Wednesday, February 22, 2006

President calls for Indo-US tie-up for nano-technology


Just when we are facing the possibility of having a summer loaded with power-cuts, a consideration of non-conventional and novel energy sources is the need of the day. We need to look at sources of energy, that can sustain the demands of the billion+ Indians. Even, our President APJ Abdul Kalam made a similar appeal at a recently held conclave. Here is a news article on that:


"Do not get into soft research in international cooperation. You must go for applied research. Nations should work towards a win-win situation in product development and international marketing," Kalam said while inaugurating a two-day India-US nano-technology conclave.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has organised the meet in the run-up to US President George W. Bush's visit to India beginning March 1, when collaborations in science and technology are expected to be announced, including in nano-technology.

Besides healthcare, agriculture, water purification and engineering, Kalam mooted joining hands with the US for joint research in using nano-technology for renewable sources of energy to replace dependence on expensive imported oil and gas.

He suggested joining hands with Pennsylvania State University in nano-technology research for improving the efficiency of solar photovoltaic cells and for developing novel hydrogen storage systems based on carbon nano-tube.


Maybe its time, our bureaucrats take time out of their money-minting process and concentrate just a bit towards the needs and demands of the public. With a president of Abdul Kalam's class, we surely have a strong force to lead us towards development! But, as they say, he's just a nominal head of the country, rest all lies in the hands of the governments, so sad, isn't it?

6 comments:

  1. Your blog entry caused me to look up the speech you refer to. I'm not technically able to understand the implications of all of it, but the overall sense of it is clear. It would make just as much sense here in the US as in India. The concluding quotation, "When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bounds. Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents come alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamt yourself to be," is extraordinary. I've learned a lot today from your posting.

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  2. GEB, our president is surely a genius. If you don't know it already, he has served for many years as a scientist and scientific advisor to the government. His education and ethics are what make him stand apart from the other office-bearers in India. But sadly enough, the Indian system of governance does not give sufficient powers to the President for Mr. Kalam to be able to do something more than inspire Indians. (apart from a few admin decisions that come his way)

    His speeches are always well-thought and very inspiring. Atleast, I have been inspired by him and his life and I hope that he continues all the good work that he is already doing.

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  3. I see that two of Dr. Kalam's books are readily available: "Ignited Minds" and "Wings of Fire". Since I know nothing at all about this interesting man except what you've told me and what I've read of his speech and a brief (2 paragraph) biography, maybe I should read one of his books. But which one?

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  4. wings of fire is a "must read book". do read it.

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  5. Yes, Wings of fire is indeed good, but so is Ignited Minds. Ignited Minds will let you know about the President's suggestions to the youth of India, while Wings of Fire tells about the man himself, his childhood and his life as a scientist. Actually, both are a must read!!!

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  6. I have ordered them both...Wings of Fire and Ignited Minds. When they come, and when I've at least read a bit, I'm sure to have questions. So I'll be back then. Thanks for the suggestions. (I'm hoping that the translation into English is accurate and literate; alas, we Americans are seldom multi-lingual)

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