Address To The Nation By The President Of India On The Science Day 2005

'Can Indian science inspire youth' Dear Citizens,

My greetings to all of you. I am indeed very happy to talk to you on this Science Day, which is celebrated on the 28th of February every year, the day one of our great scientists and Nobel Laureate Sir CV Raman made a landmark discovery. On this day, the nation pays tribute and expresses its gratitude to all the scientists who have made our dream of using the science and scientific discoveries as vehicles for economic development, a reality. If the nation?s science is celebrated, it will also attract many young children to take up science as a career. In addition, the Scientists of the nation may like to rededicate themselves to create high quality scientific research output from India and make the nation proud. Science day is a day to remind us that the important ingredient for societal transformation would mainly come from science. I would like to share with you particularly the youth, the scientific progress made in our country towards enriching the society and signifying our national spirit that "Can Indian science inspire youth".

International year of Physics - 2005

One of the major breakthroughs in science in the 20th century that had an everlasting impact on the human kind is the most celebrated work of Einstein. Einstein explained, for the first time in 1905, the principle of the inertia of energy as a universal law. The famous energy equation E=MC2 was given to the world. This equation has become the basis for converting matter into energy ? giving birth to a new avenue called the nuclear energy for producing electricity to light up our cities and villages. Science at times is a double-edged sword. While the E=MC2 of Einstein, changed the way the humanity looked at the energy problem, it also paved the way for the design of Atom bomb. The latter application even today threatens to disturb the world peace. In spite of this, Einstein?s work is most profound and opened up many areas of research and development in physics. The scientific community of the world has decided to pay tribute to Einstein by declaring the year 2005 as the International year of Physics. As announced by me during the address to both the houses of parliament on 25th Feb 2005, India will celebrate Einstein?s anniversary by paying special attention to basic sciences in our schools and colleges, modernizing and reforming our institutions of science and, above all, rededicating itself to the spread of scientific temper. When I think of Einstein, I am reminded of the observation made by him about our father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, ?Generations to come will scarcely believe that such one as this (Gandhiji) ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth?.

Raman Effect

Let me refer to Raman Effect. Raman is one of the greatest scientists that India ever produced. Raman was extremely creative even with inexpensive equipments and in simple environments. One of his notable contributions to science is the discovery of what later came to be known as "Raman Effect". Raman Effect is the appearance of additional lines in the spectrum of monochromatic light that has been scattered by a transparent material medium. Sir C. V. Raman discovered the effect in 1928. The energy and thus the frequency and the wavelength of the scattered light are changed as the light either imparts rotational or vibrational energy to the scattering molecules or takes energy away. The line spectrum of the scattered light will have one prominent line corresponding to the original wavelength of the incident radiation, plus additional lines to each side of it corresponding to the shorter or longer wavelengths of the altered portion of the light. This Raman spectrum is the unique characteristic of the material medium. Thus, Raman spectrometry is a useful technique in physical and chemical research, particularly for the characterization of materials.

This in-elastically scattered light is called 'RAMAN SCATTER'. Energy difference between incident light and the Raman scattered light is equal to the energy involved in changing the molecule vibrational state. The Raman Effect is useful in the study of molecular energy levels, structure development and multi component qualitative analysis.

Raman Effect has continuously impacted every field of science. Its role in spectroscopy, medical diagnostics and material characterization had been phenomenal. The Raman Effect had been used in many new areas of science and the most recent being in the development of a continuous silicon laser. Instruments and techniques based on Raman Effect make a huge industry all over the world.

In a paper published February 17, 2005 in Nature, Intel researchers disclosed the development of the first continuous wave all-silicon laser using the Raman Effect. They built the experimental device using the standard CMOS manufacturing processes.

