India is celebrating 75th anniversary of Independence. Our progress is underlined by the efforts taken by our nation builders. Whose names are in the forefront? In Science, Homi Bhabha for Atomic Energy, Vikram Sarabhai for Space Research, Abdul Kalam as Rocket Man, Vasant Gowarikar, Jayant Naralikar, Mashelkar, Anil Kakodkar, Udgaonkar, Chitre and Shekhar Mande and so many to follow. They have changed the world.
In this list you will find one engineer, Sir Mokshgundam Vishwesharayya, no Doctors or other Professionals. Outside India, when you interact with academia they know Indian scientists mainly with work contributed by them. That is the beauty of working as a Scientist that you are recognized by your contribution
Think the other way round, Are you invited in Europe, USA or Japan for presentation of your research paper? At the prime age, this can happen with you for your contribution in science. Innovation is becoming the buzzword of modern times, especially in the in last decades. Institutions are graded with number of Patents they have for their Innovations and are equally recognized by the scientist associated with them.
This makes the difference… Choice is yours.
Last 30 years IT industry has attracted Indian youth. Salaries in IT industry are very lucrative and going abroad is much easy via this route. Teachers & Parents are focussing on getting the required scores. Ideally they should encourage kids to inculcate the inquisitive mind with focus on gaining knowledge than mere marks scored. Post-Covid the scenario is different, the teachers and the parents are happy by the ease of handling the electronic devises by kids. Mobile savvy Digitally smart kids are found in almost every homes. But the fact is that they are lacking in the necessary skills, they don’t understand the simple scientific principles.
If asked about the latest model of cars they are aware, speed, gadgets used in it, but they cannot answer a bit about BHP or Engine capacity or Disc brake advantages. Refrigerators are used in most middle class homes, but a student studying in 12th class science is not able to tell which gas is used in the cooling tubes. After the Covid period I asked almost each science student about the composition of Sanitiser he used for almost 18 months. Sorry to share but not a single one could answer it properly. Such is the sad state of the curiosity level of students. Unless enthusiastic parents & genuine teachers change their attitudes drastically producing good scientist is a distant dream.
Roadmap to become a Researcher
Passion
To start as a science student is a norm who gets good marks. Because you are attracted towards the subjects. To become a researcher is again a dreamy norm in the eyes of a bright students. But only those who have Curiosity, Dedication, Passion & Multidisciplinary interest in all the basic science subjects can become a scientist. Marks based decisions are taken by students and their parents leading to career choices like IT or Professional careers like Medicine, Engineering , Pharma or Architecture.
Consistency
Believe me, getting just 70% in all science subjects including maths is not a hurdle to become a scientist. But all through your career years you have to maintain that level of 70% marks.
Interdisciplinary Apporach
Interdisciplinary understanding of all subjects is must. The individual liking like this is Physics, that is Chemistry, I don’t like Biology or I am not good at Maths are the obstacles to be a good science student. Studying everything all as well understanding all is the starting phase. In all top institutes across the India or Abroad you have to learn all the basic subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology & Mathematics.
A Chemist is researching on Biomedical or Cancer related arena, similarly when a Physicist is involved in Genetic Repair or Medical Research or Mathematicians help solving complex Computing problems or AI related Algorithms, all involves the interdisciplinary approach. Each area needs dedication with intense curiosity. After the Secondary education minimum 10 to12 yrs are needed for to get the Ph.D. Later you are allowed to work under supervision of an expert senior scientists.
Teamwork
Research is a team work. Give & take of ideas and concepts with sharing success and admitting failures is very prime to become a scientist. Your research can be challenged by anybody and you are answerable to prove your claim. Reproducibility of your work is the test of your success.
Opportunities to work or find area of your interest comes later. Now you will understand that becoming a Scientist is not a job or 9 to 5 service. To be in the laboratory on your own will till you satisfy yourself is the key to be a Scientist.
Innovation, Patents, the scientific contribution helping humanity with better and newer discoveries and devises are the rewards. Society/ Industry/ Govt institutes/ Universities fund your work. You are reasonably well placed with basic needs of your family are taken care off. The most important reward as a Scientist is that your research helps in changing the world around and believe me that you defiantly get applaud from the society for your success!
–Dr Shreeram Geet,
Career Counsellor
