The Science India Forum Qatar (SIFQ) in association with SIF GCC chapters recently celebrated the 89th birth anniversary of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, former president of India and well-known scientist. The online celebration was well attended by eminent dignitaries, scientists, patrons and academicians.
Dr Y S Rajan, professor at ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and co-author of India 2020 – A vision for the New Millennium, was the keynote speaker on the occasion.
In his opening address, Hemant Kumar Dwivedi, first secretary (culture and education) at Indian embassy in Qatar, highlighted how the lives of leaders such as Dr A P J Kalam are the constant reminders of the qualities that one should imbibe and then pass on to the future generations. He spoke about how the various books written by Dr Kalam had inspired students all over the world to be bold, to dream, innovate and to nurture the spirit of ‘I can do it’.
Dr Y S Rajan reminisced his experiences with Dr Kalam at ISRO and during the writing of the book India 2020.
Speaking on the theme of ‘Emerging World – Options before Humanity’, he took a comparative view of the world before and after coronavirus and how it had altered social, economic and other aspects of society. He emphasised on the new business models that would have to be set up to factor in future pandemics, development of skill sets and the importance of becoming independent and self-reliant for the country.
Speaking on diverse topics, he underlined the importance of science and technology, symbiotic existence, and strengthening of health care systems. The programme was attended by over 300 participants via Zoom and it was also streamed live through the SIF Qatar YouTube channel.