Intel researchers incorporated a novel diode-like structure into the silicon cavity laser. This diode combined with the Raman Effect produces a continuous laser beam at a new wavelength. This breakthrough device could lead to many practical applications such as optical amplifiers, lasers, wavelength converters, and new kinds of high efficient optical devices. A low-cost all-silicon Raman laser could inspire innovation in the development of new medical sensors, and spectroscopy devices.

Over the next 5 to 10 years, the computing and communications industries would face increasing challenges to deliver more data and faster. Consumers will be downloading full-length movies, not just photos and music files. People will also require faster access to these large amounts of data. While microprocessors are projected to meet these future demands, the bandwidth of the interconnects needs to be increased to meet the speed of the microprocessors. With the new work of Intel using Raman Effect to produce continuous silicon laser, the material convergence will take place very soon and faster networks would emerge.

Birth of Triple Helix

Now, I would like to talk about another great Indian scientist, Dr. G.N. Ramachandran known as GNR amongst scientists. GNR?s life is indeed an example worthy of emulation by all scientists, which was a fusion of curiosity, creativity and problem solving ability for successful missions. GNR, was wondering how to go about with x-ray diffraction and x-ray crystallography base with application to bio-molecules as a main theme. JD Bernal, the famous crystallographer and chemist who was on a visit to India in 1942 felt that all the structure proposed so far for collagen were unsatisfactory and suggested that GNR could take a look at that. How to get collagen was indeed a big problem for GNR at that time. He presented his problem to Dr. Nayudamma, the then Director of CLRI. Within a few days, Dr. Nayudamma procured a tube full of collagen from Australia. This helped GNR to publish the first innovative paper on the collagen structure, which gave strikingly original triple helix ? it appeared in the journal Nature in August 7, 1954. The proposed structure consisted of three separate helical chains, with their axis parallel to the fiber axis, stacked in a hexagonal array. This structure was not only innovative, it also provided better quantitative agreement with the X-ray data. Collagen is today finding large-scale application in the treatment of third degree burn injuries, since it has been found to have extraordinary healing properties. Also collagen has led to a separate branch of biology named structural biology, which is being taught in many universities. GNR can rightly be called as the father of structural biology. The world will always be thankful to him, for giving the famous Ramachandran plot.

The Glorious Phase of Indian Science

Let me now discuss the glorious phase of Indian Science. In India, science and technology in the pre-independent era, specifically starting from the thirties was influenced by the six great scientists of international repute. They are Sir, CV Raman, Prof Chandrasekhar Subramaniam, SN Bose, JC Bose, Meghnad Saha, Srinivasa Ramanujam. This phase, I consider the glorious phase of Indian science. The scientific foundation laid by them always stimulated the later generations also. This was also the beginning of the emergence of a confident India, in spite of her subjugation. The second phase is the post independent phase of science and technology in India.

The post-independence phase of Indian science and technology

All of you know, in history, any country revolves itself initially around a few stout and earnest knowledge giants. Particularly I took interest to study lives of three scientists, as I was interested in their scientific technological leadership qualities that focused the relationship of S&T and development of the nation. In the history of India, there may be many but I was very close to these three great personalities for one reason or the other. They are founders of three great institutions. I worked in two of the institutions directly and one in partnership. Dr DS Kothari, a Professor in Delhi University was an outstanding Physicist and also an Astrophysicist. He is well known for ionization of matter by pressure in cold compact objects like planets. This theory is complementary to thermal ionization work done by Dr Meghnad Saha his guru. Dr DS Kothari set a scientific tradition in Indian defence tasks when he became Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister in 1948; He created a Board of Advisors to the Scientific Advisor consisting of Dr. H.J. Bhaba, Dr. K.S. Krishnan and Dr. S.S. Bhatnagar. Later the Board was renamed as Scientific Advisory Board with enlarged membership.

He established the Defence Science Centre to do research in electronic material, nuclear medicine and ballistic science. He is considered as the architect of defence science in India. His race continued and followed up with momentum working and contributing in the areas of strategic systems, electronic warfare systems, armaments and life sciences.

