Varanasi: Inaugurating the 7th National Convention of Vigyan Bharati (VIBHA), India’s largest science movement, at BHU on Saturday, chief minister Yogi Adityanath said research and innovation should contribute to human welfare, economic progress and national development.Highlighting India’s scientific heritage, he said research and innovation have always been integral to Indian civilisation and called upon the younger generation to dedicate their scientific talent to nation-building. He also stressed the need to connect modern science with traditional wisdom, promote sustainable development and encourage grassroots innovation and entrepreneurship.The two-day convention has brought together over 1,200 scientists, researchers, academicians, policymakers, industry representatives, students and delegates from India and abroad. Organised by the Centre for Vedic Sciences, BHU, in collaboration with IIT-BHU and the Indian Institute of Teacher Education, the convention is focusing on contemporary scientific and societal challenges.BHU VC Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi said the vision of Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya closely aligns with Vigyan Bharati’s mission of harmonising modern science with India’s knowledge traditions and urged participants to actively engage in the deliberations.RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar emphasised the need to balance scientific advancements with India’s holistic knowledge traditions. Referring to the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, he said ensuring that technology serves human welfare and environmental sustainability is a key responsibility.Vigyan Bharati Secretary General Vivekananda Pai highlighted the organisation’s efforts to connect India’s scientific heritage with contemporary scientific advancements through initiatives such as the Indian International Science Festival, World Ayurveda Congress and Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan.Presiding over the inaugural session, Vigyan Bharati National President and Indian National Science Academy president Shekhar C. Mande stressed the importance of integrating science, philosophy and spirituality while addressing challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence.IIT-BHU director Prof Amit Patra underlined the role of scientific research, innovation and institutional collaboration in driving regional and national development. He said technology-driven solutions could contribute significantly to the vision of a trillion-dollar economy.IUCTE Director Prof. Prem Narayan Singh highlighted the importance of aligning scientific and technological advancement with environmental sustainability and human values, while former INSA president Prof. Ashutosh Sharma emphasised the need to balance technological progress with ethics, sustainability and human welfare.
