Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research Vol.59, June 2000, pp 487-505

CONFERENCE REPORT

Indian Science Congress 2000 - A Report

B.S. Aggarwal National Institute of Science Communication (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research), Dr K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi 110 012, India

The Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) which was established in 1914 'to advance and promote the cause of science in India', held its 87th Annual '(~ Session at the University of Pune, Pune, during 3-7 J January, 2000 under the Presidentship of Dr R.A. Mashelkar, FRS, who is an eminent chemical engineer and a renowned science administrator and is presently the Director General of Council of Scientific and Indus­ trial Research, New Delhi. The University of Pune had hosted the sessions of culture and polity. Today, in addition, it demonstrates Indian Science Congress twice earlier also, once in 1950 the vibrant Indian capability in several fields of science which was inaugurated by the first Prime Minister of and technology, industry, agriculture and business." India, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, and the other in 1988, About 4000 delegates from different parts of the coun­ which was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister, Shri try and abroad participated in the Congress. Prominent Rajiv Gandhi. Both these sessions were memorable in among these were Nobel Laureates Dr Richard R Ernst their own way, the former being related to the birth year (Switzerland) and Prof. Jean Marie Lehn (France); Dr of the Indian Republic as well as of the National Chemi­ Karl H Neumann (Justus Liebig University, Germany), cal Laboratory (NCL) and the latter being the Platinum stalwarts like Prof. M.G.K. Menon, Dr M.S. Swami­ Jubilee Session ofiSCA. This year's Science Congress nathan, Prof. Yash Pal, Prof. Govind Swamp, Dr P. too was mightier and had a special significance as it was Ganguly, Dr S.P. Godrej, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (Sci­ regarded to be the 'First Session in the New Millennium' entific Adviser to Govt.), Prof. V.S . Ramamurthy (Sec­ and was therefore aptly christened as 'Indian Science retary, DST), Dr P.N. Tandon (AIIMS, New Delhi), Dr Congress 2000 and the specially designed logo (see Jayant Narlikar, Dr R. Chidambaram, Dr Vasant Figure 1) nicely depicted 'ISC 2000'. The theme of this Gowariker, Dr K. Kasturirangan, Dr Anil Kakodkar session "Indian Science & Technology into the Next (Director, BAR C), Dr (Mrs) Manju Sharma (ex-General Millennium" was highly appropriate for the occasion. President, ISCA and Secretary, DBT), Dr R.S. Parada The city of Pune, popularly known as "Oxford of the (General President designate for 2001 and Director Gen­ East", is known for its contributions to science. In the eral, ICAR), Prof. V.G. Bhide (former Vice Chancellor, words of the Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pune University), Dr Bimal Jalan (Governor, Reserve "It is a renowned hub of both Vidnyaan - that is, the Bank of India), Prof. A. Jhunjhunwala (liT, Madras), knowledge of science,and Dnyaan- the higher knowl­ Prof. Mohan Ram (Delhi University), Dr Pusha Bhar­ edge of life". Dr Murli Manohar Joshi, Minister of Hu­ gava (ex-Director, CCMB, Hyderabad), Mr Mohan man Resource Development, Science & Technology and Dharia (politician and social worker), Dr G.P. Phondke Ocean Development also regarded Pune as a wonderful (ex-Director, NISCOM, New Delhi), Dr Paul Rat­ choice for this mega session when he said, "Pune has nasamy (Director, NCL, Pune), Prof. Anil Gupta (liM, been one of the fountain sources of the resurgent Indian Ahmedabad), Sectional Presidents of different sections 488 J SCl:IND RES VOL,5!PUNE 2oqo

Table 1 -Sectional Presidents and title of their Addresses at the Indian Science Congress 2000

Sl No. Section Sectional President Title of Address

Agricultural Sciences Prof. Syamal Kumar Gupta, Department Soil Health and Sustainability of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Calcutta University, Calcutta 700019

2 Anthropology & Dr S.K. Ghoshmaulik, Utkal University, Classification and Origin of People of India: An Archeology Bhubaneswar Unsolved Problem

3 Biochemistry, Prof. Anil Saran, Tata Institute of Conformation and Mechanism of Drug Action Biophysics & Fundamental Research, Mumbai 400 005 Molecular Biology

4 Botany Prof. Uma Kant (Professor Emeritus), Plant Teratomas-Causes & Consequences University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302 004

5 Chemistry Prof. M.C. Gupta, Nagpur University, Polyaniline: A Model Conducting Polymer Nagpur 440 010

6 Computer Sciences Dr M L Goyal, CMC Limited, New Delhi Information Technology into the Next 110 058 Millennium

7 Earth System Scie(lces Prof. S. Acharya, I 55, VIP Colony Some Observation on Parts of the Banded Iron- Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar 751 015 Formations of Eastern India

8 Engineering Sciences Dr S.T. Deshmukh, Amravati University, Indian Science & Technology into the Next Amravati 444 602 Millennium

9 Material Sciences Prof. D.N. Bose, Indian Institute of Semiconductors- From Path-breaking Sciences Technology, Kharagpur 721 302 to Revolutionary Technology

10 Mathematics Prof. P.V. Arunachalam, Dravidian Singularities in Fluids University, Kuppam

II Medical & Veterinary Dr Tushar K Maitra, I B/5 Kustia Road, The Role of Immune Escape Mechanism in Sciences Calcutta 700 039 Hepatitis-C and Related Diseases

12 Physics Prof. J.P. Shukla, Lucknow University, Condensed Matter- Dielectric and Optical Lucknow 226 007 Aspects of Material Study

13 Physiology Prof. A. Namasivayam, University of Reflections of an Indian Physiologist Madras, Taramani, Chennai 600 113

14 Psychology & Dr B.A. Parikh, 154, Sarjan Society, Nature and Status of Psychology as a Science Educational Sciences Surat 395 007 vis-a-vis Paranormal Psychology and Psychological Studies

15 Statistics Prof. Arijit Chaudhuri, Indian Statistical Acknowledging Certain Worthy Indian Institute, Calcutta 700 035 Contribution to Survey Sampling

16 Zoology, Entomology Prof. Santosh Kumar, Barkatullah The Heart of Vertibrates (Understanding and & Fisheries Vishwavidhalaya, Bhopal 462 026 Research Trends in the 20th Century) AGGARWAL: INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS 2000 - A REPORT 489

