The Vaishwik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Summit, an auspicious event in the field of science and academia, marked its start on 2nd October 2020. This date concurrently celebrated the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a key symbol of dedication and knowledge in India. The opening ceremony was followed by a series of online deliberation sessions between researchers throughout the month.
Scope and Objectives of the VAIBHAV Summit
This global summit aimed to bring together both Overseas and Resident Indian scientists and academicians. A wide range of cutting-edge topics were explored, including quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, machine learning, communications technologies, computational and data sciences, and aerospace technologies among others. The summit had ambitious objectives at its core: to devise a comprehensive roadmap leveraging the expertise of global Indian researchers for solving emerging challenges; to contemplate over the collaboration and cooperation tools with academia and scientists back home in India; and most importantly, to foster an ecosystem of knowledge and innovation across the country through global outreach.
The Organizers behind VAIBHAV Summit
A joint endeavor of various Science & Technology (S&T) and Academic organizations marked the birth of the VAIBHAV Summit. Key agencies included the Department of S&T and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Significance of the VAIBHAV Summit
As part of an initiative to bolster the innovation ecosystem in India, VAIBHAV aimed to augment the ongoing efforts of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). AIM is the Indian government’s flagship drive to encourage a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. The summit also counted on the active support and ideation from the Indian Diaspora to develop skills of aspirants in alignment with the New Educational Policy (NEP) 2020, a groundbreaking reform in the Indian education system.
Role of VAIBHAV Summit in the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” Initiative
Indian scientists, researchers, and academicians worldwide, with their global perspective and experience, are expected to play a critical role in the progress of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. This initiative focuses on five core pillars: economy, infrastructure, system, vibrant demography, and demand.
Other Government Initiatives for Overseas Indians
The government has initiated other schemes to engage the Overseas Indian community actively. Events like Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) celebrate the contribution of this community to India’s development annually on January 9th. The Know India Program (KIP), a flagship initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is designed to connect Indian-origin youth with their roots in contemporary India. Lastly, the VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint Research) Faculty Scheme, under the Department of S&T, is crafted exclusively for overseas scientists and academicians, particularly Non-resident Indians (NRI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), allowing them to work as adjunct or visiting faculty within Indian public-funded academic and research institutions for a specific duration.