Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Natarajan said that the time has come when one can no longer afford to ignore the mismatch between development and sustainability. Giving further explanation of his point, he said that economics and ecology must go hand in hand. Talking about the concept of inter-generation equity, he said that the present generation is accountable to the future generation, and so the precious natural resources should be saved for the future generation.
Dwelling at length on issues like global warming, pollution, depletion of resources, Prof Natarajan, said that technology should not be at the cost of ecology, and that the balance between the advancement of science and its uses is a must.
Stressing that improvement in the energy scenario is very important for development of the country, Prof Natarajan said that apart from traditional sources of energy which are depleting, alternative sources of energy should be considered like use of nuclear energy which can ensure quality and efficiency.
\\"One of the concerns of the scientific community is how to meet the demand for energy causing the least harm to the earth,\\" said Prof Natarajan.
It may be mentioned here that about 500 leading scientists, including many from foreign countries, are participating in the three-day meet.
A total of 365 research papers would be presented during the technical deliberations.
On the other hand, Prof Gautam Barua, director, IIT Guwahati, while speaking at the inaugural function, said that heat and mass transfer was an area of great practical relevance and intellectual challenge.
AK Saikia, chairman, Board of Governors of IIT Guwahati, addressing the dignitaries, said that the conclave of budding and eminent scientists would boost research in the North-east.
Earlier, welcoming the dignitaries, Prof S.C. Mishra, organizing secretary, expressed the hope that the scientific deliberations would make a difference towards larger social development.