His Majesty
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
Kingdom of Bahrain
His Royal Highness
Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa
The Prime Minister
Kingdom of Bahrain
His Royal Highness
Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa
The Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander
and First Deputy Prime Minister
Kingdom of Bahrain
Shri. Pranab Kumar Mukherjee
President of India
- 110011
PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
New Delhi - 110011
Message
The Prime Minister is happy to learn that Science India Forum
Bahrain is publishing its Yearbook on the occasion of the
th
Science Award Gala-2016 on 4 November, 2016.
On this occasion, best wishes for the success of the yearbook.
New Delhi Chandresh Sona
September 08,2016 Deputy Secretary
DR. HARSH VARDHAN
-110001
MINISTER
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
NEW DELHI - 110001
Message
Science has always been an integral part of human evolution. With the
world racing towards new technologies and innovations, Scientists and
innovators have become the new heroes. Gone are the days of quantitative
learning. Science learning and logical reasoning is the new zeal. The past
couple of years have been phenomenal for India in the technology race.
It gives me great pleasure to know that Science India Forum Bahrain with
the help of Vijnana Bharati has been working vigorously over the past years
to create an awareness of science and technology among the young minds.
Moreover, I am also happy to know SIF BAHRAIN would be releasing the
year book as always during the Science India Gala.
Creating awareness about the good aspects and future of sciences amidst
the youth is no mean feat. Ensuring a platform for the ambitious youth to
unearth their hidden potentials and pushing them to become individual
contributors in Science & Technology are the main engines for modernization
and development of any country. I strongly believe that making gigantic
strides in innovations would make any county economically and industrially
powerful. In this regard, let me express my warm wishes and support to
Science India Forum on this novel venture for their extended efforts.
To my dearest children, I urge you to have the will to win, the desire to
succeed and the passion for excellence. India has a big dreams and it’s
the hands of our young Indians to ensure we achieve our dreams. Keep
innovating.
My best wishes to Science India Forum and the budding scientists.
(Dr. Harsh Vardhan)
209, 2 110001 :+91-11-23316766, 23714230; : +91-11-23316745
209, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2, Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110001 Ph.: +91-11-23316766, 23714230; Fax : +91-11-23316745
DR. HARSH VARDHAN RAJNATH SINGH
-110001 110001
MINISTER HOME MINISTER
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA NEW DELHI - 110001
NEW DELHI - 110001
October 24, 2016
Message
I am very happy to know that Science India Forum Bahrain is organizing
an award ceremony for the Sastra Pratibhas (Toppers of the SPC 2016)
on 4th November 2016.
I appreciate the volunteering effort of SIF Bahrain in bringing the people of
Bahrain and India to strong bond through popularizing science education.
I convey my best wishes for all their activities in Bahrain.
(Sri. Rajnath Singh)
Hon’ble Home Minister
Government of India
209, 2 110001 :+91-11-23316766, 23714230; : +91-11-23316745
209, Anusandhan Bhawan, 2, Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110001 Ph.: +91-11-23316766, 23714230; Fax : +91-11-23316745
Ambassador of India, Bahrain
Alok Kumar Sinha
October 25, 2016
Message
I am happy note that the Science India Forum Bahrain (SIF Bahrain)
encourages scientific excellence by capitalizing on the scientific &
technological synergy of India and the Middle-East and is providing a
platform for budding scientists in the Kingdom of Bahrain to realize their
potential and nurture it to achieve their goals. The Science India Forum
Bahrain has been voluntarily organizing the Sastra Pratibha Contests to
promote scientific temper among children which are well utilized by the
Indian community.
I wish the Science India Forum Bahrain all the very best for the Sastra
Pratibha Contest Award Ceremony on 4th November 2016.”
(Alok K Sinha)
Prakash Kumar Devji
Managing Director, Devji Group
Patron, SIF Bahrain
Science India Forum, is truly creating a worthy platform for students in Bahrain. This
forum has ignited a keen interest in students and adults alike. I take this opportunity
to congratulate the managing committee of Science India Forum for their initiative
and dedication.
Science is an integral part of every day life for all of us. Even economics and finance
have hints of science. Economics as a subject is science in its methodology and
an art in its application, mainly because it has theoretical as well as practical
aspects. A life without aspects of science in it is near impossible.
India as a culture, is a land of seekers and not believers. This fundamental make
up of the Indian psyche was the foundation for the vast number of scientific
discoveries that are attributed to our great nation. Today the brilliance of
Indian minds is recognized across the world, however, if we as a society are
not careful we might very soon lose this privilege. It’s our duty as parents,
teachers and societies to fuel the curiosity of young minds, bringing to the
forefront the seeker in each one of them. The young mind is filled with a
variety of questions, stemming from the fountain of curiosity. Fuelling this
curiosity, allowing it to blossom and flourish should be the goal.
If this aspect is ignored and we continue to “educate” our children in
the traditional sense, where we convert them into believers rather than
seekers, we will soon have a vast young population on hand that
excels in carrying out instructions, but fails to imagine and invent.
Traditional education practices are a necessity of today’s world. They
are required for survival, but, in the quest of survival, we as a society
should ensure that India’s legacy as an innovator remains intact.
Science India Forum is one such initiative - an initiative to fuel
this curiosity and imagination in the minds of young Indian
minds and I sincerely hope that this forum will continue its
quest and will not rest till it has given the motherland either a
C.V. Raman or a Sir M. Vishweshwariah or a Jagdish Chandra
Bose.
Jai Hind. Bharat Mata ki Jai.
Prakash Kumar Devji
Mohamed Bin Abdullah Al Snan
(Chairman, Muharraq Municipal Council)
Chief Patron, , SIF Bahrain
I am happy to know that the Science India Forum Bahrain, is awarding the
budding scientists from the Indian schools of our country during the Award
Ceremony.
Science India Forum has been providing platform for the young talents to
identify their potential and to contribute towards the development of the
mankind. Science and technology has no religion, nation, race etc, it is for
the betterment of the mankind. The young talents should have an innovative
approach towards improving the living conditions of people.
The efforts put by the SIF Bahrain team to popularize science education
among students is commendable and I look forward to being associated
with this organisation for a long time.
I wish Science India Forum, all the very best and !
Mohamed Bin Abdullah Al Snan
A. Jayakumar
Secretary General
Vijnana Bharati
Science India Forum (SIF) is an initiative by Vijnana Bharati, to inculcate
scientific temper in the young minds and lead them into the area of
research and development. India and the world at large is experiencing a
vacuum in the R&D field and this could lead to an era of no innovations
for the betterment of the society.
The Science Talent Search Contest (Sastra Pratibha Contest) conducted
every year is one such activity which has gained popularity among
the students in Bahrain. This year we introduced the second level
screening to give a different exposure to the young talents. This
talent search is no doubt a valuable opportunity for the younger
generation to present their innate talents and capabilities.
SIF Bahrain is a platform to nurture their skills as future scientists
and researchers, also help them to move further in their chosen
field of science and technology.
Vijnana Bharati takes this opportunity to congratulate the
winners of the contest, parents, teachers and the management
of institutions and also for the continuous support given
to SIF Bahrain. The efforts put by the Bahrain team to
inculcate science and technology among school children is
praiseworthy.
With Best Regards
A. Jayakumar
Padmasree Dr. Y S Rajan
Honorary Distinguished Professor of ISRO
Science India Forum Bahrain (SIF), a voluntary organization comprising
professionals in the field of Education, Science and Technology, has
before it is a number of laudable objectives. I am fortunate, to be invited
for the function organized by SIF “INDIA@70” to commemorate with
the birth anniversary of Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam on 15th October 2016.
I had this, an opportunity to interact with its members, office bearers and
other persons of Indian Origin who are actively participating in its various
activities.
Using “Science“, in the broadest sense of modern context, SIF is
endeavoring to create interest in young children to understand Science
and apply Science and engineering for the benefit of human kind. I am
also glad that SIF members are active contributors for the economic
activities in Bahrain, being knowledge workers and entrepreneurs, as
well as responsible citizen. The young children I met are dynamic and
are keen to acquire and develop diverse skills required for the modern
globalized world.
In addition, the members of SIF are also active in understanding
the rich heritage of Indian Culture and its immense contribution
in various fields of knowledge including science, metallurgy,
engineering and architecture. By applying modern scientific
techniques and methodologies, one can explore and mine the
past knowledge, in order to adapt the relevant ones in the
modern context. This is a venture worth taking in addition
to the active direct contributions to the comment ongoing
global enterprise of knowledge creation in STEM, medicine
and agricultural sector.
I wish SIF well and congratulate the active harmony office
bearers.
Y.S.Rajan
Dr. Ravi Warrior
Chairman,
SIF Advisory Board
Well said….
“A life without an aim is like an envelope without an address. A life with aim,
but no plans to achieve it, is like an envelope with address, but not posted”.
