India has lot to catch up in science: Roddam Narasimha

BANGALORE: Though India has been a leader in science from ages, the country has been unable to catch up with other advanced nations, feels eminent aerospace scientist Roddam Narasimha.

Suggesting a 'better system' for a new change at C-Change 2013, the Padma Vibushan awardee felt that there has been a decline in university education quality in India though specialized central institutes have become new magnets for young talent. According to him, the decline in university system started in 1950 and there are inherent social disadvantages that need to be overcome.

Pointing to various weaknesses in the society like lack of focus and national will, he said there is no significant demand for science from the industry and exports are not a major objective for many industries.

"India's long tradition of both formal and artisanal knowledge is generally number-centric.

India is one of the few countries where mathematics is a favorite subject of students."

Despite odds, Roddam Narasimha sees a bright future with a new breed of youngsters emerging as a force to reckon with in the field of science.

The demand for science and technology from Indian industries is generally weak. This can improve only when Indian industry starts competing with the global market, especially with countries like South Korea.

He suggested that the government should promote the tech industry, particularly the export-oriented ones by providing suitable economic incentives. This will automatically push up the demand for advancement in science and technology, he said.

The Padma Vibushan awardee suggested that the government should also encourage responsible involvement of private industry in university education and encourage diversity among the universities.

"Change the character of academic regulation to avoid the extremes of over and under regulation. The former will kill attempts at new experiments, and the latter can damage careers of students. What is needed is better system design," Roddam Narasimha signed off.