Securing India’s future in science

Science involves the study of any phenomenon, event and object which can be distinctively observed, scientifically measured and can be objectively reproduced. Though science has been the part of our culture and tradition since time immemorial but its development on the modern line is the gift of western world in the aftermath of industrial revolution. Further, the achievement of industrial revolution had generated the quest in the mind of curious scholars who led the way for modern discoveries.
India, which is the cradle of ancient civilization, has been highly influenced by the scientific development of western world during its initial phase. Modern scientific development of India can be divided in 3 broad categories.
1. Pre independent phase
2. From 1947 to 1991
3. From 1991 to present

During the colonial period in pre independent phase the scientific development of India was imported from western countries. The ruler of India i.e. English were least interested in any sort of development. It was mainly imported from west. However the individual achievements of likes Sir Jagdish Chandra Bose, C.V. Raman and others cannot be underestimated as it has to provide much needed confidence, inspiration for generations to come.

After the independence India witnessed the formation of democratic setup in political sphere which not only realized the importance of independent scientific research policy but also took certain steps to promote the scientific research in the country. The works of Homi Jahangir Bhabha, Vikram Sarabhai and others can be illustrated in this regard. This coupled with green revolution of 1960s and white revolution of 1970s has provided much needed good launching pad for India’s future scientific developments.

In the post 1991 phase when our economy was liberalized and opened for global interactions gave quality impetus for fast paced scientific growth which is still continuing and in all probability would continue in the time to come.

Today India’s scientific development revolves around the policy which envisages India as dominant world power in terms of scientific development, being second to none. This vision can be realized only through proper planning and multipronged strategies.

Scientific development of any country should be backed by proper Research and development. As we know that socio economic condition of India does not permit us to invest a large sum in to R&D. beside this, India is surrounded with large number of tiny and unstable countries which eats up substantial portion of our defense budget leaving very little for R&D. This problem can be eliminated by promoting the foreign assistance and investment. Moreover, today masses have largely become money oriented with almost no interest in R&D. further the rigid attitude and traditional outlook of masses is the potent weapon which hampers the growth of modern sciences. This can be reduced through imparting quality technical and moral education and by injecting nationalistic sentiments into the masses. This investment should not be limited to mere financial transaction but also should cover the technology, skills etc which promote the indigenous research.

Infrastructural bottleneck is another factor which discourages the promotion of scientific development. With investment coming up, not only it would promote the infrastructural development but also provide an attractive background for involvement of future generation in the field of scientific research.

The success story of pharmaceutical sector in India is phenomenal. The reason for it is the competition amongst various players striving for excellence, which not only promote the scientific environment of the country but also providing an attractive avenue of employment for future generations. This success story can similarly be adopted in other sectors of researches like defense, nuclear energy, nanotechnology, biotechnology etc.

One of the most important factor for the fast paced scientific development is the collaboration with foreign countries. Instances of Brahmos , chandrayan 1 and 2 etc. provide ample of evidences that signifies that mutual ties in this regard cannot be underestimated .With likeminded countries India can tie up to ripen the fruit already earned by those countries by providing a win-win deal.

One of the biggest challenge before the country is the bureaucratic red tapism and corruption in the administrative circle, which alone consumes substantial portion of budget allocated to the R&D. with the introduction of transparency, RTI, e-governance and IT, it can be reduced to satisfactory level if not eliminated completely.

India’s achievement in the past one decade or so is very impressive if not stunning. Our achievements in this regard are more remarkable than our developing counterparts. However for a country striving for scientific excellence, this cannot be taken as for granted and we should evolve a good foundation for solid educational system which promotes the creativity amongst its students and help in creating altogether the new breeds of curious scholars who would work as engine of scientific growth in the time to come.

Further, according to an estimate of UN, Indians are very efficient in formulation of policies and planning but when it comes to implement those strategies we fare poorly if not worst. So a proper and effective implementation mechanism should be set up to monitor the progress of relevant policies.

Moreover in the post financial crisis when economic growth of India is phenomenal India witnesses its rise in statue and it can no longer be labeled as third world country and consequently being known as emerging economy. This provided India much needed attention in the world affair and now when India deserves a better place in a new world order; it is in the position to negotiate with other countries on its own term. This is self evident from the fact that Japan, which was earlier opposing any nuclear pact with India, is now in no mood to wait for inking the nuclear pact with India any longer and expressed a great intention for such pact with India.

Any conclusion to such issues, that involve the scientific development, will be half hearted attempt if one does not mention the name of Israel. Israel is the country of limited natural and human resource and surrounded by number of unstable enemies which are the threats to its very existence. Still the achievement of Israel in scientific sphere is, in all standard ,more than wonderful and provides a thoughtful lesson to other countries that how to excel in any field.

Today, India is having largest number of younger population in terms of demographic distribution. This can be made useful with proper skill development. This coupled with proper planning and effective implementation can do wonder for this otherwise old and traditional civilization.