“Research and Innovations Ecosystem Development”
Swadeshi Shodh Sansthan, a vision-oriented wing of Swadeshi Jagran Manch established with the mission of building a Prosperous and Great Bharat by 2047, organized an important talk on 25th September 4:30 pm. Dr. Sapna Poti was the principal speaker of this event. She currently serves as Director, Strategic Alliances in the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Member of NITI Aayog’s Expert Group on “Skill Development for Mountain States”, and Member of the “Earth Summit Advisory Council”, an initiative by NABARD.
The event was graced by eminent dignitaries including Shri Satish Kumar ji (Akhil Bhartiya Seh-Sangathak, Swadeshi Jagran Manch), Shri Anil Sharma ji (Akhil Bhartiya Seh-Sampark Pramukh, Swadeshi Jagran Manch), Prof. Pradeep Chauhan (General Secretary, Swadeshi Shodh Sansthan and Senior Professor of Economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi), Dr. Sarabjeet Kaur (Secretary, Swadeshi Shodh Sansthan and Assistant Professor of Economics at Zakir Husain Delhi College, Evening, University of Delhi), Prof. Nandini Sinha Kapoor (Chapter Head, Delhi Chapter, SSS and Director, School of Interdisciplinary Studies, IGNOU), Prof. Suresh Kumar (Co-Chapter Head, Delhi Chapter and Professor, Department of African Studies, University of Delhi), among others.
Dr. Compesh Pannu (Core Team Member, Swadeshi Shodh Sansthan) introduced and welcomed the keynote speaker, Dr. Sapna Poti, on behalf of the Sansthan. She also highlighted Dr. Poti’s major achievements and awards.
Keynote Address
Dr. Poti began her address with a briefing on MANTHAN, an initiative driven by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA). The platform holds the potential to transform the landscape of science and technology driven social impact innovations and solutions in India. It is designed to empower stakeholders by enhancing collaboration with researchers and innovators, fostering R&D and innovation, addressing challenges related to emerging technologies and scientific interventions, and highlighting the broader social impact of science and technology-based solutions.
MANTHAN is built on four core pillars
- Opportunity Creation– including calls for early-stage and market-ready innovations.
- Proposal Submission– facilitating collaboration, R&D, and project proposals.
- Innovation Exhibition– showcasing innovations through virtual expos and exhibitions organized by partners.
- Conference/Meeting Facility– providing virtual spaces for webinars, conferences, and stakeholder consultations.
So far, MANTHAN has mobilized nearly ₹800 crore through research projects from across the world. Its centres of excellence include sustainability, education, AI, telecom, among others. The platform has also partnered with schools such as Sarvodaya and Sangh-affiliated institutions, and is actively working on initiatives to promote women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Dr. Poti also explained the concept of RuTAGe (Rural Technology Action Group) Smart Village Centres (RSVC) – Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3, which form an integral part of the larger MANTHAN platform. Key implementation partners include Gramin Foundation, Seva International, and others.
The Way Forward
In conclusion, Dr. Poti offered several forward-looking suggestions:
- More R&D should be conducted in rural areas using the latest technologies.
- Innovations should be pursued only when there is a genuine need.
- The Government of India should strengthen its focus on rural development and agricultural challenges.
Remarks and Closing
Shri Satish Kumar ji (Akhil Bhartiya Seh-Sangathak, Swadeshi Jagran Manch) welcomed and thanked the keynote speaker. He emphasized the relevance of 25th September in connection with Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay’s vision for the nation and Swadeshi. He also congratulated Dr. Poti for being part of such a significant initiative and expressed hope for future collaborations with Swadeshi Shodh Sansthan.
Shri Anil Sharma ji also extended his congratulations to Dr. Poti for leading such an inspiring initiative in research and innovation. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Pradeep Chauhan, followed by a fruitful Q&A session.