My dear students: we have a fruitful life bestowed upon you by God. He
has given you a lot of talents. Let’s use it and utilize for the welfare of
mankind. Your innovative ideas will shell out from right thinking and
channel them in a creative way. Remember; you are the creator of your
own world. You can decide, plan and execute your ideas with the support
of experienced intellectuals: viz. teachers, parents or any well-wishers.
Do not hesitate to interact with persons for your projects. More the
number you discuss, better the result.
Always aim high and select the path with serious thoughts and
discussions. Never be discouraged with failures, if any, in your
attempt to reach your goal. Remember: no time is wrong to do the
right thing. When time is never ready to wait for us, why should
we always wait for the right time??? Life and time are two world’s
best teachers: Life teaches us the use of time and the time
teaches us the value of life. So my dear children: wake up,
pack up your ideas to be put up in a synchronized way... Our
mother India is waiting to see the spark in you to bring up
the best scientific result for her welfare and further scientific
progress…
We, at Science India Forum, are hand in hand ready to
support you, guide you and help you in all possible ways.
We help you grow and all of us together march forward to
bring laurels to our nation, India.
“Umbrella can’t stop the rain, but makes us stand in the
rain. Confidence may not bring success, but it gives a
power to face any challenges.”
Best Wishes...
Dr. Ravi Warrior
T. M. Nanda Kumar
G.C.C. Coordinator, Science India Forum
Member of the Governing Council, Vijnana Bharati, India.
I am really glad to know that Science India Forum – Bahrain is coming out
with another Science India Year Book which will be released during their
Gala on 4th November 2016. As expected, I am sure that this informative
Year Book also would be a treasure of knowledge and information to all the
readers.
This year, 21st of October 2016 to be precise was the 25th Anniversary of
Vijnana Bharati, India, and the 10th Anniversary of SIF UAE. The time is
flying so fast and we could not believe the fact that we were part of this
noble mission for the past 10 years in UAE. We all could be proud that we
were part of this wonderful mission of inculcating scientific temperament
among our younger generations.
The Vision and Mission of Science India Forum is to impart the scientific
knowledge from time immemorial to our children and to nurture their
propensities to become the future leaders of this world. I am sure with
this noble endeavor of SIF- Bahrain, the students in Bahrain would
be provided with a platform to realize their inherent potential and
become contributors to the betterment of humanity.
I wish Parents, Teachers, and the Science-loving community
would join as a team to accomplish this dream of shaping an
erudite and exuberant society where Science holds a prominent
role.
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the entire team
of Science India Forum- Bahrain for their sagacity and
relentless efforts that made this venerable mission a reality
in a very short time.
Thank You
T.M. Nanda Kumar
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Hon. President
Science India Forum - Bahrain
Science India Forum Bahrain, has successfully completed its fourth year activities. We are glad
to know that within the last four years we have become popular among the student community.
The success of Science India Forum (SIF) is a matter of great accomplishment for the inspired and
dedicated volunteers who worked as committed teams to achieve its noble objectives, the support
of the officials of Embassy of India and the School authorities. At this point of time, we see an
exemplary collaboration and cooperation that has developed across various departments, and
organizations of Ministry of Science & Technology such as DST, ISRO ,DRDO, etc. Also educational
institutions such as CBSE, through our parent organization Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA).
The 4th Sastra Pratibha Contest was conducted in the month of June 2016 with an ever large
participation of more than 8500 students, which makes the SPC contest largest Talent Test
in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The successful completion of SPC level-1 on the same day and
time was only possible due to the sincere support and cooperation of various participating
school authorities. On 8th October 2016, SPC level-2 assessment of 80 toppers evolved
from Level 1 test, wasconducted at Asian School Bahrain and VIBHA have identified the
16 Sastra Pratibhas, the future scientists, through the judging panel consisting of
International Educationalists. The SPC result was declared on 18th October 2016 at the
Indian Embassy, Bahrain.
As a respect to the contribution of our patron and mentor late Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam. An
interaction program was organized on 15th October 2016 and many professionals from
various fields participated and benefited by sharing the knowledge with Padma Shri
Dr.YS Rajan, Senior scientist and co-author of books with Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam.
‘Sastrayaan’, a 3 day long educational trip to prestigious research institutions of
India such as ISRO, DRDO, organized by Science India Forum particularly for Sastra
Pratibhas will be scheduled during the month of January 2017.
NCSTC, a wing of Department of Science and Technology has authorized Science
India Forum Bahrain to be a nodal centre for selecting projects from Bahrain
to participate at the 24th National Children’s Science Congress. This has been
a great achievement with the support of H E Alok Kumar Sinha, Ambassador
of India to Bahrain. We will be organizing a National Level Science Project
competition called “Bahrain Student’s Innovation Congress” during the month
of November 2016 and the two top projects from Bahrain will be having the
rare opportunity to participate in the National Children’s Science Congress
conducted by NCSTC in India in December.
SIF activities were made possible only due to the visionary leadership of the
ruling family of Kingdom of Bahrain, H E Alok Kumar Sinha, Ambassador
of India to Bahrain, Indian Embassy - Officials, and a strong support from
our Advisory Board.
Finally, I must congratulate and remain grateful to Shri A. Jayakumar,
Secretary General, Vijnana Bharathi and his dedicated team of volunteers
who made this project of accommodating the students of GCC countries
and making the activities of Science India Forum a success in the region.
Let me conclude with great hope that Science India Forum will have the
strength to do much more in future to fulfil our motto of “promoting a new
generation of creative scientists”.
Rajeesh Kumar
From Editor’s
Desk
SciEncE india Forum Bahrain
Scientech 2016-17
CoNTeNTS
29 From Editor’s Desk 71 Science Camp - 2016
31 Patrons/Advisory Board 72 “A” Grade Students
32 India – The Emerging Superpower 77 Blood Donation
40 Thrust for Innovation 78 The Success Story of Vijnana Bharati
81 Unsolved Mysteries
46 Science & Technology For Resurgence
52 Award Ceremony 2015 82 3-D printed Bones –the future in orthopedics
55 Sastra Pratibha Contest 2016 85 PM Narendra Modi With Toppers of SPC
56 Meet The Scientist 85 SIF Officials Meet With Central Ministers
59 Sastra Pratibhas - 2016 86 Neurotransmitters
60 Coordinator Photos/Coodinator’s Meeting 91 The Need For Artificial Satellites
61 Sastra Pratibha Contest Level 2 Qualifiers 93 http v/s https
63 2nd National Convention of Vijnana Bharati 94 Organic farming - The need of the hour
65 India @ 70 Program 98 National Children’s Science Congress
66 A+ Grade Winners 105 SIF In News
68 Sastrayaan - 2016 106 Annual Report of SIF Bahrain
Editiorial Team
Sham Kutty Renjith Gopalkrishnan Deepthi Rajeesh Nitha Prasanth Sabeesh Machery
This yearbook is printed and published by Science India Forum Bahrain and is meant for private circulation only.
28 Scientech
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From Editor’s
Desk
Dear Readers,
SCIeNCe INDIA FoRUM, BAHRAIN (SIF Bahrain) is publishing its fourth yearbook in a
row on the occasion of honouring the Sastra Pratibhas & Toppers of the Sastra Pratibha
Contest 2016. The contests were conducted in two phases and the eminent judging panel
has commented high about the quality of performances by the participants. Needless to
say, it gives us immense pleasure, satisfaction and confidence that, we are on the right
track.
The objective of SIF Bahrain is to share the wisdom of glorious scientific tradition that
ancient India had from time immemorial as well as to update and inspire the students
about the current growth and colossal opportunities in the field of Science & Technology
that will generate enormous confidence, interest and collective self-esteem among the
generation of budding scientists. We were inspired to see the inquisitive minds of young
talents who were flinging in with valuable queries during “Meet the Scientist” program
which was another live illustration of the significant contributions of SIF Bahrain.
SIF Bahrain also share the gratitude of being honoured and authorized by Department
of Science & Technology, Government of India to conduct the screening of projects for
National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) which will be held in India during last week
of December 2016. We are greatly indebted to Embassy of India, Bahrain for endorsing
us for this recognition. The NCSC will be another prodigious platform for students from
Bahrain to showcase their talents and build up their career in the domain of Science and
Technology.
SIF Bahrain is deeply thankful to the Royal family of the Kingdom of Bahrain for supporting
our voluntary efforts. We wish to express our deepest gratitude to the officials of the Embassy
of India, Bahrain, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Vijnana Bharati for their
assistance and guidance through this journey. We also take this opportunity to thank the
authors & reviewers for their contribution towards this yearbook. A special thanks goes to
our well-wishers & sponsors who have continued their support for this noble cause.
Thanking you all once again!!
