Palaeontology in India at crossroads

摘要

Declining interest in the basic sciences and palaeontology in general, as a subject by teachers, students, science administrators and scientists is a matter of serious concern. Neglect of research in the universities, lack of vision for organized research among researchers and diminishing interest in peers have marginalized the discipline. Difficulty in attracting talented youngsters and indifferent behaviour of concerned agencies towards the situation would ultimately result in obliterating an important and interesting discipline altogether. The situation warrants urgent attention and interaction in the field of research among the university academics and institute scientists; their participation to strengthen the weakening situation of palaeontology is demanded. The main areas of concerns, problems and dilemmas related to the situation are discussed here and some plausible solutions have been put forth.