The 106th edition of the Indian Science Congress recently took place at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Jalandhar Punjab. As a significant event that brings together the scientific community in India, this particular congress was themed ‘Future India – Science and Technology’. It demonstrated India’s progress in numerous scientific sectors and showcased the nation’s aspiration to further innovate and grow.
Opening Ceremony of the 106th Indian Science Congress
The inauguration of the congress was addressed by the Prime Minister who, in his opening speech, incorporated ‘Jai Anusandhan’ into Lal Bahadur Shastri’s famed slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’ (honouring soldiers and farmers) and extended Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s ‘Jai Vigyan’ (saluting science), to create a new slogan – ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan and Jai Anusandhan’. This new addition signifies respect and encouragement for research, highlighting its importance in the progress of India.
In a symbolic gesture emphasizing India’s ongoing modern scientific achievement, a time capsule containing 100 items symbolizing India’s current scientific prowess was planted underground, providing a snapshot of the present day India for future generations.
History of the Indian Science Congress
The Indian Science Congress (ISC) traces its roots back to the initiative of two British Chemists, Professor J. L. Simonsen and Professor P.S. MacMahon. The inaugural session of the Congress was held from January 15-17, 1914 at the premises of the Asiatic Society, Calcutta. The previous iteration, the 105th edition, was hosted in Imphal at the Manipur University.
The congress functions as a national platform that promotes scientific and technological innovation, enabling exchange of ideas between the scientific community and policy makers.
India’s Progress in Renewable Energy
| Year | Wind | Solar | Small Hydro Power | Biopower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 35 GW | 24 GW | 4.5 GW | 9.5 GW |
According to the Renewables 2018 Global Status Report released by the Renewable Energy Network for the 21st Century (REN21), renewable energy constituted an estimated 18.2% of global total final energy consumption in 2016, with modern renewables accounting for 10.4%. As of the end of 2017, India ranked fifth in renewable power (including hydropower) and fourth when excluding hydropower.
India’s Growing Renewable Energy Capability
In terms of national renewable energy capacity, India had installed approximately 73.35 GW as of October 2018, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. This significant figure included around 35 GW from wind power, 24 GW from solar power, 4.5 GW from Small Hydro Power, and 9.5 GW from Bio-power. This demonstrates India’s serious commitment to expanding its renewable energy capacity and reducing its reliance on non-renewable resources.