Jai Hind
Sham Kutty
Chief Editor
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Our Patrons
Mohamed Bin Abdullah Al Snan Prakash Kumar Devji
(Chairman, Muharraq Municipal Council) (Managing Director, Devji Group)
Chief Patron Patron
Our Advisory Board
Dr. Ravi Warrior
Chairman
Dr. Babu Ramachandran Shyam Kumar Dr. Thajudeen Murali Warrier
John Oommen R. Pavithran P.K Prasad
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- 31
India – The Emerging
Superpower
“Oh Lord, take us from Untruth to Truth,
From Darkness to Light
From Death to Immortality…
Oh Eternal, Peace be on all”…
This immortal prayer, wishing for a blissful world, emanated from the
elevated minds of India’s great masters, tens of thousands years ago,
when the rest of the world was yet to hear of what is known as
civilization or an organized society.
However, subsequent invasions by marauding armies and
centuries of foreign oppression that culminated in a bloodstained
partition of the land saw the country being trapped in all
sorts of tribulations, while others marched ahead. A hefty
stagnation has left the entire nation paralysed due to these
gory conquests that has created a dangerous situation
and halted any innovative advancement. A country that
was once the dream destination of every exploratory
sea-liner was forced to suffer hundreds of years under
foreign oppression which made her life miserable.
This has happened not because of political instability
or lack of military forces or lack of brave hearts
in India, but due to lack of advancement in the
arena of science and technological advancements.
We were technologically weak to counter the
emerged global powers.
European innovations and inventions had given
the continent unmatched advantages which
they used for world domination. However, these
circumstances have changed in global arena
dramatically after the Second World War. Every
nation across the globe realised the importance
and value of peace as well as need for economic
stability and growth to ensure the welfare of their
respective nations.
After the initial years which saw slow paced
initiatives that took time to start as solid ventures,
independent India, the land of a thousand languages,
billion dreams and zillion hopes is actually reaching
out for the stars! Why not? After all, we are the world’s
largest democracy, the emerging global economic
power and above all, the confluence of a modern nation
and an ancient civilization.
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India – The Emerging In the last few decades, India’s science and technological growth has been marching on
supreme heights which ensured rapid growth of the nation in every walk of life. Thus
the slumbering lion is now slowly awakening to realise its true potential. Today, under
Superpower a steady government, India is marching ahead towards great success and emerging as a
superpower in the world. Different nations across the globe are now lining in serpentine
queues in front of ISRO for launching their satellites using our technology- indigenously
developed, after having emerged as being the most economical in the world. Technological
advancement of the nation has contributed to every walk of life- from space technology to
military movements and from agriculture to medicinal research, science and technology is
on an unparalleled march. The current time indisputably is the most promising segment
in independent India’s history. Truly, ancient wisdom is indeed finding its way back.
This was the humble dream shared by the great visionary- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam who had
set forth in front of the nation his ‘Vision India 20-20’. The former President is no more with
us in his mortal form. But the spirit, zeal, enthusiasm, steadfastness and genuineness he
has induced in each one of us has ignited the minds of millions of Indian citizens with his
vision of making India a developed nation by the year 2020 AD. Dr. Kalam once remarked,
“I will keep the lamp of knowledge burning to achieve the vision - Developed India. If we
work and sweat for the great vision with ignited minds, the transformation leading to birth
of vibrant developed India will happen”.
Such ignited minds can make ours a welfare state that ensures freedom, basic amenities
and equal opportunities to all sections of the society. The dynamics of development
outlined by this great seer and nationalist, envisages how right developmental patterns
will enable successful connectivity between India and the rest of world. These deductions
made by the ‘Missile Man of India’ have not been a fanciful calculation, but have been the
result of careful analysis and observances.
Dr. Kalam was of the opinion that developed countries must ensure marketing of their
products in a competitive way, in order to maintain the status. A developing country
on the other hand must market products bearing in mind quality of the products, cost-
effectiveness and precision of time in terms of supply, in order to forge its way towards
success.
By observing these dynamics, India can well be transformed to a developed state by
2020, using technology as tool. And with an obviously swelling economy, study and
competent internal market, India is obviously destined to make competitive products using
technological innovations.
Some of the core areas specified for India’s development are software, pharma products,
emergence of steel technology, space technology and defense systems forging into the
international arena all the way from India. The initiatives taken in solar farming to
generate energy, desalination plants to generate drinking water will soon be mission mode
programmes offering a large business in India and outside.
Today, India has given priority to state-funded research in areas like biotechnology,
pharmaceuticals and automobile manufacturing with the participation of private sector.
Prime Minister has waved the green flag in exploring the feasibility of setting up research
institutes in these fields with the aid of private firms. This is a comprehensive step towards
the setting up of institutions that capacitate research, with innovation being a global wave.
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India is the fifth largest economy in the world and the most trustworthy and most secure
place of 21st century. When it comes to the armed forces, India stands as the nation
possessing the second most formidable defense system in the world. We have one of the
most extensive educational systems in the world. India is now raising a balanced hand in
the field of technology as well as agriculture, coupled with emerging usage of technological
advancement. All this, together with many more has led to India being on its way to becoming
a global superpower. In the year 2020, the present initiatives towards development are
expected to reach the level where India will be a developed country as envisaged by the
great visionary Dr. Kalam. Some of the significant areas, where education, science and
technological advancements play a great role are discussed below in India’s advancement
towards not only a developed nation, but a universal superpower.
educational System
Firstly, we need to mention about the Indian educational system. The literacy rate of
India today is 74.08%. Today India ranks 2nd in the race of producing doctors, engineers
and scientists. Pune and Delhi universities are looked upon as ‘Oxford and Cambridge of
the East’. The “Samporna Shiksha Ayojan” Organization has lifted thousands to literacy.
Just to mention, the Infosys University of Bangalore has the largest faculty in the field of
computer science anywhere in the world.
ISRo (Indian Space Research organization)
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) is today
the prodigious face of the country, when we think
about the Science and technological advancement
of India. Their stardom projects like Chandrayan-1,
Mangalyaan missions, are few to mention. Satellites like
Cartosat-2C, the earth observation satellite launched
on 22nd June 2016 atop a PSLV rocket reinforces
the country's military surveillance and exploration
capabilities are providing priceless support to the nation.
It is an earth observation satellite in a sun-synchronous
orbit and has reconnaissance proficiencies. This is a
significant achievement for the defense forces. Thus
India has joined in the select confederacy of nations
that include US, Israel, China. These nations have
similar spy satellites that perceive the activities of earth from space. According to ISRO
officials the satellite is “one of the best eyes in space” launched by India till date.
The current development have stood witness to one of the best chapters for ISRO, with
Mangalyaan voyaging around Mars, a mini space shuttle being launched and the kick
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starting of national satellite based navigation system. Adding to the list will be South Asia
Satellite, a friendly communication venture for other neighbouring nations of South Asia.
India's first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory Astro-Sat, was launched on a
PSLV-XL on 28 September 2015. Astrosat is India’s first dedicated multi wavelength space
observatory. This scientific satellite mission endeavours for a more detailed understanding
of our universe. One of the unique features of Astrosat mission is that enables the
simultaneous multi-wavelength observations of various astronomical objects with a single
satellite.
Astrosat observes universe in the optical, ultraviolet, low and high energy X-ray regions
of the electromagnetic spectrum, whereas most other scientific satellites are capable of
observing a narrow range of wavelength band. Multi-wavelength observations of Astrosat
can be further extended with coordinated observations using other spacecraft and ground
based observations. All major astronomy Institutions and some Universities in India are
participating in these observations.
Another achievement of ISRO in recent times has been completion of launch of NAVIC
- "Navigation with Indian Constellation" with seven satellites being successfully placed
in orbit by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle on April 28. The Indian Regional Navigation
Satellite System (IRNSS) with an operational name of NAVIC is an independent regional
navigation satellite system being developed by India. It is designed to provide accurate
position information service to users in India as well as the region extending up to 1500
km from its boundary, which is its primary service area. An Extended Service Area lies
between primary service area and area enclosed by the rectangle from Latitude 30 degree
south to 50 degree north, Longitude 30 degree east to 130 degree east.
IRNSS will provide two types of services, namely, Standard Positioning Service (SPS) which
is provided to all the users and Restricted Service (RS), which is an encrypted service
provided only to the authorised users. The IRNSS System is expected to provide a position
accuracy of better than 20 m in the primary service area. In the past two years, five out
of the seven satellites of NAVIC were cast in orbit. Hitherto provided only by American
constellation of Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Russian constellation system
GLONASS, ISRO has made India proud by giving a system which stands far superior in
the realm of regional signals, when compared to the other two. The launch of indigenous
GPS gives India access to supreme quality satellite based navigation system signals. This
aids in annihilating the foe with precise accuracy.
In the past two years ISRO has excelled, in helping with larger goals like securing the
nation’s borders. It has boosted the Indian economy, procuring a new energy and zeal for
fulfilling the aspirations of India’s 1.25 billion people. In the Prime Minister’s own words,
describing the fete as an example of “Make in India” and “Made for Indians”, “we will
determine our own paths powered by our technology. This is a great gift to the people from
scientists”.
