Tirupati, Dec 26 (UNI) union Minister of State for Science& Technology Dr Jitendra Singh has asserted that India has successfully bridged tradition with modernity by preserving core civilisational values while simultaneously embracing cutting-edge technologies with the ultimate aim to ensure ease of living for common citizens. 
The Minister was addressing the inaugural session of the Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan 2025 at the National Sanskrit University on Friday. He highlighted that India’s transformation into a global science and technology leader over the last decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been possible by decisive policy support. 
The Minister said India’s indigenous missile and defence technologies have demonstrated their credibility and reliability, leading to growing international demand. These capabilities, he said, are the result of sustained investments in atomic energy, space, and advanced research over the past decade. 
Highlighting India’s rapid innovation growth, the Minister said the number of startups has increased from around 300-400 in 2014 to nearly 200,000 today, placing India among the top three startup ecosystems globally. “India’s rank in the Global Innovation Index has improved from 81 to 38, while the country now stands sixth worldwide in patent filings, with more than half of the patents being filed by resident Indians,” he said. 
Dr Jitendra Singh observed that India’s achievements in space and strategic technologies have drawn global attention and cited the country’s lunar missions, which provided the first confirmed evidence of water on the moon and achieved the world’s first landing near the lunar South Pole. 
The union Minister mentioned the growing strength of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem, noting that defence exports have reached Rs 23,662 crore, with Indian-made systems being supplied to nearly 100 countries. 
Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised that science in India is no longer confined to laboratories but is being used to enhance ease of living through initiatives such as smart cities, telemedicine, satellite-based communication, geotagging, and digital governance platforms. 
He stated that major national missions, including space, nuclear energy, deep ocean exploration, Himalayan research and the Aroma Mission, are opening new frontiers for economic growth and youth entrepreneurship. 
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu mentioned that platforms like the Bharatiya Vijnan Sammelan provide an important space to reflect on Indian identity, culture, and intellectual heritage. He said the Sammelan is playing a vital role in presenting Indian knowledge traditions to the world and expanding their global understanding.