The Great Indigenous Scientist
Dr. Atma Ram
By Shri Durga Prasad Nautial
Translated in English and with many
New Additions By Air Commodore
( Retired ) R.K.Singhal
First Chapter
Initial Life
Family Background
Atma
Ram’s ancestors settled in Pilana [ District Bijnor ] in the year
1897. This small village is situated in between the towns of Chandpur
and Haldor. Before coming to Pilana, the ancestors were living in Jogi
Rampuri [district Bijnor ] which was about seven to eight kilometres
North East of Najibabad. It was a large family. It was known as a
family of Munshies and Patwaries
Atma Ram’s grand father Munshi
Nadar Singh and uncle Munshi Jeeraj Singh [ known as Jiya Lal in the
family ] came to Pilana later. Atma Ram’s father Munshi Bhagwan Das
stayed on in Rampuri. He was two years elder to uncle and was running a
small shop.
Before coming to Pilana , Munshi Nadar Singh used to teach children in the primary school at Phina in District Bijnor.
Once
Munshi Nadar Singh’s wife fell seriously ill. He left for the village
because of her sickness . He had to stay in the village for several
days to look after his wife. . Despite treatment his wife breathed her
last. He had to extend his stay in the village.. Those days Primary
Schools were looked after by the District Board. He had sent his letter
requesting for extension of leave to the District Board . This
application ,however, did not reach the Board Office due to postal
negligence.. His services were duly terminated by the Board because of
absence without leave. When the grieving Munshiji went to Phina after a
few days he was sorely disappointed to learn that he had been removed
from the service. Despite all efforts he was not reinstated and he had
to return to his village disheartened.
Those days Pandit Bhagwan
Chandra was the Deputy Inspector of Schools. He was an honest man.
Even while travelling on inspection duties he used to cook his own food
and would not take food touched by any one else. He used to perform all
his daily chores himself.. He used bullock cart for going on
inspections of the primary schools. He would carry his rations with him.
Being an honest and sincere officer he would never accept any gifts .
Since Munshi Nadar Singh was an honest, simple and hard working person,
he was liked by Pandit Bhagwan Chandra.
Munshi Nadar Singh met
Pandit Bhagwan Chandra. But he also could not get him reinstated
despite being very sympathetic due to some legalities. He told Munshi
ji that while he could not send him to Phina, he could appoint him
immediately as a teacher if he could start a primary school at Pilana
itself.
What else could Munshi ji desire being without a job. He
readily accepted Deputy Saheb’s offer to start a new school and
returned to Pilana accompanied by his younger brother who was then only
16 to 17 years old. Till then he had not even passed the middle school
examination. The loss of his job paved the way for his return to Pilana
where he stayed all his life dedicated to the school he started.
Even
today, the villagers of Pilana and nearby villages remember and revere
Munshi ji as the father of village education. Due to his incessant
efforts, the upper primary school eventually had a fine pacca building
of its own . Munshi ji became its first Head Master. All the villagers
of Pilana gave their whole hearted and un-stinted support in running the
school and providing all essential necessities.
Munshi Nadar
Singh was not only an expert teacher but had a great interest in
gardening too. He used to keep the school in a neat and tip top
condition . Whenever the Collector visited the school He always praised
Munshi ji. Soon Nadar Singh’s fame came to the notice of the Collector
of Bijnor. In those days English Collectors used to visit and inspect
the school at least once a year. Munshi ji was always mentioned and
commended as an ideal teacher. In 1911, on the occasion of the
coronation of King George the Vth in Delhi, Munshi ji was awarded the
coveted medal for his outstanding services as the best Primary School
Teacher by the then Government of the Country.
Influence Of A Discipline Loving Father
Munshi
Nadar singh’s eldest son Bhagwandas’s wife died soon after marriage
after a brief illness. There was no issue. He married again in 1905. A
child was borne but it expired within one or two days of its birth.
His second child named Atma Ram was borne on 12th October,1908. Atma
Ram was the eldest among all his brothers and sisters.
Munshi
Nadar Singh apart from being a capable teacher was also an able Hakim.
He was a famous Hakim of his area. While he had no formal qualification
of a Hakim, his prescriptions had a miraculous curing power. He had a
great understanding of diseases , medication and after care. His
curative powers were so famous and wide spread that people from far off
places used to come to him for treatment and medicines. He was thus
engaged in alleviating suffering along with teaching..
Bhagwandas
preferred opening a cloth shop instead of following the family
tradition of teaching and Hakimi. He was a simple and straightforward
man without an aptitude for business.. Hence he could not run his cloth
business satisfactorily for long. Eventually he had to leave his
business and became a Patwari. Even in this profession he was not
fully satisfied. He only became a Patwari to earn a living. He always
remained aloof from all disputes and quarrels. Whenever people came
with their problems, he would try to sort them out through pursuation
and negotiations . Failing which he would suggest arbitration by five
noble people instead of further entangling them in lengthy and never
ending court cases. Naturally such a selfless person, though being a
Patwari, could barely support his family.
In those days Patwari
used to be the real authority in matters of land and property.
Patwaries and Kanungo’s held complete sway in the area over such
matters. Yet Patwari Bhagwandas did not even own a house. Though a
Patwari he never felt easy in the profession due to his honest and pious
nature. Atma Ram describes his father in the following words.
“My father was a great disciplinarian . He was a very straightforward , honest and a serious
person.
He was a man of few words. We used to consider him harsh in
temperament and of hard demeanour but inside he possessed a very soft
and warm and a loving heart. He was very optimistic and even in most
difficult times he never lost his nerve and always remained calm. He
held implicit faith in God. Whenever we spoiled something or suffered
some loss due to our fault he would simply say that just forget what
ever had happened and carry on with more determination. He had such
firm faith in God that he would say that there may be some delay but
eventually justice would be meted out Being a Patwari he had to deal
with all kinds of disputes. He did not like their quarrels
and
always advised them to patch up their differences instead of taking
recourse to courts. While being honest, he was not considered worldly
wise, he was a happy and satisfied man. He was an honest man and
insisted on others being honest. He used to advise us that once you
learn to speak truth you automatically become fearless and would attain
peace, tranquillity and bliss. He would always tell us not to meddle
in others affairs. This generally leads to unnecessary bitterness with
out resolving any issue, as we are not the arbiters of every thing.
In
1930, railway service began between Chandpur and Najibabad. About a
kilometre away from our village we had Sissola railway station. Trains
used to stop there for a little while. There was no arrangement for
drinking water at this station. Passengers suffered for lack of this
facility specially during summers. I had come to the village after
appearing in M.Sc. [Previous ] examination to spend the vacations. I
visited the station once or twice. I saw passengers suffering due to
nonavailability of drinking water. I thought of mitigating this ordeal
and along with my brother began serving drinking water. Passengers were
delighted and trains stopover was increased. There used to be four or
five bogies in the train. Guards used to start the trains only after
verifying from us that every passenger had his fill. When a guard
learnt that I was an educated person, he was taken aback and was very
appreciative. My father was delighted when he heard this. He
understood that his children had compassion for others. Till the time I
stayed in the village I would carry bucket and mug to the station
twice a day for offering water to the thirsty .”
Being the
eldest child., it was but natural to be bestowed with all love and
affection by the family members. Yet Atma Ram was not spoiled, but he
took all advantage . It was Munshi Bhagwandas’s desire that his
children should be of good moral character and be fearless despite
taking on any vocation in life. Keeping this in mind, he while
bringing them up in strict discipline taught them religious scriptures
like Ramcharit Manas and Mahabharat . Atma Ram at a tender age of eight
or nine years remembered by heart several verses of Ramayan. His
mother used to regularly read aloud the religious books Due to his
participation in reciting the. verses of Ramayan with his mother, Atma
Ram naturally learnt several of these verses by heart.
Father’s Acid Test
Atma
Ram was immensely influenced and his whole life was affected by two
events which occurred in the family during his childhood. They
affected his child’s mind so much that all life long he was guided and
encouraged by those happenings. These memorable events , Atma Ram
describes in his own words as follows:-
“ My father used to run a
cloth shop. It happened that he gave a lot of money on loan. Since
he did not have business acumen, he could not recover the loans. The
business miserably failed and he had to close the shop under adverse
circumstances. He then had no option but to become a Patwari.
In
those days during the British rule Patwari had lots of power and was a
force to reckon with in the area ,unlike now. It is said that in a way
Patwari used to be the arbiter of the land and properties in his
domain. Father was a simple man. He was a Patwari in name only. He
was an honest and a straightforward man. Hence ,despite his being a
Patwari the family remained in pecuniary circumstances.
