Is IT enough, what about basic sciences?

March 05, 2011 11:51 pm | Updated September 29, 2016 10:39 pm IST

HYDERABAD (AP) - 22-07-2010 - * IT INDUSTRY /STOCK PHOTOS * -- IT professionals in IT industry in Hyderabad --- PHOTO: P_V_SIVAKUMAR

HYDERABAD (AP) - 22-07-2010 - * IT INDUSTRY /STOCK PHOTOS * -- IT professionals in IT industry in Hyderabad --- PHOTO: P_V_SIVAKUMAR

The IT industry has emerged as a major employer of technical and non-technical graduates. Because of the higher salaries, an IT job is chased and cherished by graduates. The manufacturing sector lacks the IT industry's financial muscle to compete in the job market.

We often hear captains of the IT industry complain that graduates are not industry-ready. That is, whatever their other accomplishments or merits, the graduates do not measure up to the expectations of the IT industry. The IT honchos never tire of lecturing the universities about the employability-deficit of the otherwise qualified candidates. Engineering graduates may be employable by the manufacturing sector, but not by the IT sector. Employability is measured vis-à-vis the IT industry's needs.

It has become fashionable for IT companies to berate the education system for not teaching the necessary ‘skills' to students. What are the ‘skills' the system reportedly fails to teach? Is it building that connection between learning and life that makes individuals liberal and compassionate in their outlook? Is it the development of a curious, questioning mind that can think out of the box and innovate? Is it a cultured and holistic perspective that views life in all its rich manifestations with wonder, eclecticism and empathy? Is it anything to do with nation building?

The answer is none of the above. The skills come packaged under a generic name ‘soft'. These are primarily the abilities to communicate, work in a team, solve problems (related to the industry), etc. The IT industry has co-opted universities and engineering colleges to teach ‘soft' skills to students to make them ready for IT careers. The focus seems to be on learning the skills to land an IT job from day one rather than learning science and technology. It is as if the purpose of technical education in India is to create a captive pool of industry — a ready workforce for our IT giants.

India may be an IT superpower but is a technological laggard. In a sense, the IT sector has hampered the growth of science and technology. It has always perplexed me why India cannot manufacture passenger and military aircraft with cent per cent indigenous content. India's ‘own' Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas' comes with an engine manufactured by the General Electric Company in the U.S. Self -sufficiency in defence production is far away.

No nation can hope to become a superpower without a qualitatively superior technological prowess. What is the contribution of the famed IITs to research and development? Are the IITs a springboard for higher education and plum jobs in the U.S? Should the mechanical, chemical, electrical IIT graduates be working as software engineers, consultants and knowledge workers instead of contributing to the growth and competitiveness of the core manufacturing sector?

Nobody wants to take away the freedom to choose one's profession. But when the government provides subsidised education with taxpayers' money, is it too much to expect something in return from the IIT alumni in the form meaningful research and technological innovations? Why can't we have a system where IIT graduates can be made to work in research laboratories for, say, three years? The government should offer free education to those IIT students who sign a contract to pursue a career in research and development.

This is not a jeremiad against the IT industry, which is a prolific employer and major contributor to foreign exchange reserves. The IT sector cannot be accused of ganging up on the manufacturing sector. We are proud that India is recognised as the IT capital of the world. But it is equally important for India to be one of the innovation hubs of the world to achieve not only technological self-sufficiency but also invent local solutions to the myriad problems like poverty, agricultural productivity, water conservation, and climate change. Basic science education should be given its due respect to foster a scientific temper and culture. We need bright and independent minds that can create great ideas in garages as well as in laboratories. It is the developing of ‘hard skills' in science and technology that will determine whether India is able to make its tryst with destiny to become a major power. The IT industry cannot be allowed to dictate what and how science and technology are taught in colleges. Higher education is too important to be tied to the apron strings of a single industry.

( The writer's email id is: vnmukund@gmail.com )

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