On the occasion of the seventh convocation of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) president talked to the students about the importance of research and innovation in the field of education.
"The purpose of scientific research is threefold," said Kovind as he noticed that Mohali has become a hub for the knowledge economy, information technology, biotechnology, and bioinformatics.
"First, science and technology must continue to play a role in nation-building. As our nation evolves and as our society changes, our needs too are transformed. Yet, science and technology will always be required to find answers to developmental questions," he said.
The President said that the country today is facing many questions, which ranges from battling climate changes to providing low cost healthcare system from overcoming the problems of water scarcity to build sustainable cities.
"Second, science and technology have a symbiotic relationship with business and industry. Product invention and process innovation; converting the learning of the lab into commercially viable products; using technology to promote efficiency, enterprise and employment - there is so much science and commerce can do together," he said.
Citing the examples of the Silicon Valley in the California and Bengaluru, he said that IISER must play similar role in Mohali.
"Third, institutions of scientific education and research are important in themselves for blue-sky innovation and for expanding the frontiers of knowledge. This is the fundamental and to my mind most critical value of scientific research," he said.
Kovind further said that the scientific research keeps the curiosity alive. This path demands an unexpected amount of patience but the results can be very fruitful for the human society.
"It is my privilege to travel to convocations across the country. I find this commendable performance of our young women, of our society's daughters, to be something of a national trend. They are consistently outscoring their male counterparts. This is a step forward in the cause of gender equity and in making India a developed society," he said.