36th IUCAA Foundation Lecture by Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao

The 36th Foundation Day Lecture of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy & Astrophysics on 29th December, 2024 will be delivered by Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao who is currently the Vice-Chancellor for the Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Pilani group of institutions.
Summary: India possesses immense latent scientific talent that remains largely untapped due to systemic challenges such as suboptimal budget allocations, S&T policies, excessive bureaucratic oversight, and a lack of academia-industry connect. This talk explores how these barriers stifle innovation and limit the country's global competitiveness in science and technology. Although recent measures by the Government of India aim to address these challenges, there is still substantial ground to cover. By rethinking policy frameworks, increasing investment in research and development, and fostering a culture of collaboration and experimentation, India can unlock its true potential. The focus will be on actionable strategies to break these barriers and build robust pathways that empower scientists, researchers, and innovators, ensuring that India transitions from being a knowledge consumer to a knowledge creator on the global stage.