An Indian Nobel~I I |
Perhaps the most important factor in nurturing scientific excellence is the culture of research itself. In India, scientists are often encouraged to pursue safe, incremental projects that guarantee results and funding. This discourages risk-taking and innovation. Nobel-worthy research usually involves bold ideas that challenge existing paradigms. It may take years to bear fruit and often faces initial scepticism. To foster such work, India must create grant schemes that support high-risk, high-reward projects.
Scientists should be given the freedom to explore unconventional ideas without fear of failure. Bureaucratic hurdles must be minimized, and research management should be streamlined to allow scientists to focus on discovery. Just like spotting talent in sports early helps children become champions, recognizing a child’s interest in research and innovation is key to shaping future Nobel Prize winners. When children show curiosity, ask questions, and enjoy solving problems, it is a sign of a scientific mind. Encouraging this from a young age ~ through experiments, reading, and creative thinking ~ builds a strong foundation. With the right support, these children can grow into scientists who make big discoveries.
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The Nobel Prize often goes to those who have spent years exploring ideas, so nurturing talent early is important for creating future leaders in science and innovation. Another critical issue is brain drain. Many of India’s brightest scientists leave the country for better opportunities abroad. In 2024, more than six lakh people emigrated from India to countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and UAE. A significant portion were highly educated professionals ~ including scientists, doctors, and engineers. Further, India has only 260 scientists per million people, ranking 81st globally. In contrast, countries like the........