Absence of stategic vision

K V S Prasad

Ancient Indian science is not primitive; and we should recognise that even ancient understanding is also based on 'Science', says the author while examining India's quest for scientific progress in ancient times and modern times,and the scope today for more broader and intensified scientific enquiry.

Truth is bigger than Science. Science reinforces Truth, Science rediscovers Truth, Science re-establishes Truth. In fact, validates, Truth. For example, the magnetic properties of Earth existed even before it was discovered. Science is constantly, rigorously understanding and explaining the principles behind the Truth. Let us reflect on the progress of science, with specific reference to India. We need to examine the present perspective on the scientific methodologies, the scenario of R & D and Science Education, the scope for more broader and intensified scientific enquiry.
In terms of modern science, India has

Let us look at our temples. They combine aesthetics, artistry as well as mind boggling size and scale which would have involved enormous labour, skill and mechanical efficiency. It is reported that to transport a monolithic tower weighing more than hundred tonnes, to the top of more than 180ft high temple structure, a ramp had to be created from 10 kilometres distance in case of Brihadeshwara Temple in Tanjore. They stand testimony to the 'shastra' behind their construction.

made significant progress. Be it space, remote sensing, health science et al. In some areas, we pursued indigenous R & D, quiet successfully and enviously. The case of nuclear energy and space science, is a striking example – leading to spectacular achievements – for instance, inexpensive and efficient satellite launches and space missions.
Were we advanced in the ancient times too? Yes. Our ancient texts do reveal that; the travelogues of visitors reveal high advancement in art, culture, architecture and education. Indian contributions have been reported as most significant in pure sciences as well as applied sciences. We should recognise that even ancient understanding is also based on 'Science', may not necessarily be, 'modern science'. It was enumerated in 'Shastras or disciplines' like Vrikshayurveda, Shilpashastra, Agamasastra, and Ayurveda. The principles were explained in slokas (how to arrive at the value of pie, for example). They were path breaking too and formed the basis for several derivatives. We need to accommodate inquiry into them.

Let us look at our temples. They combine aesthetics, artistry as well as mind boggling size and scale which would have involved enormous labour, skill and mechanical efficiency. It is reported that to transport a monolithic tower weighing more than hundred tonnes, to the top of more than 180ft high temple structure, a ramp had to be created from 10 kilometres distance in case of Brihadeshwara Temple in Tanjore. They stand testimony to the 'shastra' behind their construction.

These temples have weathered ages. May be, they do not confirm totally to the modern civil engineering logic. The mysterious acoustics in stone sculptures, echoes in forts, floating stones, and ancient coins in terms of metallurgical advances, are a testimony to the scientific advances India had made. NASA's pictures on existence of manmade 'Ram Sethu' in the news recently is a startling discovery that mythologies are not entirely fiction but historical facts.

Let us look at another familiar example – the diverse food systems. For instance, the healing powers of several native foods existed as a belief. The truth now is established through science with regard to this. Ex. Medicinal properties of Amla, Bitter gourd, and multiple benefits of cow urine. We talk about medicinal properties of neem and turmeric and ironically, patent rights too.

Truth is science existed in every generation…may be, not articulated the way we do it now. The problem is that the 'ancient scientists' never bothered to reach wider audiences as the modern education demands. Also, we ourselves underplay some and overplay some scientific achievements. While, some get highlighted for some reason or the other, we underplay our own fundamental contributions to modern science too - for instance, in mathematics (discovery of zero), and discovery of plant life by J C Bose, which are fundamental to human kind and their sensibilities.

The short point is…ancient is not modern but it is not primitive either. Our scientific enquiry should include it; be patient, inquisitive, prepared to learn from the past too.

INDIGENOUS R & D

Though we have tremendous scientific manpower in numbers, we seem to be caught in a syndrome of 'majority can survive with mediocrity'. Day in and Day out we are creating lakhs of young students and researchers. Universities churn out lots of PhDs. We have hordes of scientific papers but not enough path breaking research findings. The science citation index gives a low count of cited papers.
Nobel Prize winners are rare. Even when they emerge, invariably their pursuits are incubated in developed countries.

