NATIONAL SCIENCE DAY 2021

                       India  striding from the ancient 'Gurukula'system to the modern 'Online 'system has been witnessing the progressive role of science , technology and innovation in its  socio-economic ,inclusive as well as sustainable development . The trio termed as 'STI' is expected to improve the living conditions of our society which improves the speed and accuracy of our  daily activities .  Beginning from the discussions about the position and motion of earth , we have now emerged as a global competitor in space exploration . The applications of such advancements in accelerating the development is enough to ascertain the   significance of promoting science . As a subject which constantly get revised, it branches to various fields like aerodynamics , biochemistry ,cryogenics ,dermatology ,eugenics ,mineralogy ,virology and so on .

                      Sir C V Raman with his exemplary work on scattering of light have ignited this vastness of science  .While celebrating the discovery of Raman effect as National science day on February 28 ,the words of C V Raman is  worth mentioning .

'The essence of science is independent thinking, hard work, and not equipment.'

                      For fostering this scientific temper and spirit of inquiry education policies also plays a vital role .In this concept the theme of 2021 science day '' "Future of STI: Impacts on Education, Skills, and Work" is relevant . With rapid advancements in  science and technology,the available employment opportunities  will also go through massive changes . Because the human hands are now substituted with machines ,robots ,computers etc but human brain is the only thing which remains in demand .In this new system our youngsters must  acquire new set of skills which is demanded by the job market. Otherwise the literate people will struggle to meet the requirements. One of the major challenges that India is facing  is the same 'unemployment '.

                  Monitoring  the changes in STI within last two weeks is expected to give a better understanding of  its future . NASA's Perseverance ,Mars exploration probe ,which focuses on surface based study of martian surface seeking preserved signs of life landed on February 18 was a major recent scientific development  . It snapped the first colour picture of mars also . Coming to India's achievements ,DRDO successfully testfired VL-SRSAM (vertical launch short range surface to air missile)on 22 nd February .VL-SRSAM is meant for neutralizing various aerial threats at close ranges including sea-skimming targets. It act as single point integrated solution that include missile and weapon control system (WCS) to destroy threats from different ranges with 360° interception capability.This proves the application of science in defence sector as well . We have seen the role of STI in combating the pandemic from PPE's ,sanitizers to 'vaccine ' .During these efforts India confirmed its technological competence and self reliance . Now the scientific world argues that next wave of pandemic will be 'AMR-anti microbial resistant ' which is harder to treat. For that 'Low cost paper based censors are created for detecting AMR especially in water bodies '.The contributions of institutions like IIT Madras are valuable in these fields .In microbiology,new journals have been published about the study of black mould fungus which survived the harsh environment of stratosphere .Coming to geo-spatial analysis and mapping a very significant strategy change is done in government policy .It liberalized the rules governing maps ,geo -spatial information and services .In 'Atmanirbhar Bharat ' India will get next generation maps which will play a massive role in all fields especially planning . With these recent developments we can foresee the future of science finding sustainable solutions to health emergencies,disasters ,climate change , environmental degradation etc . 

              The 5 th STI policy draft  of our nation is also released for the public consultation .It gives prime importance to 'research and innovation 'oriented education . Because it will foster the technology and innovation . 'Block chain technology'that enables the cryptocurrency is a global market which is expected to grow from 3 billion dollars in 2020 to 39.7 billion dollars in 2025 .But to access the opportunities in this sector one must be skilled in programming languages, fundamentals of OOPS,flat and relational databases ,data structures,web app developing and networking . Finding a malayali equipped with these skills is difficult . It should open our eyes to education system which will offer a fundamental digital literacy .'Quantum computing ' is also an emerging technology having applications in "cybersecurity,Drug Development,Financial Modeling,Better Batteries,Cleaner Fertilization,Traffic Optimization,Weather Forecasting and Climate Change,Solar Capture etc " .

               The  5G network that is about 20 GB/sec is going to revolutionize our lives . This will transform our working environments as well as education system . The AI enabled IOT (Internet of things )will have diverse uses from smart manufacturing , surgical assistance ,telemedicine centres ,thermal image recognition etc .The AOT technology (array of things ) with network of sensors updating live datas will smoothen our lives .For example one with asthma can avoid polluted air detected through these AOT. Coming  to 'Augmented ,Virtuality and extended reality 'the technology is blending digital world with real world .This will improve the interactivity in learning ,accuracy in healthcare ,even in gaming. Several skills like software development , AR/VR maintenance support ,design ,graphics and hardware engineering is required in this field .But in our society the qualification in graphics is  not regarded .It is because of the unawareness about its job opportunities. All together our education system should empower the youngsters to qualify for the 'DARQ'era that is distributed ledger technology,artificial intelligence and big data , extended reality and quantum computing .

                      The projects like 'Litttlekites 'among school children is highly appreciable because it will provide fundamentals of these innovations .Cloud computing ,Automation ,Robotics , Nanotechnology, Biotechnology etc are  rapidly progressing now. We are expecting a future which will replace the horoscope to genetic fortune telling . Hyperloop , self driving cars , commercial space exploration , Energy storing bricks ,hydrogen power etc are the new faces of STI .

                The scientific progress have another face as well ,leading to Bio war ,Gene editing ,Cyber security threats etc . The propagation of pseudoscience and superstitions is challenging .It is shameful that in the country with these advancements a teacher couple killed their daughters believing their resurrection .Here the importance of "Science for society and innovation with responsibility"is emerging .

                    We need a technologically enabled  education system which will assist the students for decoding concepts through experimenting with curiosity ,asking questions, promoting DIY(do it yourself ) method have to be developed . 

"Ask the right questions and nature will open the door to her secrets " .

Drawing inspiration from the  words of Sir C V Raman let's develop a rational society ..