Former Vice President champions vernacular education, corporate responsibility in science labs, and safeguards against artificial intelligence at Hyderabad conclave, Naresh Nunna of Neo Science Hub reports.
“Mother tongue is like your eyesight and English is like a spectacle. If you have eyesight, spectacle will work. Otherwise even if you wear ribbon glasses also, nothing will come,” declared M. Venkaiah Naidu, India’s 13th Vice President, delivering the inaugural address at the National Conclave on “Lab to Society: Role of Science Communication in Building Viksit Bharat @ 2047” at the B.M. Birla Science Centre on Thursday.
Speaking to an audience of distinguished scientists, academics, and industry leaders including Dr. Pavuluri Subba Rao, Dr. D. Srinivas Reddy, Dr. C.M. Nageswara Rao, Dr. C.H. Mohan Rao, Dr. R.B.N. Prasad, and Dr. C.L. Narasimha Rao, the former Vice President delivered a wide-ranging address that spanned education reform, scientific heritage, corporate social responsibility, and urgent warnings about artificial intelligence—all anchored in his conviction that science must be democratized through India’s native languages.
The Language Revolution in Science Education
Naidu’s most emphatic message centered on transforming how science is taught in India. “The day is not far away when science, medicine, engineering—AICTE, UGC are already taking steps to see that these courses are also taught in mother tongue,” he declared. “Mother tongue does not mean Telugu alone. The respective mother tongues of our youngsters—that is the need of the hour.”
His reasoning was both pedagogical and practical. “If you try to teach them in a foreign language, first you should understand the language, next you should understand that subject also. If you teach them in their mother tongue, the subject directly goes to the mind,” Naidu explained, noting with satisfaction that Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares this vision and has already directed AICTE and UGC to move in this direction, with translation work in Indian languages moving faster.
The former Vice President’s metaphor about eyesight and spectacles captured his fundamental argument: vernacular education isn’t a compromise or accommodation—it’s the foundation upon which all other learning depends. English, he suggested, should be a tool, not a barrier.
Academia-Industry Linkages: The Missing Connection
Turning to institutional challenges, Naidu emphasized the critical importance of academia-industry partnerships. “Outcome of research in labs must benefit society at large at an accelerated pace for us as a nation,” he stressed. “This can only be done when you inculcate scientific temper on a widespread scale by creating a sound knowledge base. Equally critical is the need to foster academia-industry linkages.”
He praised the Academy for Science, Technology and Communication (ASTC) for its collaboration with the Eenadu Group, calling it a model of how research and communication must work together. “Communication, research is one important aspect, communication is another important aspect. It’s good that Eenadu Group has joined this conclave in order to collaborate with the Academy,” Naidu observed.
Since its inception in 2004, ASTC has contributed to spreading scientific awareness, and Naidu commended its evolution into organizing annual activities bringing together scientists, engineers, and doctors on common platforms. “I am glad that the objective of the ASTC is a not-for-profit organization, which includes advancement of science, technology and education while bringing together experts from these areas for the diffusion of useful scientific knowledge among the people,” he noted.
Breaking Barriers: Science Communication as National Imperative
Naidu articulated a sophisticated understanding of why science communication matters beyond mere public relations. “There should be a powerful thread meaningfully connecting science, technology and society,” he declared. “Science communication transports lab-based research from specialized silos to broader society. It amplifies the visibility and influence of research outcomes.”
His critique was pointed: “Without effective science communication, discoveries remain confined to academic journals. This in turn limits real-world impacts like policy changes or public health initiatives.”
The former Vice President introduced a memorable formulation about the information age: “Information with confirmation is more than required. Information without confirmation is an abomination. You need to have information with confirmation—that is very much required.”
This “information with confirmation” standard, Naidu argued, helps counter misinformation and encourages public input on research priorities. By reaching larger audiences, science communication influences decisions on global challenges like climate change and public health.
Agriculture and the M.S. Swaminathan Legacy
Drawing on agricultural examples, Naidu highlighted both the promise and pitfalls of scientific communication. “We are all aware that enough information is not given to the farmers, or reaching the farmers, because they are all using different pesticides which are affecting human health also,” he observed.
