Page:SELECTED ESSAYS of Dr. S. S. KALBAG.pdf/228

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knows and appreciates technology. It is therefore proud of our rocket launching, our missiles, and satellites. It will also take pride in Nobel prizes or other very prestigious awards. Like a family in bad times, our country is facing severe financial crisis. Like the members of a family, we have to sacrifice something so that the nation survives. Which activity should get priority? Basic science related to our problems should get more attention than "frontier areas" not of immediate relevance. Poverty alleviation? Literacy and primary education? Water and food for the year 2000? Or removal of social tensions? Or basic science research? It is a difficult decision for any government, particularly when non-issues like the Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid controversy shake up the whole society. If the society is backward looking, we, as citizens, are also to blame. What have we done to spread the benefits of science to the rest? If the disparity in society is not checked, social tensions increase and any thing could rouse and ignite passions. If an upheaval erupts, it will engulf all the scientists also. I suggest the following as an approach for science in India: 1. Science establishments should analyse their budget; and should bring noticeable austerity. I know scientists who gave up their own privileges to add facilities in their laboratories. They should not spend too much on buildings, gardens and auditoria and should bring to the minimum, the cost of meetings and seminars. Make austerity a way of life. 2. Frontier areas are created by scientists, by making a breakthrough in research. Pasteur served industry and founded a new science. Earlier, in India, malaria, and cholera have proved excellent subjects for "frontline" work. Basic science related to our problems should Rural Development Through Education System 215