of ISCA (Table 1), winners of ISCA Awards for 2000 (Table 7), special invitees for delivering Platinum Jubi- Table 2 - Committees and Forums at Indian Science lee Lectures (Table 5) and special lecturers in various Congress 2000 sections ofISCA, 22 young scientists who won the newly Committees instituted "Millennium Awards" (Table 4) and chairper- 1. Horne Science sons and participants in various symposia (Table 6) organised under different sections and other platforms. 2. Science & Society There was no addition of any section, committee or forum to the Congress this year, it, therefore, had 16 Forums sections, two committees and six forums as before. Dif- 1. Communication & Information Science ferent sections with names of each Sectional President 2. Environmental Sciences and topic of corresponding Sectional Presidential Ad- dress are given in Table 1. The names of Committees and 3. Forensic Sciences forums are given in Table 2. 4. Science Education Inauguration 5. Science for School Students The 87th session of Indian Science Congress was 6. Women and Science inaugurated as per convention, by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee on 3 January, 2000 in Mr Vajpayee said, "I dream to see an India that is a the lawns of Poona University. Present on the occasion contributor and a beneficiary in equal measures. It is a were a galaxy of eminent scientists from India and dream to see India as a highly developed nation in the abroad, Prof. Murali Manohar Joshi, Minister for Human early decades of the new century - developed socially, Resources Development, Science & Technology and economically, culturally, and also in science and tech- Ocean Development, Shri Bachchi Singh Rawat, Union nology." He called upon the scientists to deploy S&T in Minister of State of Science & Technology, Mr Vilasrao areas where it was most needed - primary health care, Deshmukh, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Chha- sanitation, agriculture, water and soil management, en- gan Bhujbal, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and ergy conservation and efficient services that make the Dr R A Mashelkar, General President, ISCA for 1999- life of the common man comfortable. 2000 and Director General, CSIR. Prime Minister's Address Information Technology (IT) Lauded In his address, Shri Vajpayee called upon the people Lauding the developments in information technology of this country "To make the 21st Century India's Cen- in the country, the Prime Minister said, "India's suc- tury- Ikkeesvin Shatabdi Bharat ki Shatabdi". He in- cesses in IT are already well known. We now must aim vited the countrymen to pledge to make India a great to replicate them in other areas of science and technology power in science and technology, and added, "It is essen- and enterprise. He urged the scientists to give ideas on tial for the realization of a higher goal: To achieve peace, how India can create world-class facilities and condi- progress and happiness for the entire humanity in the tions in India for world-class achievements. new century". He said that he envisaged to see "Devel- Mr Vajpayee said that the Government was commit- oped Indian Science for India's Accelerated and All- ted to removing restrictive bureaucratic hurdles and Round Development". strengthening the cooperati ve network between research Higher Investments in R&D laboratories, academic institutions, industry, NGOs and The Prime Minister announced that the government governmental agencies at the Central, State and Local would like to see a hike in investments in R&D from the levels. present 0.86% of the GDP (gross domestic product) to The Prime Minister urged the scientists to promote 1% this year, and to be further increased to 2% over the India's wealth of traditional knowledge by bringing it next five years. He said, "Apart from increasing financial into the mainstream of our national S&T establishment. investiments, we should increase the synergy among our He cited the example of knowledge about medicinal existing institutions and assets so as to bring India to a plants and herbs possessed by the common people, espe- global R&D platform". cially tribal people, in our country in this connection and 490 J SC': JND RES VOL 59 JUNE 2000

added that initiatives taken by the CSIR in •1P.tworkmg Gmres, the Foundation is expected to attract additional some of their laboratories specializing in traditional investments from ether sources for enlarging its activi­ knowledge can indeed give India global leadership in ties. medicine. Referring to the immense possibilities of new innova­ He urged the scientific community to nurture an at­ tive businesses in the emerging fields of science and mosphere of innovation, adventure, high ambition and technology, Dr Joshi cited the examples of Information high achievement in every area of Indian science. Technology. In this regard, the Minister announced that Mr Vajpayee recalled the words of Pandit Jawaharlal the policy focus will contain the following elements: Nehru, who had said, "Scientists are a minority in league • Government and industry to make joint efforts in IT. with the future", and reminded the scientists that the human resource development contrymen look towards them with high expectations to • India specific resource programmes to be given make India a great power in science and technology in priority in IT, and the near future. • Research to be conducted in strategic areas in IT Address by Minister of S&T, HRD and OD and knowledge industry. In his address, Dr Murli Manohar Joshi, recalled the National Bioscience Awards role of Indian Science Congress in the Indian science movement, and observed that many doyens of Indian To encourage young scientists to pursue a career in Science, who made India proud, were deeply involved biosciences, the Minister had announced institution of with the activities of ISCA. He recollected that the the National Bioscience Awards at the 86th Session of strength oflndian S&T personnel was close to 10 million ISCA in Chennai. The Minister announced the names of and the annual intake of engineering graduates was five outstanding scientists who would receive the Na­ around 0.1 million and to the engineering diploma about tional Bioscience Career Development Award during the 0.2 million. financial year 1999-2000. These were: A New Research Infrastructure Fund (I) Dr B N Mallick, JNU, New Delhi The Minister announced that a new fund for strength­ (2) Dr K V S Rao, ICGEB, New Delhi ening research infrastructure in the universities and other (3) Dr D M Salunke, Nil, New Delhi institutions of higher learning, has been created with an (4) Prof. Akhilesh Tyagi, South Campus, initial allocation of Rs 75 crores over three years. This Delhi University allocation is proposed to be increased substantially in (5) Dr Umesh Varshney, USc, Bangalore. due course both by way of government contributions and by other stake holders. He announced to increase basic These awards carry Rs llakh, a citation and Rs 3 lakh research opportunities in the academic institutions, each year for three years as research grant. which are its natural habitat. Dr Joshi informed that a number of special awards for Technopren.eur Promotion Programme scientific and technological excellence and those focuss­ ing on young scientists and technologists have already The Minister informed that a new programme called been initiated. These include: Kishore Vaigyanic Proth­ 'Technopreneur Promotion Programme(TePP)' has sahan Yojna and Science Olympiads, Young Scientists been initiated in the Ministry of Science & Technology Scheme and Swarana Jayanthi Fellowships for young to attract the youths towards knowledge- and science & scientists, Young Engineers Awards focussing on post­ technology-based entrepreneurships. He informed that graduates engineering students, etc. this programms has already made a successful start covering more than 20 projects. Some of these have Indian Traditional Knowledge Systems started giving good results in a short period, he added. Dr Joshi called upon Indian scientists and technolo­ Fund for Rural Innovations gists to undertake a major exercise to investigate, along Dr Joshi announced the creation of a new Foundation modem scientific lines, areas where traditional knowl­ for the promotion of "Grassroot Innovations". It would edge systems appear. He suggested to take advantage of encourage, promote, document and disseminate innova­ our national heritage and create novel knowledge and tions in the rural areas. With an initial corups of Rs 20 business by applying new scientific techniques. "In the AGGARWAL: INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS 2000- A REPORT 491

process, create employment wealth and prosperity", he local content in the education through exposure to local added. flora and fauna, local water and soil, local socio- eco­ Referring to the existing system of science admini­ nomic issues, local heritage, etc." he added. stration in R&D institutions of the country, Dr Joshi Dr Mashelkar also talked about the role of IT revolu­ urged to bring a change in the long established mindset. tion in education and mentioned that Internet had already He appealed to the scientific community to break out made it possible to take education to the home of learners from the trodden path and to pioneer new alternatives, with self- learning programmes with the creative use of thinking areas, models and tools. multi-media. The Minister suggested a new resolve on the occasion In reference to the second point, 'Woman centred based on the clarion call "Swarajis my birthright" given society', Dr Mashelkar quoted the words of Vice Presi­ by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in the form "To make dent of India, "The best symbol of female values that has India a leader in the emerging knowledge-based world been created by nature is in the form of Mother". Out of is my birthright". all the management experiences in business, industry, The Minister ended his address by narrating a citation public service and society, mother is the best manager from the Tamil saga Thiruvalluvar. nature has created. 'But we have lost somewhere on the way the essence of not only the mother culture but also that of mother nature and indeed the entire concept of General President's Address woman centred family', he added. The General President of Indian Science Congress Dr Mashelkar opined that the emerging technolog.ical Association, Dr R A Mashelkar, outlined a five-point developments have the potential to impact the lives of agenda christening it as the "New Panchsheel of the New women enormously. The emergence of IT will play a Millennium". These five points, that are as relevant in great role with education reaching the home. "The same the year 2000 as they will be in the year 3000, are: flexibilities will be available for working too", he added. • Child centred education Dr Mashelkar suggested the promotion of pro-women • Woman centred family technologies. These, according to him, "exist in their • Human centred development creative participation in agriculture linked activities mi­ • · Knowledge centred society cro-propagation, plant tissue culture, disease surveil­ • Innovation centred India lance, health care systems, and so on" . In context of 'Human centred development', Dr Elaborating on 'Child centred education', Dr Mashel­ Mashelkar opined, "We cannot have plans of economic kar said that 'Yuvashakti' was the real Shakti of a nation. development, where the human is a bystander". In this If properly moulded, the youth can become the champion connection he mentioned the balance of five Es - of our culture, custodian of our national pride and a ecology, environment, economics, equity and ethics. trustee of the freedom of the country. But the process of "Mere economic development without regard to equity moulding requires the right education at the early age, and ethics will take us nowhere, just as economic devel­ which was lacking. opment disregarding ecology and environment will be fatal", he added. According to Dr Mashelkar, there are three crises that our country is facing today in regard to science educa­ Dr Mashelkar observed that mass production and tion. The first is that young minds are not turning to production by masses will have to co-exist in India. The science and the second is that those who tum to science, first would lead to global competitiveness and the second do not stay in science. The third lies in the science to jobs, where they are needed. education system itself, which is centred around boring Talking about the fourth point, namely 'Knowledge textbooks, unimaginative curricula, ill-designed class­ centred society', Dr Mashelkar stated that knowledge room teaching and an outdated examination system. would not be a mere tool in development, knowledge Dr Mashelkar suggested that we should remould the itself would be development. True knowledge societies school science education to the mode of 'learning by of tomorrow would make creative use of the modem discovery' and 'learning by doing', in contrast to the information and communications technology. He said prevailing 'learning by rote' method. "We must create a that only those nations would survive in the new millen- 492 1 SCI IND RES VOL 59 JUNE 2000

