KIIT, NISER gear up to host 99th Indian National Congress

By S. Suparna / www.indusvalleytimes.com

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 5: Orissa is bracing for hosting the 99th session of the Indian Science Congress scheduled to be held from January 3 to 7, 2012. At least 15,000 scientists, including 20 Noble laureates, from across the world, will take part in the mega event.

The five-day mega event, Jointly organised the famed KIIT University and the Union government’s National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, - Jointly organised the famed KIIT University and the Union government’s National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Former President APJ Abdul Kalam, Orissa chief minister Naveen Patnaik, a dozen of Union ministers and a galaxy of corporate honchos will also attend the gala ceremony.

Nearly a lakh of students will also to visit the event and participate in different sessions.

“What is unique about the Mahakumbh of scientists (99th Indian National Congress) is that Women Science Congress and Children’s Science Congress will also take place simultaneously at the same venue,” Dr Achyuta Samanta, founder of KIIT University, said on Monday.

This apart, India’s highest science award - Unesco-Kalinga Science Award - will be offered by the Prime Minister to the current year’s nominee to be announced later this year, informed Dr Samanta.

The PM, apart from attending the inaugural ceremony, will also grace the valedictory ceremony.

“The theme of 99th Indian National Congress is – ‘Science and Technology for Inclusive Innovation: Role of Women.’ This contemporary theme was chosen after a lot of consultations with all stake-holders,” NISER director Dr T.K. Chandrasekhar said.

KIIT University vice chancellor Professor Ashok S. Kolaskar said during the session the scholars will deliberate on subjects like climate change and food security, clean-green energy from renewable sources, space technology, food and nutrition security, latest advances in de-addition strategies, preventive maternal and child care, tracking neurodegenerative diseases, stem cell therapy, water scarcity to water security, green building technologies women in science and science for women and science education in rural areas.

“So many contemporary issues to be discussed during the session, Orissa draw national and international attention which will offer an opportunity to showcase our socio-cultural splendor. There will be a five-acre Orissa Mandap displaying the state’s people, their art and culture, heritage and natural resources,” Mr Kolaskar observed.

He added a Vigyan Rath (science chariot) will move across 30 districts in state to awaken the students, teachers and common people about the science education and role of science in human development.