All over the world, you will hear scientists and researchers complain about the "administrators" and other officials that control their work. In India, at times, direct govt., interference, indifference and lack of political Will - all put a lot of pressure on scientists and researchers. We can encourage research only IF, 1. There is a clear-headed leadership, political as well as bureaucratic. 2. The levels of bureaucracy are kept to the minimum.
But scientists too should not waste time bickering with each other - often that is also a serious problem. "Personality clash" is a very special Indian phenomenon. Everyone has an "ego" larger and heavier than their bodies.
Our politicians should stop thinking of elections and vote-bank politics in allocating money for research and development.
Govt pays meagre amount to Ph.D scholars and research associates(with Ph.D) as fellowships citing that the profession as non-profitable. One should keep in mind that these scholars are involved in earthquake research, climatic modelling, nano technology, renewable energy production and other major subjects which need extensive research. The meagre pay, competition in inventions, exploitation from the supervisors( in many cases), family situation etc. force most of them to leave science leaving only the determined to stay back.
And these scholars have to wait for years to get a post as Scientist in the research organisations thanks to limited oppurtunities and quotas.
This is how a person who opts for research has to suffer in India. The main culprit is the govt educational reforms. Govt has money to fund madarsas, gift free TVs, increase the wages of ministers but no money to support research!!!.
RE:MENTALITY!!
by Readiff on Jun 06, 2008 12:45 PM Permalink
Excellent message. Indian people revere only useless politicians and shameless movie actors. Supporting research and scientists will not result in votes and hence no government is taking care of minority scientist community.
Its not correct put full blame on scientists but the govt educational reforms and parents' mentality have major flaws. What has govt done to popularise science as in other countries?. Passion for Science should start from school days but most of our Indian parents force their children to opt for professional courses rather than science as research demands hard work and less pay in India.
As one of the friends rightly pointed out earlier, most of the students take up science only if they have not scored enough to take engineering and medicine. It is taken as the last option. Only handful pursue science and research out of passion. We can easliy notice that a software engineer with B.E or M.C.A is held in high esteem than a Scientist-C with Ph.D. In India, education is weighed upon with money. Govt should encourage students to take up science in future.
In DRDO also more than 50% employees are called scientists but they are doing no science. Scientists categorey must be recognised separately with incentives.
Dear Friends, There is nothing wrong in DRDO seeking private partnership in development of weapons. There is no point in re-inventing the wheel, if we find some readymade solutions why not use it. On the same time DRDO can keep its research on to develop or enhance the systems they are outsourcing. Bhramos without the Russians would have only been a dream. Today DRDO has developed solid propelling technology based on Bhramos Cyroginic engines, next generation wepons will be kept on developing. The rajendra Radar though premative is an errorless development. Hats off to DRDO, instead of blaming the DRDO people we should think how more APJ Abdul Kalam like people can be retained to the Indian R&D. By the way how many Abdul Kalam we have who are ready to work for Indian R&D, every second person is intrested in going to US or migrate out of India. Rather than blaming the goverment we need to think how we can change ourselves. Internal strength of the country is much more important. Secondly do remember the ground force needs to have the heart to retain the war zone, past history of Vieatnam, Afganistan shows how the ground forces failed inspite of technological advantages. Reengineer the complete Defense and Attack systems of our forces. Any suggestions or comments.
The scientists and engineers working for the defence organizations and atomic energy are without doubt bright and experts in their domains. They don't draw large salarys, and some (atleast few) work for 12 or 16 hours a day for that salary. We cannot blame these scientists for the need to purchase the foreign technology. Because in manufacturing, process, research we are lagging behind some countries like Isreal, US. The size, capital, years of experience in the research for these countries is quite different than in India.
But only compliant about the scientists in defence, atomic energy are they are arrogant, head strong. Only quite a few (like Kalam) are humble.
RE:Scientists are bright but arrogant
by dinesh kumar on Jun 06, 2008 09:47 AM Permalink
if these countries you are mentionoing will think in same way the reserch process will be stoped at world level. Dont give excuses give some solid resultes.
