'Narendra Modi Committed to Take Indian Science to Extraordinary Heights'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to take Indian science to "extraordinary heights", union Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan said in Kolkata on Friday.

"This country is doing well but I feel most of the people of this country are doing routine work. We have to come out of the routine way of thinking. They are doing their work honestly but nobody wants to get out of that routine mentality. The time has come when we have to start inventing out of the box solutions," Vardhan said during his visit to the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS).

Vardhan added Modi's willingness to boost Indian science should be coupled with a fresh and directed approach in scientific pursuits.

"We have a prime minister who wants our future to be brighter than the glorious past. One who respects intellectual and professional acumen, who respects professional advice and who is willing and sincerely committed to take science to extraordinary heights. So, this is the time when we could start a fresh process of brainstorming what are the things we could focus on." said Vardhan.

The minister lamented the lack of "breaking news" in terms of research outputs in the last 50 years.

Vardhan said it was important to find out what would potentially lead to results for the people, as science disconnected from people had no meaning.

"I can assure you on behalf of Prime Minister Modi and our government that we are all out to help you. You also have to appreciate the problems. We have to learn to optimally utilise what resources we have," he added.