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Science and Technology hand in hand with Military Power
For a nation to be considered great, the sustainability in terms of internal and external
security is the foremost requirement. Ancient India, though were having great Kingdoms
in the past, the Buddha era came in later taught to be ultra-restraint and thus were
insensitive about strengthening their armies and protecting their land. Thus the nation
enfeebled and eventually got brutally rampaged by the invaders. After the independence,
as realized from the past lessons, the country has given equal importance to the military
power along with the development streams. But with the growth of technological era around
the world, the superpowers in the world started using their technological advancements in
empowering their military to gain upper hand. We were initially bit behind in modernising
the armed forces. However, with the induction of DRDO and involvement of ISRO into
military refurbishment, India is now one of the leading military power both technological
and capacity wise. Presently, government’s initiative in transforming India is evident,
currently the world’s biggest arms importer into a defense manufacturing powerhouse, with
the $150 billion that will be spent over the next decade in modernising the armed forces.
It has also been noted that closer collaboration with military would enhance technological
capacity of local companies and create job vacancies of over 10 million Indians each year.
With many important deals being signed, India’s defense arsenal will soon get a mammoth
boost in the forthcoming years. The decision to build BrahMos missile (world’s fastest
anti-ship cruise missile), with significant enhanced range will go a long way in augmenting
India’s strike capability. On collaboration with Russia, the range would be significantly
better than the current 290-km, with India now being part of Missile Technology Control
Regime (MTCR). The indigenous technological progress turned out to be the inhalation of
our defense forces today. This has opened up vast opportunities for the young generation
for their future careers as well as for small and large connecting businesses.
With the army forging a relationship with private sectors, specific needs are being identified
about the kind of problems they encounter in day to day military activities. This has enabled
private sector in building solutions likewise. “Almost two-thirds of the army’s contracts for
critical weapons and equipment concluded from 2007 to 2012 — worth nearly $4.5 billion
— were delayed, India’s national auditor said in a report this week. The foot-dragging
was so severe that it “hampered” the military’s modernisation plan and impacted defense
preparedness,” says a recent report. The delays were said to have been caused by “heavy
dependence” on imported weapons. However, the indigenous development campaign has
harnessed preparedness of Indian private sector towards congregating the “felt-needs of
the armed forces”. This has considerably reduced dependency on foreign vendors.
Indigenous Production Drive
The nation’s development boom has been supported enormously by the indigenous
production campaign which has been proffered as a huge technological boost for India.
The aim has been transformation of India to a global manufacturing hub, by boosting
multinational and domestic companies to manufacture their products within the country by
sharing their technologies too. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is in charge of
this project, with the initiative
aiming to raise
the contributions
of manufacturing
sector to 25% of Gross Domestic
Product 2025 from the current 16%.
A mammoth number of initiatives have
been triggered under this movement
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that promotes foreign direct investment, technology sharing and implement intellectual
property rights along with development of manufacturing sector. This initiative targets
25 sectors ranging from automobile to Information Technology (IT) and Business Process
Management (BPM). It also facilitates job creation along with fostering innovation and
enhancing technical skill development, thereby protecting intellectual property.
On the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019, the nation aims to provide a
germane tribute to the father of nation by attaining utmost sanitation of the entire country.
This dedicated pledge, serve as an exhortation to the entire nation, a clarion call for a mass
movement for cleanliness. An inspiration for people to join the cleanliness drive, ushering
in a sense of responsibility among citizens is equally important as educating the children
as well as inducing development streams. For a country aiming towards global emergence
as superpower, her own internal cleanliness was equally important as her technological
and infrastructural advancements.
Digital India
India, which is becoming increasingly digital, will soon witness reduced dependency on
foreign vendors for providing navigation based on satellite systems, which will eventually
cease and create self-sustained toughness. Already select smart phones are receiving
NAVIC signals. Soon all Indian handsets will be compatible with the aid of chipsets, which
makes the concept of Indian entrepreneurs making a marked use of Indian signals rather
attractive.
The surging ahead of our satellite communication system will aid citizens while navigating
routes during road journeys, increase competence of operation of transportation sector,
monitor train movements in the mammoth network of Indian railways. This would
restructure and reorganize road, rail and ship transport, making it cheaper for common
man and more cost-efficient. These signals can also be put to better use for ensuring
women’s safety, based on usage of distress signals while using the panic button, which
will be mandatory on all Indian mobile handsets by 2018.
Agriculture and Food Processing
Looking into the sectors of agriculture and food processing, having a solid target of doubling
the present production of food and agricultural products, infrastructure with quality electric
power including solar farming throughout the country, along with provision of urban
amenities in rural areas and interlinking of rivers; focus on education and healthcare that
will provide social security, that will go a long way in eradication of illiteracy; providing
health facilities for all; bringing information and communication technology within the
reach of every citizen etc are areas that have been highlights of India’s new agenda. A lot of
emphasis is being laid on critical technologies and strategic industries, which will witness
the growth in nuclear technology, space technology and defense technology. Being one of
our core competencies it will be a wealth generator as well. India is also tapping the role
of technology in tele-education, tele-medicine and e-governance to promote education in
remote areas and healthcare.
Enhancing tourism and ensuring growth of small scale sectors, for a developed India
are the areas of focus with other development plans. With the induction of technological
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advancements and improved facilities, India's unique positioning as a multi-dimensional
country with many tourist attractions has emerged. A constructive partnership between
private and public sectors will ensure the growth of tourism industry. Some of the steps
towards this direction are the establishment of innovative products and world-class
infrastructure, with a revamping of the country’s inland water navigation, hotels, and
entertainment and communication sectors to woo tourists. Undoubtedly the scientific
and technological advancements of the nation are the real strength behind all these
developments.
Small-scale industries
Small-scale industries which currently contribute to the gross industrial value are the
prime area for creating largest employment opportunities for Indian populace. The current
millennium has seen a leap of small-scale units from 0.87 million units in the year
1980-81 to over 3 million in the year 2000. This is expected to grow, with greater prospects
in India's export performance.
Small-scale industrial units that contribute to a small percentage of indirect exports
which takes place through merchant exporters, trading houses and export houses will
now be part of a strategy that enhances export of goods and services from SSI sector,
which will be based on technology upgrade, value addition techniques, credit support and
export marketing zones etc. This will include export in areas of sports goods, readymade
garments, woolen garments and knitwear, plastic products, processed food and leather
products etc.
Providing urban amenities in rural areas is crucial in bringing about overall development
in the country. Villages can prosper if provided infrastructure, industrial support and
employment opportunities. Government has envisaged a four point connectivity programme
that will ensure sustained development in village clusters. Government also aims at
successful collaborative efforts and active participation of industries, particularly small
scale industries in ensuring provision of urban amenities in rural areas.
Young nation- Unleashing power
It is the energy of our youth – the 800 million people below the age of 35 – eager for
change, willing to work for it – because, now they believe that it is possible. That they can
make it happen. It is this force of transformation that we will unleash with the prodigious
technological resurgence.
India has the potential in developing quality products in a timely
and cost effective manner, in order to become globally
competitive and plunge into entrenched market. The
wealth of man power that the country has, will
be more than what is required to ensure the
realisation of a dream the great visionary
scientist turned President had carved
out for his motherland. Few decades
after independence, India is reaching
its high potential and emerging as
future superpower, truly in other
words, India is reclaiming her stake
from ancient times.
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DST is also scouting for ideas from ITIs Risk factor in Basic research -
Thrust for and polytechnics which are often neglected.
Relevant ideas can come from there. Already Dr. Sharma says – In basic science to really
innovation National Innovation Foundation is doing do something path breaking, risk has to be
a commendable work in interacting with taken. There are two kinds of research –
farmers and rural sectors and scouting for Basic research which is incremental where
innovative ideas and then converting some many other scientists are working on the
of these ideas into patents and prototypes. same and risk is not high and there is no
Dr Ashutosh Sharma
Secretary, Dept of Science & Technology, New Delhi In terms of basic science India has done question of failure and the other one in
Field: Chemical Engineering & Nano technology extremely well given the inputs – India is which an innovator works on an open ended
number 6 with regard to the papers published problem where there is possibility of failure.
in science and engineering in the world. Also At present we are encouraging risk taking in
the output to input ratio is much higher than
other countries comparable to China. In terms Basic Scientific research.
of input we are behind USA and China… In
China inputs in R & D is about 6 times more
than India.
