India has made significant strides in the field of science and technology, a feat owed in great part to Jawaharlal Nehru, the visionary architect of modern India. Recognizing that progress in these areas would lead India towards prosperity and meet the needs of its vast population, Nehru championed the embrace of technology, including large machines, as a means of achieving economic growth.
One of India's most commendable achievements has been in the field of agriculture. The country has achieved self-sufficiency in food grains, thanks to the efforts of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, agricultural colleges, and universities. The contributions of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, F.R.S, a pioneering agricultural scientist, and Dr. Norman Borlaug, Nobel Prize winner for Peace in 1970, are noteworthy. Their work led to the development of new strains of wheat, rice, and other crops, as well as the introduction of scientific tools, pesticides, and fertilizers. The "White Revolution," initiated by Dr. Verghese Kurian, transformed India into one of the world's largest milk producers, and high-yielding and disease-resistant crop varieties have made India the second-largest vegetable producer globally.
India's industrial growth has also been remarkable, with a robust scientific and industrial workforce, ranking as the third-largest in the world. Steel production from plants in Bhilai and Bokaro has contributed significantly to industrialization. Moreover, machine tool factories in Kalamassery and Bangalore, along with Heavy Electricals in Bhopal, have played pivotal roles in advancing India's industrial capabilities.
Health facilities in India have seen improvement, with the domestic production of many essential medicines for hospitals. India has also become adept at producing artificial valves required for heart surgeries. The Indian Council of Medical Research supports research initiatives, leading to the advancement of medical practices such as routine heart and brain surgeries, and even the successful production of test-tube babies. As a result, Indian doctors are esteemed worldwide.
India has emerged as the world's fourth-largest military power, boasting a sophisticated arms-manufacturing base, making fighters, tanks, and infantry combat vehicles domestically. The nation's scientists have also achieved success in developing missiles like Prithvi and Agni, while the navy possesses modern frigates.
The Department of Atomic Energy has been instrumental in India's nuclear advancements. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) conducts research on atomic energy with four research reactors. BARC produces over 350 radioactive products, some of which are exported, while nuclear power stations under the Nuclear Power Corporation Ltd. generate electricity. Notably, a fast breeder test reactor at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, employs mixed uranium-plutonium carbide fuel developed by BARC.
Space research in India has also witnessed remarkable progress, with successful satellite launches. The first satellite, Aryabhatta, was launched in May 1975, followed by Bhaskara-I in 1979, and subsequent successful satellite missions. These satellites serve various purposes and have been vital to the nation's growth. Rakesh Sharma became India's first cosmonaut, spending a week in space in April 1984, thanks to the support of the former Soviet Union.
However, despite these remarkable achievements, Indian scientists often lack adequate encouragement and incentives. Some have tragically taken their own lives due to a lack of recognition and support, while others have sought better prospects abroad. To sustain and further develop India's scientific and technological prowess, it is crucial for the government and society to provide the necessary support and appreciation for the tireless efforts of these dedicated scientists. By doing so, India can continue its journey towards a prosperous and technologically advanced future.