MYSURU: Emphasising the role innovations essayed in a nation’s development, and deciding its place globally, eminent scientist Bharat Ratna Prof CNR Rao on Friday said, “Innovation is required in all spheres of life. Without innovations, no country can grow to be a leader in the world.”The scientist, who delivered the keynote address of the India Higher Education Summit-2019 the theme of which is ‘Innovation in Education for a Competent Industry’ organised by the Confederation of Indian Industries via video conference, pointed to the dominance of the United States of America in science and technology to substantiate his argument. “The US is at the top in science and technology; this is not because of its economy or military might, but this is a consequence of the many innovations of the scientists. In fact, this is what is happening in China now as well. China is spending a lot of money on creating an atmosphere conducive to innovation. However, India is not faring as well in the same domain. Science and technology are the future of this country, and we have to give it due importance,” said Prof Rao.Michael Faraday, the Bharat Ratna recipient said, was the greatest scientist ever, in his opinion. Pointing to the British scientist’s humble origins, Prof Rao said, “He had only three years of formal education. But what set him apart was the way he observed everything. So, just education will not lead to innovations. What we need to do is to create the right environment. I was inspired to become a scientist after I saw Sir CV Raman when I was just 11. We need to create fora where children get to interact with scientists, and can draw inspiration from them. Our current schooling system cannot lead to innovations. The existing teaching system is boring, and curriculum terrible, including what is taught at IITs. We should encourage our children to learn things by themselves.”The senior scientist, said that identifying talent among children in the country was vital to India’s future. Pointing out that there were six to seven crore children in the country, most of whom were in the villages, Prof Rao lamented the meagre allocation of funds for education in India. “Right now, the government is spending only 3.5% of the GDP on education, whereas other countries, including China, are spending trillions of dollars. A Prime Minister who spends more on education, and specifically focuses on science, and innovation, will never be forgotten,” he said.Meanwhile, former Karnataka higher education minister BK Chandrashekar called on fellow politicians should keep themselves abreast of technological advancements, and warned against leaving policy making entirely to bureaucrats. “The classroom in any average institution is a very uninspiring place and conversations between faculty members are hardly ever thought-provoking. I no longer harbor any hope of witnessing any remarkable achievement in education in Karnataka,” said Chandrashekar.CII Mysuru former chairman N Muthukumar, on the other hand, pointed to the economic growth of India in the recent past. However, he attributed unemployment to the dearth of skills in India, which he said had also taken a toll on production.CII Mysuru chairman Bhaskar Kalale and former chairman of the industry body D Sudhanva were among those in attendance at the event.

Stay updated with all the Latest Mysore headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.