Prof. Satyajit Majumdar delivered a thought-provoking address at the Plenary Session on “Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for Societal Applications (Beyond GDP towards Atmanirbhar & Viksit Bharat)” at the National Conclave on Endogenous Sustainable Development ‘Abhyudaya’ in New Delhi.
The session brought together key institutions including Vibha Vani India, National Innovation Foundation – India (NIF), Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, CSIR-NIScPR, and CRDT–IIT Delhi to advance an actionable agenda for development rooted in indigenous knowledge, grassroots innovation, and community participation.
Emphasising a shift beyond GDP-led growth, Prof. Majumdar highlighted the need for science and technology to be deeply embedded in social and cultural contexts. He stressed that innovation must be co-created with communities, noting that people at the grassroots are not beneficiaries but primary stakeholders in shaping sustainable solutions.
Reinforcing the idea that there is no universal model of development, he called for contextual, locally driven approaches that integrate modern technology with traditional knowledge systems.
The session underscored the importance of collaborative action across government, institutions, and communities to build a self-reliant and sustainable future.
