Much to go in S&T: Pranab

Kolkata, Jan 6 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee Tuesday said though India has achieved milestones in science and technology since Independence, there is "distance still left to cover".

He stressed research endeavours must bring social, environmental and economic betterment to the common man.

"A few months ago, we made history with the successful entry of the Mangalyaan into the Mars Orbit. India is the fourth in the world to reach the Mars. It is also the first to attain this goal in its very first attempt and at a cost of US $74 million, a fraction of the money spent by others," the president said.

"While these milestones are a matter of pride for the nation, they also remind us of the distance still left to cover," a the president said in a video message at the presentation of Infosys Prize 2014 here Monday.

He called for advancing the realms of knowledge and improving the life of the common man.

"Research endeavours must advance the realms of knowledge and improve the lives of the common man. It must bring about social, environmental and economic betterment of our people," Mukherjee said.

He also congratulated the Infosys Science Foundation for instituting the awards that recognise and honour outstanding achievements of researchers and scientists across six categories.

"I am convinced that India's future is inextricably linked to the progress we can make in establishing strong foundations for scientific research within our country," he said.

The president also underscored the importance of decision-making based on scientific culture.

"Science is one of the creative endeavours of human mind. It plays a vital role in the advancement of human life and is central to technological progress," he said.

"A scientific culture must determine the choices and decisions made by individuals, societies and nations," he added.