Once
during summer, when I was sixteen or seventeen years old ,we were
sleeping on cots in our courtyard At about nine or nine thirty in the
night four or five landlords of the area came to our house. They had a
land dispute with the farmers. They had brought money to bribe my
father to speak in their favour in the court. He flatly refused to
oblige. He told them that he would speak the truth in the court. He
told them to take back the money as it would have bad influence on my
children. The landlords beat a hasty retreat and were deeply annoyed
with my father.
The matter was that there was a case in court about a
land dispute between landlords and farmers. The outcome depended on
the Patwari’s evidence. Father was mostly in favour of the farmers.
In the court he gave evidence in farmers favour and they won the case.
In defeat the landlords lost their equilibrium They remained aloof from
father and became his enemy. But father remained firm in his
convictions.
When those landlords had come to our house I was
sleeping. I woke up when they entered the house and partly listened to
the conversation. Next day I asked my mother as to why those people
had come. My mother then told me in detail of last night’s happenings.
My mother was very happy that day. My young mind was shaken up
completely. I thought of my father totally casting off such great
temptation with such ease and without caring a bit of the consequent
enmity with the all powerful landlords. They in fact remained our
enemies for ever thereafter. I thought that honesty and integrity
must certainly be much greater than that temptation. Later when my
uncle heard of this he was very pleased and touched the feet of his
elder brother in reverence.
Today fifty seven years have passed
since this event occurred, yet I distinctly remember the moments when in
the conflict between honesty and greed, honesty won hands down without
succumbing. This event influenced all my life Even today when I face a
similar situation I remember that moment and act with determination and
succeed in my efforts. The image formed on the young mind still
remains fresh even today .”
Confrontation With Wolves
Atma
Ram’s uncle loved him much. He desired that Atma Ram should become as
fearless as the village lads engaged in grazing cattle. He therefore
invariably took Atma Ram for walks with him. Describing his childhood
Atma Ram spoke thus:-
“ Although I got all love and affection
from my father, yet the affection I received from my uncle was none the
less. During my childhood my uncle took me around places much more than
my father ever did. We used to fear father’s strict discipline. Uncle
was a care free man.
My uncle desired that any fear of any kind
in my mind should be entirely eliminated so that I may become as
fearless as the village lads who grazed the cattle. He would therefore
invariably take me along with him. In those days there were no good
roads and one had to cross the jungle to go from one village to another.
Yet uncle would take me through the jungle when I was not even ten to
eleven years old. Slowly I got used to accompanying my uncle in wading
through the bare jungle paths
While walking with uncle I
witnessed stray incidents of minor skirmishes and even saw wild wolves,
but what I saw once at mid day in June when father and I were
returning from a neighbouring village I shiver even while recollecting
it today. We were just walking when all of a sudden father saw two
wolves in the shrubs nearby. He cautioned me about the wolves. Then I
saw a small boy of my age running towards us and eagerly asked us
weather we had seen some wolves. Father told him yes , but what would
he do. He replied with confidence and challenge that they had snatched
away his sheep and he would get them back. Father told him he was mad
and the wolves would tear him apart. The boy did not care and ran
towards the shrub. Father was worried that the boy might get killed
merely to save a sheep. We therefore followed the boy and saw the
wolves in an opening nearby. Wolves are known for their ferocity and
they are specially dangerous during hot weather. They are very cunning
animals too.
The wolves on seeing the boy only with a small
wooden staff only , instead of running away , just stayed put and faced
the boy. But the boy who had crossed the limits of his anger charged at
them regardless. Seeing danger to the boy’s life father ran to save
him, leaving me behind. Before father could stop him the boy thrust his
foot long staff into one of the wolf’s throat. The other wolf ran
away seeing my father running towards him. This wolf perhaps had no
idea of the courage of the boy otherwise they both would have torn him
apart.
Father had a large and sturdy wooden staff with him. He
hit the wolf with it on its head and instantly it fell dead. I was
watching this scene quietly from a distance. It seemed to happen in a
moment. The boy was also taken aback. He was very happy with the
revenge he had taken
My father rebuked the boy for his
foolhardiness in chasing the wolves single handed. The boy did not
mind this as he had taken revenge on his enemy and killed it. “
Munshi
Bhagwandas died in 1948 at the age of seventy years At that time
Atma Ram was in England and was about to leave for America.
Despite
being borne in a Munshi- Patwari family Atma Ram had actually seen and
experienced stark poverty. Munshi Bhagwandas considered his job
only as a means of livelihood. Due to his honesty, straightforwardness
, regard and care for others , he lived an extremely simple life..
Atma Ram , not only during childhood but when in the University would
send home part of his scholarship money for his brothers education.
Simultaneously he was repaying the loan he had incurred for his
education.
Dr. Neel Ratna Dhar, his teacher at the University of Allahabad writes about him as follows:-
“
Atma Ram received rupees hundred per month scholarship for doing D.Sc.
Out of this he used to spend only rupee seven and the rest he would
send home.”
Bitter Experience On Debts
Atma Ram had a
bitter experience on loans taken from money lenders. In this context
he mentioned an event that took place in his father’s life as follows :-
“
In 1930-31 the Delhi wholesaler from whom we used to procure cloth for
our shop went into liquidation. He transferred all his loans to another
party. This meant that in consideration of an agreed sum the other
party would collect loan money from his erstwhile clients, It was
indeed a sort of contract. Our shop also owed about rupees fifteen to
sixteen hundred. As luck would have it , the people who were authorised
to collect the money were our own distant relations. They came to us
and demanded the return of the loan Since there was no written
document father could have simply denied that he ever took the loan
specially as the wholesaler had already gone into liquidation and there
would have been no problem. But father readily accepted that he owed
the money . Once father accepted the liability, they insisted that he
should sign a proper document. They added that they knew that he was at
that time not in a position to repay the amount. Since his son was
studying in the University they would wait for the payment. They would
simply keep the document as record and he could pay the amount as and
when he was in a position to do so. Father being a simple hearted man
was taken in by their sweet and guile talk and signed the document as
they wished. After this in a way matter went out of his hands and in
theirs and he became totally helpless .
They remained quiet
for some time and on the expiry of the promised date in the document,
they got it renewed from the father. Yet suddenly they began exerting
all sorts of pressures on father for early payment In addition they
also threatened him that they would file a case in the court. Father
became very uneasy. He understood their cunningness. But was helpless
as he did not have enough money to clear his debt.
They filed a
case in the court. During the hearing in the court , father while
accepting the debt stated that his son was studying in the University
and once he got a job he would repay the amount at the earliest. The
court paid no heed to his entreaties and the case was decided against
him.
I was then studying in M.Sc.[ final]. Despite the decree of
the court they could not collect the money as we did not have any with
us. The case was put up in the Judge’s court at Moradabad . They
reasoned that how could it be that a person who is living well, had
cattle and was a Patwari and on top of it was educating his son in the
University was not in a position to pay the debt. If he so wished he
could easily repay. He just did not want to. The judge was a Muslim
and very kind hearted man. On his asking, father stated that his son
had taken a loan for his studies from a Society in Meerut and about his
so called wealth , his house could be searched immediately while he was
in the court and any thing recovered could be confiscated. Apart from
this he could not offer any other proof of his intention.
I
passed the M.Sc. Father specially went to the Judge at Moradabad and
informed him that his son had passed and stood first in first class in
the M.Sc. examination of the Allahabad University. The University of
Allahabad was very prestigious and famous at that time and it was
considered an honour to be studying there. Father told us on his return
that the Judge was extremely pleased and while congratulating him said
that he was a very honest man and God would always bless him.
I
some times ponder what would have happened to our family had the Judge
not given a year’s time for making payment Perhaps I might had to
terminate my studies. But God came to our rescue at this critical
juncture. He got this accomplished through a Muslim Judge who decided
on human considerations. Hindus and even some of our relations behaved
inhumanly. It appears that a moneylender is always interested in his
money come what may to his debtor. He has no regard to human values and
suffering.
A humanitarian is always a humanitarian. He does
not belong to any particular religion or sect. He is not a Hindu,
Muslim , Sikh or a Christian. That was the reason that the judge being
a Muslim could feel the mental anguish of a Hindu. He understood the
reality. I am always reminded of father’s saying that there may be
delay in God’s actions but eventually justice prevails. I developed
an unstinting faith in God then and it has strengthened over the time
after several sweet and bitter experiences in life.”
School Education
Atma
Ram in 1922 at the age of thirteen years passed the Vernacular Middle
examination from Chandpur. Now the problem was what was to be done
next. A thirteen year old boy could not take up Normal Training course
as for it the minimum age requirement was eighteen years. After passing
this course students were straight away appointed as teachers. Since
we did not have either any land to till or any business ,I was sent to
Bijnor to study in the High School there.