nium who would build knowledge-centred societies, the general, and India, in particular, was passing through a others would vanish into oblivion. phase of science and all efforts should be made so that Dr Mashelkar said that knowledge revolution was the benefits of the advances in S&T could reach the leadingto knowledge centred trade and industry. The common man. trade dominated earlier by such primary products as iron Focal Theme ore, coffee, cotton, etc., was now moving towards knowl­ edge intensive goods, and world's major growth indus­ The concept of focal theme was introduced by Dr tries like information technology, microelectronics, M.S. Swaminathan, the General President oflndian Sci­ pharma, biotechnology, advanced materials, telecom­ ence Congress 1976 at the Waltair session. The idea was munications, etc. were already brainpower industries. to select a suitable topical subject around which the discussions, lectures, etc. could be arranged at a particu­ According to Dr Mashelkar, the new millennium Uni­ lar session. Thus, focal themes have since dealt with versal Knowledge System would have to be a confluence science and technology in the context of various facets of three knowledge systems - S&T based knowledge of developments. These are listed in Table 3. The focal knowledge system, indigenous (traditional or civiliza­ theme at Indian Science Congress 2000 was "Indian tional) knowledge system, as for example the ayurvedic Science and Technology into the Next Millennium". The medicinal system and the knowledge of the spiritual topic was highly relevant to focus on the future of science world, as for example use of quantum physics for the and technology in Indian context. study of human intelligence. Referring to the fourth point 'Innovation Centred India', Dr Mashelkar opined that knowledge without Plenary Sessions innovation is of no value. He said, "We cannot any more Ten plenary sessions were organised in ISCA 2000, allow the 'I" in India for imitation or inhibition, it must at which various S&T topics were discussed. These are stand for 'Innovation'. briefly described below. "Innovators", said Dr Mashelkar, "do not exist just in formal laboratories, millions of them exist in villages, in homes and in streets. To encourage community innova­ Indian Stratetic S&T in the 21st Century tion, it is necessary to scout, support, spawn and scale up This was the topic of first plenary sesssion at which the green grass root innovation". He plauded the recent three prominent policy planners and renowned scientists initiative taken by the Government of setting up the - Dr A P J Abdul Kalam (Scientific Adviser to the National Innovation Foundation. Government of India), Dr K Kasturirangan (Chairman, Showing his deep concern for this issue of innovation, ISRO), and Dr R Chidambaram (Chairman, Atomic Dr Mashelkar declared to hold a full day session on Energy Commission) - presented a perspective of the "Why do Indian genese express themselves in Silicon 21st century vistas in the areas of defence, space and Valley? Why they do not express in India? atomic energy. At the end, Dr Mashelkar talked about his dream for Outlining the vision for nation by 2020, Dr Abdul Indian Science and India in the early part of the new Kalan announced that the first test flight oflndia's Geo millennium. Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) would undergo this year and country could pursue an inter-continental bal­ Earlier, the function commenced with the singing of listic missile programme if adequate funds were made the "Vigyan Geet" written by the noted Marathi writer available for the project. Shri Go pal Nikanth Dandekar in 1950 (on the occasion of 1950 ISCA session in Pune). This was followed by Dr Kalam', the architect of India's missile programme, the welcome address delivered by the Vice Chancellor announced that India would conv.ert the manned fighter of the Pune University, Dr Arun Nigvekar. Describing aircrafts into unmanned supersonic fighter aircrafts the achievements of the University, he outlined the estal­ within the next decade. These aircrafts would be based ishment of link with the Maharatta Chamber of Com­ on missile and satellite technologies and help intercept merce for Industry and Agriculture and a special research nuclear attacks. base for DRDO and ISRO. The Chief Minister of Ma­ Dr Kalam opined that technology has become prime harashtra, Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh released the 'Souve­ for economic development and added that technological nir "The Sci-tech Vision" and said that the world, in superiority would be the main motivator for future w'ar- AGGARWAL: INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS 2000- A REPORT 493

Table 3-The Focal themes and General Presidents of ISCA ( 1976-2001)

