He might have won the Nobel Prize this week, but Venkatraman Ramakrishnan still remembers the National Science Talent Scholarship he won as an Indian schoolboy as having spurred him into a career in science. In an email interview to The Hindu , he suggests that “instead of thinking about these prizes, what the government should do is concentrate on building a broad culture of respect for basic science and knowledge.
”Did you live in Tamil Nadu at all as a child? Or spend any holidays here? Do you still have any personal or family connections in Tamil Nadu?
I moved to Baroda in 1955 at the age of 3. I visited Tamil Nadu occasionally and until my mother’s death two years ago, my family owned a flat in Madras, where my aunt used to live.
Did any teacher or class inspire you to become a scientist?
I had an excellent math and physics teacher in high school named T.C. Patel, and in the university, I had truly dedicated professors in both physics and mathematics who gave me a sound foundation with which to pursue graduate studies.
I was the recipient of a National Science Talent Scholarship which was specifically [meant] to encourage students to go into basic science (rather than medicine or engineering which usually grabbed all the best students). I hope such schemes still exist in India.
How did you shift from physics to molecular biology? Was your father [a former biochemistry professor at Baroda University] an influence in your decision?
No. I was more motivated by the fact that biology seemed a more open field with lots of possibilities for making significant contributions.
What do you think are the practical implications of your research work?
One important practical application is in the design of new antibiotics based on these structures (ribosomes), something being done in various companies, including a company called Rib-X that I consult for and which was founded by Tom Steitz, one of the co-winners.
What are your observations about the state of science and research in India? Why are there so few Indian citizens among the ranks of Nobel laureates, although there are more of Indian origin?
I think it is a mistake to judge science by Nobel Prizes. In the last decade or more, funding for science has improved a lot in India, and there are now many excellent labs in my field in various parts of India. Instead of thinking about these prizes, what the government should do is concentrate on building a broad culture of respect for basic science and knowledge.
What leads you to work with young scientists, and how do you spot the potential in them? How do you motivate young people to pursue research?
I think it’s important to give young people the freedom to follow their ideas, and pursue their interests. I’m very grateful to have had many brilliant students and post-docs who have worked with me. Potential is often hard to spot, but a key factor is whether they express a genuine interest in the problem, and how they have thought about it.
Keywords: Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, National Science Talent Scholarship, molecular biology, science, physics, chemistry, Tom Steitz, nobel prize
Life itself is made up of known and unknown parts of existence. Without a fundamental approach towards research (as our ancient Rishis had), nothing new can be discovered. What Prof. V. Ramakrishnan is suggesting is building a "culture of respect" for S&T. We count only the prizes or the number of job placements as far as S&T is concerned, resulting in more "science bureaucrats" and "technology clerks".
Take a good look at Prof. Ramakrishnan's career. He started as a physicist, changed to protein science and excelled in this field. We need to break down the artificial barriers we have created in the sciences like mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry etc. We need more scientists who can cross these boundaries and make useful contributions. Too many institutions of higher education in India have rigid classification of departments and fields. Cross fertilization of ideas from scientists from different departments will help to break these artificial barriers.
If you want to see world class scientific research, take a look at the work being done by scientists at NCBS in Bangalore. What they are doing is not only of importance to India but also to world at large. They published their work in world class journals like Nature, PNAS and others. In the long run that is what matters most - contribution to human knowledge about the world we live in. By understanding Nature, we understand ourselves.
congrats.......................... I have taken you as my role model already and I am very eager to learn more.
Kudos to Mr.Venkatraman Ramakrishnan! But, Ms. Priscilla Jebaraj's choice of questions shocks me! Her 1st question in particular! It is an attempt to "regionalize" Mr.Ramakrishnan's achievement. Agreed, The Hindu caters to a large Tamil audience but this is surely not the 1st question you'd expect from a National newspaper! Or is it a norm to establish a person's regional identity before interviewing?
In a world where people die for name and fame, it is amazing to find Venky who has proved to be far worthiier than the prestigious award itself. His humility even at the moment of elevation has taken the Nobel winner to a higher pedestal. His call to the public to evaluate a work on its merit instead of awards and prizes would, no doubt, have a rich impact on the blooming minds in all fields.
Congratulations! I learned about this article about an hour ago, only to recognize my grandfather Thakorbhai Chimanbhai Patel also known as T.C. Patel had taught Venkatraman Ramakrishnan
What a Great Soul! This is true indian spirit of Simple Living High Thinking not paying so much importance to the reward but the passion and the ensuing action. We are very proud of Dr.Ramakrishnan's greatest achievments and more so of his humility. True Merit derives its recognition by its sheer shine that can never be un-noticed and outshone. It always stands out shines!. We feel humbled and honoured by Dr.Ramakrishnan. Best wishes for many more Ramakrishnans and Chandrasekars, Khoranas, Tagores, Theresas, Amritya Sens and Ramans.
This is a marvelous work ever done by an Indian scientist. The Govt. of India should introduce such interdisplinary courses and research in premier institutes so that our people have ample scope for R&D in labs. You are an inspiration for the young scientists.
Hearty Wishes Sir,
The recognition given to you is the recognition given to modern Indian mind. We have the potential, plan and inclination to achieve in science. But there is one area which needs some attention now. All the best minds prefer professional courses and the option for basic sciences is reducing year by year. The high school curriculum should also have components like mysteries yet to be resolved in Natural Sciences and Physical Sciences. Science should be thought as a enthusiastic journey rather than a profession. Then, the time we put forth for achieving something in basic science will become immaterial. Your achievement will be an everlasting inspiration for the entire scientific aspirants of the globe. Kudos!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is evidence of the difference between Indian (/Indian origin) Science achievers & (most)westerns achievers. I am sure Dr. Ramakrishnan would keep working with same dedication & love even after receiving the Nobel Prize. Because he already peaked his dedication. So inspiring!
Very perceptive comments from the Nobel winner. I commend him for making these statements. What matters in the long run in scientific research is to follow ones passion for doing first rate science and share the results with the world by publications in internationally respected journals. Every child has an innate curiosity about the world around us. It is important to nurture that curiosity with opportunity and money for further education.
congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and i like ur words that its not the question of novel prize .only if u have skills u should try to improve it and that will be a true prize if it help humanity in some manner.
A humble Indian scientist, with a richly deserved Nobel for finding answers to key functionalities of ribosomes. Sadly, at the same time, given the conditions that scientists work in in India, it is next to impossible to bag a science Nobel working in India itself. Indeed, the ill is much larger - for years, India's school children themselves are driven more towards acquiring language skills they are more likely to waste rather than use, rather than towards understanding science that the country badly needs.
!!!!!! Hats Off !!!!!!!!!! Sir , No words to say about you.. beacause i am not that much eligible to comment on you. We need your blessings and advise .
Thanks & Regards
D. Mahesh
New Delhi - India
Wonderful! Excellent! I like these words. "I think it is a mistake to judge science by Nobel Prizes. Instead of thinking about these prizes, what the government should do is concentrate on building a broad culture of respect for basic science and knowledge."
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