Author: Sharan Poovanna
Publication: The New Indian Express
Date: November 1, 2010
URL: http://expressbuzz.com/edition/print.aspx?artid=219691
Science is considered a complicated language
by the common man. But in Karnataka, science is considered a dialect of the
local Kannada language. This notion would come alive when there is a realisation
of efforts by second generation scientist, Prof Roddam Narasimha.
Standing tall as one of the most distinguished
scientists that the state has produced, Prof Narasimha says that Karnataka
and more importantly Bangalore, has been one of the leading science hubs of
the country. Reflecting upon the history of science in the state, he says
that the very fact that people other than Kannadigas have all found solace
in the state in their pursuit of science is proof that the state has always
promoted science in a big way.
Indian Institute of Science
"This was a reputation built over time,"
he said and added that Karnataka has pioneered in establishing science as
a way of life. Attributing the spark of this revolution to Jamshedji Tata
and the Wadiyars of Mysore, he says that it was their pursuit of research
that led to the establishment of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), as
one of the premier institutes for research in the country.
"We started an extensive research university
that was one of the first in the country," he said. Narasimha added that
IISc was started in 1908 and exuded the pursuit of science from the early
days itself. Noting that Kolkata (then Calcutta) was the only other hub for
science research in the country, Narasimha said that Karnataka had produced
the most distinguished names that were synonymous with science.
"CV Raman, Homi Bhabha, Satish Dhawan,
Vikram Sarabhai and countless others have pursued science in Karnataka,"
he said. Narasimha said that even during the Second World War, the electronic
communications that was developed in IISc proved helpful for the Indian defence
communications and broadcasting, not just that time, but in future as well.
Speaking on nonnatives practising research
in the state, he says that eminent scientists who travelled all over the world
spreading their work also helped spread the spirit of Karnataka's excellence
in science. He pointed out that Bhabha set up the Tata Institute of Fundamental
Research with the intent of having a specialised institute for research.
Distinguishing IT, engineering and science
Making a clear distinction between information
technology, engineering and science, he says that Bangalore was known as the
science capital long, before it was known for its IT exploits.
"The hospitable nature of the city and
the acceptance of outsiders attracted industries to our city," Narasimha
said and added that the climate and peaceful nature of the surroundings also
played an important part.
Pointing out that public private partnership
(PPP) was not a new concept, he said that IISc was one of the first such ventures
that set the precedent for future endeavours of the governments. He said that
he was also one of the first customers of a person producing microprocessors
in Bangalore in the 1970s, a thing that no one had heard of at that time.
Pioneering efforts of Sir MV
He said that engineering and the pursuit of
technology started with Sir M Visvesvaraya and his efforts. Narasimha said
that Sir MV took the ability of science to the masses with his creations.
He also pointed out that some of the most eminent scientists were deeply rooted
in culture. "It is very important according to me to ensure that people
understand the significance of the local language to understand age-old phenomena,"
he said.
He said that his father R Lakshminarasimha
was one of the few individuals who made this attempt and that it stands testimony
to the efforts of Kannada embracing science. He said that his father wrote
science in Kannada which excluded the earlier notion of science being only
for the English educated. "His works like the one on sound tried to teach
the concept and the science behind something as simple as sound, but in Kannada,"
Narasimha said.
He also pointed out that some of the biggest
scholarships for language were not even given in India, which had a variety
of languages. He says that like his father's mantra, science should go to
the masses and not make them come to science.
Narasimha points out that Karnataka has contributed
extensively to science. But his worry is that the percentage of Kannadigas
pursuing science is worrisome. There was huge potential, but it had to be
realised, he added.
