Kris Gopalakrishnan, one of the co-founders of Infosys and a trustee of the Pratiksha Trust, recently underscored the significance of India establishing itself as a leading force in global research and development. During the presentation of the DMDSC Lifetime Contribution Award 2024 by Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre (DMDSC), Gopalakrishnan emphasized the imperative for India to concentrate on translational research and advocate for top-tier R&D efforts on a global scale.
In his impassioned address, Gopalakrishnan delineated several pivotal areas where India could make substantial contributions, such as increasing investment in research, fostering collaboration with visiting scholars, and establishing large-scale mission mode programmes. He emphasized that India should strive to transition towards an economy centred on products and intellectual property, positioning the country for economic growth and leadership in technological advancement.
Gopalakrishnan also urged for the support of world-class research in India, while encouraging more students to pursue careers in science and research. He emphasized the significance of creating technology and products that would be utilized and adopted by other countries, thereby solidifying India’s position on the global stage.
Furthermore, he underscored the necessity for India to develop capacity for large programmes within its academic and research institutions. Pointing to India’s success in space exploration due to mission mode programmes and committed funding, Gopalakrishnan urged leaders to identify strategic areas aligned with national interests and to focus on taking innovations ‘from India to the world’.
During the event, he also expressed support for research in the field of brain science, demonstrating his commitment to advancing medical research in general and brain research in particular.
Earlier in the day, Gopalakrishnan inaugurated a “Diabetes Museum” at the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation’s (MDRF) facility in Siruseri. This innovative museum, established in collaboration with TANUVAS, features displays showcasing the evolution of the pancreas across various animal species and pays homage to prominent figures in the field of diabetes, including Nobel laureates.
The event culminated with the presentation of the DMDSC Lifetime Contribution Award to Gopalakrishnan by T. S. Surendran, chairman of Sankara Nethralaya. The recognition acknowledges Gopalakrishnan’s pivotal role in advancing medical research and his unwavering commitment to driving innovation in the scientific community.
Overall, Gopalakrishnan’s thought-provoking remarks and dedication to fostering a culture of research and development reflect a powerful vision for India’s future. By prioritizing translational research, investing in cutting-edge technologies, and nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders, India can undoubtedly emerge as a global powerhouse in R&D.