Context: Recently, Prime minister of India has addressed 108th Indian Science Congress via video conferencing which was held at Nagpur University.

• Prime minister gave examples of initiatives like Talent Hunt and Hackathons through which children with scientific temper could be discovered.

• The event’s theme is ‘Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women’s Empowerment’.

Indian Science Congress

• 1st session of the Indian Science Congress was held in 1914 at the premises of the Asiatic Society, Calcutta.

• Since then, it is held annually.

• Organized by Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA).

• ISCA is an independent body that functions with the support of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

• There are 14 sections of ISCA that ranges from medical, environmental, technological, chemical, anthropological to agricultural sciences.

• Aim: To advance and promote science in India.

Objectives of ISCA

• To advance and promote the cause of science in India.

• To hold an annual Congress at a suitable place in India.

• To publish such proceedings, journals, transactions and other publications as may be considered desirable.

• To secure and manage funds and endowments for the promotion of science including the rights of disposing of, or selling all or any portion of the properties of the association.

108th Indian Science Congress session

• Theme: “Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women Empowerment.”

• It focuses on sustainable development with inclusivity of all sections of society, and deliberate on holistic growth, reviewed economies, and sustainable goals.

• ‘Children Science Congress’ is organised to provide opportunities for students to use their scientific temperament and knowledge and show their creativity through scientific experiments.

• It discusses 'Farmer's Science Congress' which provide a platform to improve bio-economy and attract youth to agriculture.

• It included ‘Tribal Science Congress' which provides platform for scientific display of indigenous ancient knowledge systems and practice and empowerment of tribal women.

Issues

• It lacks serious discussion with the promotion of pseudoscience and absence of useful outcomes.

• Most credible scientists do not attend the event.

• Most attendees from colleges and universities have limited scientific credentials.

• Papers presented or discussed rarely reflect latest advancements in science.

Suggestion

• A better way to reform the Science Congress could be to develop an alternative forum where top Indian and global scientists could be invited to talk about the latest developments in the scientific world and their impacts on our lives. 

• Such events are already being organised in many countries, and are extremely popular.