Year Place Focal Theme General President

1976 Waltair Science and integrated rural development M S Swaminathan

1977 Bhubaneswar Survey, conservation and utilization of resources H N Sethna

1978 Ahmedabad Science, education and rural development S M Sircar

1979 Hyderabad Science and technology in India during the coming decades R C Mehrotra

1980 Calcutta Energy strategies for India A.K. Saha

1981 Varanasi Impact of the development of science and technology on A K Sharma environment

1982 My sore Basic research as an integral component of self- reliant base of M G K Menon science and technology

1983 Tirupati Man and the ocean-Resources and development B R Rao

1984 Ranchi Quality science in India-Ends and means R P Bambah

1985 . Lucknow High altitude studies AS Paintal

1986 New Delhi Science and technology in environmental management TN Khoshoo

1987 Bangalore Resources and human well-being-Inputs from science and Archana Sharma technology

1988 Pune Frontiers of science and technology C N R Rao

1989 Madurai Science and technology missions-The Indian scene A P Mitra

1990 Cochin Science-in-society Yash Pal

1991 Indore Coping with natural disaster-An integrated approach D K Sinha

1992 Baroda Science, population and development V R Gowarikar

1993 Goa Science and quality of life S Z Quasim

1994 Jaipur Science in India-Excellence and accountability P N Srivastava

1995 Calcutta Science, technology and industrial development in India S C Pakrashi

1996 Patiala Science and technology for achieving food, economy and health- UR Rao security

1997 Delhi Frontiers in science and engineering and their relevance to S K Joshi national development

1998 Hyderabad Science and technology in independent India: Retrospect and P Rama Rao Prospect

1999 Chennai New biosciences: Challenges and opportunities as we move into Manju Sharma the next millennium

2000 Pune Indian science and technology into the next millennium R A Mashelkar

2001 New Delhi Food, nutrition and environmental security R S Paroda 494 J SCI IND RES VOL 59 JUNE 2000

fare, dominated by technological monopoly and global Role of Information Technology in the 21st Century markets. Considering the importance of information technol­ Dr Chidambaram in his talk, "Nuclear Science & ogy (IT), this topic was chosen for discussion at one of Technology- Vision 2020" stressed that for a develop­ the Plenary Sessions of ISCA (Plenary Session IV), ing country like India, nuclear energy was an inevitable which was chaired by Prof. M.G.K. Menon. option, and informed that two nuclear reactors were The significance of information technology was high­ made operational in 1999 and two more were expected lighted by the Prime Minister also in his inaugural ad­ to be installed in the year 2000. "It is planned to start light dress when he said, "IT is India's tomorrow". It was also water reactors with collaboration of Russia", declared Dr mentioned that emergence of internet was converting Chidambaram. He said that DEA plans to install 20,000 'citizens' into 'netizens'. MW of power by 2020. Speaking in this session, Dr Menon said, "We might Dr Kasturirangan outlined the space programme of have missed the industrial revolution and the micro-elec­ the country in the next twenty years. "Convergence", tronic revolution due to one or other reasons, but, we are according to him was the catch-word for optimum appli­ not going to miss the information technology (IT) revo­ cations in various fields like space transportation, disas­ lution". He claimed that we are very much part of the IT ter management systems, educational services, urban revolution, started just a few years ago. management services, national resource inventory, global environmental monitoring, etc. Besides Dr Menon, other participants included Dr Vijay Bhatkar, Dr N. Balakrishnan and Dr R.K. Arora. According to Dr Kasturirangan, India plans to launch They all agreed that the IT revolution would affect not a lunar expedition and ISRO was working on a satellite only our economic development but all aspects of our launch vehicle which would carry a six-tonne payload life and therefore we should utilize its full potential. The into the lunar orbit. IT rovolution has assumed the present status not because Highlighting the significance of using remote sensing of one person, one company or one nation alone, it is to work out local solutions, Dr Kasturirangan described driven by the combined efforts of hundreds of thousands a current project in Madhya Pradesh which was aimed at of people. diffusing information to the farthest villages, by enhac­ Dr Menon also outlined India's action plans for infor­ ing the broadcast capacity of satellites and through an mation technology and for the development of software integrated multimedia information system. technology. Dr Bhatkar observed that the nucleus of economy had New Millennium Lecture Series: Celebration of changed from industry-based to knowledge-based. Science "Creativity needs to be given more emphasis", he opined With the rate of knowledlge doubling up every five and added that new ideas need be incorporated in our years, the evolution of new science will occur at a rapid education system to make it IT-friendly . rate. To predict the future scenario in S&T, twenty-two outstanding young Indian scientists, who are expected to play a crucial role in Indian Science in the early part of Indian Science, Citizen and the Society the new century, were invited and they focussed on the With the advancement of science, the science-society future of S&T in the New Millennium Lecture Series: interaction is assuming greater significance. It is said Celebration of Science, with a special emphasis on the that the issues linked to the balance of the 5 Es, namely, Indian agenda. 'environment', 'ecology' , 'economics', 'equity" and These lectures covered various fields of S&T and 'ethics' are becoming more and more significant. It was, were delivered in Plenary Sessions 2, 3, 8 and 9. A list therefore, a right choice to devote one plenary session of these young scientists alongwith the title of respective (Plenary Session V) to the issues related to the Science­ address is given in Table . It is also planned to bring out Citizen-Society link. a Special Issue of Journal of Scientific and Industrial The session was chaired by Mr Mohan Dharia, Presi­ Research shortly, incorporating these important lectures. dent of Vanarai with two eminent personalities- envi­ The name of these 22 young scientists with topics of ronmentalist Shri S.P. Godrej and molecular scientist Dr their lectures are given in Table 4. Pushpa Bhargava- as the main speakers. AGGARWAL: INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS 2000- A REPORT 495

Table 4 -New Millennium Lecture Series: Celebration of Science- Name of Scientists with topic of their lectures

S I Scientist Title of Lecture No.

I. Dr S.K. Brahmachari, CBT, New Delhi Genomics and Predictive Medicine

2. Dr N. Chandrakumar, CLRI, Chennai The Wonderland of Spines

3. Dr A.K. Sood, liSe, Bangalore Insights in Soft Condensed Matter Physics: Opportunities and Challenges

4. Dr U.S. Bhalla, NCBS, Bangalore Biological Computation

5. DrS. Sivaram, NCL, Pune Designer Polymers

6. Dr A. Jhunjhunwala, liT, Chennai Towards Hundred to Two Hundered Million Telephones and Internet Connections in India

7. Dr Dipankar Chatterjee, liSe, Bangalore Structural Basis of Central Dogma in Molecular Biology of the Last Century: Where to Go Now?

8. Dr Satyaj it Rath, Nil, New Delhi Riding a Tiger: Science and Craft in Vaccine Design

9. Dr Uday Mitra, liSe, Bangalore Novel Dendritic Species with Nanometric Dimensions

10. Dr Satish R Shetye, NIO, Goa The Bay of Bengal: A Hot- Spot for Ocean-Monsoon Interactiori'

11. Dr G.R. Desiraju, Hyderabad Univ, Hyderabad Continuity and Change in the Synthetic Paradigm

12. Dr K.Y.S. Rao, ICGEB, New Delhi Immunology in India: A Crisis of Identiy

13. Dr Partha P Mazumdar, lSI, Calcutta Genome Diversity, Genetic Epidemiology and Molecular Medicine: The Indian Context

14. Dr K.N. Ganesh, NCL, Pune DNA Dependent Therapeutics and Diagnostics: Strategies for Y2K and Beyond

15. Prof. E.D. Jemmis, Hyderabad University, Hyderabad Theoretical Studies towards Electron Sufficient Boron Polymorphs

16. Prof. N. Balakrishnan, liSe, Bangalore Computational Challenges in Electromagnetics

17. Prof. A.K. Raychaudhuri, NPL, New Delhi Oxide Electronics: From Curiosity to Applications

18. Dr (Mrs) Jaya Tyagi, AIIMS, New Delhi Tuberculosis: The Real Millennium Bug

19. Prof. D.V. Khakhar, liT, Mumbai Granular Matter: Achievements and Possibilities

20. Dr Kankan Bhattacharya, lACS, Calcutta Study of Self- Organized Molecular Assemblies Using Ultrafast Lasers

21. Prof. T. Padmanabhan, IUCAA, Pune Understanding Our Universe

22. Dr Jayaraman Gowrishankar, CCMB, Hyderabad Unravelling Microbial Stress Physiology through Genetics: The Challenge and the University 496 1 SCI IND RES VOL 59 JUNE 2000

Showing his deep concern for the fast detereoration Dr Ashok Khoshla of the non-government organisa­ of environment, Shri Godrej said, "How can you pre­ tion Technology for Action for Rural Advancement serve environrnnt without controlling population?" And (TARA), Delhi, stressed on the use of science and tech­ the population control was not possible until the masses nology for a wider section of the society. Talking about get education. "The cultivation of scientific ethos alone developments after independence, he agreed that there can save the nation", he added. was an increase in the foodgrain production, energy Shri Godrej was also highly critical of the general production, organised workforce, scientific personnel, attitude expressed as 'Chalta Hai' or 'Chalega' prevail­ literacy rate, etc. but mentioned that actual number of ing in this country. He categorically stated that this illetrates has doubled since independence, nutrition (per attitude cannot be tolerated under the present scenario of capita consumption of protein) has gone down, waste­ globalization and cut- throat competition. lands have increased, more forests have been depleted and above all, population has shooted upwards. Dr Bhargava talked about ethics in science. He was sore about the scientists making false claims or manipu­ Suggesting the need for a change, Dr Khosla observed that we should have 'sustainiable development' and the lating scientific data. Plagiarism or copying the data is another serious problem, claimed Dr Bhargava. key to sustainable development was sustainable liveli­ hood. He suggested the establishing of a new institution, Biological weapons, genetically engineered plants 'Sustainable Technology Commission' which should be and medical ethics were some of the serious issues linked made responsible for identification of needs, carrying with science on one hand and society on the other. out innovations and preparing eco-feasibility reports, Mr Mohan Dharia raised a fundamental point of avail­ and finally should develop products which could be ability of drinking water. "The holy Ganges has been marketed. polluted to the extent that its purification seems impos­ Dr Ani) Gupta, Professor at Indian Institute of Man­ sible", he said. He championed the cause of developing agement (Ahmedabad) observed that village people in scientific temper amongst the common masses for the India were rich in their knowledge but erosion of knowl­ upliftment of the country. edge was fastest in our country. He opined that there must be something fundamentally wrong in our percep­ tion of science if our village women had to wait for 2000 Indigenous Innovation years to get a lever which prevents the bucket from The topic itself was an innovation in the agenda of falling back into the well. Indian Science Congress and it was for the first time that Dr Gupta heads a novel institution- Shristi- which a full plenary session (Session VI) was devoted to it. aims at bringing science to the people and encourages The idea behind organising this sessions was that innovations in rural areas. A novel network known as innovations do not necessarily take place in big labora­ 'Honeybee' pushes this mandate further by enlisting all tories. They do occur in farms, in fields, in homes, in such innovations made by rural people, and by imparting tribes and at several other grass root levels. These inno­ training in innovative technologies in their language. Dr vations offer a great scope for improvement, though Gupta also files patents on behalf of these rural innova­ could be minor, by inputs from modem science and tors so that they could get the desired benefit. engineering, adoption and wide sc~le dissemination Dr S. Kalbag of Vigyan Ashram, Pabal, (DES) Dist across the country. And in the words .of Dr Mashelkar, Pune, spoke on 'Development Education System'. He the session presented the neglected "Innovative India" was of the view that our present education system was before the galaxy of eminent scientists. faulty and was the root cause of our poverty. He em­ The session was chaired by Dr N. Balakrishnan of phasized the need of natural system of learning for the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. In his opening overall development of the children. remarks, Dr Balakrishnan, underlined the utility of inno­ Explaining the DES further, Dr Kalbag said that this vation and observed that most of the innovations often system makes skill training easy and enjoyable. It inte­ get quenched because they are not able to propagate. He grates education and development and therefore could suggested that the innovations should be brought to the be regarded as 'child-friendly education' . He cited a laboratory where these could be polished, sugar-coated number of examples of community services carried out and made marketable by mass production. by village people who had undergone this training. AGGARWAL : INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS 2000- A REPORT 497

