Random views on Indian Science after nearly 7 years of living in the middle of one India's scientific 'hotspots'...

It is quite universally agreed that education especially science and technical education are the keys to the progress of society at large. This is especially true in a country like ours which is still caught somewhere between its centuries old traditional identities and a mad rush to progress i.e. to 'keep up' with the pace of change in the rest of the world. What is paradoxical about this situation is that its is generally (though not necessarily, not by everyone) believed that 'progress' takes us away from our roots, our culture, our tradition. I personally believe that this is a mistaken mix up of societal change and scientific progress...two entities that are linked no doubt, but definitely not the same. What science teaches us is to observe things around us better, it teaches us to question, to think rationally, and to better appreciate both the natural world and man-made achievements. If anything, it gives us a much better sense of identity and awareness...it's a completely different way of looking at things around us. And it is a way of thinking which should be demonstrated and encouraged right from the childhood. And no, one doesn't necessarily have to turn into a geek for this. Also, it's important to appreciate that its our scientific understanding that makes it possible for us to understand the basis of many aspects of living that have been followed since ancient times...and to look for ways that can make us live more fulfilling and sustainable lives with harmony with others and the environment. So, science is not only about hi-tech revolutions and advances that a common person doesn't understand or connect with. It's much deeper and penetrates multiples aspects of our living.

It is commonly found in India, that parents look at scientific aptitude in their offspring with great pride but only up to a particular age. Post school, surprisingly the expectation is more to qualify in an exam beating thousand of other students for a degree in engineering or medicine. I'm not saying that these aren't 'science'...but they are very different from basic science. So why this shift in attitude when it comes to choosing a profession? Is it a matter of greater pride to have beaten many others for entry into a coveted college/institute for such a degree that usually takes away the 'best' brains (though, thankfully not always!) from scientific research? Or are there even more issues and complexities at hand? Could it be that due to lesser public outreach, most people still do not have a very clear idea about what a scientific career is all about i.e. what scientists really do, how they do these things and why it affects everybody in the long run and is not just restricted to some sort of exclusive philosophical understanding, stowed away in dusty books? Could it be further linked with something as simple and basic as money?! Unfortunately, even though scientific research requires substantially more time and dedication than most other professions, we find that in terms of monetary returns it is often at the lower end. Even though money is usually not the reason that most motivated researchers choose a career in science, it is important to ensure that the returns are least at par with other professions. Because even though money may not be the primary motivation, people in science and their families need money as much as anyone else. Couple the higher demand-lower paying factor with low transparency regarding the actual benefits from science, its not hard to blame the common man for thinking that it is the exclusive 'privilege' or even 'curse' of a select few who would anyway not fit in elsewhere...

There is yet another side to this coin! There is a huge gap between the available job opportunities and positions (both in research, industry, teaching and otherwise) for such highly qualified people; and the number of contenders for these. Although this is not unique to India, this crisis of options and opportunities is especially marked here due to both higher number of candidates and also the fact that non-conventional scientific career options are yet to catch up, like the west. So the obvious question that arises in many mind...is that is the long and difficult path worth it if the end itself is so uncertain?

Thankfully, those who do opt for a career in science overcome these multiple barriers and whether or not they are able to sustain themselves along a not-so-easy path ultimately depends on many factors. However, one thing that has struck me as very strange, is that many people who do come into Indian science and stay, often do not show an effect of it on their overall thinking. They remain superstitious, judgmental, biased and close-minded in many matters especially in case of cultural and societal issues. This is something which will hopefully change as well, along with an increasing appreciation of science in general.

DISCLAIMER: I do not wish to imply in any way that I do not respect people who pursue the 'Arts'. Anybody who pursues a career with creativity and true passion and not the sole motivation of a degree, or of going along with the popular flow; is worthy of my respect...be it Science, Arts, Architecture or even, Social Work! It is passion and creativity that I prize above all.