Recent replies to "Concerns in Indian science"

Reply from monos suresh

monos suresh — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 06:26:43 -0000

to visit the young scientist in the indian zone view the http://www.pearlseducation.com

Reply from nandkumar kamat

nandkumar kamat — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 14:06:57 -0000

There are glorious exceptions but these only prove the rule. Here is some spontaneous (combustive?) loud thinking. What hampers explosive growth of science in India is 1. The burden of superstitions ( traditional and modern) which many who join science can not easily overthrow despite having a dazzling career and academic/research success ( Read Dr. Narlikar’s critique at http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=2337712). The failure to embrace science as a way of life but view it merely as a means of livelihood 3. the famine of brilliant novel and original ideas which like good poetry do not flower in a non stimulating and red tape wrapped environment ( considering the administrative, file and paperwork which common Indian scientists still do) and the discriminatory regime of global knowledge dissemination which keeps expensive foreign publications out of bounds of funds starved researchers/institutions. I am looking forward to subscribe to Nature provided a personal subscription ( if priced below Rs. 1000 per annum) is affordable-but when that would be possible if western publishers implement western business models here?. Scientists would get a lot of encouragement if tax deductions are given on purchase of books and periodicals. But strangely this is considered a luxury by our tax laws. In India even a fraction of public funded research is not available online. Very few senior scientists upload their archives of major publications on the net. Besides science has to always take a backseat in national affairs because there is a lot of national emotional investment in glamorous areas like sports, films, fashions etc. as compared to public interest in scientific research/education/promotion of scientific temper/understanding the beauty of research designs. Just compare the number and quantum of prizes for scientists with those given in sports/music etc. Young generation would be interested in science if the nation nurses them from school level and provides nourishing environment to sharpen their logical skills and hone their intellect to perfection. Young scientists need more subsidized training in large number of summer/winter schools. Such opportunities are however limited in every discipline. We need a paradigm shift ( to architecture a new intellectual ecology in campuses, lecture halls and laboratories) in the way science is planned and practiced in India which boasts of geniuses like C V Raman and J C Bose. I think this forum topic had been often touched eloquently by former CSIR , DG Dr. Mashelkar (e.g. his dynamic article at http://www.goodnewsindia.com/Pages/content/inspirational/mashelkar.html , )and Astrophysicist Dr. Naralikar from several platforms. And they are very positive and very optimistic. We need not really worry about the brain drain- we need to really worry about new recruitments ( probably leaving out the best) here in India to boost domestic science. If the country fails to provide a conducive environment to budding scientific geniuses then why they should not seek fertile conditions abroad?. Indian brains abroad is actually an unique and historic creative and dynamic intellectual capital well invested and strategically placed- and they can really guide efforts in India as many renowned NRI scientists have been doing. Perhaps a new movement would begin to unite all Indian minds here and across the globe to boost scientific and technological research ( education included) in India in this century. Each one of us could contribute to this effort in some way.

Reply from Anil Kumar Challa

Anil Kumar Challa — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 08:24:40 -0000

Although a digression from the main issue that Subhra raised, I’d like to note that Bikash made a very important point. I have been interacting with BSc and MSc students in life sciences during the last two years in Hyderabad. The biggest bottleneck, as I perceive, is a lack of a coherent idea about science and empirical research amongst students AND teachers. We are dealing with a Catch22 situation – a great proportion of teachers haven’t had a research experience and so are not able to communicate science (and research) properly to students. Students end up getting a lopsided image of science and research.

As history shows, good science CAN be done even in modest settings. But the main prerequisites are to have the right kind of perspective and attitude towards scientific research.

One point about brain drain – the thoughts about scientists as a global resource is very true. Science is truly an international (human) enterprise. Although, it is vital to invest and hone native talent who CAN potentially work on native problems/issues. When I was leaving for the US for graduate study, one of the Department Chairs said “Sir, look at this brain drain! We train such good students and they all leave for greener pastures”. A senior faculty member then responded by saying “I disagree. We should train all our students well and let them go all over the globe. When the time of need arrives the motivated ones come back”. I think he is true in a way. Either situations or emotions prompt good scientists to contribute (in various forms) to their native places.