Qualitatively we are in 13th position but
Incisive and candid, Dr. Sharma lays to rest One of the programmes that lay stress on quantitatively we are in 6th position according
to a survey conducted by Nature Publishing
misconceptions about funding which has innovation is structured from the school level
increased by more than 60% since last year. onwards where by 5lakh schools are invited to Group which publishes a wide range of
scientific and medical journals. So we see
The state of the art Laboratories are impressive participate – “Through a competitive process 2 that there is a disconnect between quality and
by global standards, the infrastructure is not ideas will be selected per school which translates quantity. To address such a multidimensional
a question anymore, input to output ratio into a million ideas which can be submitted in problem we must explore the root which lies
any language. There would be large number of
in term of scientific papers being published mentors and experts who go through these ideas in the way our education system works that
is remarkable….so we ask – Given all the to select 1 lakh ideas. These 1 lakh students would does not encourage creative thinking. About Nobel Prize: how important is it?
facilities available why are we not at the get Rs5000/ each and a certificate to motivate
cutting edge of science? them. After that they will convert the idea into DST has started a limited programme about The Nobel Prize in itself is not important; it is
a prototype using workshops set up for the very risk taking in doing fundamental research. the manifestation of an ecosystem. You cannot
“To be at the cutting edge of science – it is a purpose. This gives them the confidence that We must take risk to evolve. Our culture is design a Nobel Prize….it mostly happens
culture…it does not happen overnight. Even if the ideas are important and they can be translated “risk averse”. A typical student would rather by accident. It’s not like preparing for the
funding increases it does not mean that the next into reality. From these 1 lakh we further
day scientists will start producing technology filter out to reach 10,000 models which will be take up a job than floating a business. This Olympics like China did. China prepared her
that is cutting edge. It takes a minimum of displayed at state level. About 1000 models will scheme which is called – High Risk High Gain athletes scientifically to win medals…. But in
one generation which is about 20 years. These be selected to be displayed in Delhi and the final – which would encourage candidates to take science one cannot engineer success; one can
nations which are developed are at the cutting 100 would be displayed in Rashtrapati Bhavan.” risk and fail, the only criteria being that in only prepare a large number of people and
edge of science because they have been doing case of success it would lead to something
research and funding them for over a 100 years This festival of innovation will be carried substantial. These projects would be judged some might win the Nobel Prize eventually.
and it was not built overnight.” forward by giving mentorship to the 1000 in a different way where the possibility of The Prize is an indicator of the underlying
students so that the innovations can be failure is acceptable. The candidate needs health of the system.
But having said that Dr Sharma explains that further developed. A concentrated sustained to present his proposal and convince DST
the – “…whole transformational and creative effort is required to bring to fruition the ideas of its value, explaining the risk factor which But there are many aspects to it. There is
process has to start from the school. To get fresh put forward by these young minds and bring he understands and has analyzed in detail a whole culture whereby there needs to be
ideas in science and his methodologies in dealing with such an ecosystem outside the academia which
it is required that supports it. The industry needs to look at
we train children risks. Then DST would fund such projects on
deeply interested priority basis. supporting Basic Science R & D and the
in science in a society needs to appreciate the work being
different way. Our done. For example we might have cutting edge
school education technology in photovoltaic cells but there is
does not prepare no manufacturing happening which is very
children to be
creative. Not disheartening to the scientists. A scientist
everything is in the text book. Text books are them into the scientific fold whereby 10 years beyond a point cannot work in isolation as
just guidelines. Students need to think of from now they would be more attuned to his work needs recognition and a practical
problems and solution on their own. At PhD level thinking out of the box and more creative. output.
it is already too late…”
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DST is also scouting for ideas from ITIs Risk factor in Basic research -
and polytechnics which are often neglected.
Relevant ideas can come from there. Already Dr. Sharma says – In basic science to really
National Innovation Foundation is doing do something path breaking, risk has to be
a commendable work in interacting with taken. There are two kinds of research –
farmers and rural sectors and scouting for Basic research which is incremental where
innovative ideas and then converting some many other scientists are working on the
of these ideas into patents and prototypes. same and risk is not high and there is no
In terms of basic science India has done question of failure and the other one in
extremely well given the inputs – India is which an innovator works on an open ended
number 6 with regard to the papers published problem where there is possibility of failure.
in science and engineering in the world. Also At present we are encouraging risk taking in
the output to input ratio is much higher than
other countries comparable to China. In terms Basic Scientific research.
of input we are behind USA and China… In
China inputs in R & D is about 6 times more
than India.
Qualitatively we are in 13th position but
quantitatively we are in 6th position according
to a survey conducted by Nature Publishing
Group which publishes a wide range of
scientific and medical journals. So we see
that there is a disconnect between quality and
quantity. To address such a multidimensional
problem we must explore the root which lies
in the way our education system works that About Nobel Prize: how important is it?
does not encourage creative thinking.
DST has started a limited programme about The Nobel Prize in itself is not important; it is
risk taking in doing fundamental research. the manifestation of an ecosystem. You cannot
We must take risk to evolve. Our culture is design a Nobel Prize….it mostly happens
“risk averse”. A typical student would rather by accident. It’s not like preparing for the
take up a job than floating a business. This Olympics like China did. China prepared her
scheme which is called – High Risk High Gain athletes scientifically to win medals…. But in
– which would encourage candidates to take science one cannot engineer success; one can
risk and fail, the only criteria being that in only prepare a large number of people and
case of success it would lead to something some might win the Nobel Prize eventually.
substantial. These projects would be judged The Prize is an indicator of the underlying
in a different way where the possibility of health of the system.
failure is acceptable. The candidate needs
to present his proposal and convince DST
of its value, explaining the risk factor which But there are many aspects to it. There is
he understands and has analyzed in detail a whole culture whereby there needs to be
and his methodologies in dealing with such an ecosystem outside the academia which
risks. Then DST would fund such projects on supports it. The industry needs to look at
priority basis. supporting Basic Science R & D and the
society needs to appreciate the work being
done. For example we might have cutting edge
technology in photovoltaic cells but there is
no manufacturing happening which is very
disheartening to the scientists. A scientist
beyond a point cannot work in isolation as
his work needs recognition and a practical
output.
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- 41
Joint ventures with other countries? • Bio Medical Waste: These are highly
toxic wastes that need to be handled
We have bilateral understanding with carefully.
44 countries for international scientific • Plastic: plastic waste pose a major bio
programmes. Programmes with USA, UK, hazard problem and DST is exploring
France, Germany, Russia and Japan are very possibilities of handling it.
active. With other countries there is exchange
of scientists and students that adds a lot of 2. Advanced Manufacturing: Material,
value in different ways. mechanics and manufacturing the
three M’s form the basis of this project.
Exposure, collaboration and cooperation… Inspired by the – “Make in India” motto
advanced manufacturing research will
When our students go out for the first time they be in multidisciplinary fields including
realize that the competition is extremely stiff automation etc.
and global and they have to work very hard in
bringing new ideas to the table independent of 3. Clean Energy:
Clean energy derived from coal is another
their advisors. Thus it is necessary to have an area of thrust.
exposure to the wider world. Besides this they
learn about the latest systems, the problems 4. Swasth Bharat: DST is looking at
they have to look at and they also become scientific foundation of yoga & meditation.
culturally enriched, learning a lot of new A group of highly qualified scientists are
things. They also collaborate and cooperate involved in this project and papers will
in writing papers with foreign scientists thus be published in international journals for
adding value to the scientific community. global reach.
Thrust areas 5. Water Technology: Supported by DST
for the last 10 years, IIT Chennai has
This is a dynamic arena where priorities been working on water related problems
are need based. The basic areas of thrust using nanotechnology besides others.
which is handled by Science and Engineering Basic research has led to startups which
Research Board remain the same namely – has received global funding of 18 million
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics & dollars to come up with innovations that
other countries might buy as water related
Life sciences. These basic areas within them issues are a major concern worldwide.
contain thrust areas which are looked into by
various committees. Priorities of projects and 6. Potable Water: Is and will be a huge
research keep changing. problem in the future and the RO
technology available at present may not
Some of the projects DST is focusing on are: be viable in an area where water is scarce
because:
1. Solid Waste Management • RO systems waste the same amount
of water that it purifies. This rejected
• Electronic waste: Domestic and water is going into the sewage system
imported electronic add up to a sizable in most cases and is lost.
waste issue that needs to be sorted • It needs continuous power supply
out. These wastes contain gold and which is not possible in many of our
lithium (batteries) and other valuable villages.
rare earth elements that need to be • It filters out salt and minerals from
the purified water so that the waste
scientifically processed and recycled to water has more concentration of these
convert waste into wealth. which is put back into the well from
where it came. This is a short term
solution as the well water is becoming
progressively saline and will become
unusable eventually.
• It is very expensive.
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Joint ventures with other countries? • Bio Medical Waste: These are highly
toxic wastes that need to be handled
We have bilateral understanding with carefully.
44 countries for international scientific • Plastic: plastic waste pose a major bio
programmes. Programmes with USA, UK, hazard problem and DST is exploring
France, Germany, Russia and Japan are very possibilities of handling it.
active. With other countries there is exchange
of scientists and students that adds a lot of 2. Advanced Manufacturing: Material,
value in different ways. mechanics and manufacturing the
three M’s form the basis of this project.
