The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Big challenge

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Apr 11, 2005

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Big challenge

Sir, — This refers to the article, `Challenge to science: attracting youth' by President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (April 9). The youth of today are driven more by economic considerations. Technology has overshadowed the importance of science. The dwindling number of scientists in the country is a cause of concern and steps should be taken to ignite the passion for science among the youth.

E. Ramesh,
Chennai

Sir, — The country's scientific community is being strangled by the "all-powerful" bureaucracy. The Government's R & D wings should be released from the clutches of officials so that the scientists can do their research in a congenial atmosphere.

S. Nallasivan,
Tirunelveli, T.N.

Sir, — Very few youngsters nowadays opt for the sciences primarily because they are not a lucrative choice. People with the aptitude for sciences must be encouraged to pursue it.

Remya Mohan,
Thiruvananthapuram

Sir, — More world-class centres of knowledge such as the IITs and the IISc must be created. Foreign universities should be allowed to set up laboratories for non-expensive research.

R. Ganesan,
Chennai

Sir, — The President's emphasis on the need to work on thorium-based nuclear power plants, on an integrated mission for stem cell research and on a hypersonic reusable launch vehicle is of futuristic importance.

R. Ramarathinam,
Pondicherry

Sir, — Mr. Kalam's suggestion that there be an annual intake of 300 M. Sc and 100 Ph.D scientists with proper emoluments and assured career growth in organisations such as ISRO, DRDO and CSIR should be implemented.

D. Anand Babu,
Tirupati, A.P.

Sir, — The President's plea for involving the youth in science is understandable. However, most of the funds earmarked for scientific research are cornered by defence, atomic energy and space programmes, leaving a paltry amount for the development of science and technology in educational institutions (universities, colleges and schools).

R. Balasubramaniam,
Kanpur, U.P.

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Challenge to science: attracting youth

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