From Chairman’s Desk: June 30, 2020
2 min readGreetings to KSTA family, comprising every one of us interested in Science & Technology, that have become a way of life. This is the first e-Newsletter, Vijnana Vahini, after the Government of Karnataka have reconstituted the Karnataka Science and Technology Academy (KSTA) on 21st April, 2020.
At the outset, I would like to place on record my gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka, as well as to the Additional Chief Secretary to Govt., Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology and Science & Technology and all the functionaries of the Department for having given an opportunity to serve the State through this platform along with other distinguished members of the reconstituted General Body. I deem it an honour to become a part of the institution with the legacy of Founder Chairman Late Prof. U.R. Rao, Former Chairman, ISRO/Secretary, DOS, GOI over 12 years followed by Dr S.K. Shivakumar, Former Director, U R Rao Satellite Centre, ISRO, GOI as In-charge Chairman for one and half year.
We are in an exciting phase of the journey of mankind, with unprecedented challenges, as also matching responses for each of us through different means and approaches. The COVID 19 crisis is one such example that has engulfed all of us, seeking science & societal solutions. Science is universal, while Technology is contextual. Innovation is the new paradigm, the triad as major drivers for a development agenda of faster, sustainable and inclusive growth.
The KSTA, with the objectives of encouraging basic sciences, dissemination of knowledge base, promotion of scientific temper, science communication, technology development and adoption, innovations and related approaches, has been playing a catalytic role over the years. ‘Foresight-Innovation-Partnership’ occupy a central position in our future endeavors.
Karnataka, in the forefront of the technological revolution, is uniquely placed in the Indian Science map, with institutions, both governmental and corporate, expertise of the yesteryears and energy of today’s youth. In this context, Academy could play a role of a Think tank, Coordinator, Facilitator, Promoter, Consultant, Incubator, Advisor, to spread the flavor of science and scientific temper, in all, achieving synergy for wholesome scientific solutions, for a better tomorrow.
The KSTA welcomes suggestions, contributions and partnerships in our pursuit of excellence and relevance for a larger common good. Let us join hands, irrespective of what you are and where you are, Science is Everybody’s Business.
– S Ayyappan
June 30, 2020