Table 5 -Platinum Jubilee Lectures Delivered in Different Sections at Indian Science Congress 2000

Sl No. Section · Speaker Title

Agricultural Sciences Dr M Velayutham, Nagpur Soil Resource Information-Its Application for Land Use Policy and Agricultural Development Programs

2 Anthropology & Dr P P Majumdar, Calcutta Anthropology & Genomics: The Landscape of This Archaeology Interface

3 Biochemistry, Biophysics (I) Prof. M R N Murthy, Tale of Two Viruses Sasbenia Mosaic Virus and & Molecular Biology Ban galore Physalis Mottle Virus: Studies on Structure and Assembly

(2) Prof. N R Jagannathan, The Role of Magnetic Resource Imaging (MRI) and New Delhi in-vivo Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) in Diagnosis and Management of Diseases

4 Botany (I) Prof. Pramod Tan don, Role of Biotechnology in Conservation of Plant Shillong Genetic Resources in the 21st Century-An Indian Perspective ,. (2) Prof. S K Sopory, Delhi Calcium Binding Proteins: Role in Abiotic Stress

5 Chemistry Prof. S R Gadre, Pune Electrostatics in Chemistry

6 Computer Sciences Brig. S V S Chowdhry, Noida IT for Socio- economic Transformation

7 Earth System Sciences Prof. S C Sarkar, Calcutta Ore Geology - Today & Tomorrow

8 Engineering Sciences DrS P Sakhat;ne, Mumbai Energy Crisis

9 Material Sciences Prof. B M Arora, Mumbai Semiconductor Lasers & III-IV Compounds: A Synergy

10 Mathematics Prof. H P Dixit, Bhopal Wavelets and Applications

II Medical & Veterinary Dr A K Ganguly, Calcutta Environmental Carcinogenesis and Easy Detection Sciences of Cancer

12 Physics Prof. M P Srivastava, Delhi Horizons of Plasma Physics

13 Physiology Dr 8 M Hegde, Manipal Chaos-A New Concept in Human Physiology

14 Psychology & Educational Dr P V Ramamoorti , Tirupati Gem-psychology-the State-of-the-Art Sci ences

15 Stati stics Prof. T Parthasarthy, Calcutta The Linear Complementarity Problem in Static anJ Dynamic Games

16 Zoology, Ento mology & Dr P P Sood, Rajkot Renin- angiotensin System in Pre- and Post-Nata l Fisheries Developing Brain 498 J SCI IND RES VOL 59 JUNE 2000

The orthopaedic surgeon, Prof. R.C. Gupta, presented paint. The pen was modified to have a spool on its top a simple solution of a complicated problem of manage­ for storing the woollen thread. Once the Velcro board is ment of hospital wastes. He suggested that bioremedia­ ready, one has to simply move the threaded pen over it tion using toxic plants like Dhtura, Aak, etc. along with to draw any picture. The thread gets stuck to the Velcro cow dung slurry could help solve this problem. and the desired pattern emerges. The blind can now perceive the drawing and draw themselves. Once the Grassroot Innovators Lauded "painting" has been finished, the thread can be pulled by But the novel part of this session was the presentation rolling the spool on the top of the pen and the slate can of their innovations by simple grassroot workers, farm­ then be used for another drawing, reusing the same ers, village artisans in their own language. Dr Ani! thread. Gupta who introduced these innovators, informed the Bhat and his wife have been associated with the Blind audience that their innovations were entirely conceptu­ Men's Associaton at Ahmedabad and wanted to develop alized, designed, fabricated and made operational by a method through which they could express their crea­ these simple villagers without any help from the govern­ tivity. Commenting on the development, a senior scien­ ment or any other agency. tist went to the extent of saying that probably one day Mr Bhanjibhai Mathukia spoke about his three-wheel some of them could even 'write' after learning through tractor which has a power of lOHP and costs around one this novel method of perception. lakh. Mr Ganeshbai Dodia explained his innovation of The innovation has earned Mr Bhatt, the NRDC (Na­ attaching a plough to his 'Bullet' motorcycle, thus mak­ tional Research Development Corporation, New Delhi) ing ploughing cheaper and faster as compared to plough­ Award of Rs 50,000. The innovation has been declared ing with a tractor (which many are not able to afford). a WIPRO (World Intelelctual Property Rights Organisa­ He also made another innovation for spraying pesticides tion) product enabling its patent in 80 member countries. in the field by attaching a sprayer to the motorcyle. It has made spraying 2.5 times faster and could spray about 40 'bighas' of land in about four hours. Intellectual Property Rights in the 21st Century Another simple but interesting innovation was pre­ The concept of Intellectual Property Right or simply sented by Mr Khenjibhai, who has developed a tradi­ IPR has assumed great significance particularly after the tional 'Kalam' -like device for filling of mud in plastic 'Haldi' and the 'Basmati Rice' episodes. India with its bags meant for use in nurseries. The device could en­ wide biodiversity and wealth of traditional and non-tra­ hance work efficiency to more 200%, which meant more ditional knowledge is far behind in the game of IPR. It money for the worker. was, therefore, a very right choice tb have one full These innovators, who probably spoke for the first session (Plenary Session VII) devoted to IPR in the time from a stage, felt highly elevated in getting a chance coming century. to describe their achievements. They were well honoured While introducing the subject oflntellectual Property by the President ISCA, Dr R A Mashelkar, with the ISCA Rights to the audience, the Chairman of the Session, Dr memento and received much applause from the audi­ MD Nair, outlined its importance in today's world. He ence. The media also covered this 'Innovative India' narrated the developments chronologically and empha­ story in a big way. sized that the only way to save one's innovation from piracy was to get a patent. Drawing by the Blind Made Possible According to Dr P. Ganguly of Hindustan Lever, the If you ask a blind man to draw a circle, he is not able IPR in today's world does not only mean a patent, a to draw because he has no perception of a circle. The copyright, a trade mark or a trade secret, it is a source of blind persons perceive through their fingers, as they do wealth generation also. He said, "It is a balancing act that with Braille. But now even blind will be able to draw as every country must perform. Whether it is between the a scientist, Dilip Bhatt, with the Indian Space Research industrialised and the developing nations or simply be­ Organisation (ISRO), Ahmedabad, has developed a tween a producer and a consumer, IPR has gone in for a novel slate and pen for them for this purpose. paradigm shift". The novel invention consists of a Velcro board, a Dr Ganguly elaborated on the pooling of IPR, selling modified pen and some woollen thread to be used as of IPR and even bartering of IPR. He narrated a number AGGARWAL : INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS 2000- A REPORT 499

