Happy Diwali VIGYAN PRASAR 2 0 4 7

NOVEMBER 2020 / Vol. 23 / No. 2 / 20

Nano-Biomimetics: Inspiration from nature for Padma Vibhushan development of calyampudi radhakrishna rao biomedical implants

Save Coral Reefs, A Prophet Our Paradise on Earth, to Save Ourselves of New Age Editor-in-Chief: Nakul Parashar Nakul Parashar Editor: Nimish Kapoor Production: Pradeep Kumar Bipro Kumar Sen Amitesh Banerjee Festivity but no Expert member: Biman Basu Sumita Mukherjee complacency Address for correspondence: sanitisation, and social distancing have now Vigyan Prasar, A-50, become the unsaid yet mandatory parts of the Institutional Area, Sector-62, new normal. That’s exactly the way by which Noida-201 309, U.P., India we, as citizens of the country, can contribute Tel: +91-120-2404430, 35 March, our bit to this joint cause. It’s time that we April, May… and now, come November shun every bit of complacency and strictly Fax: +91-120-2404437 - like any Indian farmer who waits for adhere to norms set forth by the WHO and the monsoon clouds, the entire humanity our own Government. It is indeed time for all e-mail: anxiously awaits a vaccine for COVID-19. of us to act as responsible citizens and create [email protected] Scientists continue to work round-the-clock scientific awareness amongst fellow citizens website: as part of their race-against-time endeavour, to maintain personal hygiene and keep the http://www.vigyanprasar.gov.in but no respite in the near future is in sight! neighbourhood, city, state and country clean. Well, while the number of cases tested COVID Besides Deepawali, November is positive continues to swell, number of those the birthday month for Sir C.V. Raman who have recovered has also increased (7 November) and Acharya J.C. Bose significantly. The WHO dashboard available (30 November). Several books, articles, and on the web shows positive cases and deaths, research papers, including biographies have Vigyan Prasar is not whereas our national sources indicate those been published so far on these two geniuses. responsible for the who have recovered as well. Amidst all this, More than their research, these two scientists statements/opinions every good news is welcome. Isn’t it! have interesting events in their lives. expressed and photographs With the festivities of Deepawali and the Incidentally, we also celebrate the used by the authors in onset of the rabi season around, the relevance centenary of the notable biography of their articles/write-ups of good news becomes much bigger. Recall Acharya J.C. Bose, written by Sir Patrick published in “Dream 2047” every year around this time, we’ve been Geddes (see Dream 2047’s July 2020 issue). Articles, excerpts from articles celebrating the India International Science Indeed, it is an inspiring and worth reading published in “Dream 2047” Festival. We have so far seen these festivals book that takes you back in time to show how may be freely reproduced getting organised in New Delhi, Chennai, Bose worked and achieved so much. with due acknowledgement/ Lucknow, and Kolkata. In the new normal, Whilst talking about the centenary, credit, provided periodicals every meeting is happening through the we feel honoured that one of the pioneering in which they are reproduced web. A geographical location is no longer mathematicians and statisticians Prof C.R. are distributed free. relevant. IISF 2020 too, would be held in a Rao recently celebrated his 100th birthday. virtual manner. Stay tuned; exact dates and While we wish him a much longer and healthy programmes would be shortly notified. With life ahead, we look forward to his continued Published and Printed by the announcement of the IISF 2020 already service to the subject and humanity. Dr Nakul Parashar on behalf out, efforts are being made to organise it on Wishing you a very happy Deepawali. of Vigyan Prasar, A-50, a much larger scale than in the previous year Please stay safe, stay healthy. Institutional Area, Sector-62, in terms of attendee turnout and the number Noida-201 309, U.P., India of programmes to be organised, to give it a and Printed at Chandu Press, much larger international face. Most of it 469, Patparganj Industrial would, obviously, be in virtual mode. The Estate, Delhi 110 092 show must go on! Telefax: 22424396, 22526936. Yet, words of caution override any statement till a vaccine is effectively tried,

Cover Design By: BIPRO KUMAR SEN tested, and made available. Masks, hand Email: [email protected]

2 dream 2047 / november 2020 NOBELNOBEL PRIZESPRIZES 20202020 biman basu 2020 Nobel Prizes in Science

he Nobel Prizes in Science for breakthrough work also enabled the scissors, which has revolutionised 2020 have been shared by eight development of several antiviral drugs genetic research. This the first time ever, Tscientists–three share the prize that can help cure the disease. two women together have won the Nobel for Physiology or Medicine, three The Nobel Prize for Physics has Prize in chemistry. for Physics, and two get the prize for been awarded to Roger Penrose of the Charpentier and Doudna accidentally Chemistry. University of Oxford, UK, Reinhard discovered CRISPR/Cas9 in 1990 when The Nobel Prize in Physiology Genzel, of the Max Planck Institute for they were investigating the immune or Medicine has been awarded jointly Extra-terrestrial Physics in Garching, system of a Streptococcus bacterium to Harvey Alter of the US National Germany and a professor at the with the hope of developing a new form Institutes of Health, Michael Houghton University of California, Berkeley, USA, of antibiotic against it. The significance of the University of Alberta, Canada, and Andrea Ghez of the University of the discovery can be judged from and Charles Rice of the Rockefeller of California, Los Angeles, USA, for the fact that just eight years after University, USA, for the discovery of discoveries related to black holes. their discovery, these genetic scissors hepatitis C virus. According to the Nobel have reshaped the life sciences. It can Committee, the methodical studies be used to investigate the functions of transfusion-associated hepatitis of different genes and their possible by Harvey J. Alter, at the US National role in the progression of diseases. In Institutes of Health, demonstrated that plant breeding, using CRISPR/Cas9, an unknown virus was a common cause researchers can endow plants with of chronic hepatitis. Michael Houghton specific characteristics, such as the used an untested strategy to isolate the ability to withstand drought and salinity genome of the new virus that was named in a warmer climate. In medicine, this (From left) Roger Penrose, Andrea Ghez and the hepatitis C virus. Charles M. Rice, Reinhard Genzel (Credit: Max Planck Institute) gene editor is contributing to new cancer a researcher at Washington University therapies and the first studies attempting in St Louis, provided the final evidence Penrose will receive half of the to cure inherited diseases. The new tool showing that the hepatitis C virus alone prize “for the discovery that black hole could cause hepatitis. formation is a robust prediction of The Nobel Committee noted that the general theory of relativity”, while “the discovery of the hepatitis C virus is Genzel and Ghez will share the other a landmark achievement in the ongoing half of the prize “for the discovery of a battle against viral diseases. Perhaps, supermassive compact object at the the findings by the three Nobel laureates centre of our galaxy”. It turned out to be allowed the design of sensitive blood a black hole; not just an ordinary black tests that have eliminated the risk hole, but a supermassive black hole, 4 of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis million times the mass of our Sun. Now Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier in a large part of the world”. The scientists know that all galaxies have supermassive black holes. Ghez is only has also contributed to many important the fourth woman to win a Nobel Prize discoveries in basic research, and plant in physics. researchers have been able to develop The Nobel Prize in Chemistry crops that withstand mould, pests and has been awarded jointly to Emmanuelle drought. In medicine, clinical trials of Charpentier of Institut Pasteur, Paris, new cancer therapies are underway, and France and Director of the Max Planck the dream of being able to cure inherited Unit for the Science of Pathogens, diseases is about to come true. (From left) Harvey Alter, Charles Rice and Michael Berlin, Germany, and Jennifer Doudna Houghton (Credit: NIH History Office, John Abbott/ of Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA, Biman Basu is a former editor of the he Rockefeller University, Richard for discovering one of gene technology’s Science Reporter, published by CSIR. Siemens/University of Alberta) sharpest tools: the CRISPR/Cas9 genetic Email: [email protected]

