Congratulations to Venkatraman Ramakrishnan on sharing the Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Ada Yonath and Thomas Steitz. His achievement bears testimony to the fact that Indians are second to none in the field of science. It will stimulate a general interest in bioscience at home and inspire young Indian scientists to greater efforts. The real significance of the major breakthrough by the distinguished scientists is that it will help in the development of new antibiotics.
G. David Milton,
Maruthancode
After the discovery of traces of water on the moon by Chadrayaan-1, Dr. Ramakrishnan’s achievement comes as another piece of good news for India. It is hoped that the research on ribosome will provide relief to people suffering from certain diseases.
One also hopes that research conducted in an Indian institution will one day be awarded the Nobel Prize. Dr. Ramakrishnan’s achievement should inspire youngsters to take up research in a big way.
P. Guru Prasad,
Chennai
It is a matter of great pride that Dr. Ramakrishnan has been named a co-winner of the Chemistry Nobel. But this is also the time to remember that there is no paucity of talent in India either. But we lack the infrastructure and facilities for original work. For India to become a leader in science, we need world class research facilities and political non-interference. I am sure there are many Ramakrishnans in our country and, given the necessary infrastructure, they too will do us proud.
Sukhendu Roy Chowdhury,
New Delhi
Nobel for Dr. Ramakrishnan marks a proud moment for India. It has reinforced that India’s scientific talent is on a par with that of the advanced nations.
N. Hariharan,
Coimbatore
I am happy for more than one reason. First, Venki is the son of my Professor, C.V. Ramakrishnan, who headed the biochemistry department at the Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda. Secondly, I frequently visited Gulab Bagh, their house in Baroda, to attend the Saturday Club — an inter-faculty get-together of students — of which I was the secretary and knew ‘Ambi,’ as Dr. Ramakrishnan was affectionately called by his parents, well during my student days.
G. Rajagopal,
Chennai
As an ex-student of MS University, I feel elated. I remember Venki’s father — the much respected Professor — and his family from my student days in the 1960s. I am sure Venki’s feat will inspire many Indian students to take up challenges. I wish him all the very best and hope he scales greater heights.
Isabella George,
Muvattupuzha
As one who is settled in Vadodara, I was rejoiced on hearing that a person who graduated from MS University is a co-recipient of Chemistry Nobel. A proud moment indeed for Dr. Ramakrishnan and all those who contributed to his success!
V.N. Ramachandran,
Vadodara
That an Indian-born is sharing the Nobel Prize for Chemistry is indeed a proud moment for all of us. It is also time to ponder why scientists like Venkatraman Ramakrishnan move out of India and what we can do to retain such talent. Why do we end up exporting talent and effectively lose all our intellectuals despite investing in them?
Ravi Ganesh,
Burlington
While every Indian should be proud of Dr. Ramakrishnan’s achievement, one cannot but think why an Indian in India cannot get a Nobel for science. Is it research facility, encouragement or the drive that is lacking?
V. Sethumadhavan,
Acton
As a microbiologist, I am elated but the patriot in me wishes that a home-bred scientist wins the Nobel. We have world class dedicated researchers and the infrastructure too. But something is lacking.
I hope a day will come when our scientists need not go out to do research and get a Nobel Prize.
Anuradha Srinivasan,
Chennai