We suffer from fits and jerks in prioritising scientific output. We have phases of publish or perish syndrome followed by patent or perish syndrome, depending on the scientific leadership. We are still considered a bit weak on the fundamental research as the investments we make are low.

While R & D in few frontier areas has been outstanding, most of our industrial R & D still remains as a 'prestige indicator' to showcase percentage of investment made to the total manufacturing turnover. Very often, this becomes the passport for striking international joint ventures. Invariably, indigenous industrial R & D supporting public sector organisations becomes a 'mechanic shop' to address repairs rather than pursuing path breaking research. Pockets of excellence are not encouraged to go full hog towards commercialisation.

Often, the R & D gets restricted to 'cut and paste' approach. Not enough strategic vision is forthcoming for long term innovative research. Of course, there are exceptions, for instance, space sciences, atomic energy, and defence. What we need is broad based scientific temper which can extricate us from mediocrity into excellence.

Also, we need to recognise that indigenous science investments gets overtaken by other arm twisting priorities like distorted trade regimes, monopolies, and intellectual property rights (IPRs). Let us take the nuclear and space advancements. They are a testimony for intense posturing and positioning. While it was social welfare obligations which forced us to innovate inexpensive options, sometimes, it was denial and arm twisting

by developed countries. Globalised world does offer several opportunities but also subtly ties hands with lobbies determining the priorities, very often. We all know, food is a big lobby; health care is a big lobby. A populous country like India with huge disparities cannot afford to underestimate self-reliance in food and health management. The native competitive advantages of rich biodiversity and human intellect need to be tapped.

The point is, in industrial R & D, we do underestimate the 'brain drain' and 'revenue drain' caused by Indian brains patenting for organisations based in other countries. There is a need for developing low cost alternatives. And strengthen need based indigenous R & D with enough accountability.

There is much to learn from the 'field' in matters of non-industrial R & D - on what works, what is happening, why it is happening and most importantly, what else seems to be working. Presently, there is a problem of disconnect with nature. We forget that nature offers lots of lessons. Nature offers eco balances. When the eco balances are distorted, the climate change happens, ozone depletion happens. Now, let us look at a concrete example from agricultural sciences. We ignored ecosystem approaches. We moved towards indiscriminate spraying of harmful pesticides and use of chemical fertilisers for higher yields with total disregard to environment. The natural organic manure balances were disturbed.

Similarly, indiscriminate spraying affected the natural balance of helpful and harmful insect balances (with reference to the main crop). Generally, the predators (insects which feed on pests) do not harm the crop but feed on the harmful insects. By destroying all insect population through indiscriminate spraying of poisonous chemicals, the harmful insect levels reach epidemic levels, further warranting spray of more toxic pesticides (It is like switching to more powerful antibiotics to combat illnesses of human body). This phenomenon is observed by farmer's themselves when they participate in Farmer Field Schools as part of their

Overdose of chemical fertiliser affect the soil, water, biodiversity as well as human life. The harmful chemical residues affect the food we eat, water we drink and air we breathe causing illnesses which are avoidable. The cancer train from Punjab is a case in point.

learning process. (I have been involved in it). Overdose of chemical fertiliser affect the soil, water, biodiversity as well as human life. The harmful chemical residues affect the food we eat, water we drink and air we breathe causing illnesses which are avoidable. The cancer train from Punjab is a case in point. We now talk about organic foods, organic farming, better soil health and so on. Science recognises it as IPM – Integrated Pest management; however, it is being overshadowed by lobbies interested in sale of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. The educational curriculum too still carries 'package of practices', recommending chemical use.
Another example. It is widely believed that paddy cultivation consumes enormous amounts of water. That's what we were told, taught. Now, we understand that water logging of paddy fields is not necessary. By intermittent wetting and drying, each paddy plant breathes better, roots better, therefore, grows better and gives better yield. Moreover, it is now established that paddy need not be densely planted in inundated conditions. With approximately 1/10th of the seed required by widely spaced plants and transplanting young seedlings, and approximately 40% less water, the paddy plant grows and yields better. Wider planting does lead to weed infestation which needs to be cleared through suitable measures and the water managed at desired levels. Therefore, it is not that plant requires so much water, and we have told the farmers to practice so.
The scientific research did recommend this practice for more than two decades. It also suited local conveniences – with erratic power supply, farmers flood the field when power supply is available.
Most importantly, we should recognise that the wisdom of alternative approach emerged from the field through a freak innovation and is being followed by millions of farmers worldwide. The research is still validating it – still looking for conditions where it does not work, and where it is working. Meanwhile, who is accountable to the criminal wastage of seed and water, two most precious resources?

