Mysuru: The 103rd Indian Science Congress (ISC) began here today with Prime Minister Narendra Modi giving a new mantra comprising five Es for scientists' enquiry and engineering.

"The impact of science will be the most when scientists and technologists will keep the principles of what I call Five Es at the centre of their enquiry and engineering," Modi told a galaxy of distinguished scientists, Nobel laureates and hundreds of students.

The five Es Modi listed are Economy, Environment, Energy, Empathy and Equity.

"Economy is when we find cost effective and efficient solutions, environment when our carbon footprint is the lightest and its impact on ecology is least possible, energy when our prosperity relies less on energy and energy we use keeps sky blue and earth green," Modi said in his inaugural address of the five-day annual event.

Explaining the other two Es, the prime minister said empathy would be when efforts are in tune with one's culture, circumstance and social challenges.

"Equity is when science advances inclusive development and improves the welfare of the weakest," Modi said at the semi-circular amphitheatre in the sprawling Mansagangotri campus of the University of Mysore, about 140 km from the state capital and science and technology hub Bengaluru.

Besides Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala, state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, union Minister for Science and Technology Harsh Vardhan and renowned scientist CNR Rao, honoured with the country's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna, were present on the occasion. (IANS)