Need to kindle interest in research from grassroots: Shibulal

Aiming to kindle interest of children in research, Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) President S D Shibual today said there were plans to reach out to schools in the field of basic sciences.
Only one per cent of children look at research as career option, he said, adding, the foundation would create role models and mentors.
"The ISF will create role models and mentors and we are also coming out with outreach programmes to showcase these role models. We are also planning to reach out to very large number of students at a very young age," the former Infosys CEO, told reporters here.

"We will partner with other foundations and reach out to schools in basic sciences," he said.
"India's education system does not foster research orientation at grass root level," he added.
In its quest to spread the culture of science and research and create pathways for India's collective future, the foundation today organised 'Celebrating the Sciences', a programme aimed at providing students a glimpse into inspiring research as an endeavour to champion the cause of securing India's scientific future.

The event was inaugurated by Kerala Governor P Sathasivam.
Stating that India hardly spends 81 per cent of its GDP on research while China sets apart 1.87 per cent of its GDP for rsearch activities, Shibulal lamented with all this the future for Indian research does not look bright.

"Only a miniscule students go for research. This is due to lack of investments in R&D," he said.
Stressing the need to bring back the "romance in pure science research", he said it was heartening to know that the Kerala government was creating opportunities for taking up research as a career.
The union government was also keen on promoting critical R&D in various fields and had launched 20 Design Innovative Centres, he added.