Very often, the farmer-led innovations are local, simple and easily acceptable. What is needed is encouragement. Encouraging pursuits … not necessarily always big investments, but application of science for social good.
Sometimes, we suffer from 'origin syndrome of knowledge'. We are obsessed with the source of knowledge – where is it coming from, rather than the alternative itself. If it comes from the practitioner, it is primitive, and a myth. Fair enough, but, that should not blind us from understanding why it is working. This warrants another flexibility. Technology education should break the shackles of the outdated curricula. It has to be enriched by cross learning; co-learning, bottom up learning. Presently curriculum is getting locked up in 'comfort zones' for teachers as well as students.

Also, the present learning mechanisms have distanced themselves from field realities. That is the reason it is alleged that professionals from areas like engineering, agriculture, and computer sciences are not easily suitable for work environment.
Put simply grass-root innovation and the linkage between knowledge systems should be formalised and encouraged.

UNKNOWN FRONTIERS

We have a large scientific manpower. We need more rigorous scientific enquiry without prejudice and ego which prevents us from learning from the field. We should respect that truth is bigger than science. We should not let out 'scientific lens' miss the truth. For this to happen, we need to be proactive in terms of need based purposeful indigenous R & D, put a premium on the quality of Research, Science Education and participatory co-learning.

Also, we should recognise limitations of science too. We should not underestimate anything as unscientific – which cannot be perceived within the 'known scientific parameters'. For instance, what is intuition and sixth sense? In fact, many studies in Quantum Physics are throwing new light on energy relationships which cannot be perceived within the frameworks of modern science and sensory organs. This needs extra perception, extra effort, extra tuning and harmony. This means our science education has to be sensitive, inquisitive, receptive and responsive.

Very often, the farmer-led innovations are local, simple and easily acceptable. What is needed is encouragement. Encouraging pursuits … not necessarily always big investments, but application of science for social good.

Indian temples stand testimony to the 'shastra' behind their construction. May be, they do not confirm totally to the modern civil engineering logic. But undeniably, the mysterious acoustics in stone sculptures, echoes in forts, floating stones, and ancient coins in terms of metallurgical advances, are a testimony to the scientific advances India had made. NASA's pictures on existence of man- made 'Ram Sethu' is a startling discovery that Indian mythologies are not entirely fiction but historical facts.

Yoga is not aerobics as is being perceived and promoted by some sections. Some wellness programmes are also distorting this ancient science by highlighting partial benefits. Yoga is holistic - for wholesome development of body, mind and soul - through a flexible healthy body, proper breathing, influencing thought processes, meaningful action, peaceful and stress free life.

Indian science seem to be caught in a syndrome of 'majority can survive with mediocrity'. Universities churn out lots of PhDs. We have hordes of scientific papers but not enough path breaking research findings. We suffer from fits and jerks in prioritising scientific output. We have phases of publish or perish syndrome followed by patent or perish syndrome, depending on the scientific leadership. We are still a bit weak on fundamental research as investments we make are low. Often, the R & D gets restricted to 'cut and paste' approach. Not enough strategic vision is forthcoming for long term innovative research.

The author is Executive Director, AME Foundation & Chief Editor, LEISA India (on sustainable agriculture);Leisa India is the regional Indian edition of Agricultures Network of the global LEISA magazines