in the state, employing nearly 30 million people, and the unemployment rate has fallen below three percent.
In his address, the Chief Minister also referenced the Ayurvedic physician Jivaka from Takshashila University. He shared that after completing his education, the guru instructed Jivaka to find a plant without medicinal properties. After a long search, Jivaka reported that he could not find such a plant. CM Yogi stated that this reflects the scientific perspective of Indian knowledge traditions, which see utility and research potential in every element of nature.
Addressing young scientists, CM Yogi emphasized that there are countless opportunities for research and innovation in agriculture, medicine, technology, MSMEs, entrepreneurship, and various scientific fields. He suggested that Vigyan Bharati organize innovation exhibitions with each convention, hold innovation competitions before the convention, and honor outstanding researchers and innovators on stage. Additionally, he recommended establishing coordination with the ministries of science and technology and other government departments to provide researchers with opportunities to present their innovations.
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