IMPHAL, May 15: The five day long Science Meet 2013 organized by Manipur Science and Technology Council (MASTEC) at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound concluded today. Prizes were distributed at the occasion to winning students in competitions conducted during the meet.
Delivering his speech at the closing function, Dr Kh Ratankumar, Minister Works and Transport said science and technology has been associated with human beings and will exist as long as mankind exist.
When scientists work with hunger of truth there will be progress. The science meet has motivated the students and gave them a platform to enable them to express many innovative knowledge and ideas, he asserted.
He also said, the theme of the science meet “genetically modified crops and food security” is very important because in such a time when population exceeds the quantity of food production, genetic crops will be the only means to boost food production.
The word impossible is not there in science and so the students should work hard. As per the context of Manipur the state government will bring up the matter in the cabinet and try to give a platform for larger exposure, the works minister assured.
During the occasion, Dr H Birkumar Singh, Principal Scientist CSIR-NEIST Branch Laboratory said there are very less sponsors for science in the state unlike in Assam where there are Vigyan Bhavan, science society, science council etc which sponsors students and support them to gain wider exposure and knowledge.
“As there is no sponsor here, the students find it hard to participate in science meets held in other states. The government should provide assistance to students to nurture their interest in science,” he said.
Th Surendranath Singh, Director MASTEC also spoke at the function.