Atma Ram’s father’s
eldest sister-Jai Devi- was living in Bijnor. She was a widow and
childless. In may Atma Ram’s father took him to her with the
expectation that she might agree to put him up with her. He did not
want his son to be a burden on her but simply desired to be
accommodated. She readily agreed to keep him. Atma Ram had never met
her aunt before.
It was a mere coincidence that when they were in
the house a person came to visit her. During the talks he mentioned
that there was a teacher in Bijnor who could prepare the students for
High School Examination in just two years. In those days middle pass
students used to take five years to pass this examination. Both father
and the son went to meet the teacher. Atma Ram spoke to me abut that
days happenings thus :-
“ We both were walking towards the
teacher’s abode after taking directions from the people. There was a
Dharmashala [ Free Lodging ] just outside Bijnor. There were some ruins
lying by its side. There was no sign of any school there. Despite
our searching and inquiries, no one could lead us to him. When we were
about to return disappointed we saw a person sitting on a dilapidated
roof. We met him. He happened to be the teacher. He was a man of few
words and asked us the reason of our coming
Father told him ,” My son
has passed the middle examination and we have learnt that you prepare
the boys for High School in two years.” He replied ,”Out of several
students so far none has passed yet If your son is intelligent , you
may take a chance. “ He then kept quiet. Father also did not utter a
word. After some time teacher said , “School opens at seven o’clock. I
shall take a fee of rupees two. If he wishes to join he should report
next morning with the book ‘King Reader ‘. He should also bring a note
book of white pages “
After the meeting we returned home. The matter ended as neither father nor me said any thing.
At
night we were sleeping on cots placed side by side. When we woke up
father asked me if I had thought over what teacher had said. In reply I
said that I might pass the examination if not in two years then at
most in three. Even then two years would be saved. At this decision
was taken and next day I duly went to the teacher with fee.
After me
three students also joined. One of them—Shiv Dayal Singh—was from our
village and the other two—Anand Swaroop and Masood Ahmed—were from
Bijnor. Master Saheb began teaching us with great enthusiasm
After
a few days teacher asked the boys about the subjects they intended
taking . Atma Ram and Shiv Dayal opted for Hindi and the other two for
Urdu. At this teacher asked Atma Ram to show his Urdu writing as he
would have read it in the middle school as third language . Atma Ram
wrote down a few words. Teacher was pleased. He felt that he had found
the best solution. He at once told Atma Ram to opt for Persian. At
this Atma Ram was taken aback. He was being asked to learn Urdu,
Persian and English , all new languages simultaneously besides other
subjects. The boy who had studied Urdu up to fourth class only ,how
could he think of taking Persian for High School. Any way decision
was taken.
There was no question of doing Matriculation with
Science. Couple of times I even thought of learning Sanskrit. But the
local Panditji who used to teach Sanskrit dissuaded me altogether saying
that in such a short period one could not even learn its grammar
what to say of passing the examination with Sanskrit as a subject.
This way the matter ended and I began learning Urdu and Persian.”
A
problem arose after a year’s studies. All his three class mates left
the school to join the High School. One got admission in eighth class
and the others in seventh. When he returned to school after the summer
vacations, his teacher told him that he could also join the High School
like others. But Atma Ram refused his advice. The teacher could not
possibly run the school with only one pupil, hence he proposed that he
could teach him in early morning at six o’clock and after four in the
afternoon. Simultaneously he would exempt his fees if he taught Hindi to
his students.
Atma Ram accepted the proposal gladly as though God
had bestowed him a gift. He simply wanted nothing else. He saved the
fees and began teaching Hindi to Students for two hours daily.
He
used to go to the school very early in the morning. During winters he
had to use a lantern to find the path. After some time three more
students joined the classes. They were all Muslims and
wished to
study Persian. Thus all four were Persian students. Out of three
there were two brothers, namely, Jegam Hussain and Kaim Hussain and the
third one was Atiq Ahmed. Jegam Hussain appeared privately in High
School examination at Banaras but could not clear it.
After
completing the studies Jegam Hussain and Atma Ram went to Benaras to
appear in the examination. Other two went to Aligarh and Punjab. They
reached Banaras one month prior to the examination. They stayed in King
Edward hostel. This belonged to teachers training college. Jegam
Hussain could not pass the examination this time too. He failed in
Persian only. Atma Ram passed in second division. Thus in 1924 he
became a matriculate of Banaras Hindu University. He saved three years
and passed metric in just fifteen years.
Atma Ram spoke to me thus :-
“
When some one informed Master Saheb about the result having been
published in a Hindi news paper and his pupil from Pilana having
passed the metric after studying for two years only at his school, he
was overjoyed and thrilled . Now Master Saheb became talk of the town.
His popularity increased several fold. The news was printed and posters
were pasted on the walls all around.”
Reminiscences of Childhood Friends
Atma Ram’s childhood friend Shiv Dayal Pathak stated thus :-
“
Bhai [ Brother ] Atma Ramji is indeed my esteemed friend. Dr. Atma
Ram characterises his name with his qualities. His whole life from
the very beginning has been very noble , of much interest and of great
utility. He was born in an ordinary Vaish family of village Pilana
in the district of Bijnor. His grand father Munshi Nadar Singh ji
along with his sons came to the village from somewhere else. Even
today Munshi ji is known and revered as the father of education in
Pilana and nearby villages. Due to his efforts Upper Primary school had
a nice pacca building. He was the first Headmaster of the school. His
father was a Patwari in the same village. Dr. Atma Ram too studied in
this very school.
We three friends, Har Swaroop ji, Atma Ram ji and
me after passing fourth class from this school took admission at
Chandpur Middle School about six miles away. We stayed in the same room
in the hostel. At night we used to study sitting on jute sacks by the
light of an earthen lamp. Every Saturday we used to visit our village
walking and would return on Mondays carrying our rations of flour and
pulses with us. On our way back we would eat by the side of a well.,
talk and even quarrel but always go hand in hand to school.
During the walks we used to discuss what all we would do in future. Atma Ram
invariably
said, “ Though I am from a vaish family yet I would like to discover
something new connected with science instead of being a shopkeeper. “
God fulfilled his wishes.
Atma Ram was the most intelligent amongst
us. He got scholarship from the government too. We all passed the
Vernacular Final examination in 1922 with good grades. Atma Ram passed
with distinction. Bhai Har Swaroop ji belonged to the land owning
class and left for further studies. Atma Ram and me continued our
association till we passed High School from Bijnor. We had the same
routine of going to our village and returning every week end to Bijnor
,walking a distance of about sixteen miles In Chandpur we were known as
‘ tigadda’ [Threesome ] of Pilana.
Bhai Atma Ram ji is an
Aryasamaji from the beginning. Our friend Bhai Har Swaroop ji believed
in ghosts. We explained to him that ghosts did not exist. One day we
locked him in the toilet and let him come out only when he promised
never to mention ghosts I can only recollect this lone incidence of
our playfulness during those days. Otherwise Atma Ram led a very simple
life full of sincerity and determination, self sustaining, and had
implicit faith in God. He was our leader not a political one but of
truth, piousness, simplicity and honesty.
After Bijnor we parted
ways. Atma Ram received higher education from Banaras and Allahabad
Universities. He became a Director of an institute in Calcutta. Then
he came to Delhi as Director General. He wrote me from Calcutta
stating, “I am coming to Delhi and I wish to meet you “
I thought
that Atma Ram ji would have forgotten his humble beginnings on
achieving such high position . But when I met him after a gap of
several years in Delhi, I found him the living idol of simplicity and
brotherhood. He was my same old friend.
We continued exchanging
letters I meet him whenever I go to Delhi. Our meetings are totally
devoid of self seeking seen in relations these days. He wrote to me in
one letter ,”I remember the childhood and student days when I receive
your letter. I feel happy and get lost in sweet memories. Perhaps
those very memories help in making us live longer and healthy .” This
in essence is Atma Ram .”
Chapter Two
Higher Education And Entry Into Married Life
Dream Of Higher Education
When
matriculation result came out, Atma Ram was in Bijnor. Pilana is about
fifteen to sixteen miles away from Bijnor. Rejoicing he left for
Pilana next day very early in the morning . He reached home walking in
the afternoon .and broke the pleasant news to his father. He was
extremely happy and blessed me by repeatedly patting me on my back.
Being
encouraged by the success he seriously began thinking of studying
further. There was a village near Pilana whose landlord’s son used to
study in Banaras. His father used to visit the village quite often and
occasionally spoke about that boy. Once on such an occasion he
expressed his desire to study in Banaras.
