THE DANGEROUS OPTIMIST!
WHY NOT ?, the pioneer of this statement, the world renowned scientist , was a blessing in disguise for the students of Mushtifund Aryaan Higher Secondary School, when Padhmavibhushan Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar visited them on 9th June ’16. It was indeed a big day for all the aspirants from STD XI and XII who had the opportunity to interact so closely with such an eminent personality. Dr. Mashelkar was warmly welcomed by the Director of the Institute, Mr. Vyankatesh Prabhudesai, who revealed to his students that it was truly a dream come true moment for him to welcome his role model at his Institution!
The Fellow of the Royal Society,London (FRS) Dr. Mashelkar, fought a ferocious fight when he battled for the patent rights of Haldi, neem and Basmati rice. He revoked the wrong US patents on these products based on the traditional medicinal use of these for various treatments. He spoke at length on this battle. A mark of a true Indian citizen that he is, he quoted the former Prime Minister Atalji “ India matters more to us, but we want to matter more to India” and this was his driving force.
D. Mashelkar completely transformed the CSIR, world’s largest chain of laboratories when he headed them , he told the students with a lot of ease that there was a time when he handled over 90 labs under his guidance and it was only possible because he could build the spirit of oneness among all the scientists, technicians andinistrative staff. He also explained how he could produce some of his best research papers with proper time management even during his busy schedule as DG- CSIR. Highlighting the importance of the power of ideas from his book ‘ Reinventing India’ and the basis of the interaction, Dr. Mashelkar said that we always underestimate what our brains can do, to prove this he asked the students a quick question which was nothing less than a brain workout for them! Imparting life lessons for the young minds , he highlighted that it is of utmost importance to reach our potential and then excel it, to breathe life into a novel idea, we need to check whether it can “ Compete and Still Beat ‘’ . Because it is not the size of the budget but the size of the idea that matters! He even quoted a noble laureate who won a Noble Prize wherein he had barely spent $15 for his research work.
The spellbound young lot was engulfed in the positive and vibrant aura of this wonderful personality before them, who is nothing less than a live example of someone who has stood tall and literally in times of adversity, his childhood as is known to us was full of hurdles but he managed to make it a journey, a cherishable one by his attitude towards it. Like he boldly says that He is a very dangerous optimist! He explained, that it is a simple logic, “When you are hungry, you run but when you are full, you sleep”
The Star of Asia award winner, laid more stress on the fundamentals of life reviving the importance of values and gratitude among the students. His life being a clear message to all wherein he with minimal resources and barely making ends meet in his younger days, managed to sail through the tough waters and he is what he is today….
With a lot of enthusiasm, Dr. Mashelkar interacted with the students in the Question and Answer session. Being a scholar of the Gandhian Engineering himself , answering a student’s query as to how can that be applied to our daily lives, Dr. Mashelkar said that we need to think on More from less for people which he calls “affordable excellence”.. and that it is vital to understand what Gandhiji once said, “ there is enough for everyone’s need but not greed”. It is possible to be or make something out of ourselves with limited means also. He also clarified to the students that it is a complete misconception that opportunities abroad are more as compared to India. It is no more a brain drain he said, India has excelled with pathbreaking technological development and the scenario has now reversed and tipped over to Brain Gain. Dr. Mashelkar discussed with students the various latest developments, new discoveries by youngsters and motivated them to learn something new every day, which is his own mantra for success.
“ EDUCATION = FUTURE “ , and it is Institutes like Mushtifund Aryaan Higher Secondary School which enforces this statement, said Dr. Mashelkar, complimenting Mr. Prabhudesai. The entire interactive session was coordinated by the Director, Mr. Prabhudesai. The students were thrilled and elated to have interacted with Dr. Mashelkar and expressed their gratitude to him for blessing them with his presence and they thanked their Director for giving them the opportunity to meet such a great personality.
The optimist within Dr. Mashelkar, was truly highlighted when recalling an incident of the past, he said that ones life can never go into coma, infact we must look at it like a coma (,) a momentary pause which can be followed by a few beautiful or kind words only if YOU want it to be like that!
Preparedby Hetal G.