On Tuesday, another chapter was added to this notable track record when Joe Biden honoured two Indian scientists – Ashok Gadgil and Subra Suresh – for their contributions to civil and environmental engineering, and physical and life sciences, respectively.
Gadgil was awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, and Suresh, the National Medal of Science.
The inclusion of two in the awardees’ list should spur India to find answers to two key questions: one, how can one build an enabling ecosystem for budding scientists and innovators so they can fulfil their potential? Two, how can India leverage its diaspora to augment its S&T and innovation capacity?
India’s record in investment in S&T has not been good.
Only 0.36% of the 2023-24 budget was allocated for it. This pales in comparison to allocations by other G20 countries. However, recent steps like establishing the National Research Foundation and the launch of initiatives such as Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) fellowships to connect the Indian STEM diaspora with Indian academic and R&D institutions are good steps. There is a need to expand such initiatives that focus on collaborative research and learning, and develop engagements between industry and academia.
Gadgil and Suresh are products of the Indian university and IIT system as much as they are of the US university and research system.
The system is a winner that India must tap into. While the free movement of people to achieve their potential must be encouraged and their achievements celebrated, India, with global ambitions, should build capacity to attract fresh talent, not just retain its own.