november 2020 / dream 2047 3 COVID-19 CORNER

Dr Harsh Vardhan released Minister Shree Narendra Modi ji has that the new test had 96% sensitivity and National Clinical Management emphasized following AYUSH advisories 98% specificity. The accuracy of a test is Protocol based on Ayurveda for management of COVID-19 crisis. This based on these two proportions. A test and Yoga for management protocol dealing with preventive and that is highly sensitive will detect almost prophylactic measures is a significant everyone who has the disease, and a test of COVID-19 step in not only in management of COVID that has high-specificity will correctly n October 6, 2020 Dr Harsh but also in making traditional knowledge rule out almost everyone who doesn't OVardhan, Union Minister for Health relevant to solving problems of the have the disease. The first ensures not & Family Welfare released National modern time”. too many false negative results and the Clinical Management Protocol based second not too many false positives. on Ayurveda and Yoga for management India's new paper-based The first is the time-tested, gold of COVID-19 in the virtual presence of COVID-19 test could be standard polymerase chain reaction, or Sh. Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of PCR swab tests, which uses chemicals to State for AYUSH (Independent Charge). a ‘game changer’ amplify the virus's genetic material in team of scientists at the Delhi-based the laboratory. The second is the speedy ACSIR -Institute of Genomics and antigen test, which works by detecting Integrative Biology (IGIB) has developed virus fragments in a sample. The PCR an inexpensive paper-based test for test is generally reliable and costs up to coronavirus that could give fast results Rs 2,400. It has low false positive and similar to a pregnancy test. The test is low false negative rates. The antigen based on the gene-editing technology, tests are cheaper and use finger-prick Crispr. Scientists estimate that the kit blood samples to find signs of previous called FELUDA (FNCAS9 Editor-Limited infection. They are more precise in Uniform Detection Assay) would return detecting positive infections, but generate results in under an hour and cost Rs. 500. more false negatives than the PCR test. “This is a simple, precise, reliable, The FELUDA test could potentially scalable and frugal test,” Professor K replace the antigen tests because it could Dr Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman and VijayRaghavan, Principal Scientific be comparatively cheaper and more Dr V.K. Paul, Member (Health) of NITI Adviser to the Indian government, accurate. Aayog also joined virtually. Shree Rajesh told the BBC. Researchers at the IGIB Bhushan, Secretary (AYUSH); Vaidya as well as private labs tried out the test DBT-IBSD takes up new Rajesh Katoch and other senior officials on samples from about 2,000 patients, research initiatives on of AYUSH Ministry were also present at including ones who had already tested the event. positive for the coronavirus. They found phytopharmaceuticals An Interdisciplinary Committee to fight COVID-19 for integration of Ayurveda and Yoga s part of efforts to fight against Interventions in the 'National Clinical ACOVID-19 pandemic, DBT-Institute Management Protocol: COVID-19’, of Bioresources and Sustainable chaired by Dr V M Katoch, former Development (DBT-IBSD) has taken Director General, ICMR and composed up new research initiatives on Phyto- of a group of experts with domain pharmaceuticals Mission and has knowledge had formulated the report established a Centre of Excellence for and submitted recommendations based Phytopharmaceuticals. on acceptable experimental and clinical The Institute is extensively working on data. Based on their recommendations, exploration and documentation of a large the Ministry of AYUSH constituted a number of medicinal plants of north east National Task Force which prepared India for scientific intervention for the the National Clinical Management characterization of bioactive compounds Protocol based on Ayurveda and Yoga for having antiviral and other therapeutic management of COVID-19. activities. It is also planning to establish a Hailing the achievement on the photo-markers library useful as standard part of Ministry of AYUSH that the reference compounds for evaluation of advisories for boosting the immunity of phytopharmaceuticals. the people have become highly popular, Dr Harsh Vardhan noted, “Prime COVID-19 Newsletter Team of VP

4 dream 2047 / november 2020 november 2020 / dream 2047 5 COVERCOVER STORYSTORY Partha P. Majumder

PADMA VIBHUSHAN C. RADHAKRISHNA RAO “A PROPHET OF NEW AGE”

6 dream 2047 / november 2020 he world celebrated the birth centenary research. In my lifetime, I have seen statistics grow into a of Professor Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao strong independent field of study … its importance has spread in September. He was born on September 10, across numerous areas such as business, economics, health 1920. The Government of India felicitated him and medicine, banking, management, physical, natural, and on the eve of his birthday; an online function social sciences,” he says. was organised by the Department of Science & C.R. Rao was the eighth in a family of 10 children. His father, Technology (DST). “Prof C.R. Rao was working on the science C.D. Naidu, who worked in the police department, attached Tof data 70 years ago and was much ahead of his times,” said great importance to scholastic achievement of his children. His Professor Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST. “It is amazing to mother, A. Laxmikantamma, was a stern disciplinarian. Rao see the breadth of [his] work,” said Professor K. VijayRaghavan, dedicated his book Statistics and Truth to her “for instilling in Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. me the quest for knowledge” and “who, in my younger days, In an interview given some years ago, Professor C.R. Rao woke me up everyday at four in the morning and lit the oil had quoted, tongue-in-cheek, one of his mentors, famous lamp for me to study in the quiet hours of the morning when statistician and geneticist Ronald A. Fisher, “A ballet dancer the mind is fresh.” gets her ovation on the spot, while she is still warm from her He had an interest in mathematics from an early age. As efforts. A wit gets his laugh across the table, but a scientist a six-year-old boy he knew by heart the multiplication tables must expect to wait about five years for his laugh. Recognition up to 20 by 20. He won the Chandrasekara Iyer Scholarship, in science, to the man who has something to give, is, I guess, named after C.V. Raman’s father, in physics in Intermediate. more just and more certain than in most occupations but However, he decided to pursue a career in mathematics, joined it does take time. And when it comes it will probably come Andhra University, and obtained the equivalent of a Master’s from abroad.” degree even before he was 20. Pressure from his family forced Rao went on to say, “The first award I received came from him to prepare for the Indian Civil Service (ICS). abroad. It was the Fellowship of The Royal Society (FRS).” While he had to wait for about 18 months for the entrance

Statistics is the science of learning from data …In my lifetime, I have seen statistics grow into a strong independent field of study … its importance has spread across numerous areas such as business, economics, health and medicine, banking, management, physical, natural, and social sciences. C.R. Rao