Reply from Subhra Priyadarshini

Subhra Priyadarshini — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 17:24:48 -0000

Prithvi: points well made. The vastness of this country does throw up unwelcome challenges like the ones you mention.
Bikash: yes, with Nature India, you will see a lot of young and promising scientists come to limelight. Also, many interesting people will write on various issues concering Indian science and policy. Plus you have a ‘forum’ and ‘Indigenus’, our blog, to get connected to the rest of your peers across the country and have a lively debate on the present and future of Indian science.

Reply from Bikash Mohanty

Bikash Mohanty — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 07:22:56 -0000

Hello. I agree with you all at almost every point. At the same time, I have different concerns in Indian science. Science education and awareness is another place where we are lacking. Education is often related to getting a job. And most of us are impatient to have one. We go for short-cuts, which science really do not have. In turn, we get degrees and certificates and papers but no science.
Indian science is much churned beneath the heavy weight of unemployment. Thus, when young researchers (graduates and post docs) in science don’t have campus to get jobs like IT sector, when there is no place in public sector too, there is no harm if they go abroad. They can get a platform to prove themselves and come back later to inspire their fellow Indians.
The science teachers, who really understand science, have to preach it. The students have to experience it, when the clay is soft. Science has to be popularized as the way of living. Undergraduate books has to be updated. Science has to reach all.
And Nature India will be a beautiful gift to Indian science. Last year I wrote a small article on a so-called advance topic for undergraduate students and didn’t find a place to publish. Popular science magazines in India can be counted on finger-tips e.g. Science Reporter (NISCAIR), Resonance (IAS). Nature India may serve the above purpose also.

Reply from Prithivi Raj.J

Prithivi Raj.J — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:32:55 -0000

Ya, May b my nation may not have world class facilities!!! may not have Manufacturers of Equipments / Reagents… but whats all in keep saying “LACK OF FACILITIES”. Are we ready to think “R da available resources r being used optimistically?”... especially the human resources!Can u say India lack Human Resources!!! But what is the percent of graduates who turn on to Research!!!! I simply ask you…. How many Graduating (B.E. / B.Tech.) from Private Engg. Colleges know that he can join Ph.D. in IISc / IITs / JNCASR & the research opportunities in CSIR labs and the like!!! But almost every one know GATE!!! which is also the qualifying exam for Ph.D. admissions.

Y r people neglecting Ph.D. / Research!!!!

I feel personally that all those institutions with hi-fi research facilities are more alone especially in a country like india with the diverse of Language, if one does not know Hindi he / She can’t survive!!! but not all the people from south know hindi!!! and vice versa

See Research by itself makes one feel home sick!!!
But adding to it is the (language oriented) gang formation. A guy from south India joins for research in North (&vice versa) if does not know Hindi will be isolated!!!

Also the senior domination is killing!!!

So this makes one not to travel across states for research!!!

But see people dont even want some one to come into research by simply saying “LACK OF FACILITIES”. This cry by us itself keeps new-comers off!! So they jump to the so called high earning but more energy sucking IT jobs!!!!
I can guarantee that a lot of genius research minds are lost in non research oriented IT jobs!!!

So if people keep saying “LACK of FACILITIES” the number of people turning for research will reduce (irrespective of huge increase in no. of Colleges / Seats)and if at all they join they will be annoyed by senior pressure!!!! / Language problems….

So first lets feel proud to be a research person (in India) without keep on saying lack… and help out the new comers by speaking always in the language common (obviously most can at least understand English) and by assisting in getting him / her the basics of lively hoods (atleast for those from a different area / culture / language) and not dominate them as a senior by giving the boring works etc….

Can anybody give ur idea on having a person in all labs who can operate all eqpts and hence guide a new one and also the existing ones…

I feel the more we make the Research arena a “NEW-COMER FRIENDLY” the more we can get of our available strength i.e the human resource….

Reply from Subhra Priyadarshini

Subhra Priyadarshini — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 06:17:42 -0000

How true you are, Farhat and Sailendra. And this certainly reflects the thinking of young researchers today. This, unfortunately, is not the same as all the leading lights in Indian science would have us believe. For them, making the most the country’s meagre resources and ‘paying back to the nation’ is still the driving force. And that’s not my view. I have heard these lines far too often during my interactions with some of the biggest names in Indian science.