On my enquiring , how was it , while he had no resources he could think of joining a college, he said :-
“
In fact I was much affected by my success. I was simply riding a
horse in space. I was filled up with so much courage and determination
that I could do any thing. Father also desired that his son should
study at Banaras which was a prestigious centre of education and
learning. But the question was of resources not of wishes. He sat
down and remained quiet. The hurdle was our poor economic condition.
Even in those cheaper days monthly expenses in Banaras used to be at
least rupees thirty to thirty five per month. But father had limited
resources and unlimited responsibilities
On sensing his sons
acute desire of studying further, he went to the village Chaudhri and
mentioned the problem. Till then he had no bitter experience of money
lenders and it was quite possible that he had gone to him to borrow
money. At this Chaudhri tauntingly said ,” O Bhagwan Das Ji , why you
too are talking childishly. Oh brother ,have you heard the saying, when
shoe was being fixed on the horse’s feet, the frog also raised its
feet. “ Bhagwandas ji was deeply hurt at this insult but had to
swallow it due to abject helplessness. He took it as a challenge and
became determined to send his son to Banaras for studies come what may.
One day all of a sudden he said to Atma Ram ,”You were talking about
higher studies. Let us go and meet the boy you were mentioning .“ That
boy lived about five miles away .Both went to him and returned after
discussions.”
There is a saying that if there is a will there is
a way. God transferred the staunch desire of Atma R am for higher
studies in his father’s firm determination to send him to Banaras.
Strong will prevailed over the obstacle of meagre resources.
Soon the
auspicious day arrived. Father fulfilling the wishes of his son for
higher studies succeeded in sending him to Banaras after all . Thus
will power and firm determination finally prevailed over poor economic
condition of the family.
Atma Ram reached Banaras. He neither had
any acquaintances or relatives there. He knew that some boys of the
neighbouring village were studying in Banaras Hindu University.
According to his father’s wishes he went straight to them. They were
living in a hostel. Hence his problem of lodging was solved easily.
The
boys asked him the subjects he intended taking in Intermediate. He had
never thought of this before. He was not in a position to decide.
Three days passed in just considering the pros and cons and Atma Ram
could not decide.
Those days offering Science subjects was not in
vogue. Science teachers were in demand but were not easily available.
Keeping this in mind and his need to finish the education early so as
to enable him to seek a job his friends suggested that he should offer
Science subjects. In a way—Shri Nanak Chand and Shri Ram Narain—decided
the course of my further education. Thus Atma Ram’s study of Science
began.
Atma Ram had never studied Science before. Those days it
was not mandatory to study Science in School Leaving Examination for
taking it up in Intermediate. Hence there was no problem on this count.
Initially Atma Ram had some hesitation but the prospects of finding
service early changed his indecisiveness into a firm resolve.
Those
days getting admission in the University was not difficult. Only two
certificates were required for admission—a certificate from the District
Magistrate and the Matriculation certificate. Atma Ram duly filled the
form and deposited the fee at the counter.. He became free of these
worries.
After the admission , problem arose of finding a cheap
place for living. It was not difficult to get a place in the hostel
but with their meagre resources his family could not afford the hostel
expenses. To solve this problem his uncle promised to give rupees ten
per month for an year. Since the intention for studying was to get a
small job after Intermediate for lessening fathers burden , he decided
to share the room of his friends. The three boys belonged to
comparatively well to do families and were dining in the hostel mess.
In later life all these three qualified as lawyers and practised at
Bijnor
Atma Ram’s financial position was different from his room
mates. He used to give tutions to meet part of the expenses. His half
fee was also waived. The fee was rupees six at the time. It was
therefore not possible for him to eat in the hostel mess like other
boys. Though the mess expenses were only rupees eight or nine , yet
this was the only item where he could economise and balance his budget.
He arranged a stove and charcoal ‘angheeti’ and began cooking his own
meals. While it was much cheaper yet he did not get time for studies
let alone for playing. Atma Ram used to cook in a corner of the room
when others were elsewhere. He used to clean the utensils either at
night or very early in the morning.
Miracle Of Half yearly Examination
Atma
Ram had not passed metric by studying in a regular school. He had done
it privately and with out Science subject.. Atma Ram could not fully
comprehend the lectures given in fluent English by the Professors of
Physics and Chemistry. Result was that he merely got ten to twelve
percent marks in Physics and Chemistry while obtaining more then eighty
percent in Mathematics. He consequently lost heart and felt that
Science study was not a piece of cake and was beyond him.
Those
days students were allowed to change their subjects after the half
yearly examinations. He seriously began thinking of this option. He
also had no option after obtaining such poor marks in the examination.
He therefore thought of studying Persian which he had studied for his
metric examination.
One day with a heavy heart he went to the
office of the Head of Chemistry Department to hand over his application
for change of subjects. Fortunately he happened to be in his office.
Atma Ram had attached the mark sheet with the application so that
seeing poor marks he would easily be permitted to change the subject.
But the result was different. Seeing the application the Head called
him in his office immediately.. Professor M.B.Rane was the Head of the
Department. Generally in such matters permission was accorded as a
routine. The moment Atma Ram entered his office , the tall , lean,
sturdy and fair complexioned Professor asked him why there was such a
large difference between Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry marks.
Atma
Ram could only utter that he could not somehow understand the Science
subjects. Prof. Rane had asked the question in English but Atma Ram
had replied in Hindi. Prof. Rane was really surprised that a student
who could do so well in mathematics had miserably failed in science
subjects. He thought for a moment and then called for his colleague
Prof. Phool Dev Sahai Verma. When Prof Verma arrived he had a word with
him and then asked Atma Ram to go with him. He duly accompanied Prof
Verma to his office. He thought that Prof. Verma would accept his
application and he would forever get rid of the science subjects.
But
that was not to be. On being asked by Prof Verma he told him his true
problem that neither he could follow the lectures nor he had books. In
reality he was pulling on by reading second year books of his friend.
Prof. Verma was also teaching the first year students. Atma Ram saw a
chemistry book written by famous Chemist Sir Henry Rasko lying on the
table. He had the audacity to ask the Prof to borrow the book as he
felt he was a very humane person full of compassion. He immediately
gave the book and asked him to report to him after reading the book
While
he had gone to get rid of science subjects , yet on the contrary he
returned with added interest in the subjects. As per the instructions
he began reading the book in right earnest and after a few days reported
to Prof. Verma. He told Prof. Verma whatever he could understand.
Prof. appeared satisfied and explained to Atma Ram the little
intricacies of Chemistry. Since then he met Prof. Verma several times
and soon he developed an immense liking for science. His failing will
power suddenly strengthened. He then began taking help from his
classmates This way his study of science continued with greater
vigour. He passed Final Intermediate Examination in First Division with
distinction in Chemistry surprising every one. On being asked how he
felt when he was not able to comprehend science Atma Ram said :-
“ Whenever the science lecturers used the words ‘gram of water’ during
lectures I used to wonder what sort of ‘ Pani ke chane ‘ were. In
practicals I would just fill up some rubbish. I just could not
understand gram of water as I could not see any grams in the laboratory.
For fear of exhibiting my ignorance I did not clarify from my
classmates. Shri K .N. Tiwari , the Physics Demonstrator used to rebuke
me quite often for not doing any thing and keeping the notebook blank.
This resulted in my losing self confidence .One day it so happened
that Asst. Lecturer of Physics , Prof. Pratul Ghosh while demonstrating
an experiment on heat weighed some thing on the balance and explained.
Then I found out that gram was a measure of weight. I heartily laughed
at my ignorance.”
By obtaining a first division in Intermediate ,
his prospects for further education improved tremendously. He had no
difficulty in getting admission to B.Sc. course , which had started
only that year , in D.A.V. College , Kanpur. Its Principal was Lala
Diwan Chand . He got two scholarships –one of rupees ten and the other
of fifteen per month. He took one or two tutions to meet the expenses
of the first year which he easily completed
For study of science
hard work was essential. He therefore decided not to do tutions in the
final year. He took a loan from a Society in Meerut which used to give
loans at an interest of rupees six percent per annum to poor students.
He totally got engrossed in studies. Due to hard work and long study
hours he could not sustain himself and became seriously ill. Thinking
of the loss of a year he considered it advisable to appear in the
examination. He could pass B.Sc. only in second division. He was much
disheartened and dejected. Lala Diwan Chand also felt very sorry on
learning this.
Atma Ram had to repay the loan to the Society.