But he celebrated the transformative impact of effective science when properly deployed. “As a result of the efforts made by the great scientist, the great son of this great country, M.S. Swaminathan, we are able to achieve—once upon a time we used to import food, but now we are in a position to export food. That is the greatness of the scientific community, particularly M.S. Swaminathan,” Naidu declared, his voice conveying both pride and reverence for the agricultural scientist’s legacy.
Reclaiming India’s Scientific Heritage
In a passionate section of his address, Naidu turned to historical grievances and the systematic erasure of India’s scientific contributions. “Once upon a time, India was known as Vishwa Guru. Students from across the globe used to come to Nalanda, Takshashila, Vikramashila University,” he recalled, citing the accounts of Chinese travelers Fa-Hien and Xuanzang who documented ancient India’s scholarly pre-eminence.
“But unfortunately, the destruction made by some of the invaders, and also subsequently India becoming enslaved because of the Britishers’ aggression—they came here, they looted us, they cheated us, they cheated our minds also,” Naidu said. “We were taught that they are the great people and we are ordinary people. We were told to read ‘Robert Clive the Great.’ Great for what? Or whom? ‘Alexander the Great.’ But nothing is mentioned about Veera Pandya Kattabomman, or Alluri Sitarama Raju, or Komaram Bheem, or Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, or Rudrama Devi.”
This historical context, Naidu argued, extends to science itself. “The great efforts made by our seniors, our forefathers—even in science, in astronomy, in various fields—our leaders, our forefathers, the great rishis, they have done great work. But unfortunately, it was not given enough publicity in the public domain because the British were controlling the country.”
Celebrating Unsung Scientific Heroes
Naidu paid tribute to contemporary Indian scientists who have achieved global recognition, calling on the audience to remember their contributions. “We should always recall the great services made by C.R. Rao, Sir C.V. Raman, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, who made us really feel proud by their efforts,” he said.
He specifically highlighted Professor C.R. Rao (Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao), whose work in data science and statistics has become foundational. “Based on the data science research, we can say that this is the result of Mr. Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao’s research. Even if we don’t get publicity, we have to remember the great efforts of so many Indian scientists who stood behind the screen for the sake of humanity,” Naidu emphasized.
He also praised contemporary contributors like Dr. Pavuluri Subba Rao, present on the dais, noting his important role in various ISRO projects including satellite preparation.
The Patent Gap: India’s Competitive Challenge
Addressing India’s position in global innovation metrics, Naidu delivered sobering statistics. “In 2020, India filed 64,485 patents. We have reached 6th place in getting these patents. This is a good development,” he acknowledged. “But China is filing 15 lakhs [1.5 million] patents a year. We are filing 64,000. That’s why we have to go ahead in that matter.”
The former Vice President highlighted instances where India has lost intellectual property rights to its own traditional knowledge. “Turmeric, neem, basmati rice—these are all our traditional products. But foreigners have patented these products. We should take the lead,” he urged.
He cited another example: “The worldwide Gir bull breed—Brazil is patenting it. And we are not showing that much interest in order to develop our own breeds. So we need to focus on such initiatives.”
Corporate Responsibility and Rural Science Infrastructure
Addressing the practical challenge of science education in a vast, predominantly rural nation, Naidu called for innovative solutions leveraging corporate resources. “I appeal to all the private organizations to provide funds for science labs in schools,” he said, before sharing a personal example.
“I remember in Vijayawada, in Hyderabad, in Nellore, we have a trust. My daughter is running that trust for skill development, skill education to the children, to the unemployed rural youth. My son has taken an initiative and he has set up a foundation in Vijayawada,” Naidu revealed.
He described their mobile science laboratory model: “Their main activity is they send buses to the rural villages, to remote schools. Pick up the children from the remote schools, bring them to the headquarters where the lab facility is there, and they are exposed to various labs and given proper understanding. Then again they are dropped into respective villages.”
This solution addresses a critical gap. “Many of the villages’ schools do not have science laboratories—that is the situation because we are a vast country. We are moving faster, we are growing also, but we have great challenges,” Naidu acknowledged. “143 crore [1.43 billion] population—and 60 percent of the people are still in the rural areas. Accessibility to the rural areas and also the educational standards in the rural areas need to be focused and improved.”
