The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the 7th Biennial Grassroots Innovations Awards and inaugurated the Exhibition of Innovations at Sports Ground of Rashtrapati Bhavan today (March 7, 2013).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said the achievements of the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) over the last decade, based on the voluntary contribution of thousands of Honey Bee Network members are creditable. He said that reaching out to different villages through Shodh Yatras, a new idiom of social connectivity has been achieved at the grassroots level. Recognizing creative people at their doorsteps sends a message that the country cares for the rich knowledge of otherwise less- known people, he added.

The President wished innovators all the success in their future endeavours and hoped that they would continue striving for reducing drudgery, improving efficiency, and enhancing the quality of life of the masses without impairing their environment.

Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, National Innovation Foundation also presented the book ‘India Innovates’ to the President.

Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Shri S. Jaipal Reddy, Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. RA Mashelkar, Chairperson, National Innovation Foundation, Prof. Anil K. Gupta, Vice Chairperson, National Innovation Foundation and Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology.