Lost innocence

摘要

'We may say that we are living on an island of guncotton. But, thank God, we have not ).'et found a match that will ignite it.' - Walther Nernst (1921) quoted in Brighter Than a Thousand Suns, Robert Jungk, Penguin Books, 1960, p. 19 Every year in mid-July the Indian Academy of Sciences holds its mid-year meeting at Bangalore, invariably in the sylvan and peaceful campus of the Indian Institute of Science. At these meetings, there are several talks intended to disseminate science on a broad front, and there are others by newly elected Fellows and Associates, which give an opportunity to the greying members of the Academy to have a first-hand look at the new generation. Traditionally, the meetings are low-key, sedate affairs, with most lectures providing a level of scholarly detail that usually leaves the non-specialist mildly bewildered. The Academy, founded in 1934 by C. V. Raman, clearly laid out its charter in a 'memorandum of association'; its foremost objective being 'to promote the progress and uphold the cause of science, both in pure and applied branches'. Some four decades after its founding and not long after the death of its founder, the Academy reexamined its role. In a clearly written statement the Academy noted: 'Science has emerged today as the most revolutionary co-operative activity of mankind. Its the scientific method lies a validity and universality which transcends any other principle devised by man. Science seeks and discovers, cutting across sectarian, national and ideological frontiers. It fosters cooperation and generates a value system which nurtures matt's highest capabilities and aspirations'. Recognizing that in India a situation exists, 'where ahnost every facet of life needs to be revitalized, retaining a clear perspective for the nurturing of the scientific temper is of the utmost importance'. The Academy committee also noted: 'ltl a country beset with prejudices, rules and bureaucratic fortnalisms, it is of the greatest value that working scientists, specially Fellows of the Academy, promote by personal as well as collective example, the principle of rational thought .... By applying rigorous standards of scientific criticism at all levels in a constructive sense, the Academy considers that the scientific community has a unique contribution to make not only to the flowering of science in India but also to national character.'