He had thought that he would easily get a first division. If he decided
to study further, admission in M.Sc. would be easy. Otherwise he was
bound to get a teacher’s post in a school or college. But a second
division dashed all these hopes. He decided to do M.Sc. and got
admission forms from the University of Allahabad . He duly applied
for admission to both Physics and Chemistry courses. On not getting a
response he proceeded to Allahabad via Kanpur. By chance at Kanpur
station he met a student named Shri Jhamman Lal Sharma. He was doing
M.Sc. in mathematics from Allahabad University. Atma Ram accompanied
him to Allahabad and kept his baggage in his room.
Special Treatment By Prof. Neel Ratna Dhar
In
those days at Allahabad University there were two world famous
scientists namely Prof. Meghnad Saha and Prof. Neel Ratna Dhar. Lala
Diwan Chand knew them personally. Atma Ram had taken letters of
recommendation for both of them from him in order to enable him to get
admission.
As he had done before for Intermediate , he went to
the University’s fee counter to deposit fees so that he might be
admitted . He got a shock when told that as his name was not in the list
of selected candidates , he could not deposit fees. He was sorely
disappointed and left the counter quietly.
The two letters he
possessed for the two renowned Professors gave him some hope like
proverbial support of a thin stem for a drowning man. Atma Ram met both
of them individually. Both expressed their inability stating that in
M.Sc. seats were limited and it was already too late.
His dreams
of studying in Allahsbad were shattered. Since he had no other option
but do M.Sc. or sit idly at home and be very miserable he
decided to seek admission in Agra .
Atma Ram had heard quite a
lot about Dr. Saha and Dr. Dhar but never had an occasion to listen to
them. He had an intense desire to listen to their lectures. Dr.Dhar was
considered a great speaker and a profound teacher. Even today at the
ripe age of ninety years [ since dead ] Dr. Dhar speaks to large
audiences with out a microphone and is heard with rapt attention. Atma
Ram thought of listening to their lectures somehow before leaving
Allahabad lest he lost the opportunity for ever.
He got an
opportunity after all. Next day Dr, Dhar was to deliver a lecture at
ten o’ clock. Atma Ram was about to fulfil his long cherished wish. He
located the lecture room and went there.. He had thought of quietly
entering the room and sit along with other students. But he could not
muster enough courage. In the mean while Dr. Dhar entered the class
room. When he could not think of any thing else he listened to the
lecture standing beside the railing just out side the room. He could
listen to Dr. Dhar quite distinctly.
Dr. Dhar had lectured on
science of colloidal solutions in chemistry. Atma Ram not only listened
to the lecture but took notes as well. He was very happy that day as
his wish had been fulfilled. While he was thinking of listening to more
such lectures yet he was also deeply aware of the stark reality of
the dreams remaining unfulfilled as he had already been denied
admission to M.Sc. course.
Till that day Atma Ram had not seen
any teacher of Dr. Dhar’s calibre , ability and exceptional brilliance
and authority on the subject. He was much influenced by the superb
ability of Dr. Dhar in explaining complex topics in easy , lucid and
simple way.. Though it was not possible to be his student but he had
the satisfaction of listening to his lecture. For him this itself was a
big thing. He wished he could be his student and thereby ensure a
bright future.
In order to pay his respects Atma Ram went to
meet Dr. Dhar at his Beli Road residence on a Sunday before leaving
Allahabad . He still lives there. In a portion of the house he has
established ‘ Sheela Dhar Institute of Soil Sciences ‘ in his wife’s
memory at his own cost. At the age of ninety years he is its honorary
Director , not in name only but in actual reality too. He directs the
students the same way as he used to do earlier.. [ Dr. Dhar has since
expired ]
Atma Ram reached his residence early in the morning.
The door was closed . He did not dare knock at the door and whiled
away the time hoping some one will open the door. In a little while
Professor’s younger brother , Shri P. R . Dhar whose pet name was Chupin
Babu , came out seeing me aimlessly moving about and asked me if I
wished to meet Dr. Dhar. He replied in affirmative. Chupin Babu
escorted him to his elder brother. Atma Ram was overjoyed seeing Dr.
Dhar sitting on a wooden ‘takht’ wearing a vest and a dhoti.. He would
not have recognised him had he not seen him before.
Dr Dhar recognised Atma Ram the moment he entered. He asked him to sit near him and regretted that he could not admit him.
Atma
Ram told him that he had come to meet him to pay his respects before
leaving Allahabad . He added with great care and submissiveness that
he liked his yesterday’s lecture very much.
Prof thought that
Atma Ram was only bluffing about the lecture just to please and impress
him. In order to test Atma Ram , he asked him as he had heard the
lecture what did he like most.
Atma Ram had heard the entire
lecture and had no difficulty in summarising it. He began narrating
the lecture. Atma Ram continued fluently in the vein of an expert in
the subject. Prof. listened attentively and was very surprised. In
his long brilliant teaching career he had never come across a student
so promising and capable who could precisely summarise and narrate a
whole period’s lecture even when he did not actually sit in the class.
He asked Atma Ram how did he listen to the lecture when he was not in
the class room. He told him that he had heard the lecture not in the
class room but standing near the railing in the verandah. Dr. Dhar was
really amazed and taken aback. He inquired as to when I was leaving.
But before he could reply , Prof asked him to meet him in the laboratory
before leaving. He then asked his younger brother to get some snacks
for Atma Ram.
Atma Ram thought that some good would come out of
this meeting as Dr. had offered sweets to him which he would not have
been offering to all and sundry who visited him.
Next day Atma
Ram went to meet Prof. Dhar in the laboratory. Prof. K.P.Chatterji
known as Khetu Babu in the University was the Reader in his Department
then. At that time Dr. Dhar was with him in the room.
Prof.
Chatterji was a very humble and a thorough gentleman . Dr. Dhar
discussed the issue of Atma Ram’s admission with Khetu Babu. The
result was that he was provisionally admitted in M.Sc. Atma Ram ‘s joy
had no bounds. Prof. Dhar gave a chit for the Registrar to him and he
got the admission. Saint Tulsidas had written in Ramcharitmanas the
following couplet :-
“ Tulsi jas bhavitvyata tesai mile sahay
Aap na ave tahi pe tahi tahan le jaye “
meaning—“
Tulsi says that he who deserves God helps him , if it does not come
naturally God sends him where the help is available.”
This way
Atma Ram’s wishes were fulfilled. The proverb ‘ where there is a will,
there is a way ‘ came out true. A strong will makes its own path. The
admission to M.Sc. changed his entire life. Whereas when with great
disappointment he was about to leave Allahabad , God bestowed on him
happiness to last all his life. Suddenly his lost confidence was not
only restored but it increased several fold.
After getting
admission he began living in the Hindu Hostel . While he got a loan
from the Society it was not enough and he had to give some tutions.
Due to paucity of funds he used to cook his own food. He studied hard
as he was aware that with a second division he could not get a job.
His labours bore fruit. He stood first class first in all M.Sc.
courses of the University. Prof. Dhar was highly pleased with his
stupendous success. He had all the reasons to be as his provisionally
admitted student by standing first class first in the entire University
had proved his ability of judging the students capability and calibre
to the hilt. Recalling this event and his relations with Prof. Dhar
Atma Ram said ::-
“ God’s ways are strange. I had gone to bid
goodbye to Dr. Dhar but returned with his everlasting grace and
patronage. I not only did M.Sc. from there but also D.Sc. Had I not
had such a strong desire to listen to Dr. Dhar’s lecture that fateful
day , I would have had no opportunity to study M.Sc. in the University
of Allahabad
I used to live in Hindu Hostel. I cooked my own
food. One evening Prof. Dhar visited the Hostel and came to my room.
It was an extraordinarily momentous and memorable occasion for such a
great and renowned Scientist like Prof. Dhar visiting the hostel room of
an ordinary boy merely studying in Final Year M.Sc. I was busy
cooking. With great love and affection he told me , “you are not going
to do your cooking any more “. He looked round the room and said that
he knew that I had to do the cooking due to paucity of funds and
immediately took out from his purse two months mess charges and offered
the money to me . I was simply overwhelmed with the kind gesture and
just could not dare refuse the offer. Prof. sat down in my room for
some time and saw some of the books. He went through some of my notes
and left in a happy and satisfied mood. I was completely overwhelmed
with his uncommon affection towards me . Even today after a lapse of
more than half a century that moment is vividly and distinctly engraved
in my mind.”
Marriage Proposals
Marriages took
place at very tender ages those days. In keeping with the prevalent
tradition marriage proposals came along for Atma Ram when he was
merely ten or eleven years old. Those days an interesting procedure was
followed in Uttar Pradesh villages for firming the future
relationships. According to the custom a member of the bride’s family
used to give a rupee to the prospective bridegroom on an auspicious
day. In a way this was considered symbolic of an advance agreement
on the future relationship and both the families abided by it.