That was a long time ago in 1967. He has been honoured test, he decided to take a job and came to Calcutta (now with Padma Vibhushan in 2001 and was awarded the India Kolkata) to face an interview. A chance meeting with a young Science Award in 2010. On June 12 2002, he was presented man, Mr. Subramanian, in a south Indian hotel on this trip was the National Medal of Science by US President George W. to change his life. Mr. Subramanian was undergoing training Bush “for his pioneering contributions to the foundation of in statistics at the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI). He took statistical theory and multivariate statistical methodology, Rao to ISI, which was then located in the physics department and their applications, enriching the physical, biological, of Presidency College. Rao joined ISI in 1941 in a training mathematical, economic and engineering sciences”. President programme. His father had just passed away and there was Bush called him “A prophet of new age”. financial stress in the family. However, his elder brother and We celebrated Professor Rao’s birth centenary as an mother encouraged him to pursue the training at the ISI. occasion not only to honour the most-respected statistician “I did not learn much from the courses” during the training in the world today, but also because statistics has become programme, Rao says. However, he came in contact with three an indispensable applied tool in all walks of life through his well-known statisticians, Raj Chandra Bose, Samarendra Nath seminal contributions and efforts. Rao has defined statistics Roy, and Keshvan Raghvan Nair, who were all working in the as “the science of learning from data.” We are now passing ISI, but did not participate in teaching. Within three months of through an age of data revolution. The demand for statisticians joining the ISI, Rao wrote his first scientific paper with Nair. In in global employment is one of the highest and the demand July 1941, while he was still a student of the one-year training is predicted to increase in the coming years. “I was fortunate programme in the ISI, the Master’s programme in statistics to have made some fundamental contributions to the field was started in Calcutta University, with Prasanta Chandra of statistics and to see the impact of my work in furthering Mahalanobis as a head of the statistics department.Krishna This Tulsi was

november 2020 / dream 2047 7 COVER STORY the first degree course in statistics in India. Rao enrolled Rao’s contributions to mathematics and statistical himself as a student, and graduated in 1943 with a first rank, theory and applications have become part of graduate and obtaining 87.5 per cent marks, still a record at Calcutta postgraduate courses in statistics, econometrics, electrical University. While a Master’s student, he published several engineering, and many other disciplines at universities papers with Raj Chandra Bose. His MA dissertation contained throughout the world. His scholarship has heavily influenced original contributions to several areas of statistics. the theory and application of statistics in such diverse fields After he obtained MA, Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis as anthropology, geology, biology, psychology, social sciences, offered Rao a job in the ISI as a technical apprentice in and national planning. His work in multivariate analysis, November 1943. In 1946, Mahalanobis sent Rao to Cambridge for example, is used to improve economic planning, weather to carry out statistical analyses of some data on skeletal prediction, medical diagnosis, tracking the movements of spy material collected by J.C. Trevor. “The period from January planes, and monitoring the course of spacecraft. 1944 to July 1946, before going to Cambridge, was, perhaps, Rao has authored or co-authored 14 books and more than the most eventful of my research career,” Rao says. While he 300 research papers. His book Linear Statistical Inference and was teaching a course on statistics at Calcutta University in its Applications, published in 1965, has been translated into 1944, a student had asked him a question. He did not have six languages and has remained as one of the most cited books a ready answer, but worked out the answer that night. This in science. turned out to be the seminal result with which his name is Rao has an uncanny and a subtle sense of humour. In his associated-the Cramer-Rao bound, independently discovered lectures, even on theoretical statistics, he always began with a by Harold Cramer. practical example. He has always emphasised that statistical In 1945, he proved a result that is now known as the Rao- research, even on statistical theory, should largely arise from Blackwell theorem. Often, we need to obtain knowledge of an real-life problems. He has spent his entire career promoting unknown feature of a population; for example, the average statistics and their usefulness in society. “If there is a problem

If there is a problem to be solved, seek statistical advice instead of appointing a committee of experts. Statistics can throw more light than the collective wisdom of the articulate few. C.R. Rao monthly income of an Indian. It is not possible to collect to be solved, seek statistical advice instead of appointing a income data from every Indian living anywhere in the world. committee of experts. Statistics can throw more light than the Data can be collected only from a small number of Indians, collective wisdom of the articulate few,” he says. He was the suitably selected. From these data, one can then obtain an chairman of the UN Committee, which examined the demand approximate, not the exact, knowledge-an estimate. There for statistical personnel in Asian countries. The Committee are several ways of obtaining estimates from data, but the recommended the establishment of an Institute to provide method proposed by Rao in 1945, and two years later by David training for statisticians working in government and industrial Blackwell, results in highly reliable estimates. organisations for statistical development in South East Asia. In Cambridge, Rao registered for a Ph.D under Ronald A. On the basis of this recommendation the Asian Statistical Fisher, a founder of modern statistical science. Fisher told Institute, now known as the Statistical Institute for Asia and Rao to find his own problem to solve and write a PhD thesis the Pacific was established in Tokyo in 1970. and asked him to seek his advice only when he “encountered Rao has categorised creativity into two different kinds. difficulties”. Fisher worked in the genetics, not inthe “At its highest level, it is the birth of a new idea or a theory statistics, department. He asked Rao to spend some time which is qualitatively different from and not conforming to in the genetics laboratory. Fisher was trying to find which or deducible from any existing paradigm, and which explains genes are on which chromosomes in the mouse. This inquiry a wider set of natural phenomena than any existing theory. naturally led to formulation of some hypotheses and testing There is creativity of another kind at a different level, of a them. Rao proposed a novel method to find how physically discovery made within the framework of an existing paradigm close two genes are. The method bears his name-Rao’s Score but of immense significance in a particular discipline.” C.R. Test-and is now used in all branches of science, both natural Rao has excelled in creativity of both kinds, which is why he is and social. the most respected statistician in the world today. After submitting his Ph.D thesis, Rao returned to India from England in 1948 and became a professor at ISI at the age of 28. Dr Partha P. Majumder is National Science Chair, Distinguished Professor and In 1964, he assumed directorship of the ISI. After his retirement Founder, National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani; Emeritus Professor, from ISI, he moved to the US. In 1982 he established the Center Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata; President, Indian Academy of Sciences; and of Multivariate Analysis at the University of Pittsburgh. He President, West Bengal Academy of Science & Technology. joined the Pennsylvania State University in 1988. Email: [email protected]

8 dream 2047 / november 2020 BOOK REVIEW NAKUL PARASHAR

hy has a 260-page book written 100 years ago Wbecome all of a sudden so relevant now? Is it because it was written on one of the greatest scientists that India has produced so far? Is it because of its unique author, who was a biologist, an urban planner, and someone who travelled a large part of the world? Of course, much more than the reasons, this unique book is none other than the famous and one of the widely read biographies of a scientist - An Indian Pioneer of Science - The Life and Work of Sir Jagadis C Bose. Written by Sir Patrick Geddes FRSE, this biography of Acharya 100 years of J.C. Bose was published in October 1920 by Longmans ʻThe Life and Work of Green & Co., UK. This book has nineteen chapters meticulously Sir Jagadis C Boseʼ planned from childhood and early education to the establishment of the Bose Research Institute that later became the world- renowned Bose Institute, now an autonomous organisation of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. Bose passed away in 1937 while Geddes died in 1932. This means that this biography was written seventeen years before Bose’s demise. Interestingly, the very few initial lines of the book say it all - “I am asked whether the title of this book means especially

