Vaibhav Summit | 19 Sep 2020

Why in News

Vaishwik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Summit will be inaugurated on 2nd October 2020 - the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

  • It will be followed by online month-long deliberation sessions among researchers.

Key Points

  • About VAIBHAV Summit:
    • It is a global summit of Overseas and Resident Indian scientists and academicians.
    • Key areas of discussion will include: quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning, communications technologies, computational and data sciences and aerospace technologies among others.
  • Objectives:
    • To bring out the comprehensive roadmap to leverage the expertise and knowledge of global Indian researchers for solving emerging challenges.
    • To reflect in-depth on the collaboration and cooperation instruments with academia and scientists in India.
    • To create an ecosystem of Knowledge and Innovation in the country through global outreach.
  • Organisers: The Summit is a joint effort of various Science & Technology (S&T) and Academic organisations, including Department of S&T, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  • Significance:
    • To boost the innovation ecosystem in India, VAIBHAV will add a new dimension to Atal Innovation Mission (AIM).
      • AIM is Government of India’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
    • The summit seeks active support and ideation from Indian Diaspora for developing skills of Indian aspirants in alignment with the New Educational Policy.
      • NEP 2020 aims to pave the way for transformational reforms in school and higher education systems in the country.
    • With Indian roots, global outlook and experience, accomplished scientists, researchers and academicians of Indian descent, around the world can play a vital part in the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative.
      • The initiative is based on 5 pillars- Economy, Infrastructure, System, Vibrant Demography and Demand.
  • Other Government Initiatives involving Overseas Indian:
    • Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on 9th January every year to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India.
    • Know India Program (KIP) is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for diaspora engagement which familiarizes Indian-origin youth (18-30 years) with their Indian roots and contemporary India.
    • VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint Research) Faculty Scheme of the Department of S&T is a dedicated program exclusively for overseas scientists and academicians with emphasis on Non-resident Indians (NRI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)/Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) to work as adjunct/visiting faculty for a specific period of time in Indian Public funded academic and research institutions.