Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum, in association with, CANEUS International Canada and National Design & Research Forum, India, has organized the International Symposium on Inclusive Innovation Projects for Aerospace and Energy Sectors (including Sensors, Small Satellites, Micro and Nanotechnology) during 19th to 20th April 2013 at “Jnana Sangama”, Belgaum.
The inaugural function of the Symposium was held on 19th April 2013 at 10.30am. Dr. NarendraJadhav, Member Planning Commission, Govt. of India, Mr. Kyle Nunas, Canada’s Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner to India, Dr. S. K. Shivakumar, Director, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore and Dr. MillindPimprikar, Chairman, CANEUS International, Canada were the Chief Guests on the occasion.
Speaking after the inauguration of Symposium Dr. Jadhav said that, Presently, India’s share in research and developmental activities is not encouraging. The creation of Intellectual Property Rights is very poor and also rate of technological innovations varies 50% to 60% compared to developed countries. But, recently, VTU is emerging as pioneer institution in technical knowledge revolution in our Country.
He quoted that, the main theme of the 12th Five Year Plan, which is going to be implemented during 2013-2017, is “Faster, Inclusive and Sustainable Growth”. The utmost importance has been given to aerospace sector to ensure rapid research activities domestically in the 12th Plan, he added.
Further, the role of science and technology is crucial in solving the major problems our country such as food, environment and energy, he opined.
Sri Kyle Nunas, Canada’s Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner to India said that the Canadian institutions especially engaged in nanotechnology and the aerospace sectors are greatly interested in partnering with India.Canada and India make excellent science and technology (S&T) partners in the coming days. India has excellent institutions and a tremendous and growing knowledge resource. Through the partnership, both countries can rapidly and cost-effectively transform emerging technology concepts into practical aerospace systems to benefit both our countries. Recently, Prime Ministers of India and Canada announced a joint action plan for cooperation in science and technology, in which, aerospace is the priority sector, he said.
Over the years, we have seen a tremendous increase in S&T collaborations between both India and Canada. In 2001, there were less than 200 S&T collaborations between India and Canada. By 2011, this number had jumped to close to 700, he added.
Dr. MillindPimprikar, Chairman, CANEUS International, Canada participated in as a Chief Guest in the event explained the importance of small satellites to serve the socio-economic needs of India.
Dr. S. K. Shivakumar, Director, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore was another Chief Guest.
Dr. H. Maheshappa, Vice Chancellor, VTU will preside over the function.He said that, the present symposium organized by VTU is a platform for identification and development of mutually agreed small-satellite technologies with an ultimate aim of serving India’s socio-economic needs.
During two day symposium, the delegates from Canada, USA, Europe and Russia will formulate projects which will serve socio-economic causes and technology-development needs of India.Further,the Blue-Prints of the deliberations of this symposium will be submitted to Dr. R. Chandambam, Scientific Advisor to Prime Minister of India on 22nd April 2013, Dr. Maheshappa announced.
Dr. U Chandrashekar, Director, Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bangalore briefed about the two day symposium.
Dr. B. V. A. Rao, Chairman, National Design Research Forum, Dr. R. M. Vasagam, Dr. Dinesh Rangappa, Special officer, VTU, over 300 delegates from Canada, USA, Europe, Japan and Russia were participated in the function.