New Delhi: The grand Presidential Estate
here will play host to 'Exhibition of Innovations', an effort
to promote the innovative spirit and knowledge besides
encouraging grassroots innovators.
The exhibition, inaugurated today by President Pratibha
Patil is "perhaps the first time ever that a Head of State
anywhere, has hosted an exhibition of innovations," a
Rashtrapati Bhavan statement said.
The showcasing of this exhibition is in consonance with
the vision of the President and inspiration received by the
nation, following the declaration of this decade as the Decade
of Innovation, it said.
"The President feels that the ?business as usual' approach
will not do and there is a need for focusing on new ways of
doing things in this decade. The event is therefore a lead
taken by Rashtrapati Bhavan in this direction," it said.
The exhibition, open for public till March 14 from 10:00
AM to 17:00 PM, is to promote the innovative spirit and
knowledge, encourage grassroots innovators and follow-up the
process by bringing industry and manufacturers together to
make the new products available for people easily.
The principal theme of the exhibition is innovations
which impact agricultural production and related fields.
Innovators are hopeful their products on display could,
through this opportunity, move forward towards
commercialisation.
The exhibition has participation from 32 innovators
from around the country, with 36 innovations and products
showcased. These include 9 new plant varieties, 3 innovations
by students, 14 related to the agriculture and farming sectors
and four energy and environment related exhibits.
"She (Patil) was keen that the exhibits do not remain
merely as displays and efforts should be made to take the
next steps forward. This would involve helping the innovators
link-up with the industry and marketing agencies to fine tune
their creations and then bring their products into the market.
"If found necessary, the President's Secretariat would
assist by asking the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises, to help wherever required," the Rashtrapati
Bhavan statement said.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 18:29