Sir Patrick Geddes

november 2020 / dream 2047 9 BOOK REVIEW a pioneer in science in and for India. The Glacier as well. Besides the Himalayas, The priest of the temple compared him answer is - both. For on one hand, Bose Bose in fact travelled all across the Indian to someone who has dedicated his life to is the first India of modern times who subcontinent too. In an interesting the extension of science in the country. has done distinguished work in science, incident when travelling in south India, Geddes also describes the influence of and his life story is thus at once of he was allowed to go inside the sanctum a number of people in Bose’s life. Besides interest to his scientific contemporaries sanctorum of a South Indian temple. Bose’s father, his sister and her husband in other countries and of inspired Bose to quite an extent. encouragement and impulse to Geddes very briefly mentions his countrymen”. about Bose’s acquaintance The book brings out different with Mahatma Gandhi and aspects of the life of the great Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Sister scientific genius, Bose, as Nivedita (Margaret Noble), portrayed by yet another great Swami Vivekanand’s disciple, scientist and town planner played a very important role in of modern times, Sir Patrick Bose’s life. Establishment of the Geddes. Bose Institute and many other Geddes has weaved this book areas where Bose’s contribution perfectly well. Describing Bose’s to the scientific world was early days vividly, Geddes highlighted is credited to Sister mentions - “The boy is the father Nivedita. of the man. Hence the writers of Despite financial constraints, biographies have always sought Bose went ahead and established to learn and tell they could of the famous Bose Institute. In the early environment of their his inaugural address on 30 subjects; for these formative November 1917, he said, “I influences, and the response of dedicate today this institute- childhood and youth to them, not merely a laboratory but a are often seen to throw light temple.” on characters as brought out The last two chapters of the in later years, and so on their book details various aspects of achievements”. how the Bose Institute came up Bose’s interests to pursue and eventually became one of the science from his early childhood few Indian research institutes of guided his parents to get him international repute. admitted to St Xavier’s College Twelve of nineteen chapters in Kolkata, and later London of the book are set aside for the for a degree in science rather works of Bose and each of them than pursue the civil services route. turns out to be a major reference work Descriptions of Bose’s school and college The book brings out in itself. From electric waves, his first days in India and later in the UK have researches in physics to plant responses, been described in a duly concatenated different aspects of irritability of plants, movement in manner. This makes reading faster and plant, tropism, sleep of plants, the book more engrossing. Stories of hardships the life of the great provides seamless flow of thoughts and faced by young Bose in the UK, and later, scientific genius, Bose, interconnectivity - describing how a post his return to India are described perfect biography should be written. in detail in the chapter titled ‘Early as portrayed by yet The book is easily available through Struggles’. a number of online stores and is a Bose was an avid traveller as well. another great scientist must-read for every science enthusiast. His passion for hills, especially the and town planner of In short, even after 100 years after its Himalayas, can be seen from the publication, it still remains relevant and vivid description of his holidays and modern times, inspiring. pilgrimages. Geddes says that Bose was highly fascinated by the Kumaon hills Sir Patrick Geddes. Dr Nakul Parashar is Director, Vigyan Prasar and (now a part of the state of Uttarakhand) also a science writer and communicator. and visited Nainital, Almora and Pindari Email: [email protected]

10 dream 2047 / november 2020 TRIBUTE T.V. Venkateswaran Ramanujan Yatra: Journey So Far Ramanujan Yatra commenced on 26 April 2020, with a small group, at Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu and it will formally conclude on 22 December 2020, Ramanujan’s birth anniversary and the National Mathematics Day.

rinivasa Ramanujan died on powers, active and dormant. Politically 26 April 1920. This year is his we are issuing into a united nationhood Shundredth death anniversary. and materially we hope soon to be He was just 32 years old, usually a abreast of the more civilised countries of life too short to make big waves, yet the world. Intellectually too, our literary he was considered one among the top and scientific achievement has not been ten mathematicians of his day. His behind hand but has been receiving eminence was so radiating, even in the world-wide recognition. The poet went high noon of colonialism, a miserable out, sang and was honoured with a brown ‘native’ could not be ignored. prize and a knighthood. The scientist He was the youngest to be elected as a struck famous academies of Europe and fellow of the Royal Society, the second America in tremulous wonder and Mr S. Indian to secure the place on the high Ramanujan is in a fair way to do a similar table. In his short but productive life of thing for mathematics.” just 32 years, he had worked out 3,900 Hundred years after his death, odd theorems and results, scribbled on Ramanujan still evokes hope and scraps of paper, which still continue to work is the mathematical equivalent of inspiration. “The music of his be relevant, enchanting brightest minds the poet William Blake’s lines: mathematics emanates both from his in the mathematics even today. In a rare life and work. Rising from the dust honour, two years ago, the Royal Society To see a world in a Grain of Sand, of India and teaching himself higher observed the 100th anniversary of his And a Heaven in a Wild Flower mathematics, he rose to great heights. election, hinting that the Royal Society Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand His story is a beacon of inspiration for is worthy by his presence amongst And Eternity in an hour.” young minds everywhere,” points out M. its fellows, more than the honour it Ram Murty, A.V. Douglas Distinguished conferred on to Ramanujan. Ramanujan did not directly take University Professor & Queen's Research Says Sujatha Ramdorai, a professor part in the national struggle, yet his Chair, Queen's University, Ontario. of mathematics and Canada Research accomplishment was seen as a part of the “Ramanujan did not have the advantage Chair at University of British Columbia, freedom movement. P.V. Seshu Iyer, a of contact with the mathematical Canada, “Generations of mathematicians contemporary mathematician and a free- world outside India. His gigantic leaps will marvel at Ramanujan’s mathematical dom fighter, wrote way back in 1917, “The arose from himself only... Interest in discoveries. His results will never cease age we are living in has been one of many Ramanujan’s mathematics will continue to astound, appreciate and his life will great national upheavals. We are today unabated for many decades,” says Bruce always be an inspiration. His life and claiming for the wider recognition of our Carl Berndt, professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the editor of The Ramanujan Journal. The world is moving towards what expert observers call ‘Industrial revolution 4.0’, driven by cyber physical systems, which includes artificial intelligence, robotics, sensors, big data analytics, geographical information systems and advanced materials. As India braces itself, not only to not miss the bus but take proactive initiatives to be one among the leaders in the area which is considered as next paradigm

november 2020 / dream 2047 11 TRIBUTE shift succeeding Internet, recalling and remembering Ramanujan is relevant. R RAMANUJAN YATRA Ramanujam, Professor of mathematics at Institute of Mathematical Sciences I. LECTURES IN INDIAN LANGUAGE ON RAMANUJAN YATRA: says, “Both Ramanujan's life and his mathematics attest to the tremendous Language/Name of the Speaker/Date: freedom of human intellectual endea- vour to reach beyond the confines of 1. Tamil/Dr R. Ramanujam/19.05.2020 extant thought and technique, unfettered 2. Kannada/Shri V.S.S. Sastry/31.05.2020 by grinding poverty, debilitating disease and stifling social hierarchy. Ramanujan 3. Telugu/Prof P.V. Arunachalam/16.06.2020 will continue to inspire every child, every 4. Malayalam/Dr P.T. Ramachandran/24.06.2020 mathematician, and hopefully every teacher as well.” 5. Gujarati/Dr Devbhadra Vadilal Shah/14.07.2020 Vigyan Prasar, even under the 6. Bangla/Dr Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay/04.08.2020 trying circumstances during the pandemic, undertook a massive effort to 7. Marathi/Dr Vinayak Sholapurkar/25.08.2020 commemorate the memory, struggle and 8. Assamese/Dr Nayandeep Deka Baruah/18.09.2020 the relevance of Ramanujan during this year. A national committee was formed with Dr R Ramanujam from Institute of II. LECTURES BY INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS ON RAMANUJAN YATRA: Mathematical Sciences as its chair. With the involvement of various organisations Name of the Speaker/Title/Date: and individuals a unique programme ‘Ramanujan Yatra’ was planned. 1. Dr Ken Ono/Why Does Ramanujan, The Man Who Knew Infinity, The Yatra commenced on 26 April Matter?/28.05.2020 2020, with a small group, adhering strictly the pandemic protocols, placing 2. Dr Sujatha Ramdorai/Ramanujan’s Mathematical Legacy/25.06.2020 a garland and paying homage to the 3. Dr Bruce C. Berndt/Ramanujan-The Ultimate Super Hero/23.07.2020 statue of Ramanujan at Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. As face-to-face activities 4. Dr R. Balasubramanian/Impact of Ramanujan on Number Theory

