NEW DELHI: The young minds who possess a scientific temper are the country's most viable and trustworthy assets which if tapped can be the mascot for the 'Make in India' campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said.

Addressing scientists on the occasion of 72nd Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Day, Singh said the young minds were India's best assets.

"They (children) are made in India. They are viable and trustworthy assets of the country because they are made in India and they would help Make in India.

"I will talk to the Prime Minister about this (making students mascot of Make in India campaign)," Singh, who distributed awards to scientists and students, said.

 Modi launched his government's ambitious 'Make in India' project with a view to make the country a manufacturing hub.

The Minister said it was essential to tap the students with scientific aptitude from a very young age so that they can honed for the future.

"If we have to carry forward the scientific legacy and go ahead, we have to tap these young brains," Singh, who holds the charges of Departments of Atomic Energy and Space and Ministries of Science & Technology and Earth Science, said.

He also applauded the CSIR scientists for the work carried out by them despite several odds.

Speaking on the occasion, CSIR Director General PS Ahuja said the publishing record of scientists of different institutes coming under the CSIR banner was improving significantly.

He, however, added that the although the patent filing has increased this year, the number of patents received have decreased.