Table 6 -Topics of Symposia held under different Sections, Committees and Forums at Indian Science Congress 2000

S I No. Section/Committee/Forum Title of Symposium

Agricultural Sciences Soil and Water Resources: Changing Scenario in Status and in Management into the Next Millennium II Agrometeorology

2 Anthropology & Archaeology I Ethnic Conflict and Mass Violence in India: Reasons & Remedies II Urgent Issues before the Archaeologists in India

3 Botany I Emerging Trends in Plant Biotechnology II Excitement and Challenges in Botany

4 Chemistry I Challenges in Chemistry in the Next Millennium: New Directions for Coordination Chemistry in the Next Millennium II Molecular Design, Synthesis and Processing of Materials

5 Earth System Sciences I Strategies of Exploration and Exploitation of Minerals of Platinum Group Elements and Other Associated Minerals in India II Remote Sensing and Its Applications to Earth System Sciences for the Benefit of Society

6 Material Sciences I Materials for the New Millennium II Advanced Materials Processing

7 Mathematics I Mathematical Modelling in Bio-medical Sciences II Mathematics Education: 21st Century

8 Medical & Veterinary Sciences I Immunodeficiency State in Animal and Man

9 Physiology I Physiology & Environmental Management I I Neuroscience-The Future of Tomorrow III Females in Athletics with Special Reference to Nutrition

10 Psychology & Educational Sciences !Impact of Social Psychological Tensions on Individual and Group Behaviour and Developing Coping Mechanism II Clinical and Family Problems: Empirically Based Solution III Gender Role Identity and Sexuality

II Statistics I Data Analysis and Computing

12 Zoology, Entomology & Fisheries I Cell Development, Death and Regulation with Reference to Molecular Genetics

13 Home Science I Expectations of the Youth and How They Propose to Face the Challenges in the Next Millennium

14 Communication & Information Sciences I Role of Information in Modern Society II Communication in the Next Millennium

15 Environmental Sciences I Green Thinking and Approaches II Biodiversity and Bio-remediation

16 Forensic Sciences I Medico-legal Services in India: Problems, Procedures and Practices II Forensic Science Education-Need for Appropriate Steps

17 Science Education I Science Education with Special Reference to Communication

18 Science for Schoc,l Children I Innovation and Accent on Teaching of Science in Schools

19 Women & Science I Role of women Scientists and Technologists in Scientific Enterprises during the 21st Century II Sustainable Bioresource Development-Women Beneficiaries 500 1 SCI IND RES VOL 59 JUNE 2000

of cases to make his concept clear to the audience. He strength but we need to organise ourselves to become cited the case of Honeywell and Minolta, wherein Mi­ successful in today's world of competition. nolta had to pay $ 96 million to Honeywell for using their To bring home the strength of Indian biodiversity, Dr patented circuits. Honeywell then went around the world Pushpangadan said that the first patent was obtained by to different companies and could collect antoher $400 a Greek Emperor in 300 BC for a special non-vegetarian million worldwide. Similarly, in 1993, Polaroid re­ dish, and the patent was for a peculiar aroma which was ceived $990 million from Kodak for infringement on provided by the Indian spices. their product. Dr Ganguly concluded by saying, "Do whatever you want to do with your intellectual property rights - but Special/Invited Lectures innovate and patent. That is the future- you may like A large numer of invited/special lectures were it or not". planned at ISCA- 2000. Some ofthese are outlined below Prof. Ani! Gupta of Indian Institute of Management speakerwise: (Ahmedabad) talked about creativity and patents in this lecture entitled "Giving Creativity Its Due: Can Patent Help?' Describing the most significant dimensions of the Prof. Jean-Marie Lehn, Nobel Laureate IPRs, i.e. Patent (novelty), Trademark (distinctiveness), Copy right (orginality), Trade secret (secrecy and pro­ Prof. Lehn in his lecture, "From Matter Life" Chem­ tection against unauthorized access), Dr Gupta said, istry?!" said that chemistry is the science of matter and "And thus IPR is a necessity". its transformation. He explained the role of chemistry in the evolution of universe by postulating that there was a Prof. Gupta made certain proposals, such as (i) Na­ bang (explosion of energy and matter), resulting in the tional and international registry innovation, (ii) Collec­ formation of atoms. Some of these atoms combined to tive management ofiPRs (which they are already having form molecules, and the process went on to form cells for performing artists), (iii) Two-step process for and then an organism - a human being. And thus the smaller and other inventors, and (iv) Institutionalization life evolved. "But is 'Man' the last orgnism to evolve?" of venture promotion funds. He concluded by saying, According to Prof. Lehm, "Certainly not, we are still "So innovate and muscle it through with adequate sup­ evolving and I refuse to believe that nat4ral evolution port- support in the form of value addition and making will come to an end". market acceptable and entrepreneur-frinedly products". There were two speakers exclusively linked to the According to Prof. Lehn, "Life is a chemical process field of biotechnology and IPR - One was Dr K. Dro­ and if it is ever created artificially, it will be by a chemist namraju (President and Director of Genetic Research and not by a Computer". The chemistry is the process Foundation) who had come all the way from Houston of transformation of one substance into another. The and the other was Dr P. Pushspangadan, Director of substances are made up of atoms of various elements and National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR), Lucknow. the four elements that once symbolized chemistry were: fire, air, water and earth. He further said that elements Dr Dronamraju informed the audience that 'Most of critical for life were carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur the world's diversity comes from the developing coun­ and phosphorus, and declared, :"There are 90 elements tries and since India has a vast diversity, use that to your which make- up the whole universe". advantage". He remarked that nobody in the world would tell you about IPR and added, "Get your own IPR Prof. Lehn explained that when atoms change into that ensures protection of your intellectual property. molecules, the resulting science is called molecular Develop your own patent laws that suit the specific needs chemistry and when molecules change to super­ of the country. But, be careful while making such laws, molecules, it is called supramolecular chemistry. And these should not be too stringent and should not discour­ Prof. Lehn is regarded as the 'Father of Supramolecular age foreign investments". Chemistry'. Dr Pushpangadan spoke on 'Biodiversity- The Prof. Lehn said that chemistry and information sci­ Wealth of India' and added that we were unique in ence are intimately linked. The programmed supra­ having a rich biodiversity, biotechnology and human molecular systems can display the characteristics of resources. He emphasized that India has the required recognition, transport and catalysis. AGGARWAL : INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS 2000- A REPORT 501

Table 7- List of Awards with names and addresses of Awardees at Indian Science Congress 2000

