In this article, we are going to cover the history of Karnataka Science and Technology Academy, the vision of the organization, the mission of the organization, and the objectives of the organization. Let’s read now.
History of KSTA
Proposal
The Minister of State for Planning, Govt of India requests the Dy Chief Ministers and the Minister of Science & Technology to set up a Science and Technology Academy at that time. He highlighted the fact that If science & technology are not developed in the competitive world, the youth can not grow properly. Shri N. Seshagiri Rao had advocated for the establishment of the academy at the Kannadigara Jagruti Samavesha.
Announcement
The establishment of the Science and Technology Academy was announced by the then Hon’ble Chief Ministers during the Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations between November 1, 2004, and July 30, 2005.
Establishment
The Karnataka Science & Technology Academy was founded on July 30, 2005. The purpose of the Academy is to advance science and technology in the Karnataka state, to foster basic science education, and to encourage scientific understanding among students and the all-around public.
Constitution of Committee /Chairmanship of Prof. UR Rao
A committee was formed, consisting of Additional Chief Secretaries/Principal Secretaries from relevant Government Departments, along with distinguished individuals from the field of science and technology, as nominated members, from 30 July 2005 to 04 September 2005.
Inauguration
It was officially opened on September 4, 2005.
First Reconstitution
The government reappointed the Chairman and Members on November 4, 2008, with their term lasting from November 4, 2008, to April 6, 2009.
Autonomous Organisation
It was recognized as a liberated association under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, of 1960 by the Govt.
2nd Reconstitution
The govt reshuffled the Chairman and Members on May 28, 2012.
3rd Reconstitution
The govt reappointed the Chairman and Members on November 4, 2015.
Dr. S. K. Shivakumar nominated as Chairman
Following the unfortunate passing of Prof. U. R. Rao, the Government appointed Dr. S. K. Shivakumar, former Director of the RR Satellite Center, as Chairman from November 1, 2017, to May 21, 2020.
Reconstitution of Committee under the Chairmanship of Prof. S. Ayyappan
04th Reconstitution: Reformed under the leadership of Prof. S. Ayyappan, Chancellor of Central Agricultural University, Imphal, and former Director General of ICAR/Secretary of DARE, Government of India, on May 21, 2020.
Vision
The vision of the organization is to nurture and enable Knowledge, Science, & Technology for All. The overall goal is to create a society where knowledge, scientific progress, and technology aren’t just restricted to an elite few but are harnessed to empower and benefit everyone. It’s about democratizing these critical aspects of human progress to ensure that no one is left behind in the age of rapid change.
Mission
The mission of the organization is divided into four paradigms.
- Science promotion
- Technology dissemination
- fostering Innovations
- Societal Welfare
Together, these elements aim to bring about a holistic approach to societal development where knowledge and innovation are harnessed to solve real-world problems and improve the quality of life for all members of society.
Objectives
- Promote scientific thinking within civil society through effective science communication, especially in Kannada.
- Encourage the spread of technology through collaboration between academia, agriculture, and industry, with a particular emphasis on rural communities.
- Support innovation and entrepreneurship for the betterment of society.
- Acknowledge and honor talent and contributions with awards.
- Organize conferences and outreach programs.
- Operate as a resource center for creating capability in cutting-edge areas of science & technology.
- Serve as an advisory body for science, technology, and innovation policies at the state level.
Science Tourism: A New Initiative
In recent years, various types of tourism have been on the rise, including arts and culture, monuments, pilgrimage centers, agriculture, industry, war memorials, and more. Science tourism is also gaining attention, involving science parks, institutions, and sites linked to scientific legends, with some even offering degree programs abroad.
As the Karnataka govt has been a supervisor in science & technology since the 1950s, Bengaluru, the city is known as a Science City. The Karnataka Science & Technology Academy is promoting science tourism as a new opportunity. This would create a win-win scenario for both stakeholders running institutions and enterprises, as well as for tourists. It could be represented as a model for the Depts of Science & Technology, Agriculture, Industry, and Tourism.
Objectives
- To introduce science tourism as a novel aspect of infotainment.
- To document both historical and modern science and technology sites across the State.
- To create science tourism packages for various regions within the State.
- To design short-term and long-term capacity-building initiatives in science tourism.
- To foster entrepreneurship in science tourism by supporting incubators and start-ups.
- To publish educational materials relevant to both students and businesses.
Process
- Developing a network of depts and agencies that will focus on Tourism /Science & Technology across various sectors such as Science & Technology, Higher Education, Agriculture, Horticulture, Sericulture, Dairying, Fisheries, and Corporate R&D organizations.
- Engaging in consultations with experts from both the Tourism sector and other relevant domains to discuss ideas and actions. Facilitating stakeholder discussions to explore available resources across different sectors for tourism.
- Collaborating with District Science Centres, DST, and the Government of Karnataka to promote customized tourism in districts, targeting both students and the general public, using forest trekking as an example.
- Start training programs in science tourism for rural youth and university students.
- Establishing incubators in farms and institutions with stakeholder involvement to mentor candidates, supported by input from professionals.
- Identifying science tourism centers and entrepreneurs.
Administrative / Financial
- An announcement inviting proposals from District Science Centres, other relevant Departments, and potential entrepreneurs will be posted on the KSTA website, along with a brief application form.
- A brainstorming session will be organized, involving experts and stakeholders, to develop a strategy paper on Science Tourism.
- The Resource Mobilisation Committee of the Academy will create the framework for the proposed aspects, including capacity building, pilot projects, and related initiatives.
- KSTA will provide need-based, limited financial support according to established terms, such as funding for specific purposes like brainstorming sessions, training programs with resource experts, and collaborations with various institutions through MoUs, in line with existing provisions.
- Workshops and meetings will be scheduled according to KSTA’s policies.