Over a period of time, India has progressively and perceptibly paved way for development in the field of Science and Technology.

The 21^st century in India is apparently marked as the beginning towards an advancement in terms of technology and enrichment of knowledge base in the fields of Science.

At present, India holds a strong position in terms of advanced technology. India also serves as a knowledge warehouse with the existence of its many institutions catering to Science and Technology which come with qualified and trained manpower.

Areas of Development

Let us now discuss the different areas which undergo development with the advancement in Science and Technology −

• Higher education

• Scientific research and development

• Technological development

• Advancement of agricultural system

• Development of space science and technology

• Development of medical science and technology

• Development of infrastructure

• Information and communication technology

• Development of various fields of engineering (including software, chemical, mechanical, civil, electrical, electronic, etc.)

Likewise, India has strong scientific and technological base that spreads across the country in the form of academic institutions, research and development laboratories, advanced medical center (with research facilities), experimental centers, and different advanced industries.

Because of the development in all spheres of Science and technology, today, India is unquestionably a leading developing country in the world.

Science & Technology and Industry in India

Over the recent past, Science and Technology has made tremendous contribution towards the settlement of industries in India.

Starting from the micro level to the macro level, research and development in the field of technology has created an ideal niche for the overall growth of the economic condition of the country. The perceptible examples are the development of Atomic Energy, Space Science, dozens of successful satellite systems, advanced medical technologies, etc.

After the independence, it was not possible for India to depend on other countries for various aspects of development; therefore, the development of indigenous technology was indispensable for the overall development of a country.

Thankfully, today, Indian technologies and companies are as competent as in other developed countries. India is also a lead in various fields, and is a tough competitor for other countries.

If we discuss about the skilled human resources, many Indians are at top-notch positions in leading companies.

Indian industries started flourishing post 1990, i.e., the landmark era. Globalization, liberalization, and privatization, facilitated this growth. The industries catering to Information & Technology, Atomic Energy, Automotive, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Pharmaceutical, Petroleum, etc. have increased at global level.

On the other hand, the Government of India has also made sizable investment in the field of research and development to encourage the advancement of Indian economy.

For consistent and efficient growth, various initiatives have been taken by establishing the following organizations −

• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) center
• Department of Science and Technology (DST)
• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMA)
• Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)
• Central Drug Research Institute
• Centre for the Study of Developing Societies
• Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute
• Central Food Technological Research Institute
• Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (CGCRI)
• Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering
• Central Institute of Brackish Water Aquaculture
• Central Soil Salinity Research Institute
• Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST)
• Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR)
• Institute of Economic Growth
• Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB)
• National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT)
• National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research
• National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)

Likewise, there are dozens of other such scientific research centers, which have been set up for the overall economic growth of the country.

Science & Technology and Society in India

The growth, peace, and security of a society is directly related to the development of the technology; as Science and Technology in a way influences the development as well as security of the society.

Consider the following points to understand how the security of a society is directly related to the development of the technology −

• CCTV Camera at various locations (especially at public places) is one of the best examples of keeping crime under surveillance and it also provides a sense of security to the people.

• Because of the advancement in technology, today, there is a reduce in communication gap; people have the information of where their near and dear ones are and are just a phone call away at times of need.

• The job of the police has become easier, as police can trace criminals easily.

• Besides, because of the advancement of technology, today, most of the villages in India have electricity, road, and can avail for essential facilities.

• People, who are residing in even very remote part of the country, have the benefit of entertaining themselves and upgrading their knowledge through the different programmes broadcast on television (with dozens of channels).

• Telecommunications network towers have been set up at the remotest of the remote regions too.

Therefore, Science and Technology is like a boon for the overall scientific and economic development of the country.