New Delhi, September 10, 2024 – In a significant move towards bolstering India’s scientific and technological landscape, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to chair the first meeting of the Governing Board of the Atal National Research Foundation (ANRF) today. This initiative, named after the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, aims to revolutionize research and innovation in India by fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and technological advancement.
The ANRF, envisioned as a pivotal institution for research funding, will operate under the aegis of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The foundation’s establishment comes at a time when India is pushing for self-reliance in technology and science, aligning with the broader national agenda of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India).
Prime Minister Modi’s involvement in launching the operations of ANRF underscores the government’s commitment to transforming India into a global hub for research and innovation. The ANRF is expected to fund research across various fields, from fundamental sciences to cutting-edge technologies, aiming to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and government.
The meeting, which will take place in New Delhi, will see the presence of key figures from the scientific community, including the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, along with representatives from various ministries and departments involved in science and technology. The agenda includes discussions on the operational framework of ANRF, funding mechanisms, and strategies to encourage young researchers and startups.
This initiative is part of a broader series of reforms and projects announced by PM Modi, reflecting his government’s focus on infrastructure development, technological advancement, and defense modernization. Earlier this year, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for 550 Amrit stations, signaling a massive investment in railway infrastructure, which complements the vision of ANRF by enhancing connectivity and logistics for scientific endeavors.
The ANRF’s launch also comes in the wake of India’s growing international collaborations in science and technology, as seen with agreements like the one with Brunei for space cooperation, indicating a strategic move towards global scientific partnerships.
The establishment of ANRF is not just a step towards enhancing India’s research capabilities but also a testament to the government’s long-term vision for sustainable development, innovation-led growth, and enhancing national security through technological prowess. This move is anticipated to catalyze India’s journey towards becoming a knowledge-based economy, leveraging its demographic dividend in the realm of science and technology.
As India steps into this new era of scientific exploration and innovation, the ANRF’s operations, launched under PM Modi’s guidance, are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future, promising advancements that could redefine India’s position on the global scientific stage.