were not viable, due to the COVID in India/27.08.2020

5. Dr M. Ram Murty/The Ramanujan Tau Function/24.09.2020 6. Prof. Don Zagier/Ramanujan and Geometry/29.10.2020

pandemic, online mode was resorted phobia. Professor Ken Ono Thomas to. Popular lectures were organised in Jefferson Professor of Mathematics

various Indian languages. In addition, at the University of Virginia, the Vice https://zoom.us/j/95746467914?pwd=V2R6eUIkS0V2amNxdVB5eEpzbVREZz09 international experts on Ramanujan President of the American Mathematical gave online webinars. These were live- Society, says, “Ramanujan matters streamed through IndiaScience.in, a because he represents endless curiosity web-based television channel of Vigyan and untapped potential, which we all Prasar. Further, these lectures were also have to believe in to proceed in the live-streamed on social media platform sciences. Science usually advances on such as the YouTube, Facebook live. the work of thousands, over generations, The Yatra will formally conclude fine-tuning and extending the scope on 22 December 2020, Ramanujan’s of understanding. But from time to birth anniversary and the National time, creative fireballs like Ramanujan Mathematics Day. However, Vigyan burst onto the scene propelling human Prasar is engaged in shaping thought forward.” innovative mathematics popularisation programmes and developing hands-on Dr T.V Venkateswaran is Scientist ‘F’ in Vigyan Prasar. kits to create interest and alleviate maths Email: [email protected]

12 dream 2047 / november 2020 AWSAR R. Chandran

ature created this living planet for coral reef resources for their livelihood us with a nice balance of organic Save via harvestable marine resources that Nand inorganic components they generate through tourism and and provided it with a self-repairing Coral biodiversity. In fact, more than 850 mechanism. Species that are incapable million people living within 100 km and threatening are always replaced with of a coral reef and are likely to obtain advanced and useful species through Reefs, some benefits from nearby coral reefs. massive global events also known as mass It is also estimated that healthy and extinctions. In the past, the Earth has well-maintained reefs can give up to 35 gone through five such mass extinctions, Our tonnes of fish per square kilometre every which wiped out many species. The well- year. By minimising wave impacts from known last mass extinction happened Paradise storms such as cyclones, hurricanes or 65 million years ago, which wiped off typhoons, coral reefs play an important the mighty dinosaurs, making way for role in shoreline protection of mainland humans to appear on Earth. Mammals on Earth, coasts and island nations. Coral reefs would not have flourished well in are globally significant, as about half of presence of dinosaurs on this planet and to Save the carbondioxide that enters the world our appearance in this world would not oceans each year is taken up and bound have happened. Now, the sixth mass into reefs as calcium carbonate. Marine extinction has already started. Global Ourselves organisms inhabiting coral reefs have warming, which was responsible for a Coral reefs, one of the most diverse been proven to be promising sources of few mass extinctions in the past, is the novel pharmaceutical compounds for and most productive ecosystems of main cause. The warming of the globe treating an array of human ailments. takes place at a slow pace. Unfortunately, the world, are highly vulnerable and Coral reefs are a part of human our greed has accelerated its speed now, perhaps the first victims of climate civilisation too. which is removing all our natural shields, change. Saving them is more beneficial In spite of evolving and surviving leading us to extinction, perhaps, within for our existence than their survival. on the Earth for 500 million years, this century itself. coral reefs are now disappearing and The changing global climate is of species can live in just a single metre dying at an alarming rate. The list already distressing nearly all the Earth’s square area on a coral reef. The coral reef of problems can seem endless and ecosystems and biodiversity and pushing ecosystems are teeming with organisms range from poor land-use practices, them to a high risk of even more serious that survive in a mutualistic society industrialisation and pollution along crisis over the coming decades. Global in which coral species play the role of the coastal belts, destructive fishing climate predictions foretell more frequent ‘ecosystem engineers’ taking care of operations, introduction of invasive and intense catastrophic environmental the construction and maintenance of species, oil spills, etc. Global warming events. Coral reefs, one of the most the society. Every available centimetre and ocean acidification have overtaken diverse and most productive ecosystems of space on the coral reef is occupied all other impacts now. The prevalence of the world, are highly vulnerable and by some species, making the reefs like of unprecedented coral bleaching perhaps the first victims of climate ‘congested underwater metro-cities’, and events and coral diseases has increased change. These coral reefs are nature’s each centimetre of coral reefs is useful to unimaginably. As a result, coral reefs are underwater paradises, created with humans too. predicted to disappear in less than half a marvellous architecture and decorated The existence of coral reefs may be century from now. Even though all these with multi-coloured curios. Although translated directly into food, security, alarming events are happening in front they occupy less than 1% of the ocean revenue and a multitude of other benefits of our own eyes, we are becoming mere floor, they render home for a quarter of to us. Over a billion people worldwide spectators. Yet the loss is colossal. The all living species. Sometimes thousands are wholly or partially dependent on loss of coral reefs potentially costs an

There is true magic in resilience studies.Kachchh and Maharashtra reefs, which are under threat and considered as the least attractive, are going to become the most sought-after reefs because of their potential to act as coral refugia.

