Introduction:

The journey of research scientists is always an intriguing read. As a child, I received a Hindi-translated book covering the life of Thomas Edison as a prize. One episode described six-year-old Edison trying to hatch bird eggs by sitting on them, getting his clothes messy with broken eggs, highlighting his unbounded curiosity. Similarly, the Wright brothers’ journey to developing the first successful powered airplane began with innovations in bicycle handlebars to reduce air resistance. These stories highlight common traits in successful scientists: unbounded curiosity, rock-solid resolve, and unwavering focus, even when faced with discouragement.

Recently, I spoke with Professor Goel, a 90-year-old former faculty member of Delhi University, who shared stories about the remarkable transformation from the 1960s to the present day. The stories of India’s scientists like Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and many others reaffirm the unbeatable scientific spirit. This blog recounts the experiences of some researchers from yesteryears, celebrating their innovative spirit and approach to facing challenges. We’ll also compare these with the experiences of modern-day research scholars, illustrating the evolution of academic research.

British Era and Beginning Years:

During the British era, only a few could get the opportunity to rise and become scientists of repute. Both Dr. Homi J. Bhabha and Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the stalwarts of India’s atomic and space research, belong to that era. Dr. Bhabha founded the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in 1945, initially operating out of a few rooms at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore. He relied heavily on funding from the Tata Trust and donations from industrialists like J.R.D. Tata. Despite constraints, TIFR grew into a premier institution for nuclear science research. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai continued to pursue his passion for space research first from his own resources and later received crucial support from the Tata Trust. This support was instrumental in the early development of significant research institutions like TIFR and the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, advancing space science and technology in India.

Homi J. Bhabha and TIFR (1945) and Post-Independence:

In 1945, Dr. Homi J. Bhabha founded the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), initially operating out of a few rooms at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore. The post-independence era in India was marked by severe resource constraints, especially in scientific research. Bhabha heavily relied on the Tata Trust and donations from industrialists like J.R.D. Tata for funding, which was crucial during these early years due to limited government funding and priorities focused on immediate economic and social needs.

The first few years after independence were particularly challenging for India, dealing with the economic aftermath of colonial rule, partition-related disruptions, and rebuilding the economy. Securing consistent and adequate funding for advanced scientific research was a significant challenge. Bhabha’s ability to garner support from private industrialists like J.R.D. Tata provided the necessary financial backing and brought stability and continuity to TIFR’s operations. The Tata Trust’s support allowed TIFR to invest in state-of-the-art equipment and attract top scientific talent globally.

Despite limited resources, Bhabha’s strategic planning and vision for TIFR laid the foundation for India’s advancements in nuclear science and other fundamental research areas. Over the years, TIFR expanded its research facilities and programs, gradually transforming into a leading institution recognized globally for its scientific contributions.

In summary, the resource constraints faced by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha in the post-independence era highlight the challenges of establishing a world-class research institution in a newly independent nation. However, through visionary leadership and strategic partnerships, TIFR overcame these obstacles to become a cornerstone of scientific research in India.

Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (1963):

In 1963, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai established the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The early days at Thumba were marked by severe resource constraints. The launch pads were under construction, and basic facilities were absent. The scientists, including A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, transported rocket parts and payloads by bicycle. Offices were set up in vacated buildings like a church and a bishop’s house. Despite these hardships, they successfully launched sounding rockets, marking India’s entry into space research.

Radio Astronomy at Ooty (1969):

In 1969, the Ooty Radio Telescope (ORT) was commissioned under the guidance of Dr. Govind Swarup. The project faced severe financial limitations and a lack of sophisticated equipment. The team, led by Swarup, innovatively used discarded telephone poles to construct the 530-meter long and 30-meter-wide parabolic cylindrical telescope. This resourcefulness helped establish India as a significant player in radio astronomy.

Satellite Communication Experiments (1970s):

In the early 1970s, under the leadership of Dr. U.R. Rao, India conducted the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE). This project aimed to use satellite technology to broadcast educational programs to rural India. With limited funds and technology, the team repurposed old equipment and collaborated with NASA to use the ATS-6 satellite. This project marked a significant milestone in utilizing space technology for social development.

Research in Universities in the 1960s:

In the 1960s, scientific and technological research in India was driven by ingenuity and resourcefulness. Former Professor Goel from Delhi University’s Physics Department, now in his nineties, narrated an interesting recount of his countless visits to junk shops as a research scholar, scavenging for components to build an oscilloscope and other instruments for his research. This hands-on approach to learning and experimentation was a hallmark of the era.

My professor at the University of Roorkee (now IIT Roorkee), Dr. B.S. Mathur, lived in the Married Research Scholars Hostel at IIT Delhi. His meagre scholarship allowed for little more than a bicycle for commuting. Meetings often took place at roadside tea shops, where ideas were exchanged over steaming cups of chai. These informal gatherings were the incubators for groundbreaking ideas and practical problem-solving.

