The important ingredient for societal transformation would mainly come from science. On 28 February 2006, former President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam spoke these words in his Address to the Nation on National Science Day. Nearly two decades later, Dr Kalam’s words find vindication in letter and spirit as PM Shri Narendra Modi leads India towards ‘Viksit Bharat’ with a technology-driven push that has been noticed and acknowledged by the whole world. Science matters not only for what we discover, but also for what those discoveries make possible for our people.

The real value of scientific progress lies in its ability to improve lives, solve problems and create new opportunities. As India moves forward by leaps and bounds, the aspirations of a developed nation extend beyond economic growth and modern infrastructure. These include better healthcare, more productive agriculture, stronger industries, greater opportunities for young people and a better quality of life for every citizen. Science and technology have a role to play in each of these aspirations. Our task is to ensure that the knowledge we create becomes a force for meaningful change. This is the larger purpose of the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026.

Now in its second edition, ESTIC builds on the national dialogue initiated in 2025 and seeks to strengthen the relationship between scientific research, technological innovation and practical application. It brings together scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, start-ups and young researchers around a shared national ambition. Some of the most important questions before us are also the most immediate. How can scientific advances help farmers improve productivity?

How can research........

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