Democratising science & tech, via indigenous R&D

In the ancient epic Mahabharata, the sage Vyasa tells us that knowledge is the greatest power. Eleven years ago, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, he rekindled this timeless truth with a modern resolve: To make India not just a consumer of global science, but its creator too. Looking back today, one can say with reasonable degree of confidence that 11 years oftechnology-driven transformation is heralding India’s future ascent.And, as we mark over a decade of this transformative journey, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) stands as a testament to that vision—where laboratories have become launchpads and innovation has become the new synonym for development.When I assumed ministerial charge of the Department of Science and Technology, I inherited not just a portfolio, but a promise — a promise to democratise science, decentralise innovation and deliver its benefits to the last mile. In 2014, India’s scientific ecosystem was vibrant but fragmented, ambitious but under-resourced. Research was often confined to elite institutions, and citizens rarely felt the pulse of scientific progress in their daily lives. That was the context. What followed was a conscious, calibrated and courageous effort to reimagine the role of science in nation-building.The transformation began with a simple yet profound shift — placing trust in our own talent. The establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) in 2023 was a watershed moment. For the first time, India created a statutory body to steer its research and development (R&D) ecosystem with strategic foresight. Over 6,900 young scientists were empowered through the PM Early Career Research Grant and 1,754 SC/ST researchers got support under the Inclusivity Research Grant. This ensured that scientific excellence was no longer the privilege of a few, but the pursuit of many.But we didn’t stop at funding individuals — we built institutions. The National Quantum Mission, with its four thematic hubs across IITs and the IISc, is positioning India at the frontier of quantum computing, communication and sensing. The National Supercomputing Mission has already deployed 28 high-performance systems across the country, enabling breakthroughs in everything from flood forecasting to drug discovery. These are not just machines — they are the engines of a new India.Yet, the true measure of scientific progress lies not in PETAFLOPs or patents alone, but in the lives it touches. Consider the smart agri-station developed at IIT Bombay that allows farmers in remote areas to monitor soil and weather conditions in real time; or the Divyang ATM from IIT Bhilai that which empowers visually impaired citizens to access banking services with dignity; or the 46 Women Technology Parks that have trained over 11,000 women in scientific trades, turning homemakers into entrepreneurs. These are not isolated innovations—they are the building blocks of an inclusive, empowered society.Climate change, one of the gravest challenges of our time, has also found a resolute ally in science.Through the National Missions on Climate Change, we have established 29 State Climate Change Centres and supported over 2,000 research papers and 1,000 reports. From mapping Himalayan glaciers to training over 1.8 lakh stakeholders, scientists are not just studying climate change — we are preparing India to adapt, respond and lead.Equally transformative has been the investment in human capital. The INSPIRE programme has supported over 75,000 university students and 6,800 doctoral researchers. The MANAK scheme has brought over 2.5 lakh school-level innovations to the national stage. The message is clear: Every child with a curious mind is a potential scientist, and every village can be a cradle of innovation.We have also redefined the geography of science. The North-east, once seen as a periphery, is now a hub of saffron cultivation and drone-based geospatial mapping. Through the efforts of the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) and the Survey of India, over 2 lakh villages have been mapped with 10 cm resolution, giving rural citizens legal titles to their land and a new sense of security.Behind these numbers lies a deeper narrative — a narrative of trust, talent, and tenacity. Trust in our scientists, talent in our youth and tenacity in our policies.The Rs 1 lakh-crore Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) fund announced in the 2025-26 Budget is not just a financial commitment — it is a declaration of intent. With a dedicated Rs 20,000 crore allocation and a Deep Tech Fund of Funds, the government is inviting the private sector to co-author India’s scientific destiny.As we look ahead, the road is both challenging and exhilarating. Emerging technologies like AI, robotics and space science will demand not just investment, but imagination. The task is not merely to keep pace with the world, but to set the pace. And in doing so, we must ensure that the benefits of science reach every citizen—whether it is a tribal farmer in Arunachal Pradesh, a schoolgirl in Jharkhand or a start-up founder in Bengaluru.Science is not just about solving problems — it is about expanding possibilities. It is about lighting a lamp in the darkest corners of our society and showing that knowledge, when guided by compassion and courage, can truly transform a nation.As we celebrate 11 years of the Modi government, I am reminded of what Prime Minister Narendra Modi often says: This is not just a government, it is a movement. A movement to make India self-reliant, globally respected and deeply humane. And in that movement, science is not a spectator — it is a spearhead.Let us continue to dream, to discover and to deliver. For in the laboratory of democracy, every experiment in science is an experiment in hope. Jitendra Singh is Union Minister of State (with independent charge) for Science and Technology.

Democratising science & tech, via indigenous R&D

Jitendra Singh

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