We always come across the names of many scientists when we study any part of science. The best that we have done is research on already made inventions. But what about innovations, new ideas and inventions of technology?
It is not that India has not made progress. But whatever progress it has made is not up to the mark. To make it more clear let us compare ourself with China. 10-15 years back, China was scientifically backwards, and today it's contribution is nearly 15% to the world's scientific research while that of India is less than 3%.
The major reason for this is our attitude toward science. Science does not come to an end with the completion of post-graduation or any such degree. There is always something new to LEARN, something new to DISCOVER. As it is commonly said, 'There's a lot more than what meets the eye'. Science does not have a horizon. The study of any branch of science goes on till eternity and any sub-branch of it can never be out of vogue. As prof. C.N.R Rao once said, 'Today's science is tomorrow's technology'.
But unfortunately, research is not valued or given importance in our country. Plus the infrastructural facilities and the labs are insufficient to carry out highly developed research. This is mainly due to the scientific funding in India, which is as low as 1% of GDP. This is also the reason why India produces only 4000 PhDs compared to 10000 in Brazil and 16000 in China.
The only way to make India a knowledge superpower in the world is to mend all the bits and parts i.e. Government should give in a higher % of GDP towards scientific funding. The other important change is the change to be brought in our attitude towards science. Creativity cannot be thought, nor can the skill to think beyond. But we can create an environment which will promote innovations. Eventually when the passion for science is developed in a student , the student himself will be eager to find out more, which will lead to a glorius PhD or a research paper. These small amendments will make India a leading center of the knowledge world!!!!!