Sl No. Award Awardee I. Prof. Hira La! Chakravarty Award Dr T.S. Jonson, Dabur Research Foundation, Sahibabad 2. Pran Yohra Award Dr A.D. Mandaokar, NRC, IARI, New Delhi 3. Prof. Umakant Sinha Memorial Award Dr A.K. Parida, M.S . Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai 4. Prof. K.P. Rode Memorial Award Prof. S.K. Tandon, Dept. of Geology, University of Delhi, Delhi 5. Dr B C Deb Memorial Award for Soil/Physical Dr S.C. Dutta, Division of Soil Science and Chemistry Agricultural Chemistry, IARI, New Delhi 6. Dr R.C. Shah Memorial A ward Dr D.M. Solunke, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi 7. Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Century Award (i) Prof. P.N. Tandon, AIIMS, New Delhi (ii) Dr Amrita Patel National Dairy Development Board, Anand, Gujarat. 8. Asutosh Mukherjee Memorial A ward Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai 9. B.C. Guha Memorial Lecture Dr N.K. Ganguly, ICMR, New Delhi 10. Raj Kristo Dutt Memorial A ward Dr Sandip K. Basu, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi II. G P Chatterjee Memorial A ward Dr Y.R. Gowarikar, Pune University, Pune 12. C.V. Raman Birth Centenary Award Dr Narendra Kumar, Raman Research Institute, Bangalore 13. Srinivas Rammanujam Birth Centenary Award Dr N Karmakar, TIFR, Mumbai 14. M N Saha Birth Centenary Award Dr K Kasturirangan, Space Commission, Bangalore 15. PC Mahalanobis Birth Centenary Award Prof. S.P. Mukherjee, Calcutta University, Calcutta 16. J C Bose Memorial A ward Prof. T.N. Ananthakrishnan, Loyola Collgee, Chennai 17. P C Ray Memorial A ward Prof. Goverdhan Mehta, IISc, Bangalore 18. H J Bhabha Memorial Award Dr Ani! Kakodar, BARC, Mumbai 19. B P Pal Memorial A ward Dr G.S. Khush, National Ri ce Research Institute, Phillipines 20. Jawaharlal Nehru Prize for 1999-2000 Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization, Dehradun 21. B C Deb Memorial Award for Popularisation of Science Dr Manoj Patairiya, DST, New Delhi 22. S K Mukherjee Commemoration Lecture Dr K.V. Raman, Chennai. 23. B N Basu Memorial Oration Prof J N Senapathi, Cuttack 24. Prof. S.R. Maitra Memorial Oration Dr Ramanand Sinha, USA 25. Ramanandrasundar Sinha Memorial Oration Dr Manoj Kumar Chakraborthy, Calcutta 26. Mrs Shakuntala Dasgupta Oration Dr Kamala Krishnaswamy, Hyderabad 27. DrS N Garg Memorial Lecture Dr R.B. Singh 28. H L Bami Memorial Lecture Dr T.R. Baggi 502 J SCI IND RES VOL 59 JUNE 2000

The Nobel Laureate emphasized on the importance of better next time. But, only if we have a second time", he basic research and cited examples to show how basic concluded. research later proved to be applied with high utility. Prof. E.C.G. Sudarshan Prof. Lehn concluded by saying, "When nature fin­ Prof. Sudarshan delivered the third New Millennium ishes to produce its own species, man begins, using lecture at this Science Congress and the topic was "New natural things, in harmony with the very Nature". Promise of Quantum Computing". Prof. Lehn is the co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Introducing the subject to a large audience, Prof. Chemistry in the year 1987. He was born in 1939 in Sudarshan said that people working in arithmatical/as­ France and is associated with the department of chemis­ tronomical areas had to do long calculations. These were try of the University of Strasbourg there. made simple by digital calculations, carried out by ma­ chines called computers. This type of computing uses Prof. Richard Ernst, Nobel Laureate only binary bytes or 'yes' and 'no' or one and zero systems. But quantum comuting recognises an infinite Prof. Ernst delivered the second Millennium Lecture set of variables. It is like identifying a point in the circle at Indian Science Congress 2000 on the topic "Science rather than a point at the end of a straight line. in the Third Millennium: Expectations between Hope Presenting a comparison between super computing and Dread". He was of the view that the basic purpose and quantum computing, Dr Sudarshan observed that if of science and technology was to help understand nature super computing is like a jet aircraft then the quantum and improve life of the common man. An indiscrimate comuting is like a rocket. According to him the first pursuit of science and technology in the next millennium quantum computer would be ready by the end of the without concern and regard for nature could result doom present decade. This computer will be able to grapple for humanity. with a million variables all at once, instead of the two The 1991 Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry empha­ states of yes and no at the present. sized "Science and humanity need to co-exist". He said Referring to the possible applications of super com­ that the Eastern School of thoughts such as Hinduism puting, the US-based scientist said that it would trans­ and Buddhism, contained the essential philosophies that form completely the world of computing and would could guide man in co-existing with nature. He added provide much faster database search, make quantum that India with its Mahabharata, Bhagwat Gita and teleportations and may provide a possibl.e basis for the Upnishads has a unique position in the world and could beginning of a science of mind. provide leadership and guidance to the world on this Answering a questeion, "Are all problems comput­ aspect. able?, Dr Sudarshan said, "No". Turning down the big vision of colonisation of plan­ To another interesting question "Is mind a complex ets, Dr Ernst said, " I find scientists predicting that man digital comuter?, the speaker said, "According to me, will colonize and extend civilization to planets like No.". Moon, Mars and Venus, but I find such pursuits ab­ He concluded by saying, "If the twentyfirst century is sured". the century of 'Science of Mind', quantum computing Dr Ernst said that the scientists were predicting that may provide us the relevant protocols". they would be able to control the process of ageing and would develop such compounds as could help in enhanc­ ing intelligence in the third millennium. He wondered, The Genesis - Global Convetion 'Does man really need more intelligence or should use This was the topic of one of the satellite sumposia the inherent wisdom for co-existing with nature". (Table 8) held at Indian Science Congress 2000 and was Stressing on the need of ethics in science, the Nobel a highly relevant suject for discussion. Afterall why do Laureate said that scientists should blend honesty, self­ Indian genes express only in Silicon Valley? Why not imposed restrictions, responsibility and self-criticism to in India? 'How can we create Silicon Valleys in our own bridge the widening gap between science and society. "If Indus Valley? science discovered ways of blending with the humanity, It was a full-day session at which some of the best and the public shook off their apathy, maybe we can do performers in India and abroad presented their success AGGARWAL: INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS 2000- A REPORT 503

