Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that the growing role of women in the field of science and technology empowers both and maintained that this is a sign of the country’s progress. In his inaugural address at the 108th Indian Science Congress, he said there is an abundance of data and technology which can be harnessed effectively in the next 25 years to explore untapped spheres in science and make the country one of the most industrialised nations.

In a virtual address, Modi said, “Our thinking is not just that we should empower women via science but also empowering science by the contribution of women… The increasing participation of women is proof that women and science are both progressing in the nation.” The theme of this summit being held at Nagpur is “Science and Technology for Sustainable Development and Women Empowerment”.

Modi maintained that in the last eight years, India has taken up extraordinary tasks ranging from governance to society to economy which is being discussed all over the world today. Highlighting the women who showcase their strength to the world, be it in a partnership in small industries and businesses or leadership in the startup world, the prime minister gave the example of Mudra Yojna which has been instrumental in empowering the women of India. He pointed out the doubling of women’s participation in the field of extramural research and development.

“There is abundant availability of data and technology in 21st-century India and it has the potential to take Indian science to new heights… The field of data analysis is moving forward at a meteoric pace which is of great help in converting information into insight and analysis into actionable knowledge,” he said.

From traditional knowledge to modern technology, each plays a crucial role in scientific discovery. “Efforts of science can turn into great achievements only when they come out of the lab and reach the land, and their impact reaches from global to grassroots, when its ambit is from journal to jameen and when change is visible from research to real life,” Modi said.