January 13, 2005

Here's an Indian whose has proved that the sky is not the
limit!

Dr Amitabha Ghosh was the only Asian on NASA's Mars
Pathfinder mission. At present, he is a member of the
Mars Odyssey Mission and the Mars Exploration Rover
Mission.

During the Mars Pathfinder Mission, he conducted chemical
analysis of rocks and soil on the landing site. The
simple and unassuming 34-year-old planetary geologist has
won several accolades, which include the NASA Mars
Pathfinder Achievement Award in 1997 and the NASA Mars
Exploration Rover Achievement Award in 2004.

In Mumbai for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, he spoke to
Correspondent Manu A B about his work at NASA and his
vision for India.

Could you tell us about the Mars mission?

One of the spacecraft (Spirit) sent as part of the Mars
Rover mission has completed one year while the other
(Opportunity) will do so on January 24. The Rovers have
carried out detailed scientific studies of the Red
Planet. We have got some incredible results.

We have found clouds, frost, spectacular sand dunes and
even evidence of water on Mars.

Is there a possibility of life on Mars?

It is difficult to say at this point of time, but samples
of water indicate that it is possible.

What is it being the only Indian in the Mars mission?

I have never thought about being 'the only Indian' in the
mission. You only think that it is very exciting to be at
the frontier (of space exploration).

What are your views on space research activities in
India?

The Indian space research programme is one of the best in
the world. But our activities are mostly book-based. I am
not undermining it in any way but we can do better. India
can collaborate with NASA on scientific projects.

We are a force to contend with but that doesn't mean we
can't do better. We should not be satisfied with what we
have achieved. The dream of a better tomorrow should
drive us to greater heights. You cannot afford to be
complacent in any field.

How can we develop our science and technology sector?

It should be treated as a business. There should be more
private participation. We must have an external review to
evaluate the system and make changes as science and
technology can take the country forward.

We must check brain drain. About 80,000 students migrate
to the US for further studies, and settle there. They
find the facilities much better abroad. We need to
reverse brain drain by enhancing and upgrading institutes
in India.

Tell us about your journey from India to NASA.

It has been an intriguing experience. I was keen on
geologic research data interpretation and solar system
formation. During my geological research days in India, I
had slept in railway stations while traveling to various
places.

After my post graduation in applied geology from IIT
Kharagpur, I wrote a letter to a professor at NASA
expressing a desire to work at the space agency.

I made certain suggestions; in fact, it was a critical
letter. In India, you can never imagine criticising your
professor.

My suggestions were approved, while I got an opportunity
to work at NASA.

I think one requires luck and to put in sincere effort to
achieve one's goals. Being in the right place at the
right time is also important.

What is the state of space research in India?

I don't want to make controversial statements. All I can
say is India is not at the frontier of space research. We
have made commendable progress but there is a long way to
go. We can do much better. I would be glad to be of help
in any way. Investment in research is investment in
imagination. It is a matter of national pride and
internal recognition. We need to allocate more funds to
enhance research and development work.

Do you see more Indians taking up subjects like space
research?

Definitely, provided two essential requirements are
satisfied. People and resources must come together to
create solutions.

In India, no training is imparted on the practical
aspects, even if it is something as simple as solving
traffic problems in cities. When it comes to theoretical
education, Indians are in a good position but lag behind
in coming up with innovative solutions.

Merely learning from books is not going to solve any
problem of this country. The 'thinking process' is very
essential. Indians need to think out of the box to rise
further in any field.

We need good educational institutes like IITs and IIMs,
but IITians don't rule the world. You must remember that
Microsoft co-founder (Bill Gates) does not have a college
degree.

Youngsters must look around for role models and see what
it is that they are doing right. Individuals must make
use of their inherent strengths to succeed.

How can India reduce the impact of natural elements like
tsunamis?

It should invest in a remote sensing project and be a
partner of the US agency for oceans and atmosphere,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The NOAA
got a warning about the tsunami, but could not inform
India.

It can contribute a few million dollars (annually) and
join the project. They are looking out for India's
participation.

India also needs to have a disaster response station with
an emergency broadcast system controlled by the Prime
Minister's Office, so that a call about a genuine threat
from any part of the world can be flashed on television
and radio, as they are the quickest mediums to spread
such a message.

How can India become a leading global player?

Globalisation will reap huge and long-term benefits and
India must make the best use of the opportunities. At the
PBD seminar, I found people presenting grandiose plans.
Instead, we should look at the realities and immediate
solutions.

Look at Dharavi (the biggest slum in Asia). While
residents own television sets and fridges, they lack
water supply and sanitation facilities. The government
has failed in its responsibilities while the private
sector has performed well.

The private sector has to be actively involved in the
development of the country and the government has to
respond to the needs of the people. Fifteen years ago, we
didn't have an Infosys, today we have many global
companies.

There should be drastic reduction in paper work. We need
a scenario where one can start any business in a day,
like in the US.

What is your vision for India?

I feel there India has a great future. We have world-
class companies. Today, companies like Infosys can be
compared with world leaders like Oracle. Like the
Information Technology revolution, we can have a science
or space revolution. We have the potential to bring about
revolutions in other sectors as well.

What role can NRIs play in developing India?

NRIs should donate money to their respective villages
even if it is to build a small school, a park or even a
well, which can bring about a difference in the lives of
the villagers. We are prepared to donate provided it is
used efficiently and is effective in achieving stated
goals.

The process can be simplified: decide on a project,
submit a plan, put it up on the Internet and enable
online donations. Even if 5% of NRIs contribute $10 a
month, there will be an investment of over $2 billon
every year.

Can India have something like NASA?

(Mumbai South MP) Milind Deora also asked the same
question. It is good that young MPs are thinking along
these lines. The answer is: Yes, India can. All it
requires is the right kind of investment, infrastructure,
people and support from the government. I told Deora that
if need be, I can submit a proposal to help get the
process started.

Also See:
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2005

More at:
http://us.rediff.com/news/2005/jan/13inter1.htm