Mathematics research in India

摘要

In a recent article in Current Science, Arunachalam has clearly described the standard and the role of research in mathematics in India. He cited that the best institutions in India are unable to attract bright students for research. These institutions feel themselves lucky if bright motivated students are enrolled with them. No doubt many do apply for admission but those who qualify for final entry into these institutions are meagre. Does this mean that in India, a seat and land of many intellectuals in the field of mathematics like Ramanujam and a land who founded the number zero, intellectuals are no more seen or born? Further, in some institutes they are finding it difficult to locate candidates for Ph D programs in basic sciences. All these situations give us a caution signal that unless we (a) create congenial atmosphere to encourage study of sciences from the basic secondary level, (b) create job opportunities in scientific study places, laboratories and universities, (c) improve the level of teaching science including mathematics at graduate level, (d) motivate young minds to study and understand science, we may reach a point of no return.