Concerns in Indian science
Subhra Priyadarshini
Saturday, 10 November 2007 06:53 UTC
I would like to know from researchers and young scientists what their major areas of concern are. I am trying to understand the kind of operational issues that young scientists in India confront on a regular basis and things they would like to change in their research labs or institutes.
Updated 30 November 2007 07:34 UTC
-
Replies
Jump to resultsResults
-
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. -
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. -
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.
-
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.
-
to visit the young scientist in the indian zone view the http://www.pearlseducation.com
Results
-
