Escape from a 'Black hole'

also posted on ABHILEKH

In 1903, Pune was in danger of getting submerged in water. Kadakvasla was the closest water reservoir, but had a major problem: It was too small, and lacked the capability of storing water for a long time. To wipe the vale of flooding f(t)ears in Pune entered Sir M. Visweshwarayya, who designed and constructed a system of 8 feet high, automatic gates that opened when the water levels were too high, and closed when the floods receded. This technology was indigenous, and became one of the milestones in the history of Indian engineering. From this example, it is plain as pikestaff that an engineer can really make difference to our living. If industries are the backbones of a country, then engineers are the collagen of these backbones.

Unfortunately, in the present scenario, when a euphoric India seems to be growing (if not, shining) economically, there is still a dearth of high quality engineering. We still lack manufacturing capabilities (even the small lasers I use are from China!), high quality control and management, and most importantly - people interested in design and engineering, in its truest sense. Added to this, not many are interested in research on engineering either (atleast, I am fortunate enough to have engineer friends who do not belong to this category). What is the reason behind this?

Out of the many, one obvious reason would be 'black holes' like software companies, BPOs, and call centers; which have their 'Schwarzschild radii' spread over a million minds. These cannibals, gobble up most of the engineering brains at their prime, and polarize them to perform specific tasks, which will push their companies closer to the holy grail of 'Fortune 500'. I agree that humanity has been benefited by the emergence of these companies, but it doesn’t mean that all the engineering work force should be confined to it. There are umpteen challenges in various aspects of engineering, like constructing canals, building machines, understanding weather, and many more which cannot be solved by software companies, and demands for specialized skill and trained personnel.

It will be illogical if 'the pot calls the kettle black', as part of the blame has to be taken by the society; for we are the people who get attracted towards these black holes. The parental and the peer pressure on a student to earn a bigger living (in terms of economy) is more than to lead a life that is intellectually appealing to him. This has led to false goals and unnecessary competition, which changes the attitude and aptitude of an intellect from the sublime to the ridiculous. We need to realize that the money making primrose paths would lead to catastrophic results.

India is now termed as 'transforming' nation, and is no more categorized as 'developing' nation (in fact, USA has reduced grants towards India due to this!). For this transformation to be effective, engineers have to play a fundamental role. 

I hope, the next Thomas Alva Edison will emerge from India.