Laying emphasis on school education, Rao said schools were the best breeding ground for children and by strengthening these institutions Karnataka could become one of the best states in the country.
Rao also urged the government to allocate more funds for encouraging science and scientific research so that India becomes a leading nation like the US and China.
"I wish CNR Rao, a great scientist, wins Nobel Prize for his contribution in Chemistry," he said.
Siddaramaiah said Rao was a living example of a person who studied in Kannada and yet achieved much and brought laurels to the state and the country.
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"Nowdays, parents want their children to study in English medium schools. They think the children will achieve more by studying English, but Rao achieved much more even after studying in Kannada," he said.
"I am told Rao's father did not initiate his son into Vedic communion. So from an early age he had that scientific bent of mind," he said.
Siddaramaiah felicitated Rao in the presence of other Ministers and senior space scientists K Kasturi Rangan and U R Rao.
A photo exhibition on the life and achievements of Rao was arranged in the secretariat on the occasion. A book and a CD on his life was also released.