The Hindu Business Line : Science congress to focus on rural issues

During the national virtual congress of farmers, the President would interact with farmers based in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, through a video conference aimed at getting a direct feedback from them.

Hyderabad , Jan. 2

WITH an accent on integrated rural development and broadening the benefits of science and technology, the 93rd Indian Science Congress seeks to focus on issues relating to multitude of problems faced by rural India.

While the mega event will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, along with Bharat Nirman - Science Exhibition, on Tuesday the President, Mr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, will address the focal theme "Integrated Rural Development: Science and Technology," and open "National Virtual Congress for Farmers".

The President, who is expected to spend about six hours in the Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University, interacting with scientists, participants and school children at the venue from all over the country, will launch a "Mission 2007: Every Village — Knowledge Centre."

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, the Vice-Chancellor of Acharya NG Ranga University, Mr S. Raghuvardhan Reddy, said, "About 5,000-6,000 delegates from various parts of the country and 80 foreign participants from 29 countries would attend the five-day Congress which is being hosted by an agricultural university for the first time''.

Science award: The State Minister for Mines and Geology, Ms P. Sabitha Indra Reddy, said the Prime Minister would announce the India Science award, an award carrying a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh instituted by the Government. Awards would also be announced in the categories of best and young scientists.

Apart from general sessions, where scientists, Nobel laureates, would interact with participants, the Congress would feature 10 plenary sessions wherein experts would deliberate on areas such as science and disaster management, protecting bio and agri-diversity and rural energy.