Exposure, collaboration and cooperation… Inspired by the – “Make in India” motto
advanced manufacturing research will
When our students go out for the first time they be in multidisciplinary fields including So we have to find our own solutions. seeds from which the waste goes back
realize that the competition is extremely stiff automation etc. Some solutions have been demonstrated into the system so that the whole system
and global and they have to work very hard in successfully in limited edition in about is self-sustaining. This plant produces
bringing new ideas to the table independent of 3. Clean Energy: 100 villages but it has not been scaled up. 200 Kilo watts of power which serves
Clean energy derived from coal is another
their advisors. Thus it is necessary to have an area of thrust. There are many places where there is no a cluster of villages, 2000 liters/hour
exposure to the wider world. Besides this they quality water left or maybe no water like in of distilled water, 100 tonnes of air
learn about the latest systems, the problems 4. Swasth Bharat: DST is looking at the desert. Another idea is to produce water conditioning and processes about 50
they have to look at and they also become scientific foundation of yoga & meditation. from the air which is an interesting concept tonnes of oil seeds every day. It has been
culturally enriched, learning a lot of new A group of highly qualified scientists are but it needs a lot of research. set up near Jodhpur, Rajasthan and has
things. They also collaborate and cooperate involved in this project and papers will a payback period of 2.5 years. The whole
in writing papers with foreign scientists thus be published in international journals for 7. Rural Technology : Sustained growth system is sufficiently simple so that
adding value to the scientific community. global reach. at the rate of 10% in agricultural sector local people can be trained to operate it
for the next 30 years might solve poverty and will also generate jobs. For this local
Thrust areas 5. Water Technology: Supported by DST but agriculture by itself cannot do it. entrepreneurs need to come forward to
for the last 10 years, IIT Chennai has Urban technology cannot work in a rural set up such plants.
This is a dynamic arena where priorities been working on water related problems setting. Rural technology which uses
are need based. The basic areas of thrust using nanotechnology besides others. rural resources and satisfies local needs 8. Nano Science & Technology Mission
which is handled by Science and Engineering Basic research has led to startups which have to be explored. These technologies Nano Particle: When an element is
Research Board remain the same namely – has received global funding of 18 million have to be commercially viable. There is broken down to Nano dimension it
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics & dollars to come up with innovations that an urgent need to develop these Micro starts to exhibit properties that was
other countries might buy as water related
Life sciences. These basic areas within them issues are a major concern worldwide. Industrial Complexes for rural areas. not present when it was in its original
contain thrust areas which are looked into by One example is the usage of locally size. These properties can be used in
various committees. Priorities of projects and 6. Potable Water: Is and will be a huge produced bio waste that comes from oil conjunction with other Nano particles
research keep changing. problem in the future and the RO seeds once oil has been extracted. This and tailored and doctored in any way to
technology available at present may not plant produces – electricity, distilled give rise to functions that would
Some of the projects DST is focusing on are: be viable in an area where water is scarce water, air conditioning for cold storage otherwise not be possible. It opens
because: and processing of crops like de-oiling a whole new domain of knowledge and
1. Solid Waste Management • RO systems waste the same amount application.
of water that it purifies. This rejected
• Electronic waste: Domestic and water is going into the sewage system
imported electronic add up to a sizable in most cases and is lost.
waste issue that needs to be sorted • It needs continuous power supply
out. These wastes contain gold and which is not possible in many of our
lithium (batteries) and other valuable villages.
rare earth elements that need to be • It filters out salt and minerals from
the purified water so that the waste
scientifically processed and recycled to water has more concentration of these
convert waste into wealth. which is put back into the well from
where it came. This is a short term
solution as the well water is becoming
progressively saline and will become
unusable eventually.
• It is very expensive.
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- 43
DST started Nano mission 10years ago when in Livingston, Louisiana—operated in unison
there was no Nano technology in the country to detect gravitational waves or distortions
but at present India is number 3 in terms of caused in the space time fabric due to
papers published on the subject. But on the collision or coalescing of black holes or other
question of products we have no visible impact cataclysmic events. The third LIGO is slated
because there are no takers in the industry. to come up in India providing the third
Industry is not R & D savvy, it is profit driven. coordinate to pinpoint the location of such an
There are many examples of success but not in event. LIGO is a mega project costing 1200Cr
the scale one would expect given the number and will take 10 years to build.
of scientists working on Nano technology.
Nano Technology is everywhere – water Commercial Viability and Dissemination
purification, self cleaning shirts, biomedical of Information & Technology
devices, fabrics etc. Nanobots are the future
of medicine where they use the Targeted DST is responsible for developing technologies,
Delivery technology where the Nano capsule demonstrating its viability and ensuring that
contains a cargo which goes to the specified it works. But the commercial aspect of a
site to do its work. Nano technology is all technology is not under the mandate of DST
pervasive and scientists from any discipline for which other ministries are responsible.
can work on Nano technology.
DST is in the process of setting up a mega site -
9. National Super Computing Mission India Science and Technology Portal which
The present world generates huge amount will consolidate all the technologies that are
of data that needs to be sifted through and being developed and what is commercially
analyzed to get relevant information which viable, the pros and cons. DST has assured
can help in governance, development and the Ministry of Urban Development that they
control. Thus we need these super computers will provide a comprehensive road map for all
to sift through this enormous data and arrive the technologies being developed for future
at information that is significant. There are planning. A huge networking is necessary
some important components in this mission: to address the issue of disconnect between
technological innovations and the industry
• Setting up the infrastructure and the public. This is where Vijnana Bharati
• Developing some of the hardware could collaborate with DST in implementing
indigenously through C-DAC, Pune grass root innovations through awareness
• Launching R & D based on these programmes.
computational machines like
analyzing monsoon predictions, or Large number of committees will be working
developing drugs or predicting climatic on various aspects to come up with viability
changes which require an enormous of technologies with respect to India. TIFAC
computational power which was not Vision 2035 continued from TIFAC Vision
possible before in the country 2020
• Human resources are necessary to
provide a skilled workforce to work “would take into account our capabilities
with and maintain these computers. and competitiveness, accommodate
• Big Data Analysis which means sifting regional aspirations, priorities & disparities
and placed as a referential document. The
through huge amount of data to vision, it is hoped, will inspire and prompt
glean information from which useful the stake-holders across the spectrum to
information has to be further gathered. chart technological trajectories through
Software has to be developed which subjective interpretations…”
can handle huge data bytes to come up
with relevant information.
As we wrap up the interview it becomes clear
10. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational- that Dr Sharma who is at the helm of DST
Wave Observatory (LIGO) Project clearly has his work cut out for him. But
he needs all the cooperation and support
possible from the Ministries and Industry to
There are two LIGO centers in the world –
one in Hanford, Washington and the other make the changes he envisions.
www.sifbahrain.com Scientech
-
DST started Nano mission 10years ago when in Livingston, Louisiana—operated in unison
there was no Nano technology in the country to detect gravitational waves or distortions
but at present India is number 3 in terms of caused in the space time fabric due to
papers published on the subject. But on the collision or coalescing of black holes or other
question of products we have no visible impact cataclysmic events. The third LIGO is slated
because there are no takers in the industry. to come up in India providing the third
Industry is not R & D savvy, it is profit driven. coordinate to pinpoint the location of such an
There are many examples of success but not in event. LIGO is a mega project costing 1200Cr
the scale one would expect given the number and will take 10 years to build.
of scientists working on Nano technology.
Nano Technology is everywhere – water Commercial Viability and Dissemination
purification, self cleaning shirts, biomedical of Information & Technology
devices, fabrics etc. Nanobots are the future
of medicine where they use the Targeted DST is responsible for developing technologies,
Delivery technology where the Nano capsule demonstrating its viability and ensuring that
contains a cargo which goes to the specified it works. But the commercial aspect of a
site to do its work. Nano technology is all technology is not under the mandate of DST
pervasive and scientists from any discipline for which other ministries are responsible.
can work on Nano technology.
DST is in the process of setting up a mega site -
9. National Super Computing Mission India Science and Technology Portal which
The present world generates huge amount will consolidate all the technologies that are
of data that needs to be sifted through and being developed and what is commercially
analyzed to get relevant information which viable, the pros and cons. DST has assured
can help in governance, development and the Ministry of Urban Development that they
control. Thus we need these super computers will provide a comprehensive road map for all
to sift through this enormous data and arrive the technologies being developed for future
at information that is significant. There are planning. A huge networking is necessary
some important components in this mission: to address the issue of disconnect between
technological innovations and the industry
• Setting up the infrastructure and the public. This is where Vijnana Bharati
• Developing some of the hardware could collaborate with DST in implementing
indigenously through C-DAC, Pune grass root innovations through awareness
• Launching R & D based on these programmes.
computational machines like
analyzing monsoon predictions, or Large number of committees will be working
developing drugs or predicting climatic on various aspects to come up with viability
changes which require an enormous of technologies with respect to India. TIFAC
computational power which was not Vision 2035 continued from TIFAC Vision
possible before in the country 2020
• Human resources are necessary to
provide a skilled workforce to work “would take into account our capabilities
with and maintain these computers. and competitiveness, accommodate
• Big Data Analysis which means sifting regional aspirations, priorities & disparities
and placed as a referential document. The
through huge amount of data to vision, it is hoped, will inspire and prompt
glean information from which useful the stake-holders across the spectrum to
information has to be further gathered. chart technological trajectories through
Software has to be developed which subjective interpretations…”
can handle huge data bytes to come up
with relevant information.
