Prof. G.M. Nair, President, Kerala Academy of Sciences,
Dr. Suresh Das, Executive Vice President, Kerala State Council
for Science, Technology &Environment
Dr. M. Chandra Dathan, Scientific Adviser to Chief Minister
Dr. M. Radhakrishna Pillai, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Center for
Biotechnology,
Dr. Shaneeth, Vice-President, Kerala Academy of Sciences
Dr. K.B. Ramesh Kumar, General Secretary, Kerala Academy
of Sciences
Dear Researchers, Scientists, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Madhyama Suhruthukkale,
Priyappetta Sahodaree Sahodaranmare,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram.
I am very happy to address this august gathering after conferring the Honorary Fellowships of the Kerala Academy of Sciences [KAS] to three eminent scientists for their excellent contribution to the science and technology sector. I also have the pride of having conferred the Kerala Academy of Sciences Fellowships to ten elected members of the Academy, whose outstanding contributions are now enriching the field of scientific and technological research.
Let me at the outset, place on record, my wholehearted appreciation for the efforts of the Kerala Academy of Sciences in recognizing the contributions of those who strive to use scientific research for the good of society. As a professional body of scientists, technologists, physicians, academicians and science managers, the Academy has been promoting scientific temper among the people and arranging interactions among scientists since its inception in 1989. The very fact that world famous scientists and stalwarts like
Dr. P.K. Iyengar, Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Dr. Varghese Kurien etc. have received the Academy's honours is ample proof of its stature in the world of science.
I also congratulate Dr. Suresh Das, Dr. M. Chandra Dathan, and Dr. M. Radhakrishna Pillai on being conferred the Honorary Fellowship of the Academy. The contribution of Dr. Das in the areas of Photo Sciences and Photonics and that of Dr. M.C. Dathan in Chemical Engineering and Rocket Propulsion are well known. Dr. M. Radhakrishna Pillai's work in Molecular Biology and Drug Development and in the management of the Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology have also been widely noted.
Coming to the scholars who are receiving the Fellowship of the Academy, one can really feel the potential of the research activities undertaken by them. For instance, the work of
Dr. Ruby John Anto and Dr. Annie Abraham are linked to the treatment of cancer. Dr. P.V. Madhusoodanan's work in Biodiversity and Plant Biotechnology, the research output of
Dr. B. Mohan Kumar in Agro-Forestry and Forest Ecology and Dr. N.S. Pradeep's study on the Diversity of Fungus Varieties, their Enzymes and potential uses promise to take biological research in the State to considerable levels.
Dr. M. Haridas, whose work has been giving theoretical support to the advantage of Ayurvedic Fermentation may provide a lead to more interdisciplinary research in Medical sciences. Dr. Muthiah Rm who has embarked on the development of Solid Rocket Propellants for SLV-3, PSLV etc and Dr. Bibin John's research to develop Lithium Ion Cells for launch vehicles would undoubtedly serve our national interests in space technology.
We also have expectations from Dr. Sabu Abdul Hameed whose focus has been on Microbial Fermentation, and
Bio-Transformation and Dr.Sameer Kumar V.B., who has been working on Cell Biology and Protein Engineering.
The wide variety of qualitative research work that I just mentioned, gives great optimism about the future of scientific research in our State. As we all know, if we were to spell out the proudest accomplishment of the human race, our unanimous choice would be the application of science. Scientific discoveries continue to astonish and delight the world; they also provide answers to riddles that had remained un-answerable. Most importantly, it has been contributing to human progress through better health, knowledge and freedom. We cannot ignore the fact that it is scientific knowledge which helped to eradicate diseases which killed millions in one go. A simple example is small pox which took away 300 million lives in the 20th century.
Today, smallpox is gone, but we have other big killers which are taking a heavy toll on human lives. Scientific research which can impact the progress of medical science and the survival of Man is progressing the world over, but the challenges faced are many. First of all, there is a problem of lack of diagnostic procedures for unknown, emerging and re-emerging diseases. This often results in containing the situation only after considerable number of casualties. We had seen this situation during the recent Nipah outbreak.
Another issue is the long delay in medical research. A drug takes at least 15 years to reach society, after tests on human subjects. Since ethical issues are very important, proper tests on humans can be done only in the most regulated situations, after appropriate consent. Added to all these is the problem of the lack of Translational research in many areas. Many research findings do not step out to the Bed-site from the work-bench.
As a person observing these trends, I have felt that we need a smoother flow of scientific knowledge to society. Since High-end science is not reaching the people on time, there is a lack of awareness about scientific progress among people. This causes a fear of science, which in turn affects people's trust in science. This lack of societal trust should be a matter of grave concern to scientists.
You may recall that our Constitution, through the Fundamental Duties [Article 51A (h) has entrusted every citizen to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform. Scientists and science communicators have a duty to explore more avenues to ensure that the results of scientific research reach people in the simplest form. Articles being printed in popular magazines may not benefit the researcher academically, since his or her aim would be to appear in Peer reviewed journals. But, considering one's obligation to society, we should think of reaching out to people through other means also.
As Chancellor of the universities in Kerala, I would also request the scientific fraternity to help our universities to establish at least one scientific research journal with the desired Impact Factor. Your contribution as scientists would be much more complete if you establish and encourage internationally reputed work as well as journals in Kerala.
I once again congratulate all the eminent scientists and researchers who have been honored today. I hope their contribution would inspire more youngsters to come into research and earn Kerala a greater position in the nation's scientific map.
I compliment the organizers for conducting this function in a befitting manner.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
