PANAJI: ‘Manohar Parrikar Yuva Scientist Award’ carrying a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh and a Citation, will be awarded from this year to Indian scientists/technologist below the age of 35 years. The details of the award in the memory of the former Chief Minister of Goa and ex-Defence Minister of India, were announced at a press conference spearheaded by Chairman of Expert Committee Dr Anil Kakodkar and fellow Committee members on Friday.
To be presented by the Government of Goa under the Department of Science, Technology & Waste Management; the applications for the award have been invited from young scientists with proven excellence and promise of performance in future.
Complimenting the Government of Goa for the award initiative, Dr Kakodkar said: “India going forward, (we) have twin challenges and both are very strongly linked with the technological progress that we made in the country. One is to be a technology leader at least in the critical domains or domains that have large economic importance. And that, one can become if the capabilities are comparable to the best in the world. That’s the direction the country must proceed in and for that, encouraging the young people is very important.”
“The second dimension is that we need solutions that will minimise the global economic disparity. Again, it needs technologies that will breach the critical divides that we have in the country. And today with the instant technology, a lot can be done. One can make a contribution on the National scale. So, I think there are a lot of young people, very enthusiastic and have done some very great work. I hope that we will have a great response,” stated former chairman of Atomic Energy Commision, Kakodkar while addressing the media via online mode.
Goa Public Service Commission chairman and chairman of Manohar Parrikar Vidhnyan Mahotsav Committee, Jose Manuel Noronha reflected on the criteria of the candidates for the award. “The scientists’ work will be evaluated based on the impact of publications, patents and applications. Their project will also be judged for viability,” he said.
Anthony de Sa, IAS, Ex-Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, and Dr Satish Shetye, former director of National Institute of Oceanography were also present for the briefing in Panaji.
The application should be signed and a soft copy must be emailed to yuvascientistaward@zerowastegoa.com before 15th September 2023. For details, visit dstwm.goa.gov.in/yuva-scientist-award/