A Memorable Incident: Bicycles at the Airport:

One story that encapsulates the struggles and determination of the time is that of Professor Mathur’s visit to Delhi Airport. In the 1960s, the airport was a small facility with no provision for bicycle parking (I haven’t seen any even now though I remember noting one at Tacoma International Airport, Seattle, USA). Despite this, Professor Mathur pedalled thirteen kilometres from IIT Delhi to meet his cousin with a few hours’ layover, arriving from the USA in the dead of the night. The sight of a bicycle at the airport was such an anomaly that a policeman began banging his baton on its seat in disbelief. To add to the misfortune, the flight had been diverted to Jaipur.

Hands-On Learning: Engineering Through Practice:

These early scholars learned electronic engineering through hands-on experience. With limited resources, they frequented junkyards, piecing together discarded components to create functioning instruments. This practical approach fostered a deep understanding of their subjects, as they had to solve real-world problems with the materials at hand and showed their resolve to succeed in their research work.

Current Conditions:

Today, India’s research programs are better-funded and equipped with modern technology. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) operates advanced facilities like the Satish Dhawan Space Centre and has a robust budget allowing for sophisticated missions like Chandrayaan-2 and the Mars Orbiter Mission. Yet, their constraint in sufficient funding to develop more powerful rockets on their own to reach Mars faster necessitates orbiting and following a longer, more time-taking path. During the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), ISRO utilized a highly elliptical orbit and a “slingshot” manoeuvre to reach Mars, a method driven by the limitations in rocket power and budget. Yet, constraints are the generators of innovation.

The transformation from the makeshift laboratories of the 1960s to today’s well-furnished facilities highlights the tremendous growth and development in India’s scientific capabilities. But there will always be room for improvement. These examples illustrate the innovative spirit and resilience of Indian scientists who, despite severe shortages of funds and resources, laid the foundations for India’s current achievements in science and technology.

Compared to before, today’s research scholars have a vastly different experience. Modern laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and digital resources provide instant access to a wealth of information. Collaboration happens in high-tech environments and through virtual platforms, connecting scholars across the globe.

Contrasts and Continuities:

While the tools and environments have changed, the core spirit of curiosity and innovation remains the same. Modern scholars benefit from advanced equipment and resources, but the stories of past scholars like Professors Goel and Mathur serve as a reminder of the importance of resourcefulness and hands-on learning.

Conclusion:

The journey from junkyards to high-tech labs highlights the incredible progress in the field of research. Reflecting on the experiences of past scholars enriches our understanding of the academic journey and inspires future generations to appreciate the blend of innovation and practical knowledge. Some experiments may not yield the desired results, yet the journey will continue in the true spirit of guidance from the Bhagwat Geeta:

Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 38:

सुखदुःखे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ।
ततो युद्धाय युज्यस्व नैवं पापमवाप्स्यसि।। (2.38)

Treat both success and failure, pleasure and pain, and gain and loss with equanimity. Perform duties without being influenced by these dualities, thus maintaining a steady mind and resolve.

A Salutation to the Unyielding Resolve of Scientists:

To commemorate the unyielding resolve and as a salute to the spirit of India’s scientific and technological community, I have penned a poem in Hindi and English below:

जनून विकास का

धधकती ज्वाला सा जनून

कहाँ थमता या थकता है

जब तक नहीं मिले मंज़िल

कहाँ मिलता है सकून

अविरल तीव्र नदी की धार

मस्तिष्क में बहते विचार

बना लेते हैं अपना रास्ता

दूर  कर हर बाधा की मार

केवल ठहरता है क्षण भर

ज्ञान, विज्ञानं, कला और कौशल

फिर चल पड़ता है मंज़िल पर

एक सोची समझी राह पर

दिखता है जब केवल लक्ष्य

रौंद कर बढ़ जाता है जनूनी

मुस्कराहट फैंक विजय की  

रोकने वालों के समक्ष 

आतंक से भरे रक्तरंजित प्रयोग

या छद्म नीति से भटकाने का कर्म

और नहीं रोक पाये गा

किसी दुष्प्रचार का उपयोग

समझते तो हैं सब

पर मानते नहीं

के तब तो तब था

और अब तो है अब

Passion for Progress

Their passion blazes like fire,

Never stopping, never tires.

Until the goal is firmly grasped,

How can it find true respite?

Like the swift, eager river flows,

Thoughts stream through the mind.

They carve their path through obstacles,

Overcoming anything that binds.

Pausing just for a moment,

Knowledge, science, art, and skill.

Then setting off again towards the goal,

On a carefully thought-out trail.

With the objective alone in sight,

The passionate march with resolve,

Wearing their victorious smile,

Moving strong all the way.

Bloody attempts of terror,

Or deceitful schemes to stray,

Cannot halt this determined path,

No propaganda can sway.

Even the treacherous ones understand this,

Yet they choose to deny,

What was then, WAS,

But NOW will not lie.