As we wrap up the interview it becomes clear
10. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational- that Dr Sharma who is at the helm of DST
Wave Observatory (LIGO) Project clearly has his work cut out for him. But
he needs all the cooperation and support
possible from the Ministries and Industry to
There are two LIGO centers in the world –
one in Hanford, Washington and the other make the changes he envisions.
www.sifbahrain.com Scientech
- 45
Science & Technology For Resurgence:
Science & Technology For Resurgence: American Association for the Advancement in the output per head due to technical
of Science (San Francisco, February 15,
Re-Engineering Indian Science
Re-Engineering Indian Science
2007), has highlighted the importance of
S&T in sustainable human development
with specific role such as, improvement the aggregate production function’ wherein
of the understanding of threats and he has considered ‘segregating variation
possibilities;
in
enabling
advances
technology to drive economic growth via new change from those due to changes in the
increased productivity; reducing resource progress contributes to the economic growth
Prof. B.N. Jagatap
use and environmental impact; managing through discovery of new materials, new
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre products/services with reduced cost and availability of capital per head’. Technical
Mumbai the competition for land, soil, water and resources, new processes and new products,
India is perhaps facing some of the stiffest every month about 1 million Indians enter primary productivity; mastering the energy- upward shift in production, lowering of
challenges in the field of economic and the job market. While the economy is poised economy-environment dilemma; meeting input/output ratio, technical progress in
social developments. India figures in world’s to grow at a healthy rate of in excess of 7.5- the needs of the poor through eradicating inputs, substitution of limitational inputs
ten largest economies. However, in terms of 8.0%, this growth rate is not accompanied poverty and hunger, and improving health; by new materials etc. etc. These benefits of
the per capita GDP, which is a meaningful by matching growth in creation of new jobs. and so on so forth. These issues are also well technical change must be made available to
measure of the economic prosperity, Experts argue that the Indian economy has appreciated and understood in the context India’s manufacturing sectors as well as to
her world rank is 164. IMF data of 2013 become more of capital intensive economy; of Indian S&T ecosystem. However, the the social sectors through appropriate S&T.
suggests that if Indian economy grows therefore its potential to create new jobs is S&T community seems to have got caught Harvey Firestone had said ‘Capital isn’t so
annually at 8% and other economies remain weakening day by day. India’s world ranking between the trappings of ‘global’ vs ‘local’ important in business. Experience isn’t so
stagnant, India will take about 20 and 50 as per the human development index is 135; S&T, and therefore appears to have got important. You can get both these things.
disconnected from the national economic What is important is idea. If you have ideas,
years to match per capita GDP of China and the low rank speaks of the accessibility of her
US respectively. Economic survey of 2014- citizens to energy, health care, education, and social realities. This disconnect can you have the main asset you need and there
15 shows that the country has become a sanitation, drinking water etc. etc. For be very well understood from the fact that isn’t any limit to what you can do with your
services hub; the manufacturing sector’s example, more than 50% of India faces high in 2015, India’s world rank in publication business and life’. The challenge before the
of scientific papers was 6 while that in the S&T community of India is to produce such
contribution to the economy is about 18%, to extremely high water stress and over
which translates into about 1.8% share in 600 million are at the risk of water supply human resource development was 135 ideas, which build new business, make old
and that in per capita GDP was 164. What business competitive and which can empower
the world manufacturing. Compare this disruption. The quality of water in respect
situation with China where manufacturing is of contaminants like chloride, fluoride, iron, India needs today is a paradigm shift in our the youth of the country as entrepreneurs.
approach and practice of S&T to encompass Embedded in this challenge and the related
about 34% of the GDP and share in the world arsenic and nitrate is also a big concern; out
manufacturing is 13.7%. It is imperative of 632 districts surveyed, only 59 districts three essential elements: S&T for social and endeavors are the issues such as enhanced
economic development, S&T solutions that productivity, creation of wealth and jobs,
therefore to ask whether manufacturing in had safe drinking water.
India can be 25% of the GDP in near future are India centric and S&T solutions which sustenance of environment, access to water
considering the fact that its contribution has Interestingly almost all issues discussed have significant diffusion potential in the and low cost health care etc. etc.
remained near stagnant over past several above fall in the realm of science and India context. In the Chemistry Group of Bhabha Atomic
years. Needless to say that this issue is at technology (S&T). In fact S&T permits us
the heart of the national campaign namely to view these problems in an integrated Noted economist R. Solov has made significant Research Centre (BARC), we have been
observations on the contribution of technical experimenting on a model of S&T that
‘Make in India’. Employment is also a manner and provide appropriate solutions.
subject of immediate concern. India’s 65% Prof. John Holdren, in his presidential change to economic growth in his famous is focused on the social and economic
paper of 1957 entitled ‘Technical change and development. These efforts have resulted in
population is below 35 years of age and address at the annual meeting of the
46 Scientech
- www.sifbahrain.com www.sifbahrain.com Scientech
-
Science & Technology For Resurgence:
Science & Technology For Resurgence: American Association for the Advancement in the output per head due to technical
of Science (San Francisco, February 15,
Re-Engineering Indian Science
Re-Engineering Indian Science
2007), has highlighted the importance of
S&T in sustainable human development
with specific role such as, improvement the aggregate production function’ wherein
of the understanding of threats and he has considered ‘segregating variation
advances
possibilities;
enabling
in
technology to drive economic growth via new change from those due to changes in the
increased productivity; reducing resource progress contributes to the economic growth
Prof. B.N. Jagatap
use and environmental impact; managing through discovery of new materials, new
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre products/services with reduced cost and availability of capital per head’. Technical
Mumbai the competition for land, soil, water and resources, new processes and new products,
India is perhaps facing some of the stiffest every month about 1 million Indians enter primary productivity; mastering the energy- upward shift in production, lowering of
challenges in the field of economic and the job market. While the economy is poised economy-environment dilemma; meeting input/output ratio, technical progress in
social developments. India figures in world’s to grow at a healthy rate of in excess of 7.5- the needs of the poor through eradicating inputs, substitution of limitational inputs
ten largest economies. However, in terms of 8.0%, this growth rate is not accompanied poverty and hunger, and improving health; by new materials etc. etc. These benefits of
the per capita GDP, which is a meaningful by matching growth in creation of new jobs. and so on so forth. These issues are also well technical change must be made available to
measure of the economic prosperity, Experts argue that the Indian economy has appreciated and understood in the context India’s manufacturing sectors as well as to
her world rank is 164. IMF data of 2013 become more of capital intensive economy; of Indian S&T ecosystem. However, the the social sectors through appropriate S&T.
suggests that if Indian economy grows therefore its potential to create new jobs is S&T community seems to have got caught Harvey Firestone had said ‘Capital isn’t so
annually at 8% and other economies remain weakening day by day. India’s world ranking between the trappings of ‘global’ vs ‘local’ important in business. Experience isn’t so
stagnant, India will take about 20 and 50 as per the human development index is 135; S&T, and therefore appears to have got important. You can get both these things.
disconnected from the national economic What is important is idea. If you have ideas,
years to match per capita GDP of China and the low rank speaks of the accessibility of her
US respectively. Economic survey of 2014- citizens to energy, health care, education, and social realities. This disconnect can you have the main asset you need and there
15 shows that the country has become a sanitation, drinking water etc. etc. For be very well understood from the fact that isn’t any limit to what you can do with your
services hub; the manufacturing sector’s example, more than 50% of India faces high in 2015, India’s world rank in publication business and life’. The challenge before the
of scientific papers was 6 while that in the S&T community of India is to produce such
contribution to the economy is about 18%, to extremely high water stress and over
which translates into about 1.8% share in 600 million are at the risk of water supply human resource development was 135 ideas, which build new business, make old
and that in per capita GDP was 164. What business competitive and which can empower
the world manufacturing. Compare this disruption. The quality of water in respect
situation with China where manufacturing is of contaminants like chloride, fluoride, iron, India needs today is a paradigm shift in our the youth of the country as entrepreneurs.
approach and practice of S&T to encompass Embedded in this challenge and the related
about 34% of the GDP and share in the world arsenic and nitrate is also a big concern; out
manufacturing is 13.7%. It is imperative of 632 districts surveyed, only 59 districts three essential elements: S&T for social and endeavors are the issues such as enhanced
economic development, S&T solutions that productivity, creation of wealth and jobs,
therefore to ask whether manufacturing in had safe drinking water.