november 2020 / dream 2047 13 AWSAR astounding US$1 trillion globally. There are more than three Coral reefs are critically important dozen factors directly or indirectly for developing countries for responsible for the resilience livelihood, food security and capacity of reefs. Scaling the economy. It is almost impossible resilience indicators, identifying to imagine the world without local ‘mother reefs’ of each coral reefs. Studies estimated that region and right interventions 20% of the world’s coral reefs to unravel the existing threats have already been destroyed and would certainly accelerate the show no immediate prospects of resilience potential of our coral recovery, and about 24% of the reefs. This will also make the world’s reefs are under imminent corals immunised for adapting to risk of destruction. If we do the forthcoming climate change not respond to mitigate global impacts. Rather than spending warming at least now, then we more efforts to conserve a wide will surely destroy the world’s reef area, simply enforcing great coral reefs within a half- protection and conservation century. thermal-tolerant coral communities. The interventions at the identified local For a couple of decades, scientists and resilience potential of each individual resilience reefs of each area could protect policymakers have been racing to save reef in a region may differ from one all our nation’s coral reef assets from the the world’s coral reefs from peril. All our another. The recovery of severely challenging climate change crisis. Now, regional-scale efforts for protecting coral damaged reefs is dependent on nearby I am very confident that my study will reefs, namely marine reserves, marine highly resilient ‘mother reefs’ or ‘stock certainly contribute to the sustenance of protected areas, etc., over the past three reefs’. Hence, scaling the resilience ability all our reefs and surely provide baseline decades have almost failed. It is worth of coral reefs would help us to know the information for replicating the results pondering whether we have a solution present resilience status, existing threats in other reef regions elsewhere. There to tide over this mighty threat of global and spatial variation in the resilience is true magic in resilience studies. warming. The good news is there is one potential of coral reefs. This would also Kachchh and Maharashtra reefs, which science-based systematic approach that help to locate ‘local stock reefs’ of each are under threat and considered as the could help in the sustenance of these region and their connectivity paradigm least attractive, are going to become the underwater paradises. Resilience-based with its surrounding reefs. most sought-after reefs because of their management is the most recent concept There is no detailed study on the potential to act as coral refugia (local and represents a glimmer of hope for resilience potential of any Indian reef environment that has escaped regional coral reef conservation for now. regions so far. A study to evaluate the ecological change and therefore provides ‘Reef resilience’ is the ability to resilience potential of the coral reefs a habitat for endangered species). resist threats and recover to its former along the mainland coast of India and One thing we should always remember state after a disturbance has occurred. locate ‘local stock reefs’ is the one I is that our race is the most vulnerable Several key ecological factors influence have chosen to carry out through the than any other lower group of animals the resilience of a coral reef. They are Zoological Survey of India (MoEFCC) such as corals, which have already predominantly causes that facilitate with funding assistance from DST-SERB. sustained earlier mass extinctions coral survivorship, good water quality, I am glad to state that in my study so through their resilience capacity. Saving factors supporting unwanted phase- far, I have identified 10 highly potential them is more beneficial for our existence shift of the reefs, and healing from resilient reefs, three from Gujarat than their survival. Let us be wise and bleaching and diseases. A resilient (Lakku reef, Mithapur township reef and prove that we are the best of all creations coral reef will tend to exhibit recovery Pirotan reef); three from Maharashtra in this universe. towards a coral dominant state even if coasts (Chivla reef, Sindhudurg reef and subsequent disturbances prevent corals Devbaug reef) and four from Vembar- Dr R. Chandran, a Post-Doctoral Fellow from Marine from eventually dominating. Building Keelakarai in the Gulf of Mannar. All Biology Regional Station, Zoological Survey of resilience capacity and resilience-based these reefs have the potentiality to serve India, Chennai, is pursuing his research on management of coral reefs have been as ‘mother reefs’ to sow coral seeds and “Resilience assessment and identifying local ‘Stock demonstrated to immunise coral species maintain a healthy coral population in Reefs’ a novel proactive management approach on to help them cope with climatic and non- the surrounding reefs. Destructive fishing India’s coral reefs conservation, in response to the climatic stresses. practices and uncontrolled tourism are ever-increasing global warming”. This article has Resilience-based coral reef manage- identified as the potential threats existing been selected for AWSAR Award. ment would also assist the evolution of in these areas. Email: [email protected]

14 dream 2047 / november 2020 BIONICS Jyoti Sharma and Sachin Gautam

Nowadays, manufacturers are NANO-BIOMIMETICS: using various coating methods, surface modification and implanting ions such as silver, calcium phosphate and InspirationInspiration fromfrom naturenature hydroxyapatite, which improve bone regeneration, tissue response and for development of antibacterial properties of the implant for development of surface. However, these coatings tend to lose their effectiveness over time and may biomedicalbiomedical implantsimplants cause toxic effects in the body. Apart from these coatings and surface modifications, Biomimicry is leading the path to a new age of technological development naturally occurring nanostructures also by taking lessons from nature as the foundation for products. provide motivation for researchers to mimic their antibacterial behaviour. To iomimetics, also known as bionics modulus limit its use in implants. reduce the need for prolonged hospital or biomimicry, is the use and Hence, titanium alloys are preferred stay, use of heavy antibiotics and Bimplementation of concepts in orthopaedic implants for their revision surgery, researchers are trying and principles from nature to creating lightweight, biocompatibility, improved to reproduce naturally occurring nano- new materials, devices and systems. passivity and corrosion resistance. structured surfaces, having self-cleaning Modelling their planes on the structure Apart from biocompatibility, and bactericidal properties. These nano of bird wings by the Wright brothers, mechanical wear, corrosion, and and microstructures stretch, disfigure the design of a lily pad to structure the integration with bones, surgical site and rupture the bacterial cell wall by Crystal Palace in London by Joseph infection in orthopaedic implants is considerably increasing the contact Paxton, and Leonardo da Vinci’s work on a major problem, often leading to adhesion area. flying machines and ships are examples prolonged hospitalisation, long-term of application of biomimetics from the antibiotic therapy, bacterial resistance Naturally occurring nanostructured past. However, it became popular when and revision surgery or death. The bactericidal surfaces American inventor Otto Schmitt coined implants act as foreign material and carry There are many plants and insect the term biomimetics in 1957 and Jack the inherent risk of bacterial infection. surfaces that exhibit antibacterial or Steele, a doctor in the U.S. Air Force, Common pathogens that adhere to the anti-biofouling properties with their coined the word bionics in the 1960s. implant surface include Pseudomonas individual surface textures and structure aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus dimensions. The surfaces of many plant Biomedical implants and Staphylococcus epidermidis. leaves show anti-fouling behaviour, Orthopaedic surgery, especially for the They often form a biofilm layer around which repel bacteria and impurities hip and knee region, is becoming popular an implant that is highly immune to based on high contact angles (142°-159°). nowadays due to the genetic disposition antibacterial treatment. Attachment of the Indian population and present- of bacteria followed by the formation Lotus and taro leaves day lifestyle. More than 15 crore Indians of biofilm is greatly influenced by the The presence of well- suffer from knee problems, out of which surface topography and roughness of the ordered microscale about 4 crore patients need a total knee material. Hydrophobicity, electrostatic elliptical bumps 10- replacement. The incidence of arthritis of interactions, van der Waals forces, and 30 µm in diameter, the knee in India is 15 times more than in steric hindrance are other influential which are covered Western countries. factors that dictate adherence to the by hierarchical, waxy nanoscale crystals Several materials have been tested surface. make leaves of taro (Colocasia esculenta) and developed for a successful implant and functioning within the human system, despite being a foreign material. It must be biologically compatible and have appropriate mechanical, wear and corrosion properties. Stainless steel is used in medical applications for its mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, ease of manufacturing and cost-effectiveness. However, Rupture mechanism of bacteria cells by nanopillar structures; as bacterium cell is absorbed onto thesurface, regions low biocompatibility and high elastic between pillars stretch the cell membrane, causing rupture. Source: Pogodin, S., et al., Biophysical journal, 2013. 104(4).

