PU Foundation Day Lecture-cum-Pran Nath Vohra Oration on topic of 'India @2030 Marching Forward: Science and Technology Space in India’

Chandigarh, October 1, 2024: Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood today delivered the Panjab University(PU) Foundation Day Lecture-cum-Pran Nath Vohra Oration on the topic of 'India @2030 Marching Forward: Science and Technology Space in India'.
 
PU also commemorated the 100th birth anniversary of Late Dr. Om Parkash Vig, a distinguished chemist and former Chairperson of Panjab University's Department of Chemistry by releasing a biography chronicling Late Dr.Vig’s life, achievements, and scientific contributions. A special cover release by Indian Post was also unveiled on the occasion.
 
PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig presented the Pran Nath Vohra citation to Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood. In her address, she recalled the contribution of Dr. Om Parkash Vig.  She also highlighted the rich legacy of PU.
 
In his scintillating talk, Prof. Sood mentioned the role of Science and Technology in the holistic development of the nation. He stressed upon the need to embrace artificial intelligence and quantum computing to be the forerunner on the global front.
 
Addressing the houseful gathering at the University Auditorium, Prof. Sood mentioned the growth story of Research & Development and higher education in India. He said that the number of Indian Scientists in the Stanford 2% researchers list have more than doubled in last four years. But, 'gross R&D expenditure as percentage of GDP' and 'number of full time R&D personnel per million of population' was low and needs to be strengthened. He compared R&D expenditure by private sector in India with other countries like South Korea, Japan, USA, China, UK etc and stressed for increasing it.
 
Underlining the importance of quantum computation, Prof. Sood said that the world is heading to second quantum revolution, which is about controlling individual quantum systems and entangling individual qubits to process information. Various nations are now competing for the quantum supremacy and every country is nervous for its huge potential in quantum computation, climate prediction, communication and metrology, he added.
 
Prof. Sood highlighted the important role of Artificial Intelligence, which has entered deep learning revolution. To achieve 'AI for everyone', India needs to bridge the digital divide; Invest in AI education & skills development and foster a culture of innovation', he added.  AI has potential to revolutionlise health care, transform agriculture and empower education in India. It is a pivotal opportunity for India to propel the country towards a developed and prosperous India, he further added.
 
Former PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Arun Grover gave introduction on the PU Foundation Day, while Prof. S.S. Bari and Prof. Rajendra Singh gave brief introduction of Emeritus Professor Prof. O.P. Vig.
 
PU Dean of University Instruction Prof. Rumina Sethi, PU Registrar Prof. Y.P. Verma, Chairperson of Department of Chemistry, Prof. Sonal Singhal, former Vice Chancellor Prof. K.N. Pathak, students, faculty members and the members of Dr OP Vig family also attended the function.