India’s lead scientific adviser visits WSU

From staff reports

India’s lead scientific adviser said in a lecture on Wednesday that India needs to become a knowledge-driven economy and continue to collaborate with the U.S. to pursue science and technology advancement.

“I think today now, (more) than anytime else, there is excellent opportunity for the U.S. and India to come together,” Rajagopala Chidambaram said.

Many scientists from India who study abroad keep in touch with their U.S. contacts, Chidambaram said. He said India collaborates with the U.S. on science and technology more than any other government.

When it comes to nuclear energy, Chidambaram said India’s nuclear program is very strong. India has created the “close the nuclear fuel cycle” plan, Chidambaram said, which will be important in making nuclear power last.

There is also a need for electronic connectivity to help improve inclusivity and knowledge sharing, Chidambaram said. Big data is becoming very important, he said, as the internet and super computers make it easy to change and store data.

National Knowledge Network is underway as a result, Chidambaram said. In order to become a knowledge economy, he said the country must create and distribute knowledge.

One example of this, Chidambaram said, is the Tsunami Early Warning Center in India, which monitors earthquakes on the ocean floor and changes in sea level. He said this center is open 24/7 and constantly receives global data.

India also helped the U.S. make progress on gravitational wave projects, Chidambaram said, as Indian scientists contributed to research and development.

“We have to answer things that are related to the universe,” Chidambaram said.

He said the foundation of a knowledge-driven economy is based on international partnerships and higher education.

“You can’t build a super-structure without a foundation,” he said.

Reporting by Darold Bivens