President A P J Abdul Kalam Thursday suggested the creation of a science cadre in the country to attract the youth towards a career in the field.
"Creation of a science cadre with attractive salaries and an assured career growth in organisations such as Indian Space Research Organisation, Defence and Research Development Organisation, Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research, Department of Science and Technology and the universities would encourage the youth to take it up as a career," he said at the inauguration of the platinum jubilee celebration of the National Academy of Sciences in Allahabad.
Kalam asked industry to become one of the prime movers in bringing in more people to the scientific cadre, which would also help in making industry more competitive, and emerge as world players.
He also emphasised the role of science in societal transformation and suggested that senior fellows of institutions like National Academy of Sciences, India, should interact with school children in remote villages to apprise them about the latest developments in science.
The President asked scientists to play the role of "civic scientists" whereby they step beyond their campuses, laboratories, ministries and institutes to engage in active dialogue with their fellow citizens.
He remembered with reverence NAS founder Meghnad Saha and the contributions of scientists like D S Kothari, Homi Jehangir Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai for their contribution towards developing the country's defence system, nuclear technology and space research.
The function was also attended by Uttar Pradesh Governor T V Rajeshwar, Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, former Human Resource & Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi and former minister for Science and Technology M G K Menon.
Tell us what you think
President A P J Abdul Kalam is appreciated and admired everywhere for his creative thinking. We also know about his strong background in science and his contribution to that field in India. What do you think of our President's new idea, to set up a science cadre? Do let us know.