Atma
Ram’s father Munshi Bhagwandas ji believed in ‘ Arya Samaj ‘ values and
was totally against dowry. After a few days girl’s parents inquired
about the jewellery etc which they would like to give to the bride.
Munshi ji neither believed in show nor had the money to buy jewellery
and fine clothes. His economic condition was not good those days and he
also did not believe in wasteful expenditures . He simply replied that
he was investing in the education of his son and he would neither give
any jewellery nor he desired any. If they so desired they could buy
jewellery for their daughter. They were not impressed and married their
daughter elsewhere..
Once a proposal came when he was studying
in B.Sc. A highly placed official came to Pilana with the intention of
seeking a match for her daughter. He was also an officer in Atma Ram’s
uncle’s Office. He knew him well . During the conversation with his
father and uncle he said that it was good that they were educating the
boy but so far he had not studied much and just wait when he would
provide highest education to his son . He would send the boy to
England at his own cost . Munshi Bhagwandas ji did not relish this. He
did not wish to be rude and curt to his guest . With folded hands he
told him firmly that they were poor people and the boy was somehow
studying by taking loans and giving tutions . It was a good thing that
he would study further with his blessings .
When Atma Ram
visited his village during the vacations , his father broached this
subject with him. Atma Ram told him that as those people were not
appreciative of our struggle and efforts it might not be conducive to
have any relationship with them. They intended to purchase us by
giving allurement of defraying the expenses of studies in England .
His father was immensely pleased at this . His uncle felt uneasy as
the concerned person was an officer in his office. Atma Ram had a
great respect for his uncle. He therefore suggested a polite letter be
sent to that person in order to gauge him mentioning that since they
could not afford the expenses of Atma Ram’s studies , he could send the
money direct to him at Kanpur . There was no response to this letter .
The would be Father-in-law kept quiet and Uncle was very pleased
that he was saved from possible embarrassment . There is a saying that
the snake was killed while ‘lathi’ was saved .
Atma Ram’s sister
used to live in Delhi . Once a girl [ Atma Ram’s wife to be ] came to
stay with her for appearing in the Metric examination. Her mother had
accompanied her. As usual when children are of marriageable age ,
parents look for suitable matches for them . The girl’s mother also
raised the same topic with his sister . Some women from the
neighbourhood happened to be sitting there and asked his sister to
consider marrying her brother with the girl . Atma Ram used to visit
his sister quite often . Neighbours had seen him .They knew about him
too . His sister told them that Atma Ram was not ready for marriage.
Any way this matter is generally discussed during summer vacations .
The girl's mother said that she would also take a chance and go to her
brother’s village in summer and requested her to be there too at that
time .
Besides these several other marriage proposals were also
received . But Atma Ram used to silence his mother by telling her that
no girl liked him . When he turned twenty nine villagers began
wondering what those people were up to and how much they would demand in
dowry . When Atma Ram reached his village during summer vacations
his future brother-in-law also dropped in as per the above mentioned
plans . He was practising law at Bijnor . He also brought the girl with
him .
They raised the issue of Atma Ram’s marriage with Lala
Bhagwandas ji His father dissuaded them stating that since his
economic condition was not good and the boy was studying by getting
scholarships , he could not say any thing in the matter .
Though
Atma Ram had explained his views regarding marriage but it was also an
accepted fact that in such lively matters it was not a satisfactory
way out . Somehow the matter got postponed .
During the
summer of 1933 , Atma Ram’s sister and brother-in- law arrived in the
village and raised the issue of marriage . At the time Atma Ram was
getting a scholarship of rupees one hundred per month .Every one
appreciated his practical view point on economic constraints and it was
quite apparent that marriage might not be feasible under the
circumstances . In the intervening period his mother during one of her
visits to Bijnor had seen the girl there .
Lala Bhagwandas told
the Vakil Saheb that in the village they all did their own work while
in the town he had servants . Would his sister be able to lead such a
life ? But he was willing to accept all the terms and conditions .He
did not at all consider this an obstacle . He simply wanted an answer
in the affirmative .
During this period Atma Ram went to meet his
Aunt at Bijnor along with his brother-in-law .While Atma Ram stayed
behind his brother-in-law went to meet Vakil Saheb . After sometime
Vakil Saheb came to the house and took him along with him to his house .
As usual the subject of marriage was broached again . Atma Ram
reiterated his views and asked them to reconsider as his economic
condition was not good . At this Vakil Saheb’s aunt [Tai ] stated
that they had considered all that and were fully agreeable with his
view that wedding would take place only when he got a job . He had
thought that they would not accept the condition . But now he had no
alternative but to accept .
Atma Ram later learnt that his elder
sister had earlier convinced them that if a boy could get rupees hundred
as mere scholarship would he not get a nice job . Then this
scholarship had a big value . Sister’s argument was quite sound .
His mother too was convinced . In the end they both convinced his
father too .
The asked him if he was satisfied . Atma Ram
replied in the affirmative and asked them to discuss the matter with his
father . Tai ji said that as Banarasi [Vakil Saheb ] had already
finalised this with his father it might not be necessary and asked that
sweets be offered . Atma Ram did not like that but in no time the
foundation stone of his married life was laid .
In those days as
per the custom the boys and girls did not usually see each other before
the wedding . Yet in educated families it was considered proper for
boys and girls to meet sometimes to know each other better in order to
make up their minds . Atma Ram indicated his desire to meet and talk
to the girl but it was denied . Atma Ram could not comprehend as to why
they had agreed to give their daughter in marriage in a family who did
not even possess a pacca house . This indeed was a courageous act .
Atma
Ram’s father-in-law was an Excise Inspector . His name was Babu Jwala
Prasad After retirement he used to live at Allahabsad . He was not in
favour of imparting higher education to girls . He had seven daughters .
Eldest son was practising law . He was in favour of educating the
girls . He felt that it would then be easier to find suitable matches
for the girls .
Check and Mate On Marriage Conditions
In
1934 Atma Ram met his in-laws . During the talks they broached the
subject of his marriage and reminding him of his promise insisted on
an early wedding . He told them his service was a temporary one, just
for three months . How could he depend on it and marry . At this
they pointed out that more than one and a half years had elapsed since
engagement and till the girl is married they would not be able to
fulfill their other obligations .
Atma Ram was well aware of
his in-laws problems . But he had his own compulsions about his sad
economic condition . He frankly told them that while his laid down
condition had been fulfilled he did not have any money for the wedding .
They replied that while he could do whatever he considered proper
,wedding should take place at the earliest .
It was now
impossible for him to disregard his in-law’s affectionate and loving
insistence He found himself for a moment engulfed in a difficult
situation. After some deep thinking he eventually concluded that
wedding was the only way out for solving his in-law’s problem .
Therefore after deliberating hard he told them that wedding could be
performed immediately and his younger brother who was studying in
Allahabad at the time and he would form the Wedding Party .
Atma
Ram had offered the suggestion keeping in mind an action plan . Dr.
Satya Prakash and Atma Ram were friends . Dr. Satya Prakash’s family
belonged to ‘Arya Samaj ‘ His father Shri Ganga Prasad was the
recipient of ‘ Mangala Prasad ‘ prestigious award of the Uttar Pradesh
government . He was the Head Master of D.A.V.College Allahabad . His
mother was the head of Arya Samaj . Atma Ram used to visit them quite
often . They used to often discuss simple and austere weddings .
Atma Ram was ever ready to experiment . He thought of applying the
ideas in his own wedding . After thus apprising his in-laws he met
Dr. Satya Prakash . At this he and all his family members were
immensely pleased .
Atma Ram’s suggestion was very impractical .
It was but natural that any one listening to it would have instantly
reacted adversely . But his in-laws by this time had become quite
familiar with his ideas and feelings . They therefore did not take it
seriously . They could neither say yes nor no to his strange
suggestion .
Atma Ram’s suggestion for such a wedding could not
be acceptable to a very respectable , cultured and well to do family .
Who so ever heard about it felt that weddings never took place that way
.
When Babu Jwala Prasad ji came to the house , the women of
the family told him about his suggestion . Atma Ram’s father-in-law
used to call him D.Sc. Saheb . He told them that they were very naïve
as D.Sc. Saheb must be joking . Weddings were not performed that way .
But his eldest daughter explained to him that Atma Ram was sure of what
he said and always carried it out . She suggested that he was right and
under the circumstances there was no alternative but to accept the
proposal . Babu Jwala Prasad did not know what to do . He simply said
that when Atma Ram comes get this confirmed again .