establishing a strong and efficient patents organisation Table 8- Satellite Symposia Organised at Indian Science Congress in the country. He also proposed that national laborato­ ries and the government should encourage R&D at the I Mental Health micro-level of firms instead of focussing only on the Session I : Biomedical Basis of Mind-Body Interaction macro-level industrial funding of R&D. Session II: The Cognitive Brain and Its Development Session III: Challenges before Mental Health: Development and The complete symposium was organised in to five Training sessions. At the first session, 'An International Over­ view' was presented along with the discussions on 'How II Health and Society: Women and Children's Health doest it happen accross the shore?' At the second ses­ III Industrialization- New Trends and Policies for Coming sion, Indian experts presented their views on 'How can Millennium · we do it in India' . At the third session, the entrepreneurs from pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industries pre­ IV Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Health: Through Next Millennium sented their views, while the fourth session was devoted V The Genesis: Global Convention to aspects of 'Innovation financing'. The concluding Session I: International Overview: How does it happen across remarks were given by Dr R A Mashelkar after a panel the shore? discussion. Session II: From the Indian Experts: How can we do it in India'~ Session III: How can we do it in India? The Chairman of Infosys Technologies Ltd, Dr N R Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology Group Narain Murthy, offered three hard suggestions to gov­ Session IV: Innovation and Financing: Private and Government ernment so as to create Silicon Valleys in India: abolish­ Session V: How do we put it all together? ment of monoplies, permission to private sector to piay a bigger role in providing school and college education and in family control programme, and granting of dual stories and also outlined the ways for achieving Silicon citizenship to its NRis. He also suggested creation of Valleys in India. The prominent speakers included Dr Education Development Finance Corporation (EDFC) Bimal Jalan (Chairman, Reserve Bank oflndia), Dr N R for providing financial support to deserving bright young Narayan Murthy (Chairman, Infosys Technologies, In­ students. dia), Mr Pradman Kaul (Chairman, and COO, Hughes Dr Murthy called for a removal of all bureaucratic Network Systems, USA), Dr T. Venkatesan (Chairman, controls on wealth creation. He suggested that the gov­ Neurocera Inc, Maryland), Dr Ramani Varanasi (Busi­ ernment should concentrate on matters like foreign af­ ness Executive, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, USA), Dr fairs, defence, etc. and on all policy issues and should Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (Chairman, Bicon), Dr Onkar give up areas like airlines, banks, hotels, etc. Goswamy (Chief Economist, CII, Delhi), Dr Swati Pi­ Outlining targets set by national IT taskforce for 2008, ramal (Director and Chief Scientific Officer, Nicholas Dr Murthy said that a minimum of 20% penetration of Piramal), Mr Rajendra Pawar (Chairman, NIIT), Mr. PCs in the country, a telephone density of I 0 per thou­ H.R. Khusrokhan (President, OPPI), besides Dr R.A. sand compared to 2 per 1000 at the moment in urban Mashelkar (Director General, CSIR, India), General areas and Internet connections for 30 million urban and President, ISCA-2000. 25 million rural homes compared to less than half a Speaking as Chief Guest, Dr Jalan outlined some million at the moment, were needed to "permeate infor­ concrete proposals to industrialists, such as setting aside mation technology in every sphere of life, and create five per cent of their assets and time, and establishing a Singapores in cities like Pune and Bangalore. non-political collaborative cell with the government, The Infosys commander declared that the answer to aimed at revamping the existing educational and admin­ the Indian genes expressing better in Silicon Valley lies istrative services in the public sector. in overcoming the 'blacklash of our colonization' and Accepting the need for a regular inflow of foreign suggested that 'Indians should overcome their com­ currency into the country, Dr Jalan informed that RBI plexes and learn from other world cultures and societies'. would take steps to ensure that the country was not just Drawing the attention of the leaders of the country a recipient but also a provider of capital and know-how. towards the potential of knowledge industries, Dr Mur­ Dr Jalan advised the gathering of industrialists, entre­ thy said, "as long as we send conflicting, weak messages, preneurs and managers to take steps to provide impetus and as long as our embassies act as friction creators 504 1 SCI IND RES VOL 59 JUNE 2000

instead of functioning as ambassadors, knowledge in­ pleaded for commercialisation of R&D but added that dustries would not be optimally harnessed". success of such ventures would depend upon the health The chairman and managing director of Bicon Lim­ of our universities. Accordinig to him, the Transfer ited, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw declared that after IT, it is Technology Projects (TTP) between universities and R&D in biotechnology which is a 'big promise' for the industries would not only provide upgradation and next millennium. The advantages of biotech R&D need greater autonomy for the Universities but also govern­ to be exploited because 'India has the most fascinating ment support and incentives to attract more and more diversity in its human gene pools that could provide scientific personnel. startling answers to genetic defects'. She suggested shift­ Mr Goswamy suggested to select 25 key R&D insti­ ing of patenting from the Ministry of Industries to the tutions in India with a view to target them as potential Ministry of Science & Technology, as the first step incubators for contract research organisations. towards simplifying patent granting system. The business executive of Millennium Pharmaceuti­ The director and chief scientific officer of Nicholas cals (USA), Dr Ramani Varasani, suggested greater in­ Piramal (India), Swati Piramal, opined that with the tegration between biotechnology, pharmaceutical and opening of new opportunities in fields like biotechnol­ bioinformatics companies to maximize commercializa­ ogy, pharmacogenetics, pharmaceuticals, and bioinfor­ tion of R&D and to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical matics, many Indian companies will come up in companies, both national as well as international. Dr international market and added that at least 50 Indian Varasani called upon the scientists to enter the business pharma companies would find place in international field so that the country could benefit from their rich stock market. experience in science. Dr Piramal observed that Indian scientists because of their English-speaking capability, were on a advanta­ Science Exhibition geous position to deal with areas like biology and chem­ istry, as comapred to their counterparts in many As a part of Indian Science Congress, a Science countries. According to Dr Piramal, there would be a Exhibition was also organised in the grounds of the Pune reamarkable increase in chronic and infectious diseases University from 3 to 7 January 2000. This exhibition was in India by 2020, and therefore the health-care compa­ inaugurated by the Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Va­ nies should prepare themselves for this challenge. jpayee on 3 January 2000. A large number of Central Government organisations like DST, DBT, CSIR, DOD, According to H R Khusrokhan, President OPPI, inno­ ICAR, Department of Space, etc; state government or­ vation was the greatest challenge to the Indian industry ganisations and many industries and private sector or­ and the best way to do worldclass R&D was through ganisations displayed their exhibits at this exhibition. establishment of' scientific clusters'- a combination of But the star attraction of the exhibition was the spectular universities, R&D institutions, industry and specialised display by the Ministry of Defence, which had displayed government agencies. various tanks, armoured vehicles, radar systems, air de­ Mr Khusrokhan believed that with the completion of fence systems, AK-47, Uzi submachinegun, exploits mapping of the human genome by 2002, the explosion from Kargil, etc. The best part of this exhibition was that of genomics would lead to a surge in the number of the visitors could see, touch and have a feel of the known drug targets, avoidance of side effects and an exhibits. increased growth of preventive medicine. The response from the general public, particularly He was hopeful that by 2010, Indian pharmaceutical school children was phenomenal and one could see long companies would enjoy at least 10% share of the world serpentine queues for the entry into the exhibition. "Re­ pharmaceuticals trade, there would be a minimum of cord tum out", "Unending Queues" at the ISCA Science 10% transnational alliances in R&D, 70 per cent of the Exhibition were some of the titles of the stories reported population would have access to modern medicines and by various newspapers. The people came from as far as at least 10 Indian pharmaceuticals and biotech compa­ Lonawal and Satara to see the Exhibition. nies would enjoy a berth in interna't\onal stock ex­ changes. Valedictory Function The chief economist of Confederation of Indian In­ At this function attended by a large number of stal­ dustries (CII), New Delhi, Mr Omkar Goswamy also warts of Indian science, Dr R A Mashelkar, the Genereal AGGARWAL : INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS 2000- A REPORT 505

President of ISC 2000, observed that they had been ganised. He said that all these five days it appeared that successful in taking science to the people. He termed it people wanted science, more science and nothing but as 'People's Science Congress' <~S people in large num­ science and added they were also taken by surprise by ber visited this congress. Dr Mashelkar said that he was the overwhelming response from the public. highly touched when he saw a person on a wheel chair Next Session taking a look at the stalls or the five blind men going with a guide to listen to the description of exhibits which they The next session of Indian Science Congress Associa­ could not see or the five km queue to have a look at the tion, i.e. ISCA 2001 will be held in New Delhi from 3 to science exhibition. 7 January 2001 and its General President is Dr R.S. Paroda, the well known agricultural scientist and Direc­ Dr Mashelkar informed that the Vidya Sahakari Bank tor General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research had offered to launch the 'Innovative Financing for (ICAR). India's (knowledge) Fund' for Indian Innovators with potential marketable innovative products. Acknowledgements The General Presidente was also enthused by the The author acknowledges with thanks the help re­ response of women to this Indian Science Congress. He ceived from the stories published in various newspapers said that out of 22 winners of the ISCA Young Scientists specially Pune Times of India and Pune Newsline. The Awards, 15 were women and two of them- Ipsita Dey special Editions of "Yritta Vidya" - an experimental - Guha and P. Satyavathi- were from Pune University. journal brought out by the students and teachers of Awards were also announced for the best poster pres­ Department of Communication & Journalism, Univer­ entation in the Sections, Committees and Forums during sity of Pune, Pune, were not only highly popular among Indian Science Congress 2000. Prof. Arun Nigavekar, the delegates but were also helpful in preparing this Vice Chancellor of the Pune University, expressed sat­ report. The effort of these buddingjournalists were really isfaction about the way this Science Congress was or- commendable.