Reply from Farhat Habib

Farhat Habib — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 05:01:02 -0000

Patriotism is not much of a concern in scientific circles in my experience. Most scientists aren’t very welcoming to artificial boundaries like national ones anyway and will happily collaborate and share their with whoever is interested and can contribute. Most of the people who I know have returned to India did so for familial or cultural reasons not because working elsewhere would have been unpatriotic. And well, there is such a heavy Indian presence in some parts of US that you don’t even feel out of home.

Reply from Sailendra Dewan

Sailendra Dewan — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 13:49:36 -0000

Patriotism alone cannot hold a person from moving to better opportunites. Thank god we have crossed the age when anyone going abroad was deemed unpatriotic. Science is not bounded by national boundaries and in this ever-shrinking world, both in terms of time and space, scientists must have the freedom to go anywhere they wish. They must have the best of opportunites and the best of resources and facilities to work. We cannot afford brilliant scientific talents to waste away due lack of proper facilities.

However, coming to the topic proper, it is too easy for us to crib about the poor facilities in Indian research labs. But we have to keep in mind the larger picture – India is still a developing country and has miles to go before it can afford better living conditions to its people. When there is a vast majority of the population reeling under economic hardship, it is impossible to provide world-class facilities for scientific research. As our country prospers economically, our research facilities will improve and we will see a slow-down in the so-called brain drain. Till that time we must be proud to have our scientific talents use the best of opportunities worldwide. I strongly believe that with the launch of Nature India our researchers will have more access to information and news on topics of their interest. They too in turn can show-case their research work on a global platform. With the section on Nature Jobs they will also be able to apply for positions in different parts of the world.

Reply from Subhra Priyadarshini

Subhra Priyadarshini — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 06:06:35 -0000

Obvious, Farhat. In times when personal achievements and success seem to overshadow collective/national gains, what else can one expect? That throws a cliched question on our face: where does patriotism figure in today’s science? Are we so stripped of role models and leaders that we have to look up the dictionary when someone says ‘national interest’? It would be good to know what today’s global Indian scientist feels about these things.

Reply from Farhat Habib

Farhat Habib — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 03:36:21 -0000

ahh…the dangers of not previewing. Breed not bred.

Reply from Farhat Habib

Farhat Habib — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 03:35:15 -0000

I think brain-drain is overly lamented. Scientists are a global bred, they go where opportunities take them and where they perceive their talents might be best received. What India can do is increase R&D funding and make it easier to get the funding. As a former professor of mine in IIT who had moved to India from US said “I spend twice as much time trying to secure 1/10th as much funding”.

Reply from Amit Mandal

Amit Mandal — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:28:03 -0000

Yes, it does seem positive. Anything that increases productive scientific manpower in India is welcome. And I’m sure that Nature India can significantly help by highlighting promising achievements from labs across the country. Thank you for giving a positive outlook.

Reply from Subhra Priyadarshini

Subhra Priyadarshini — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 07:53:18 -0000

Welcome Amit.
Yes, brain-drain is a sad reality. But if it is any solace, you have a reverse brain-drain phenomenon brewing in US labs. You might want to have a look at this recent research that confronts conventional notions on the subject. Your patriotism is infectious.

As for your concern on the poorly stocked market of consumables and equipment for Indian labs, it is a genuine cause for worry. I have also heard of scientist friends not being able to send across project proposals to foreign collaborators because their servers were down for weeks! Let’s hope we can address these issues and more when we hear from other young scientists like you.

Reply from Amit Mandal

Amit Mandal — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 16:55:16 -0000

Thanks for posing an interesting question. Well, I have a large number of concerns but will put down the more pertinent ones:

First and foremost is the way science & scientific/ research institutions are perceived by graduate/ PG students. I’m pointing towards brain drain. Accepted that we might not have a smooth infrastructure and/ or state-of-the-art labs, but if we just keep flying overseas situation won’t improve. Needed-> Inspired minds who can show that world-class science can be done in India too.

I also wish that more & more Indian companies come in market which actually manufacture, instead of distributing, lab reagents, consumables and most importantly: high-throughput scientific equipments which can be at par with the best in the market. Then we wouldn’t neither have to wait for months to get our hands on reagents nor would have to spend fortune for acquiring lab. equipments. Hoping for replies and comments from concerned minds..