Atma Ram’s
eldest sister-in-law addressed him as ‘Lalla ‘. She was older to him by
one year . She had great affection for him and would treat him as her
son . Atma Ram was very close to her and would not hesitate to tell
her anything . When this issue came up again he repeated the same
suggestion and added that in the circumstances there was no other
alternative . If they had any reservation the wedding could wait till
his financial position improved
Thus they were placed in a great
dilemma . However somehow they happily agreed to perform the wedding
as he desired . Atma Ram could never imagine and believe that such a
respectable family would ever agree for such a simple wedding so easily.
But now to keep his promise he was left with no other alternative but
to marry . Initially he felt that they were joking but when they
seriously with pleasure accorded their accent he understood that they
were caring for his feelings and were really ready for a simple wedding
for his sake only . In essence this time too he got checked and mated
in his pre-conditions for his marriage .
Wedding In Rupees Hundred Only
Atma
Ram’s father lived in village along with his family . At Atma Ram’s
bidding Babu Jwala Prasad went to his village Pilana and met his
father .and described all what had happened and conveyed that Atma Ram
desired that he and his brother should attend the wedding . After
carefully listening Munshi Bhagwandas ji told his future relative that
under the circumstances their suggestion was commendable and added that
at least he was in favour of such an ideal wedding He then suggested
that as Atma Ram and his brother were already in Allahabad., they would
be their representative at the wedding . Since the wedding was being
conducted in a very simple and austere way they would like to avoid the
expenditure on their travel too . After the wedding they should come
to the village .
He then gave a letter to him for delivering to his son and bade them farewell very happily .
At
Allahabad Atma Ram had an intimate relationship not only with Dr.
Satya Prakash but his family too . His mother considered Atma Ram as
her son and he warmly reciprocated . Dr. Satya Prakash’s father ,
Pandit Ganga Prasad Upadhyaya was vateran Arya Samajist and Atma Ram too
held those views dear . They held similar views on many things . The
wedding was fixed for 26th December , 1934 . Dr. Satya Prakash
performed the wedding rituals from groom’s side and his younger brother
Bhai Shiv Prakash from the bride’s side . Almost all the Professors
of Allahabad University constituted the wedding party . Dr. Dhar and
Dr. Saha being away from Allahabad could not attend the wedding .
Wedding was performed from Dr. Satya Prakash’s residence His mother
arranged all the essential ingredients and other necessary things
required for the wedding . The bridegroom was taken to the wedding in
Prof. Khetu Babu’s car. On the insistence of his mother-in-law and
despite his wishes he agreed for an accompanying band . Dr. Satya
Prakash had convinced him that since they had agreed to all his wishes
he should accept that one wish to please her The wedding was performed
with Arya Samajic rites The ‘mandap’ was constructed according to
Vedic rites and the wedding was solemnised with the recitation of
Vedic hymns .
In 1976 , Dr Atma Ram had written an article in
the monthly journal ‘Vigyan’ with the heading--- ‘Dada bhi and Purohit
bhi’ { Both an older brother and a priest ] Below are some excerpts
from his article which throw some light not only on his relations with
Dr. Satya Prakash but also how the wedding was performed in just rupees
hundred only :-
“ With Dada [ Dr. Satya Prakash ] so much
closeness had developed that we would even discuss our family matters .
Both were unmarred those days . Some people used to say that Dada would
not marry His younger brother Shiv Prakash was already married and had
children . I remember his son’s name was Vimal . Occasionally we
discussed marriage . I said that I belonged to a poor family . My
younger brothers were studying . When I got a mere scholarship ,
studies of my brothers were far more important than marriage .
Marriages needed lot of money . The question of marriage did not arise
till I earned enough money . I was against taking loans for the
marriage . I was already engaged in May 1933 on the premise that
wedding would be solemnised only when I got into service . I had got a
teacher’s job in 1934 at Government College Ajmer for about four months
. It ended in November . I returned to Allahabad to write my D.Sc
thesis . My father-in-law Late Babu Jwala Prasad chose to live in
Allahabad after his retirement from service mainly for the education
of his daughters . My mother-in-law met me two or three times to
remind me that one and a half years had elapsed and his condition of
procuring a job had also been fulfilled even though it be for four
months only To me when I was unemployed and without money marriage
appeared absurd .
They approached Dada knowing that he could
influence me . Dada was against wasteful expenditure in weddings . He
was aware of my views and the problems of my wife’s family . My wife
was the fifth among seven sisters . She had two younger sisters whose
marriages were likely to be delayed. If I delayed mine . Those days
there was no computer . Dada acted like one . Dada spoke to me and I
told him with great authority that I was willing to get married if the
wedding expenses were limited to rupees hundred only . Neither could I
spend more nor would like to . Dada appreciated my views particularly
the latter . He also did not want to spend more in his wedding too and
my wedding could be like a ‘ Pilot Project ‘ if the idea succeeded .
Dada got married to Dr. Ratna Kumari after about two months of my
wedding . She later became the Principal of Arya Kanya Pathshala .
When this suggestion was put up to my in-laws , obviously they took it
as a joke . Seeing no other alternative they gave in . Then the
question arose of how to solemnise wedding in rupees hundred only . My
father was one step ahead of me in this regard His views were very
modern and constructive though he did not know English . On my
suggestion he wrote to me that there was no need of his or any other
member of the family to be present at the wedding My younger brother
Late Shri Lakshmi , who was then studying in I.S.C. in Irving Christian
College and I should come to village after the wedding . 26th December
, 1934 was fixed for the wedding . Every thing was arranged at Dada’s
house . The wedding party of about thirty persons consisted of Head of
the Chemistry Department Prof . K.P.Chatterji ,Dr. Satyeshwar Ghosh ,
Dr. Bhattacharya and some research students . Dr. Chatterji’s Ford
Car was utilised for the groom . The party started from Dada’s residence
.Dada also arranged for the band . Dr. Dhar was attending Science
Congress away from Allahabad . Dada acted as ‘Purohit ‘ [ Pandit ] from
groom’s side . His younger brother acted as purohit from the bride’s
side Dada performed the rituals with great enthusiasm . Every one
appreciated the wedding ceremonies . Dr Chatterji and Dr. Satyeshwar
Ghosh while blessing the couple spoke a few words of appreciation . My
father-in-law was highy pleased . He said that it would be wonderful
if all weddings took place that way .He added that he thought it a joke
only and a ploy to delay the marriage when D.Sc. Saheb [ He used to
call me by this name even before I got the degree ] suggested wedding
to be performed in rupees hundred only . I received at least some
appreciation in the end .
This way dada became our’ Purohit ‘ .
He acted with great feelings and reverence . This happened more than
forty one years ago . Our married life has been very happy and peaceful
. This in itself is the proof of Dada’s good ‘ purohitai ‘ . Dada
could not get a pie in ‘ dakshina ‘. On the contrary he spent money .
After all he was my Dada I had no elder brother . He was very happy
with the wedding specially so as his Pilot Project was successful .
Whenever Dada visits us this topic is always mentioned . We shall ever
remain grateful to him .”
Third Chapter
Continuous Struggle For A Living
First in M.Sc.
Atma
Ram’s father was generally against taking loans but not for good
causes like studies . He had taken loan from a Society in Meerut for
meeting expenses of his studies to some extent .
Those days
science students used to get employed only in schools or colleges .
Some used to appear in competitive examinations
.There was hardly any opening in industry . After appearing in M.Sc.
Final Atma Ram returned to his village .This was in 1931 .After some
time results were announced . Atma Ram passed M.Sc. in first division .
Family members were very pleased . But the exuberance began
dwindling with passage of time as loan had to be returned to the Society
. Even greater worry was to share the responsibilities with his
father for running the household . That was possible only when he
could secure a job . It is a fact that at that time it was more
difficult to get an employment than now .
This happened in 1931 . Atma Ram mentioned how he got to know his result as follows :-
“
My father used to visit Bijnor once in a while for attending to some
official business Pawary Post Office was about three miles away
from our village , Pilana . Only one postman served several villages .
Generally he used to give the letters to some boys or other
inhabitants of the village for delivery . When it was time for the
result to be announced I asked my father to find out the result as he
was going to Bijnor . Result used to be announced through the Gazette .
Those days Gazette used to be received by one or two offices only .
On his request a person looked in the Gazette and heartily announced
that his son had stood first in the entire University . He added that
how it was that he did not know the result through letter as the Gazette
had been received quite a few days back . Perhaps he wanted to avoid
distributing sweets on the occasion .
