Edu-leaders

EDU: You have been closely associated with the evolution of Indian science. If you look at the research climate then and now—what are the big changes?

Professor Menon: The kind of research that was being conducted before and after the two World Wars was different—nature-wise, and as far as the amount of fund is concerned. Pre-Independence scientists such as Srinivas, Ramunjan, J.C. Bose and P.C. Mahanobolis, were concentrating on small sciences—not meaning “less important issues”. But research that required less infrastructure support or funding. The World War II changed all that. The new and “bigger” science required more money and better infrastructure. It was the time for atom bombs and atomic energy. Thus research wasn’t something that could be conducted anywhere. Hi-tech laboratories and equipment became necessary, thereby changing the profile of those who could access research.

In a sense, there has been a sort of deterioration. We don’t have a Homi Bhabha, or a J.C. Bose anymore—thinkers who build schools and motivated others to take up research. There is, in that sense, a crisis of leadership. But, there have been positive changes as well. Research has gone into several new directions.

When India was fighting for her Independence, there was an intense sense of nationalism. That feeling also influenced the research mindset—people wanted to innovate and discover for their country. Nowadays, its difficult to feel the same, as the situation is not similar. Now, discoveries are for the sake of science and scientific progress.

EDU: Do we have pockets of excellence?

Professor Menon: Yes, even today there is a smattering of positive research all over the country. But, the nature of this work being conducted now when compared to the kind of work that was being conducted previously is different. At ISRO, India is producing satellites. But, what one must understand, these innovations are engineering- driven, precise and automated—very different from the type of discovery that happened earlier. I won’t call it (modern research) spectacular, but it is certainly practical.

EDU: So, do you think innovation universities are the answer to the problem?

Professor Menon: To my mind, anybody who studies in any university or college, and is driven by curiosity is capable of innovative work. If you look at scientists of yesteryear, say someone like J.C. Bose, he remained a student for his life. He was curious, constantly innovating and was eager. We should not force our young generation into scientific straitjackets. We should not overlook their interests. We must keep them focused on discovery and research—keep the child in them alive.

EDU: In terms of funding, do you think that the research situation has improved?

Professor Menon: Efforts such as the Kishore Vaigyanik Scheme, by the DST, and Inspire Programme, are all here to encourage bright young people to make a foray into research. There is indeed more money than ever in research, developand innovations. A lot of bio-tech and life-sciences firms are investing in research and talking of collaborating with the academia. Today, the main need is not money, but the vision to strive ahead and make a difference. To look beyond the immediate and see new ways to collaborate to the best of our interests.