Pioneer in Indian Nuclear science

Now, let me discuss about Homi Jehangir Bhabha . He did research in theoretical physics in Cambridge University. During 1930-1939, Homi Bhabha carried out research relating to cosmic radiation. In 1939, he joined Sir CV Raman in IISc Bangalore. Later, he was asked to start the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research with focus on nuclear science, mathematical science and established Atomic Energy Commission in 1948. Multi centers were born with his vision in nuclear science to nuclear technology, nuclear power, nuclear devices and nuclear medicine. These science institutions established multi technological centers, but basic science is the vital component.

Indian Space Visionary

Thirdly I will discuss about Prof Vikram Sarabhai, who was my Guru, the youngest of the three and worked with Sri CV Raman in experimental cosmic ray research. Prof Sarabhai established Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) Ahmedabad with Space research as focus. PRL was the cradle of Indian Space Programme. In later years he became the Director of Space S&T Centre. The SSTC (1963) started with launching sounding rockets for space atmospheric research. Prof. Vikram Sarabhai unfurled the space mission for India in 1970 that we should build Satellite Launch Vehicle capability, to put our communication satellites in the geo-synchronous orbit and remote sensing satellites in the polar orbit. Also, he envisaged that launch vehicles built in India should be launched from Indian soil. This one visionary thought led to intensive research and development in multiple fields of science and space technology. Many of us had the fortune to be part of Prof. Vikram Sarabhai's vision. Myself and my team participated in India's first satellite launch vehicle programme to put the satellite in the orbit. Today, India with her 20,000 scientific, technological and support staff in multiple space research centres, supported by about 300 industries and academic institutions, has the capability to build any type of satellite launch vehicle to place remote sensing, communication and meteorology satellites in different orbits and space application has become part of our daily life.

Dear young friends, you have seen how visionaries of a nation bring about economic transformation and technological change. I would like you to emulate these visionaries, dream and work for transforming India into a developed nation.

Scientific Excellence in India

So far, friends I have discussed the great tradition of science, particularly physics on the day of discovery of Raman Effect. It is important for us. I talked to you last year about the achievements of Indian scientists in the year 2003. This is also very important to all of us to know. There are 100s of scientific laboratories, and R&D Institutions in space, defence and many other areas and a number of universities. It is time that our scientific, technological academic institutions and universities should carry out an internal review and assess for themselves where do they stand in relation to academic institutions of excellence in the world. I will be very happy to discuss this issue with academic experts.

My team from Rashtrapati Bhavan indeed made a great search on the Internet and also scanned through Indian and foreign scientific journals. The team also contacted the scientists directly through tele-conference. After analysis, I thought of sharing with you six scientific research results of the year 2004 that will impact our society. Let me discuss these aspects.

Bio-pesticide development

First I would like to discuss about bio-pesticide development. Development of safe and sustainable alternatives to chemical in-secti-cides is absolutely essential as it has become a liability for good soil. A research mission has been taken up by International centre for Genetic Engineering and Bio-technology to isolate a bacterium from soil dwelling nematode, which is highly pathogenic to insects. Sustained research and field trials during the last two years, at various locations in the country, of the formulation consisting of bacterium has led to successful optimized formulation resulting in a viable bio-pesticide. As reported, the formulation is effective in agricultural and horticultural insect pests like diamond back moth of cabbage and cauliflower, mealy bugs of citrus fruits and grapes and termites in teak plantation. White woolly aphid of sugar cane, which is a major factor in reducing the sugar production of Maharastra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, is effectively controlled by the bio-pesticide. Its efficacy is comparable to the chemical insecticide. This scientific research leading to technology has been transferred to a startup bio-tech company Nirmal seeds Ltd and it is marketed under the brand name, BIO PRAHAR. I am sure that this work will lead to improved food productivity in a very eco-friendly way.

