The Nobel Prize Exhibition inaugurated by PM Modi as part of a series of event proceedings of the main Vibrant Global Summit, also saw him hold a discussion with nine Nobel laureates at Science City. In his speech to the crowd, Modi stressed on the impact of innovations on society's well-being. He said that earlier there were occasions of Nobel laureates visiting India and having limited interactions with media and scientists. "But today we are making history by having a galaxy of Nobel laureates in Gujarat," he said.
"My government has a clear vision of where we want India to be in the next 15 years. Science and technology is the pivot on which that vision will translate into strategy and action," he said. Addressing 250 students, hand-picked by a nationwide competition, he asked them to take the best of the events. "Globally, science and technology have emerged as one of the major drivers of socio-economic development. You will be scientists soon and must not neglect the challenge posed by poverty," he said. "Be inspired and be daring, have courage and be your own person and not imitative. That is how our honoured guests succeeded and that is what you should learn from them," Modi told students.
Lars Heikensten, executive director, Nobel Foundation, spoke about the life and inspirations of Alfed Nobel whose legacy created the famed prize. "Nobel knew that good role models- people and organisations can show that it is possible to understand the world and improve it. It is in this spirit that we organise events such as this one," he said. "Persons like Tagore, Raman, Sen and Satyarthi are the role models Nobel was looking for.In the world today, many of his ideals are threatened. Even facts are refuted -climate change is good example of this. Thus, we all have good reason to work on what he believed in," he said.
