O P Sharma
Jammu and Kashmir has been celebrating the National Science Day like other parts of the country on February 28 every year. The day marks the discovery of the Raman Effect by Indian Physicist C V Raman for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics during 1930 for his discovery.
In an exclusive interview, Dr Ram A. Vishwakarma, Director, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicines (IIIM), Jammu, spoke about the importance of this day and also highlighted the steep upward graph of science and technology in the country during the past few years. This prestigious scientific institution of CSIR is actively engaged in high research and detailed study of J&K State’s medicinal, aromatic and plant wealth.
Moving Forward
Dr Vishwakarma opined that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh have rich bio-diversity and vast scope for scientific exploration for contributing to the overall betterment of life. He stressed that the Central Government’s re-doubled endeavours must be fully supported by the State Government as well as the people in this part of the country.
Referring to a new project, the Director said that Techno Village scheme is being launched in Jammu and Kashmir shortly whereby selected areas will have focused attention on projection of science and technology. The objective is to move forward for wide-spread scientific knowledge. The State has its units of Bhaba Atomic Energy, Space Technology, et al.
Signals of Progress
This State has a number of research-oriented educational institutions and varsities devoting focus on agriculture, horticulture, engineering and IT sectors. In fact, tangible advances have been made on the scientific horizon and notable progress registered putting India on the high rank in the science and technology spheres. It is heartening to note that young bright youth are taking to science and in time to come our talented boys and girls will adorn the high line of scientific community for bringing benefits of science and technology to the common people.
The National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) in 1986 suggested that National Science Day for be observed in India on this proud day when the great Indian Scientist Dr Raman made the important scientific discovery on February 28. For the last 27 years National Science Day is celebrated across the country to focus attention on the advancement of science and its projection which holds a key to all round development.
High Hopes
Every year a specific theme is discussed and debated to sensitize the people about the urgent need for promotion of science and technology to catch up with the advanced nations. To create awareness among the common masses, the event is now organized with seminars, conferences, public discussions in schools, colleges, universities and other academic, scientific, technical, medical and research institutions all over the country. On the very first National Science Day in 1987, the National Science Popularization awards were constituted for recognizing outstanding efforts in science communication and popularization.
Young bright Indian scientists are now rated high at the international level and who certainly done India proud in the IT sector, medicine, engineering, space technology and other fields. While the focal topic for 2009 was “Expanding Horizons of Science”, the theme for last year was “Clean Energy Options and Nuclear Safety.” Eminent scientists and institutions are given prestigious awards by the Science and Technology Department, Government of India annually.
Nation’s Objective
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, a top scientist who served as the 11th President of India in his book “India 2020” has strongly advocated for an action plan to develop India into a knowledge superpower and developed nation by the year 2020. Dr Kalam has worked on high positions in DRDO, ISRO and is popularly known as the Missile Man of India for his work on the development of ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology as also India’s Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998.
Dr Kalam still continues to take an active interest in other developments in the field of science and technology. He has proposed a research program for developing bio-implants. He is a supporter of Open Source over proprietary solutions and believes that the use of free software on a large scale will bring the benefits of information technology to more people.
Key to Advancement
It is gradually being realized that in this backward and border State, the science education must be imparted at various levels so that we also produce bright scientists, technologists for our overall advancement. Already some positive signals are emerging with leading advanced educational and other institutions already in place in Jammu and Kashmir with our young boys and girls also forging ahead in all spheres of science and technology.
It may recalled that the scientist Raman discovered the effect on scattering of light in 1928, which bears his name and that brought many accolades including the Nobel Prize in 1930. The American Chemical Society has designated the Raman Effect as an International Historic Chemical Landmark in 1998.
Our country has made significant strides in science and technology but it has still many miles to go for transformation of the society for attaining the status of super power with a mission of working for peace, progress and spiritual enlightenment.
(Starline Syndicate Service)
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