Stressing on the need to communicate scientific achievements to the society, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called upon the country’s scientific community to “extend its research from the labs to the land”.

Addressing the 105th edition of Indian Science Congress in Imphal, Manipur, Modi said India has a rich tradition and a long history of both discovery and use of science and technology.

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“It is time to reclaim our rightful place among the front-line nations in this field. I call upon the scientific community to extend its research from the labs to the land,” Modi said.

“Our scientific achievements need to be communicated to society. This will help inculcate scientific temper among youth. We have to throw open our institutions and laboratories to our children.”

“I call upon scientists to develop a mechanism for interaction with school-children,” he said.

Modi further said that the time was ripe to redefine ‘R&D’ as ‘Research’ for the ‘Development’ of the nation.

“Science is after all, but a means to a far greater end; of making a difference in the lives of others, of furthering human progress and welfare,” he said.

“We have to be future ready in implementing technologies vital for the growth and prosperity of the nation. Technology will allow far greater penetration of services such as education, healthcare, and banking to our citizens,” he said.

The Science Congress, taking place in the capital of Manipur saw congregation of about 5000 delegations including three Noble laureates, scientists, scholars and researchers from all across the country.

Following the inaugural session, Modi headed to Luwangshangbam to lay the foundation stones for Luwangpokpa Multi Sports Complex, National Sports University and freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu Park at Mantripukhri.