CNR Rao urges scientists to focus more on water, energy and environment

Zee Media Bureau/Salome Phelamei

Chennai: Eminent Indian scientist CNR Rao on Wednesday urged scientists to focus more on the burning problems like water, energy and environment. Speaking at the first institute lecture on “Celebration of Science” at IIT-Madras, Rao, who currently serves as the Head of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India, complained that Indian scientists do routine research and that IITs and other premier scientific institutions in India were not spending enough time on the burning problems faced by the people. Urging the scientists to stay updated and choose relevant problems that have not been solved yet, he added: “Science keeps changing, we have to change with it. This is something that we in India have not understood. ” While quoting from Jules Verne, “… water will be the coal of the future,” the scientist pointed out that studies related to extraction of hydrogen from water through artificial photosynthesis, splitting water and other methods were the topics to engage. Rao, who has honorary doctorates from 60 universities from around the world, has also authored around 1,500 research papers and 45 scientific books. On 16 November 2013, the Government of India conferred upon him Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India. He became the fourth scientist after CV Raman, Visvesvaraya and APJ Abdul Kalam to get the award.