Drug for faster cure of tuberculosis

Second achievement is the development of a drug for faster cure of tuberculosis. Modern medicine has always relied on newer scientific discoveries world over. Indian scientific research starts to focus in finding solutions to our problems, which can later on be applied to the people of other countries. In this regard, India has made a very significant contribution in developing a drug uniquely suitable for Indian ambience. One of the achievements comes from a laboratory of (CSIR), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. CSIR lab has developed a new therapeutic molecule for Tuberculosis. This molecule has shown the potential to cure TB in around 2 months, as against the standard treatment of 6 to 8 months. This breakthrough is very important as we have number of TB patients. After completing the pre-clinical studies, the molecule transformed into a drug is planned to undergo clinical trials in humans. It is commendable that the entire development has been done as a public-private partnership involving the Lupin, the three CSIR Laboratories, namely, Central Drug Research Institute, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology and National Chemical Laboratory, and the University of Hyderabad.

Nano tube filter - water purification

Third achievement is the development of a nano-tube filter. The scientists from Banaras Hindu University have devised a simple method to produce carbon nanotube filters that efficiently remove micro- to nano-scale contaminants from water and heavy hydrocarbons from petroleum. Made entirely of carbon nanotubes, the filters are easily manufactured using a novel method for controlling the cylindrical geometry of the structure. The work was supported in part by the Ministry of Human Resource Development and Department of Science and Technology in India.

The filters are hollow carbon cylinders several centimeters long and one or two centimeters wide with walls just one-third to one-half a millimeter thick. They are produced by spraying benzene into a tube-shaped quartz mold and heating the mold to 900 degree C. The nanotube composition makes the filters strong, reusable, and heat resistant, and they can be cleaned easily for reuse. The carbon nanotube filters offer a level of precision suitable for different applications. The experiments demonstrated that the filters may be useful in producing high-octane gasoline. They also can remove 25-nanometer-sized polio viruses from water, as well as larger pathogens, such as E. coli and Staphy-lo-coccus aau-re-us bacteria. The researchers believe this could make the filters adaptable to micro fluidics applications that separate chemicals in drug discovery.

This is a classic application of the latest in science - Nano science, to age old problem of water purification. If properly used, this can help in lessoning the burden in our drinking water missions leading to the availability of safe drinking water that will result in minimizing the water borne diseases.

Gene Chip

Fourth area, I would like to talk about is Gene Chip for curing heart diseases. Cardiomyopathy means "diseases of the heart muscle" which leads to heart failure or sudden death. There are 3 main types: Dilated, hypertrophic or restrictive Cardiomyopathy It progresses since childhood and the onset of the disease vary according to the family history. Although transplantation may be an effective strategy in these patients, its implementation is hindered by availability of donor as well as numerous ethical, social, economic and legal issues. Similarly the mechanical cardiac assist devices are also not cost-effective for long-term usage in our population.

The Human Genome Project has increased the impact of genetics in medical science and practice. Genetics of Cardiomyopathy remain unknown. Also, the molecular etiology is not known in many cases of Cardiomyopathies affecting children as well as adults, with an annual incidence of 2-8 per 10,000 in the United States and Europe. Though there are reports on association of mutations in nuclear genome and Cardiomyopathy, quite a number of cases do not show any such mutations. As there is a close relationship with the cardiac muscle contraction and energy metabolism, it is quite reasonable to speculate the role of mitochondrial DNA variations as possible cause of these cases. Recent reports have shown evidence in support of the role of mitochondrial mutation in the pathogenesis of Cardiomyopathies in western population. There is no large sample study have been carried out so far to find molecular etiology of Cardiomyopathy in Indian population.

The scientists from International Centre for Biomedical Sciences and Technology (Research & Applications), have reported several novel mutations that could be the possible cause of the disease, and some pathogenic mutations whose role is proved in other mitochondrial diseases, by sequencing the 5 unrelated individuals with severe Cardiomyopathies. This is the first report of the mitochondrial DNA analysis of the cardiac patients from the Indian subcontinent. Fortunately the administering stem cell has found cure in AIIMS for the specific type of Cardiomyopathy.

