PM to present Nehru award to Ratan Tata

Chennai: Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata will be presented the Jawaharlal Nehru Award by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the five-day 98th Indian Science Congress, beginning on Monday, "for his contributions to Indian society and development of the Nano car."

"The Prime Minister will present the Jawaharlal Nehru award to Ratan Tata for his contributions to Indian society and for developing the Nano car, making it more affordable to the common man. The award will comprise a gold medal and a citation," Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) General President K C Pandey told reporters.

He said Tata has confirmed his participation in the inaugural session on Monday.

Pandey said Tata had been shortlisted from six finalists by an ISCA committee.

He said six Nobel laureates - Prof Amartya Sen, Dr Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, Dr Ada Yonath, Dr Thomas Steitz, Dr Tim Hunt and Dr Martin Chalfie will participate in the Congress and deliver special lectures.

Organisers ISCA have already received about 7,500 registrations so far, which was expected to cross 9,000 once the conference begins, he said.

SRM University Vice Chancellor Satyanarayana said this was the first time six Nobel laureates and Ratan Tata will be participating in the Congress, being held at the university at suburban Kattankulathur.

"If the registration crosses 9,000 then it will be the\ largest event," he said, adding, a special session has also been planned for students ts to meet the Nobel Laureates.

Pandey later said the Prime Minister would also give away the Jawaharlal Nehru scientific award to Defence Research Development Organisation Director (DRDO) General Saraswat.

Besides Singh, Union Telecom Minister and HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, his deputy Purandeswari, Home Minister P Chidambaram, Chemical and Fertilizers Minister M K Alagiri and Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin would also participate in the inaugural, Pandey said.

The Congress will conclude on January 7. About 16 plenary sessions are planned to be held during the conference and that over 100 scientists from various countries are expected to participate in the event, Pandey said.

Security at the venue has been tightened with deployment of over 5,000 police personnel.