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?
