Tradition with Modernity: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, on Thursday highlighted India’s remarkable transformation into a global science and technology powerhouse, stating that the country has successfully preserved its civilisational values while embracing cutting-edge technologies. Addressing the inaugural session of the Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan 2025 at the National Sanskrit University, Tirupati, the Minister underlined that this balanced approach lies at the heart of India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
Decisive Political Support Fuels Scientific Transformation
Dr Jitendra Singh said India’s rise as a global science and technology leader over the past decade has been enabled by strong policy support and decisive leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that since 2014, science, technology, and innovation have received unprecedented attention, with increased budgetary allocations and removal of long-standing bottlenecks that earlier restricted India’s scientific potential.
He emphasised that India has always had a vast talent pool, but the creation of a supportive ecosystem and political will has been the defining factor behind the country’s recent breakthroughs.
Innovation Surge and Startup Revolution
Highlighting India’s innovation momentum, the Minister pointed out that the number of startups has grown from 300–400 in 2014 to nearly 2 lakh today, positioning India among the top three startup ecosystems globally. He added that India’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index has improved significantly—from 81st to 38th place.
Dr Singh further noted that India now ranks sixth globally in patent filings, with over 50 per cent of patents filed by resident Indians, reflecting a strong shift towards indigenous innovation and intellectual property creation.
Global Leadership in Space and Defence Technologies
Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s globally acclaimed achievements in space and strategic technologies, citing landmark lunar missions that delivered the first confirmed evidence of water on the Moon and achieved the world’s first landing near the lunar south pole.
He also underlined the growing strength of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem, noting that defence exports have reached ₹23,662 crore, with Indian-made systems now supplied to nearly 100 countries. Recent demonstrations of indigenous missile and defence technologies, he said, have further reinforced global confidence in India’s capabilities.
Healthcare Innovation and Global Trust
On healthcare, the Minister said India has emerged as a global leader in preventive healthcare and affordable medical solutions. From developing and sharing COVID-19 vaccines with the world to exporting medical devices and implants worth billions of dollars annually, India’s healthcare innovation ecosystem has earned widespread international trust and recognition.
Rising Global Footprint in Research and Publications
Dr Jitendra Singh noted that India now ranks fourth globally in scientific paper output and third in citation impact, underscoring not just the scale but also the quality of India’s scientific research. This, he said, reflects India’s growing influence in shaping global scientific discourse.
Science for Ease of Living and National Missions
Emphasising that science in India is no longer confined to laboratories, the Minister said technological advancements are now directly enhancing ease of living through initiatives such as smart cities, telemedicine, satellite-based communication, geotagging, and digital governance platforms.
He highlighted major national missions—including space, atomic energy, deep ocean exploration, Himalayan research, and the Aroma Mission—as new frontiers for economic growth, employment generation, and youth entrepreneurship.
Democratising Science Through Regional Languages
Dr Jitendra Singh stressed that democratising science through regional languages is essential to ensure inclusive national development. He announced that large-scale translation of science textbooks and curricula into Indian languages has been undertaken over the past decade, enabling wider access to scientific education and empowering every citizen to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan 2025: Tradition with Modernity
The inaugural session was attended by RSS Chief Shri Mohan Bhagwat, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, senior scientists, academicians, and representatives from leading scientific institutions. The Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan 2025, being held from December 26 to 29, aims to chart a future roadmap for India’s science, technology, and innovation ecosystem.
Conclusion
Dr Jitendra Singh’s address at the Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan 2025 reaffirmed India’s emergence as a global benchmark in science, technology, and innovation, achieved through a unique synthesis of tradition and modernity. With inclusive policies, strong political leadership, and democratisation of scientific knowledge, India is firmly positioned to lead the world in innovation while advancing towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.
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Source: PIB