november 2020 / dream 2047 15 BIONICS and lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) anti- periodic array of hierarchical microscale have developed two models that explain biofouling, hydrophobic and anti- keratinous hairs, known as setae. Nano- the mechanism of prokaryotic microbial bacterial. The presence of these bumps scale spatulas present in these hairs death on nano-patterned surfaces: (1) increases the contact angle (90°-150°) of are responsible for producing a small a biophysical model, and (2) an alytical the surface, making it superhydrophobic. van der Waals force, which collectively thermodynamic model. According to It helps roll off the dirt and contaminants creates large adhesion and anti-wetting the biophysical model, nanostructures with the water droplets, leaving the properties. Researchers are trying present on antibacterial surfaces are leaves clean. to replicate the same artificially in capable of penetrating bacterial cell The resistance of taro and lotus leaves nanostructures. walls although bacterial cell death is towards biological and non-biological dependent on the composition of the cell particles is due to the physiochemical Shark skin membrane. interaction between the cell and the The surface of shark surface roughness of the leaf. This skin has self-cleaning, Safety and toxicity of nanomaterials behaviour has increased research interest anti-biofouling, hydro The use of nano-patterned biomaterial in applications such as self-cleaning phobic, drag reducing implants in the body comes with paint, clothes, windows, bio-repellent and aerodynamic cha- concerns over the mechanical stability of coatings, and low-friction surfaces. racteristics. Tiny flat the structures and unintentional health V-shaped scales, called impacts of metal oxides, leading to long- Cicada and dragonfly wings dermal denticles, that are more like term toxicity concerns and potential Wings of cicadas help teeth than fish scales, are responsible cellular damage. them to adapt to a variety for the anti-biofouling and self- The toxicity of nanostructures is of environments-from cleaning properties of shark skin. The an unexplored research area, but the underground to tall trees, microstructure of the skin also facilitates toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles can high temperatures, and high-speed swimming (up to 90 km/h). be considered as an initial judgement of humidity. The wings Silicone-patterned surfaces designed toxicity. “Needle-like” titanium oxide, are mainly made up of to mimic the microstructure of shark aluminium trioxide, molybdenum chitin, protein and wax, skin has reduced drag resistance in trioxide and chromium trioxide covered with closely submarines and ships by 15% and algae nanoparticles have shown no effect on packed, highly ordered cell attachment by 67%. cellular shrinkage, and liver cells (in nano-pillars. Studies vitro) at low concentrations. However, have shown that cicada Butterfly wing there is a significant effect at higher wing surfaces have less Butterfly wings combine the anisotropic concentrations. of a bactericidal effect on Gram-positive flow effects found on shark skin and the bacteria due to their increased cell superhydrophobic properties of lotus Future perspectives rigidity, compared to Gram-negative and taro leaves to produce an effective Placing medical implants in the body cells. anti-biofouling surface. The surface of comes with an associated risk of bacterial The S-shaped pattern of nanopillars butterfly wings comprises of an array infection. Patients are commonly present on dragonfly wings is responsible of aligned scales that cause anisotropic required to take long-term antibiotics to make it more efficient in killing behaviour. Anisotropic flow combined to reduce re-infection; however, the both Gram-negative (Pseudomonas with superhydrophobic properties increasing resistance of bacterial strains aeruginosa) and Gram-positive bacteria produces a high contact angle and results to antibiotics is a matter of concern. (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus in a surface that has low drag, anti- Methods that are particularly effective subtilis), as well as endospores produced biofouling, and low bacterial adhesion in mimicking antibacterial surface by Bacillussubtilis. The nanostructures properties. behaviour are Focused Ion Beammilling found on the surface of dragonfly wings and hydrothermal synthesis, which is are primarily composed of aliphatic Artificial antibacterial surface fabrication currently used to find the optimal surface hydrocarbons, with fatty acids covering Surfaces with antibacterial surfaces for bactericidal behaviour by varying the outermost layer. While cicada wings are becoming an inspirational source hydrothermal process parameters. are only efficient at killing Gram-negative for scientists to reproduce, using a bacteria, dragonfly wings can kill both variety of chemical and mechanical Jyoti Sharma is a Senior Scientist, International Gram-negative and Gram-positive cells. methods. Many research groups have Cooperation Division (ICD), Department of designed antimicrobial surfaces based Science and Technology, Govt. of India. Gecko skin on this cellular repulsion phenomenon Email: [email protected] Gecko skin and feet have strong adhesion exhibited by natural surfaces such as taro Sachin Gautam is pursuing his graduation in Life and bactericidal properties due to the and lotus leaves. To date, researchers Sciences from the University of California, Davis.

16 dream 2047 / november 2020 REMEMBRANCE Manish Mohan Gore

DR NARENDER KUMAR SEHGAL Shining star of science communication

r Narender Kumar Sehgal, who or teaching science in India or abroad. Darshan ka Ananda, Dekha Parkha Sach, laid the foundation of science But he returned to India and decided and Kyon aur Kaise from NCSTC. Later, Dcommunication in India, to dedicate his life in the service of publication of popular science books was passed away on 7 September 2020. He the country. He realised that creating started by Vigyan Prasar in 1994. worked to connect the ongoing science scientific awareness and spreading Vigyan Prasar has since published communication and popularisation science and technology information more than 300 excellent books in Hindi, efforts in the country into one formula among people is an important field. English and other Indian languages. and gave it a clear direction. Today the His dedication and determination were His objective was to publish in areas of programmes of science communication, extraordinary, so whatever he did in the science which the commercial publishers whether it is publication of popular field of science communication became do not pay attention to. science literature, VIPNET Clubs, an example and proved to be a milestone. In September 1990, science Childrenʼs Science Congress, or There was a printing press in his filmmaker Nandan Kudhyadi gave Dr astronomy awareness campaign, most of ancestral house; so from childhood, he Sehgal a 32-page manuscript which them were initiated by Dr Sehgal. was fond of newspapers and magazines. was an autobiography of Ruchi Ram Some scientists like Prof. Yash Pal and In 1972, at the age of 32, he started Sahni, the father of India’s renowned Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar contributed publishing a quarterly magazine called palaeobotanist Birbal Sahni. Ruchi to scientific research as well as science Scientific Opinion and continued its Ram Sahni was a professor of chemistry popularisation. But Dr Sehgal was one publication for 4 years. He was the and science communicator in Punjab scientist who, instead of going into publisher, printer, writer and distributor and used to demonstrate interesting scientific research, devoted his entire of this magazine. At the same time, experiments of chemistry. People bought life to the development and promotion he also contributed to the prestigious tickets by paying one or two ‘annas’ to of science communication. After international weekly science journal watch these demonstrations with great completing his PhD in particle physics Nature and remained associated with interest. From all possible sources, Dr (1969) from the University of Wisconsin, it for two years (1974-1976). After Sehgal gathered information about Madison (USA), he returned to India and the National Council for Science and Ruchi Ram Sahni and published a started writing science-related articles. Technology Communication (NCSTC) book in English in 1994 on the life and For nearly three years (1978-1981), was set up, he started much-needed contribution of this anonymous soldier he was a visiting scientist at the Space initiatives and launched nationwide of science communication. Later, its Applications Centre, Ahmedabad, but campaigns. He felt the need for Hindi and Punjabi versions also were the passion for science popularisation autonomy at the institutional level and published. Dr Sehgal was also interested brought him to NCSTC, DST. He took created an autonomous organisation, in exploring the history of popular charge of the NCSTC Secretariat in 1982, Vigyan Prasar, under DST. Later, he also science literature in various Indian and from here, his journey in leading set up the NCSTC-Network, a network of languages. Under his guidance, the science communication began. 50 government and non-governmental historical document ‘Hundred years of organisations. popular science writing’ was published The Architect of Science communication Dr Sehgal knew that the objectives by Vigyan Prasar in Hindi, Bangla and Born on 7 November 1940 in Lahore of science communication could not be Marathi. (now in Pakistan), Sehgal was a achieved without involving people in it. ‘Ready to Print Science Page’ was promising student from the beginning. He gave priority to the development of a unique initiative of Dr Sehgal, in He engrossed himself in the study of scientific awareness in children. For this, which interesting scientific information sciences, completed his research work he embodied the concept of creating was designed and sent to the leading in about six years, abroad. He could significant literature and published newspapers and magazines for direct pursue a bright career in the research books like Sach to hkuch aur hai, Aakash publication.