Novel Detection Kit for HIV / AIDS

Fifth Area is about the development of a novel detection kit, NEVA-HIV to detect HIV (AIDS) in a drop of blood within three minutes. It is a single step test in which a drop of blood is mixed with a drop of a reagent on a glass slide. If the blood sample shows clumping, it is positive for HIV. This clumping of blood can be easily seen with the naked eye, hence the test is called the Naked Eye Visible Ag-gluti-nation assay or NEVA. This test uses recombinant proteins consisting of a monovalent fragment of an anti-human RBC monoclonal antibody fused to a specific protein antigen derived from HIV. These proteins cross-link RBCs in the presence of anti-HIV antibodies, which are present in the blood of HIV infected individuals. The test uses recombinant proteins consisting of NEVA-HIV is one of the very few tests in the world that can be performed on whole blood, even from a finger prick. Developed, keeping in mind the practical constraints of HIV testing in our country, NEVA-HIV is an instrument-free test. In addition, the simplicity and rapidity of the test, makes it suitable for use in a primary health centre of a village even in a remote part of our country.

The test has been evaluated at several national reference centres and has been found to have high sensitivity and specificity. This novel scientific development has been carried out by the faculty members of Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi in collaboration with the Department of Bio-technology and Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Ahmedabad.

Binary millisecond pulsar

Sixth area is the discovery of binary millisecond pulsar. A pulsar is the remnant of a star which exploded, leaving behind a sphere made up of neutrons just 20 kms in size but weighing more than the sun. The pulsar emits a beam of radio waves which is seen from the earth as a pulse every time it rotates. These waves are very weak, when they reach the earth. In order to detect the pulsar, one needs the Giant Metre-wave Radio Telescope (GMRT). The Tata Institute of Fundamental research (TIFR) has built the largest Radio telescope in the world in rural area near the village of Khodad, 80 km from Pune. Because of the unique capabilities of our GMRT, scientist from all over the world including USA and Canada visit the centre to conduct collaborative experiments. Our scientists played a leading role in the recent discovery of a new Binary millisecond pulsar. Astronomy had been the strong point of ancient Indian science. Discoveries like the one that has been made by the scientists of the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics of TIFR, is an important contribution for Indian science.

Conclusion

Dear friends, I have given you a brief account of six scientific results achieved by our scientists in the year 2004. A nation of billion people will certainly have many more achievements that will justify her being ranked third in the world in terms of scientific manpower. The six illustrations, I gave above, are more to show that the Indian science is in the ascending trajectory. The Indian science fabric is very vast and all encompassing. The Indian science awaits all of you, youth to join her in the journey of progress and excitement. Definitely Indian science particularly the experience of experienced scientists should be available to inspire the youth who aspire to take up science as their mission.

Science has helped us to increase food productivity, create the white and green revolution, improve communication, produce electricity using nuclear science, enhance the quality of life, attempt novel things of use to humanity and leading us towards a healthier and happy nation. Thanks to science we live longer, have reduced infant deaths, and have overcome diseases more effectively. When I was a child one of the dreaded disease in India was small pox. It hit every village and town killed millions and left millions with pockmarks on their faces. Science came to our rescue. Now small pox is history, a disease of the past.

Can we apply science to eradicate the poverty, remove illiteracy, make all Indians healthy and make it a partner in generating wealth to the nation for transforming India into a developed nation by the year 2020. The answer to the question is yes since the development of the nation has to be done through application of technology since non-linear growth can only be achieved through technology. The development of technology needs science. If we desire to nurture the nation, we have to nurture science and scientists. Let us all work together to promote a scientific temper among our youth who are the greatest partners in the transformation process.

My best wishes to all of you on this Science Day.

May God bless you.