Indian science and technology must make a greater difference to the lives of our people. This requires not just more Government investment in science and technology, though it is a must, but also more private investment in R&D and innovation. The visible changes in a variety of sectors, from pharamaceuticals and biotechnology to the automotive industry, are of course very refreshing. They are are indications of shape to things to come. These efforts should be multiplied manifold. Last week, I was informed of a breakthrough discovery, of a new molecule to treat a dreadful disease like Tuberculosis. I am told this is the first new molecule to appear since 1963. Th achievement is entirely due to a unique public-private partnership between manufacturing firms and public institutions, through CSIR's New Millennium Technology initiatives. Since tuberculosis takes a toll of 5 lakh lives each year in our country, this discovery could be of immense social & economic significance. We need more partenrship that create leadership for industry while helping the nation combat problems of the common man, such as disease. I assure you that in so far our government has a role, our Government is fully committed to give science and technology a place of pride in all our national endeavours. I wish to take thihs opportunity to share with you a few specific thoughts and our Government's ideas on contemporary science, technology, medicine and agriculture in India. Let me recall what Louis Pasteur said in 1871. He said, There does not exist a category of  science to which one can give the name applied science. There are science and the applications of science, bound together as the fruit of the tree which bears it. This as historically been charactersistic. The tree bears it. I would also suggest that but for the connivance or active help rendered by the railway officials, this would not have assumed such a large proportion and a concerted action must be taken with regard to that also, namely, instantaneous action should be taken to punish the persons who are involved in helping the ticketless travellers. That the planning commission had not developed appropriate criteria and secondly that it had not worked out the annual plans.