India can be 25% of the GDP in near future are India centric and S&T solutions which sustenance of environment, access to water
considering the fact that its contribution has Interestingly almost all issues discussed have significant diffusion potential in the and low cost health care etc. etc.
remained near stagnant over past several above fall in the realm of science and India context. In the Chemistry Group of Bhabha Atomic
years. Needless to say that this issue is at technology (S&T). In fact S&T permits us
the heart of the national campaign namely to view these problems in an integrated Noted economist R. Solov has made significant Research Centre (BARC), we have been
observations on the contribution of technical experimenting on a model of S&T that
‘Make in India’. Employment is also a manner and provide appropriate solutions.
subject of immediate concern. India’s 65% Prof. John Holdren, in his presidential change to economic growth in his famous is focused on the social and economic
paper of 1957 entitled ‘Technical change and development. These efforts have resulted in
population is below 35 years of age and address at the annual meeting of the
www.sifbahrain.com Scientech
- 47
infected wounds including diabetic wounds. partnership with M/s Kayakalpa Remedies Company (NALCO) to recover gallium from
The dressing can be stored at ambient (Bhopal). We have also developed simple the process streams of aluminum industry.
temperature and humidity conditions for and effective methodologies for removal of It is well known that gallium is an important
two years without loss of activity, a factor arsenic and iron from potable water. All element widely used in electronic, opto-
which is critical for penetration of the these simple technologies achieve three electronic and lighting industry. We have
technology in rural India. The technology things simultaneously: providing clean further developed technologies for ultra-
has been transferred to M/s Cologenesis water, creation of local entrepreneurs and purification of commercial gallium to
Health Care Products, Salem, Tamil Nadu employment, and economic progress. electronic purity grade and for production
for commercialization. The technology was of trimethyl gallium which is a precursor for
amongst 40 innovative technologies selected Waste water treatment is a major issue that production of gallium arsenide or gallium
by ICMR for presentation at Rashtrapati has come to focus in recent times. With more nitride. Thus the R&D collaboration with
Bhawan in April 2016. Economic impact of than 50% of India facing high to extremely NALCO will complete the entire supply chain
this innovation can be gauged from a report high water stress, it is important to develop of gallium from production to device making
by Visiongain which predicts that the total low cost technologies, which can treat waste all with indigenous technologies. Another
advanced wound dressing market to be water and permit its recycling/reuse. In interesting example is our collaboration
worth $ 16.3 billion by 2023. the first stage, we have concentrated on with M/s Hare Krishna Diamond Exports,
the treatment of domestic and municipal Surat in the field of utilization of diamond
Fluoride contamination in ground water is a waste water. The technology choice here waste. Mention may also be made to our
major concern in 200 districts of 15 states is dictated by simplicity, efficiency, cost work involving the lithium ion battery; the
including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, effectiveness and adaptability to Indian material technology has been transferred to
Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, conditions; for example, the technology M/s Utopia Automation & Control, Satara.
Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu must have a foot print as small as possible
etc. Over 90 million people in India suffer and it can be set up at any scale to cater to Recently the concept of sustainability has
from health effects related to high fluoride a house hold or to a township. Conventional become a central theme of our developmental
concentration. WHO has recommended activated sludge process is the standard for strategies. Sustainable development is
safe level of fluoride in drinking water waste water treatment widely used in India; development that meets the needs of the
in the range of 1 to 1.5 mg/L. We have however the technology suffers from several
developed a visual detection kit for fluoride
very encouraging results in terms of their disadvantages. We have adapted aerobic
value in creation of wealth together with new detection which has become a boon to rural granular biomass technology, which is
knowledge. In what follows, I shall discuss a population of the country. A special reagent advancement over the conventional process
few simple examples from our work done in is developed and distributed across the and provides several advantages such as (a)
the past three years. country through trained private operators. cost effectiveness due to compact design,
Testing of water is simple: take four parts of small foot print, lower capital, operational
water and mix with one part of the reagent. If
First example is of a low cost dressing for and maintenance costs and lower energy
chronic non-healing wounds. The steep rise the colour of the mixture is pink then water consumption (b) ease of operation, (c)
in cases of diabetes and incidence of antibiotic is deficient in fluoride (< 1 mg/l), if light sustainability due to high effluent quality,
resistant bacteria pose serious doubts pink then water is normal or safe (1 to 1.5 efficient nutrient removal and low carbon
regarding the effectiveness of conventional mg/l fluoride) and if yellow then water has footprint and (d) scalability, i.e., 500 L (for
wound management. Advanced wound excess of fluoride (> 2 mg/l) which is toxic one household), 10,000 L (for a building)
care in the form of newer class of dressing for drinking. This kit has been adjudged and 1 ML (for a locality). This development
materials has emerged as a promising as the best kit among 18 kits by a UNICEF provides an opportunity of developing local
alternative for treating chronic, difficult to study. The technology of the kits has been entrepreneurs while conserving water and
heal wounds. However, its wider application transferred to a number of private parties contributing to the Clean India mission.
is limited due to high cost. Chemistry Group, including, M/s LTEK industries (Nagpur),
BARC has developed a simple, low cost M/s ORLAB Instruments (Hyderabad), India also needs R&D programmes to
dressing suitable for application on infected, M/s H.S. Industries (Hyderabad), M/s help industry and thereby make them
non-healing wounds. The dressing is based P.S. Industries (Amravati), M/s Kayakalpa competitive in the international trade. A
on the principle of production of nitrogen Remedies (Bhopal), M/s Transchem Agri concerted effort is required today to close
oxides, particularly nitric oxide, a gas which Tech (Baroda) and M/s Max Chemicals all supply chains of industries and new
has powerful infection-fighting and wound- (Indore). We have now developed a simple knowledge to this end needs to come from
healing properties. The dressing is very technique for removal of fluoride from research laboratories. We have established
effective in treatment of chronic, non-healing, drinking water, which has been successfully collaboration with National Aluminum
tested in several areas of Madhya Pradesh in
48 Scientech
- www.sifbahrain.com www.sifbahrain.com Scientech
-
partnership with M/s Kayakalpa Remedies Company (NALCO) to recover gallium from
(Bhopal). We have also developed simple the process streams of aluminum industry.
and effective methodologies for removal of It is well known that gallium is an important
arsenic and iron from potable water. All element widely used in electronic, opto-
these simple technologies achieve three electronic and lighting industry. We have
things simultaneously: providing clean further developed technologies for ultra-
water, creation of local entrepreneurs and purification of commercial gallium to
employment, and economic progress. electronic purity grade and for production
of trimethyl gallium which is a precursor for
Waste water treatment is a major issue that production of gallium arsenide or gallium
has come to focus in recent times. With more nitride. Thus the R&D collaboration with
than 50% of India facing high to extremely NALCO will complete the entire supply chain
high water stress, it is important to develop of gallium from production to device making
low cost technologies, which can treat waste all with indigenous technologies. Another
water and permit its recycling/reuse. In interesting example is our collaboration
the first stage, we have concentrated on with M/s Hare Krishna Diamond Exports,
the treatment of domestic and municipal Surat in the field of utilization of diamond
waste water. The technology choice here waste. Mention may also be made to our
is dictated by simplicity, efficiency, cost work involving the lithium ion battery; the
effectiveness and adaptability to Indian material technology has been transferred to
conditions; for example, the technology M/s Utopia Automation & Control, Satara.
must have a foot print as small as possible
and it can be set up at any scale to cater to Recently the concept of sustainability has
a house hold or to a township. Conventional become a central theme of our developmental
activated sludge process is the standard for strategies. Sustainable development is
waste water treatment widely used in India; development that meets the needs of the
however the technology suffers from several
disadvantages. We have adapted aerobic
granular biomass technology, which is
advancement over the conventional process
and provides several advantages such as (a)
cost effectiveness due to compact design,
small foot print, lower capital, operational
and maintenance costs and lower energy
consumption (b) ease of operation, (c)
sustainability due to high effluent quality,
efficient nutrient removal and low carbon
footprint and (d) scalability, i.e., 500 L (for
one household), 10,000 L (for a building)
and 1 ML (for a locality). This development
provides an opportunity of developing local
entrepreneurs while conserving water and
contributing to the Clean India mission.
India also needs R&D programmes to
help industry and thereby make them
competitive in the international trade. A
concerted effort is required today to close
all supply chains of industries and new
knowledge to this end needs to come from
research laboratories. We have established
collaboration with National Aluminum
www.sifbahrain.com Scientech
- 49
Tel: 17100083 - 33679900
www.sifbahrain.com Scientech
-
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