Mysore/Mysuru: Former Vice-Chancellor (VC) of University of Mysore (UoM) Prof. K.S. Rangappa has said that “Science is not a small subject as every country is largely dependent on Science. It exists in the blood of every living being.”

He was speaking at the  one-day programme ‘G20 University Connect: Engaging Young Minds’ hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, Research and Information System For Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi and National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru in collaboration with Department of International Relations, Maharaja’s College, University of Mysore (UoM), at Vijnana Bhavan auditorium in Manasagangothri here on Monday (May 15).

Prof. Rangappa, who is also the Emeritus Scientist of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Ambassador of Hokkaido University, Japan, said that “A country can progress with Science-based researches. But the funds allotted for research activities in India is meagre. Hence, the scientists and experts are looking towards other countries. If we can’t achieve progress in the field of Science, we can’t achieve maturity in other fields. The conducive environment for research must be created at our own country and the researchers should be provided required facilities.”

Dr. Seshadri Chari, Member of Governing Council, RIS, asserted that “We should view the whole world as a family, not market. Even if one among the family members is in pain, it is like the whole world is in pain. Hence we should strive for the welfare of the family (world) and wish a happy living for all on the lines of Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah Sarve Santu Niramaya (May everyone be happy).”

Dr. N. Krishna Prasad, Managing Director, Nature Bell Wellness, Mysuru, said “Ayurveda is the root of medicine of India.  It is beneficial for health and will teach about practicing a healthy life. If we see TV or cellphone while having food, we can’t focus on food. It will also seriously affect the brain.”

 A session titled ‘Young Scholars Round Table on G20’ was also held on the occasion, followed by talks on various topics like ‘Space Technology and Governance: Agenda for G20’ by Harini Madhusudan, Ph.D scholar, NIAS; ‘Climate Action: Agenda for G20’ by Akriti Sharma, Ph.D Scholar, NIAS; ‘Maritime Governance: Agenda for G20’ by Padma Shri Anandan, Research Associate, NIAS; ‘Addressing Maritime Plastic: What G20 can do?’ by K. Varsha, PG Scholar, Madras Christian College, Chennai; ‘Green Energy Transition and Sustainable Development: Solar Agriculture’ by Renuka Hiremath, Ph.D scholar, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi;  ‘Heritage Conservation: Technology and Heritage Conservation’ by G. Harish Raya, PG scholar, Maharaja’s College, University of Mysore; ‘Renewable Energy: EVs and Batteries’ by Gadilingappa, Ph.D scholar, VTU and ‘Ecosystem  for Disaster Management: Building a Resilient World Equipped to Deal with Disasters’ by D. Kavya, PG scholar, UoM.

Principal of Maharaja’s College Prof. C.A. Sreedhara and HoD of International Relations Dr. Bharati Hiremath were present.