Take interest in basic sciences, Mysaiah tells students

With the country facing shortage of scientists in all core fields, students have been urged to take up challenges and make scientific discoveries.

Giving away prizes and awards to students as part of the National Science Day celebrations recently, K. Mysaiah, executive director, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), Ranipet, said the present day craze among youth was to study engineering and get a job in a software company.

“But there are a number of scientific establishments in our country where we do not have enough number of good scientists. Those with some interest in science want to go abroad, and this has resulted in brain-drain. There is shortage of scientists in all core fields in the country — whether it is in physics, chemistry, mathematics or biological sciences,” Mr. Mysaiah said.

If the country’s standard of living has to improve, the base of agriculture and industry has to improve which is possible only through the contribution of scientists.

“Engineers can only convert scientific theories and base into practical applications. So, if technology and engineering have to improve in the country, then basic science has to grow,” he said. Noting that former President Abdul Kalam had said India has to become a superpower by 2020, Mr. Mysaiah said, “To achieve this goal, we need a large number of C.V. Ramans who can contribute to the growth of science and technology in our country.”

In line with National Science Day, which is celebrated on February 28 to mark the discovery of the Raman Effect by Indian Physicist-Nobel laureate Sir C.V. Raman, the District Science Centre, Vellore, had organised competitions including drawing, essay writing and elocution for students of classes VIII, IX and XI. Sixty prizes and certificates were given to students. Awards for INSPIRE 2014-15 were also given.