november 2020 / dream 2047 17 REMEMBRANCE

Dr Sehgal regularly wrote editorial He started a ‘Vigyan Jatha’ (Science Kalinga Prize for the popularisation. articles in the magazines NCSTC march) to spread awareness about the When a meeting was held to designate Communications and Dream 2047, importance of pursuing the study of the date of birth of Sir C.V. Raman 7 which were later published as a book by science. Bharat Jan Vigyan Jatha (1987) November as National Science Day, Vigyan Prasar (Communicating Science: and the Bharat Jan Gyan Vigyan Jatha Dr. Sehgal rejected the idea as it was also Questions and Issues of Concern). (1992) visited more than 50,000 places his date of birth. It was then decided to Realising the need for science clubs (districts, blocks, villages, and talukas) designate 28 February as the National Dr Sehgal built a nationwide network of India. Science Day. This is a small example of which is still run by Vigyan Prasar, called Dr Sehgal effectively used electronic how particular he was in following his ʻVIPNET’ (Vigyan Prasar Network of media like radio and television and principles. Science Clubs). produced TV programmes in many Translation by Suman Bajpai. Dr Sehgal believed that connecting Indian languages and radio science with common man is very important serials like ʻVigyan Vidhiʼ and ʻManav Dr Manish Mohan Gore is a scientist with CSIR-NISCAIR. to achieve the objectives of science. Ka Vikas’. He was awarded the UNESCO Email: [email protected]

DR NARENDER SEHGAL: WHAT SCIENCE COMMUNICATORS THINK ABOUT HIM

In collaboration with Vigyan Parishad Prayag, When I became a part of Dr Sehgal’s team, he was at science communication in India, established institutions Dr Narender Sehgal carried out important work for a science the peak of his career. With the establishment of NCSTC and national networks, so that science can reach out to writing seminar and preparation of Hindi Mei Vigyan Lekhan and Vigyan Prasar, he had established a national network the masses. Holding his hand, I stepped into this genre Ke Sau Varsh document in Hindi. His death has caused of science and technology communication. By joining and he was my guide. irreparable loss in the field of science communication. him, my ability and skills in the areas of organisation, Kinkini Dasgupta Misra, Scientist ‘F’, Vigyan Prasar Dr Shiv Gopal Mishra, implementation, communication, planning, research and Pradhan Mantri, Vigyan Parishad Prayag logic improved. We will miss his wit and wisdom always. On the basis of the programmes of science Anuj Sinha, former Head, NCSTC and former communication implemented by Dr Sehgal, the concept of An accomplished particle physics scholar, Dr. Narender Honorary Director, Vigyan Prasar present science communication in India has emerged. We Sehgal, was a pioneer and originator of national activities have lost a genius science communication warrior. of science communication in India. He insisted on In Dr Narender Sehgal one could find a firm Dr B.K. Tyagi, Scientist ‘F’, Vigyan Prasar networking, training of science communicators, creating commitment to the belief that scientific temper, while source materials, setting ambitious goals and dreaming essential for every human being, had to be an essential Dr Narender Sehgal is no longer with us, but the the ‘impossible’. His message was “Think scientifically... part of every scientist and every scientific endeavour too. foundations of science popularisation in India which Act scientifically…” It was very exciting and challenging He always felt that scientific ideas and concepts should he has laid, has paved the way for many other science to work with him. be disseminated to the public more through means that communicators. Dr Subodh Mahanti, involved personal interaction. Kapil Tripathi, Scientist ‘F’, Vigyan Prasar Former Scientist ‘G’ and Honorary Director, Vigyan Prasar Hasan Jawaid Khan, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NISCAIR and The pioneer of science communication in the Dr Sehgal clearly understood that in a developing Editor, Science Reporter country, the founder of major institutions of science country like India, all efforts of science communication communication and the father of innovative programmes should relate to the common man. Therefore, he had He was unlike anyone else I’ve known - rational, for science communication, Dr Narender Sehgal was started significant initiatives like the Vigyan Jatha, aspects principled, frank to the fault though caring. Conceived also a proficient writer who wrote in Hindi as well as of science, which could be easily understood by the and executed so much. I interacted for decades as NCSC in English with equal fluency. He has also contributed common man, on the Sangam bank in Kumbh Mela and Academic Coordinator; expert and National Coordinator in Avishkar. One important thing is that he knew how to ‘Vigyan Mela’ in the famous Nauchandi Mela in Meerut so of NCSC-2003 and workshops, and NW convener. Talked connect with people and how to connect people. that a large number of people could benefit from it. He recently to invite to INSA meeting. Indeed fortunate to Radhakant Anthwal, Senior Editor, used to implement scientific approach in his life too. In have known him. Avishkar and Invention Intelligence every sphere of his life, he upheld high ideals and morals. Dr C.M. Nautiyal, Dr Manoj Kumar Patairiya, Head, NCSTC Consultant (Science Communication), INSA To create awareness in youth towards electronics, and former Scientist, BSIP, Lucknow in collaboration with Dr V.B. Kamble, Dr Sehgal had With a great vision, confidence, indomitable established an Amateur Radio Club in Vigyan Prasar. In enthusiasm and unmatched honesty, the true Indian, Dr Sehgal, who has been awarded the UNESCO Kalinga 1986, I was preparing for the Amateur Radio License Dr Sehgal was my “friend, philosopher and guide” for the Prize for his outstanding contribution in the field of exam and I used to join him on an ordinary shortwave last three decades. I am lucky that three decades ago science communication, will always be an inspiration band radio receiver during the Bharat Jan Vigyan Jatha. I became a part of this movement and worked closely for future generations of science communicators. His Sandeep Barua, Scientist ‘F’, Vigyan Prasar with him. He laid the foundation of all popular science contribution to science communication will always be and technology communication projects and defined remembered. Dr Sehgal’s incomparable contribution in the field of the principles of their implementation. Whenever science Dr K.N. Pandey, Former Scientist ‘F’, ICMR science communication cannot be forgotten. He played an for the common man will be discussed, his contribution important role in establishing the importance of science will be remembered. Dr Sehgal, the architect of science communication communication in society. He will always be an inspiration Dr Arup Mishra, Director, ASTEC and Fellow, Vigyan and popularisation programmes of India, will be known for science communicators. Prasar (1998-2001), First Coordinator-VIPNET for many innovative efforts in future. He institutionalised Nimish Kapoor, Scientist ‘E’, Vigyan Prasar

18 dream 2047 / november 2020