Thursday, September 16, 2010

Perceptions And Future Of Earth Sciences In India

T.N Narasimhan writes a short correspondence in the latest issue of Current Science on the comparatively lesser importance given in India to earth sciences as compared to math, physics and chemistry.

The reasons as to why earth system science is considered a poor relative of the other sciences in India may be many and complex. Among these, the following two appear credible. First is the populist perception that mathematics, physics and chemistry demand highest levels of intelligence. The second is a more mundane reason of jobs, financial security and career opportunities. Currently India is pursuing a hope of economic growth based on physical and biological technologies, and entrepreneurship. Not surprisingly, India’s best young talents have little inclination to pursue earth sciences. However, it seems likely that India’s economic expectations may be seriously jeopardized if earth sciences continues to be a poor relative of the other sciences, and the country fails to nourish excellence in earth sciences as a means of sustainable management of water, land, ecosystems and the environment.

I don't disagree except that career opportunities have been improving recently with the entry of private operators in the oil and mining industries. So the earlier perception that geology = constricting government job is slowly going away.

1 comment:

  1. About not sure of this reason - "First is the populist perception that mathematics, physics and chemistry demand highest levels of intelligence."

    But the "The second is a more mundane reason of jobs, financial security and career opportunities." is very true not only for Earth science but also all basic & applied sciences

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