National Science Day: A scientist's vision to great future

BANGALORE, INDIA: Although India has been a leader in science for ages, we have been unable to catch up with other advanced nations, feels eminent aerospace scientist Roddam Narasimha.

It is a pertinent view worth taking a note of, as it comes at the wake of the National Science Day, celebrated in honor of our scientific fraternity and achievements.

Suggesting a 'better system' for a new change at C-Change 2013 - held from February 21 to 23 - the Padma Vibhushan awardee felt that there has been a decline in the quality of university education 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 our society like lack of focus and national will, he said there was 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, 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 would automatically push up the demand for advancement in science and technology, he said.

The eminent scientist also suggested that the government should 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," Narasimha signed off.