Science and technology in India have evolved tremendously over 60 years of independence. We made a mark in space and the two nuclear explosions have proved our nuclear power to the world. How much have we achieved in our scientific journey, what do we need to improve and why hasn’t an Indian won a Nobel Prize as yet? These are some questions Bhaskar correspondent Ajay Sharma put to renowned Astro-Physicist Prof Jayant Naralikar.

How do you see the Indian scientific journey, and where do we stand after 60 years?

We have progressed a lot in space research, nuclear energy, biotechnology, applied sciences, nanotechnology and particle physics. But the negative aspect is the decline in quality of our university education, due to which quantity of student researchers has decreased.

Where does India stand in the world today in terms of research and development? What are the obstacles in this regard?

At the international level, India stands in the middle band (like Division B in Football), as we have not invented anything big as yet. Ironically, India doesn’t face a problem of funds in this regard, but we have been unable to utilize them properly.

Not a single Nobel Prize in sixty years, why?

That’s a question for me too. But I think, to bag a Nobel Prize, promotion also plays a very important role. This is done very professionally by Americans. If we promote ourselves properly and professionally, then an Indian discovery or contribution may also get a Nobel Prize.

Which were the turning points in India’s scientific journey?

ISRO launching its own at the end of the 20th century, and the Green Revolution were the biggest turning points for India.

Where do you see India after 10-20 years, can we become a super power in space research?

India can have a very good future if Indians stop believing in superstitions like astrology, vastu shastra, etc. We need a scientific mentality to change from a developing to developed country.

What do you feel when you think of India with the increasing number of IT professionals and scientists?

I consider our army of IT professionals and scientists are committing sacrilege by being too superstitious. Someone should conduct a survey to study the number of IT professionals who get engaged or married by matching their horoscopes.

Jayant Vishnu Naralikar

Naralikar is a renowned Astro-Physicist. He is known to be an expert on Steady State Cosmology. He has worked with Sir Fred Hoyal on Conformal Gravity which is now known as Fred-Naralikar Theory. Through this theory he has tried to prove that a synthesis can be achieved between the Theory of Relativity by Albert Einstein and Mack Principal. Prof Naralikar has been honoured with the country’s second biggest civilian award Padma Vibhushan. Prof Naralikar is the founder and director of Pune’s Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astro-Physics. He has also written many science, fiction stories.