Interaction With Students at Air Force Station, Pathankot

I am indeed delighted to interact with the students of Air Force School and Kendriya Vidyalaya of Pathankot. My greetings to all of you.

Marvels of Universe

Friends, we should note that human mind is a unique gift. You can enter into Marvels of Universe only if you have curiosity and thinking. I suggest, thinking should become your capital asset, no matter whatever ups and downs you come across in your life.

1.Thinking is progress.

2.Non-thinking is stagnation to the individual, organization and the country.

3.Thinking leads to action.

4.Knowledge without action is useless and irrelevant.

Knowledge with action brings prosperity.

Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work. Nobel Laureate Subramaniam Chandrasekar, had a quest on why most of the stars shine and a few die, which resulted in the discovery of black hole. Today, using Chandrasekar limit we can calculate how long the sun will shine, it is estimated to be 10 billion years. Similarly, Sir CV Raman looked at the sea and the sky, and questioned why the sea should be blue? This led to the birth of Raman Effect. He found that the blue colour of the sea was due to the molecular scattering of light and was not a case of reflection of the sky in water. Albert Einstein, armed with the complexity of the universe, asked the question how the universe was born. The famous equation E=mc2 arrived, which can be used for generation of electricity, nuclear medicine and also led to nuclear devices.

All of you know, in history, any country resolves itself initially into a few stout, earnest and 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 in one way or 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 epoch making theory of thermal ionization of his guru Dr Meghnad Saha. Dr DS Kothari set a scientific tradition in Indian defence tasks when he became Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister in 1948. The first thing he did was to establish 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.

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 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 scientific institutions established multi technological centers, but basic science was the vital component.

Prof Vikram Sarabhai the youngest of the three worked with Sri CV Raman in experimental cosmic ray. Prof Sarabhai established Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad with Space research as focus. In later years he become the Director of Space S&T Centre. The SSTC (1963) started with launching sounding rockets for space atmospheric research. His vision transformed into what is now the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) with multiple space technology centers. These centers are responsible for development and leading to launch of PSLV in the sun synchronous orbit. And this year, you have witnessed launching of GSLV in the geo-synchronous orbit with communication satellite.

Friends, now you have heard the quest of various scientific leaders leading to discovery and also seen how three scientists established the space research and space technology centers, atomic energy establishments and Defence Research and Development Organisation establishments. So you as young students should have a big mission like our great scientists and work hard with perseverance and you will succeed to become Scientists, Technologists and great leaders. When you complete your education and enter into the theatre of opportunities, you will find two areas of Science and Technology very predominantly occupying the national scene. One is to identify new water resources and its management; the other is to have a clean and renewable energy. Technologies connected with solar energy for the electricity generation and distribution will be one of the important needs. The other will be using the solar power converting seawater into potable water. There are tremendous challenges in both areas.

Now I would like to answer some of the questions, which you have asked.

Questions and Answers

1.Sir, what mischievous things did you do when you were in school?

- Ritika Ojha , VII B, Air Force School

Ans. One day, our Head Master was teaching geography. During the class, after observing us, probably he felt some of us were not very attentive in the class. He told us that you should climb the running train. I replied immediately that if we climb the running train, we will fall and will get injured. He have me a good bashing.

What he meant was, we should learn as he is teaching instead of understanding that way; I physically thought he is asking as to climb a moving train.

2.Sir, some people are leaving their professions to join politics, why so?

- Manila, XII A, Air Force School

Ans. If a person is sincere, hardworking and honest, with politics, he/she can become a national leader.

3.Sir, what was your favourite subject in school and why?

- Abhinav, X, Air Force School

Ans. Science was my favourite subject. It enabled me to think how certain phenomena is occurring in nature.

4.Sir, in your opinion, who serves the country best ? a soldier, a teacher, a doctor, a scientist or a politician?

- Tarannum, IX A, Kendriya Vidyalaya

Ans. All have their own role to play to serve the country in the best possible way. A soldier has to defend the nation and keep round the clock vigil so that the billion plus people can work towards development in peace. A teacher has to create enlightened citizens and future leaders. ?Use your brain to remove the pain of suffering humanity? should be the motto of doctors. Scientists should provide the inputs needed for achieving development. Politicians have to integrate and guide the actions of all sections of the community towards a common goal of national development. Above all one has to be a good human being.

5. Sir, before becoming President of Indian Republic, if you were not a scientist, what other profession would you have opted for?

- Ankit, X A, Kendriya Vidyalaya

Ans. I was teaching before becoming a President of India, I will go back.

6.Sir, what was your weak point in studies during school days?

- Radhika, XII B, Kendriya Vidyalaya

Ans. History.

7.Sir, as a scientist, you made India a nuclear power. As a President, what would you make India?

- Barkha Prasad, VIII A, Kendriya Vidyalaya

Ans. Billion people to smile.

Now I would like to administer the Ten Point Oath to all of you.

TEN POINT OATH

1. I will pursue my education with dedication and I will excel in it.

2. I will teach at least 10 persons to read and write who at present cannot do so.

3. I will plant at least 10 saplings and shall ensure their growth through constant care.

4. I will visit rural and urban areas and permanently wean away at least five persons from addiction and gambling.

5. I will constantly endeavor to remove the pain of my suffering brethren.

6. I will not support any communal or language differentiation.

7. I will be honest and set an example for others to follow.

8. I will work for becoming an enlightened citizen.

9. I will always be a friend of the mentally and physically challenged and will work hard to make them feel normal, like the rest of us.

10. I will proudly celebrate the success of my country and my people.