JODHPUR : Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur and Jodhpur City Knowledge and Innovation Foundation (JCKIF) collaboratively hosting a two-day Scientific Workshop under the aegis of G20-Chief Science Advisers Roundtable (G20-CSAR), which witnesses intense discussion on Plan and Policy for S&T Powered Global Action. G20-CSAR is the flagship event under India’s G20 Presidency and led by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
The two day-long roundtable discussion is witnessing deliberations under the broad themes of Diversity, Gender and Social Inclusion and Opportunities in One Health for wellbeing of all; Synergizing sustainable solutions for robust one health ecosystem.
Under the theme “Diversity, Gender and Social Inclusion and Opportunities”; panel discussion on social Inclusion and Diversity, the panellists discussed the role played by the scientific advisers in shaping policy choices and how the Inclusion of Traditional Knowledge Systems (TKS) plays a vital role in addressing transboundary issues in formal system of knowledge and recognizing the potential of language diversity and addressing the bottlenecks in accessing scientific knowledge.
Talking about the significance of Diversity and Inclusivity in Science, Prof. Santanu Chaudhury, Director, IIT Jodhpur, said, “Embracing diversity and inclusivity in science is not just a choice, but a collective responsibility. At IIT Jodhpur, we take pride in having the largest number of women faculty, symbolizing our commitment to fostering diversity in academia. Our department buildings stand as a testament to our dedication, equipped with lifts and facilities to ensure easy mobility for all. Through consistent efforts, we are not only addressing inclusivity but also integrating technology as a powerful tool for empowerment. This fusion of inclusivity and technology paves the way for a brighter, more equitable future. As we focus on empowering women in STEM, leveraging technology as an inclusion tool, and upholding our rich value system, India stands at the forefront. Science and technology become true catalysts for inclusion. With innovations like ‘Anubhashini,’ enabling seamless spoken translation, and the ever-evolving UPI technology, we at IIT Jodhpur are shaping an inclusive world inside our campus where opportunities know no boundaries.”
Ms. Ajaa Sharma, Quest Alliance, Bengaluru during her address, said, “True inclusion goes beyond access; it delves into the realm of ‘accessibility,’ crafting meaningful pathways that empower marginalized voices within STEM. To foster genuine inclusion, we must transform mindsets, fortify systems, and create immersive learning journeys, erasing boundaries between formal and informal knowledge. Let our narratives be shaped by social inclusion, and our solutions nurtured by relatable role models, lighting the way for all.”
Dr. Varun Sharma, Aravalli and Arpan Seva Sansthan, NGO, said, “Unlocking the true potential of science and technology demands a three-fold approach: engaging diverse stakeholders to enrich perspectives, dispelling the shadows of misinformation, and igniting a wildfire of participation across all spectrums of society.”
The workshop is being attended by 33 eminent scientists and researchers representing 20 research institutions spanning various domains. The objective of the deliberation is to create a future where access to health and scholarly scientific knowledge is not limited by geographical boundaries or economic constraints for the growth of science.
As a facilitator of this workshop, JCKIF played a pivotal role in bringing together research and scientific experts for meaningful discussions on expanding global access to scholarly scientific knowledge. This event marks a significant milestone towards setting a global precedent in sharing and discussing pressing issues of global interest and moderating discussions on Health for all.
As the session came to a close, Dr. G.S Toteja, CEO of JCKIF expressed his gratitude to all the attendees and participating organizations who contributed to the success of the roundtable.