The Philosophy of Wealth Sharing
Naidu connected scientific advancement to deeper Indian philosophical values. “Share and care is the core of Indian philosophy,” he declared. “If we don’t grow, how will we survive? So we must increase wealth. Wealth does not mean only financial. Knowledge also is wealth. We are moving towards a knowledge economy.”
He expressed confidence in Indian intellectual capacity. “There is no dearth of knowledge among Indian children. This land, this water, this air—it has something special. You look at the international scenario—so many multinational companies have Indians as CEOs. Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella—they proved that they are second to none, and that’s why they have been chosen to head these institutions.”
This global success, Naidu argued, should inspire domestic investment in young minds. “We should encourage more and more research, more and more scientific temper among the children so that they take interest in the future and then become something in their life.”
The Need for Centers of Excellence
The former Vice President called for systematic infrastructure development. “We will need to have Centers of Excellence in every state. There must be institutions in that regard,” he urged, linking this to the broader goal of ensuring that science and technology are utilized for advancing knowledge and enhancing people’s capacities so they can help larger sections of society.
Social Media: Promise and Peril
Naidu addressed the double-edged nature of digital communication platforms. “Science communication can become more effective by leveraging platforms like social media,” he acknowledged. “Rapid dissemination and feedback can be utilized by utilizing social media.”
But his warning was stark: “Now the social media unfortunately has become anti-social media. They put up headlines. You go through the inside lines—there is nothing inside. This is what is happening. And some people want to make headlines so that it becomes popular, so they get weightage.”
His counsel was clear: “We should not be carried away by misinformation. The social media has to be utilized, channelized in a proper manner so that information goes to the people.”
The AI Warning: An Urgent Appeal
Perhaps the most urgent section of Naidu’s address concerned artificial intelligence—a topic he approached with both humility and alarm. “I appeal to the scientific community and also technological experts to see that proper ways and means are found to arrest the misuse of AI,” he declared. “Otherwise AI is going to create havoc. I’m already afraid.”
Acknowledging his limitations with characteristic candor—”I don’t have a science base. I’m a law student. I have only common sense”—Naidu nevertheless articulated concerns grounded in concrete examples.
“Yesterday I saw Atal Bihari Vajpayee going to heaven and then meeting Abdul Kalam, and Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley were congratulating Atal Bihari Vajpayee. That is the positive side, okay,” he recounted, referring to AI-generated content. “But negative side—somebody can enter your house as your own family member. Then you can imagine what is going to happen.”
His appeal was direct: “We must see to it that proper structures are created in order to stop the misuse of this technological advancement.”
Education as Mission, Not Commission
Concluding his address with a play on words that captured his vision, Naidu declared: “In education, it should be a mission—mission, not expecting any commission, or doing any omission, or giving any remission. You must have passion for the nation. Nation means people.”
“If you have that passion and then work hard in every institution, definitely you will be able to move forward and then attain once again the top place in the international community,” he said.
His final appeal to organizations was comprehensive: “Encourage excellence, encourage research as part of your activity so that society can move forward and the benefits of science and technology can reach people.”
A Personal Note
Before departing for a lighthouse function in Visakhapatnam, Naidu apologized for having to leave the conference early. “I feel sorry that I have to leave the conference in between,” he said, his commitment to multiple public engagements evident even as he delivered one of the conclave’s most comprehensive addresses.
The former Vice President’s speech—ranging from the pedagogical power of mother tongue education to the existential risks of artificial intelligence, from ancient Indian universities to modern patent races, from rural science buses to global corporate leadership—painted a vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 built on linguistic pride, scientific temper, corporate responsibility, and ethical technology governance.
As he departed the Bhaskara Auditorium, Naidu left behind not just policy prescriptions but a philosophical framework: that India’s scientific future must be rooted in its cultural strengths, that knowledge is wealth to be shared rather than hoarded, and that the ultimate goal of all scientific endeavor is human welfare—a mission demanding both passion and caution in equal measure.
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