India in the world of physics- reviewed by R.Ramachandran

On 14 April this year, there was an excellent review of

INDIA IN THE WORLD OF PHYSICS — Then and Now

(Edited by Asoke N. Mitra; General Editor - D. P. Chattopadhyaya; History of Science, Philosophy and Culture and Indian Civilization (Vol. XIII, Part I), Project of History of Indian Science, Philosophy and Culture (PHISPC), Centre for Studies in Civilization, Pearson Longman, 482 FIE Patparganj, Delhi-110092. Rs. 2200.)

by science writer R Ramachandran.

It speaks much for Ramachandran's knowledge of science and scientific policy that he has brought out the strengths of the book and also pointed out glaring gaps in it. I give a kind of annotated extract below for friends (most of whom would perhaps have read the full text)

He praises Mitra's masterly introduction to the volume:

"...That he could condense all of physics — from Newton’s Laws to the emergent nanoscience that is sure to bring soon Feynman’s dream of bottom-up building of tailor-made materials to fruition — in mere 13 pages, with remarkable clarity and lucidity, only recalls to this reviewer his lucid lectures in classical and quantum electrodynamics at Delhi University nearly four decades ago. "
And goes on to point out the highlights among the essays included and then points out the lacunae :

"The inclusion of detailed individual chapters on scientific infrastructure established by the Indian nuclear and space agencies seems somewhat out of place in the volume as these largely cover aspects of technology. "

It is quite disturbing to see the favouring of technology over science by publishers and editors. It just seems to be a reflection of the chronic decay and slavish mindset at the heart of the Indian Scientific Establishment.

And more specifically:

"One significant area that has been omitted in the volume, where Indian scientists have made very significant contributions, is meteorological and atmospheric science ... with important contributions from scientists such as K. R. Ramanathan and L. A. Ramdas."

Other giants who have been overlooked (my words not his) are:

"Harish Chandra;.... [Homi] Bhabha; C. L. Mehta and Girish Agarwal; ... D. S. Kothari’s path-breaking work on the `Harmful Effects of Atomic Explosions', a work that predates Samuel Glasstone’s classic volume by a year."

And those who wish to read the full review, go to:

http://www.hindu.com/br/2009/04/14/stories/2009041450031800.htm