On his return in the
evening he told us about the result . After a day or two I also
received a letter from a friend . This letter was duly received in time
by the Pawari Post office but the postman sent it to us at his leisure .
One can imagine how pathetic was our postal system even after
completion of one third of the century . Today news is sometimes
received in some of our distant villages even before it is received in
towns .”
Empress Victoria Research Readership
Vacations
ended . Atma Ram left for Allahabad in the hope of getting a research
scholarship in the University . One could not get a job idling in the
village where even news papers announcing vacancies were not available .
When
Atma Ram reached Allahabad Prof. Dhar was away abroad . Atmaram
desired to do D.Sc. under the supervision of Prof. Dhar . For that he
would give some tutions . It might be mentioned that those days there
were no such degrees as Ph.D. or D.Phil. It was essential to do three
years research work for D.Sc. In those days University used to offer
rupees hundred scholarships for research work either for two or three
years . Since these scholarships were very few it was more difficult to
get them than a service .
There were only two Empress Victoria
Research Readerships . Luckily one more was added that year . For
the three scholarships a condition was attached that the candidates
should be well versed in Hindi and should write some articles on
science in Hindi .
Dr. Meghnad Saha was the Head of the
Physics Department then . Mathematics Department was Headed by Prof.
S.C.Banerjee . When the issue of new scholarship was taken up in the
University working committee meeting , Dr Banerjee raised an objection
stating that so far the available scholarships had always been given to
researchers in Physics and Chemistry only . Scholarship was never
given for research in mathematics resulting in no useful research
being undertaken and promising students were also not being attracted .
His argument had lot of weight ,
Prof. Saha and Prof. Banerjee
were also good friends . They used to respect each other’s views too
.Dr. Dhar was not there at the time . Prof. K.P.Chatterjee was
representing him . Dr. Saha believed in freedom of expression . He
told Dr. Banerjee that when no good student was ever willing to stay on
how could the scholarships be given in Mathematics . Dr. Chatterjee
supported Dr. Saha .
Applications for ‘Empress Victoria Research
Readership’ were taken up next . From the Chemistry Department Atma
Ram’s name was recommended . A high second divisioner’s name was
recommended by the Department of Mathematics . After due
consideration the committee decided that Mathematics student’s name
would also be given due weightage if he also knew Hindi . The final
decision was left with the Vice Chancellor Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. Ganga
Nath Jha . Thus only two students remained in contention for the new
found scholarship .
One day the Vice Chancellor called both the
students for interview . When he enquired from the Mathematics
student as to whether he knew Hindi he replied that while he did not
know Hindi he knew Urdu . Those days ‘ Vigyan Parishad ‘ had
commenced publication of a monthly journal ‘Vigyan ‘ in Hindi . Atma
Ram occasionally used to contribute articles for this journal and by
mere
coincidence when he reported for the interview the Vice
Chancellor was reading an article in ‘ Vigyan ‘ authored by Atma Ram
himself .
Atma Ram had passed vernacular Hindi Middle
examination in 1922 He had carried with him the pass certificate of
that course and showed it to him during the interview . He said that he
was just reading his article and he knew Hindi very well .
The
vernacular Hindi Middle certificate confirmed that he had actually
written that article . There could be a doubt that he might have got
the article published in his name written by someone else . It is
rightly said that in ones life no action is worthless . The one we
consider useless at the time turns out in future of great significance .
Provisional Teacher In Ajmer
The
research scholarship was for three years only . Soon three years
elapsed . During this period Atma Ram had fully concentrated on
research work only . But after the cessation of the scholarship the
question of seeking an employment again arose . During this period his
younger brother was also staying with him . He was studying in Inter .
The expenses of the brothers were met from the scholarship money .
Atma Ram had also saved some money by economising on non essentials
for such a time .
At that time Atma Ram received ‘ Lady Tata
Memorial ‘ scholarship of rupees one hundred and fifty per month for one
year . Those days chemists used to be employed in sugar industry . A
few of his friends had also been employed and they also urged him to
join the industry . He thus developed an inclination towards it as he
too had to find a job . Yet his mind was set on research and not on
sugar .
In the final year of his research he was introduced to a
sugar specialist . He was writing a book on sugar technology . Atma
Ram helped him in writing the book and in return also gained some
knowledge . He was also promised that he would be employed as
assistant chemist in December in the factory where he was joining as
chief Chemist . Thus Atma Ram decided to become a Chemist . He was
happy that he had almost secured a job along with the Tata scholarship .
In north India sugar industries start operating in December
only . Therefore any employment before December was not possible . In
the mean time he got a provisional service as Officiating Professor in
government College Ajmer . He thought of working till November or
December in the College and then join the sugar industry . Atma Ram
discussed the idea with Prof. Dhar . Prof. told him that he would have
to leave research work as he would not get any opportunity in his job
as a Chemist . He had earlier tried unsuccessfully for a demonstrator
‘s job for him in his Department , Hence despite himself he was not in a
position to stop him leaving the Tata scholarship and joining the
Government College Ajmer at rupees two hundred per month wages .
Those
days Prof. Seshadari was the Principal of Ajmer College . Before that
he was the Head of the department of English in the University of
Banaras . He knew Atma Ram a little bit . He was please d to learn
that Atma Ram was an ex-student of Banaras His delight increased
further on receiving a letter for him from Dr. Dhar .
When he was
about to complete four months at the Ajmer College he received a letter
from that person . While he had been appointed as Chief Chemist he
indicated his inability to get him the Assistant’s job as promised
earlier . Atma Ram’s hopes were dashed . Then he was really
unemployed . He was simply left stranded because with the assurance of
getting the job he had surrendered the ‘ Lady Tata Memorial ‘
scholarship . There was no question of its resumption midway . Seeing
no possibility of an employment he went back to Allahabad to write his
thesis .
Unpaid Apparentice
There was a sugar mill in
Bijnor those days . He went to the management for seeking a suitable
job . All his efforts were futile . Leave aside getting a job there was
not even a ray of hope of getting it in future too . At a distance of
about eight to nine Kilometres from Bijnor there was a Government
experimental sugar factory . They were ascertaining whether Steam power
was cheaper or Electric power .
That factory was part of the
Ganges Hydroelectric scheme . It was called Dharm Nagri Factory
Division It might be mentioned that the name Dharm Nagri was given by
Raja Jwala Prasad [ Since expired ] in honour of his son Shri Dharm
Vir Ji , the noted administrator and Governor Earlier it was called Mir
Pur . and Raja Saheb was its Zamindar [Landlord ] .Raja Jwala Prasad
was the first Indian Chief Engineer in Uttar Pradesh Government Shri
B.K.agrawala was the manager of this factory. He was a very social,
and idealistic gentleman . The factory was small and employed only
about twenty or twenty five people . There was no scope for a job in
the factory . On the advice of some persons Atma Ram met him along with
his brother-in-law Vakil Saheb . While indicating his inability in
giving a job he offered with some hesitation unpaid apparenticeship .
He added that being a Government factory he had to obtain concurrence
from the Government . Those days permission was accorded by Imperial
Sugar Technologist stationed at Headquarters at Kanpur . Then Shri
R.C.Shrivastav was holding that post . He was the younger brother of
the famous industrialist Sir J.P.Shrivastav who later became the
food member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council . He accorded his accent
soon . This is merely to state that in those days a student who was
on the verge of getting D.Sc. had to seek permission to get an unpaid
apparenticeship in a very small factory .
While Atma Ram got
an opportunity for learning but the problem was of his very existence
without salary . After due consideration the problem was resolved .
He would stay with his brother-in-law and impart tutions for a living .
Atma
Ram used to cycle down eight to nine Kilometres to factory every day .
The factory employs were wondering why he came to the factory
regularly with out pay . Most of the Chemists in the factory were mere
B.Sc. while some were diploma engineers . Since factory was small soon
the word spread around that a prospective D.Sc. was working unpaid there
. No one could fathom out the reason and none was impressed .
In
the factory the person engaged as penman for crystal growing by
boiling the cane juice was regarded in esteem . Though he was
illiterate yet his value had increased due to his skills and long
experience . Atma Ram spent time with him . He began observing his
work sitting by his side . Seeing Atma Ram daily sitting by his side ,
one day he said to him , “ Babu Saheb , this is a dirty work and your
clothes get dirty . All Babus sit in the laboratory and you should also
sit there . What will you get here except spoiling your clothes .”
But
Atma Ram had joined the factory to improve his knowledge and skills .
He did not care if the clothes got spoiled . He replied , “ Brother , I
like your work . Please tell me what you are doing and how you do it
.” Generally the workers would not disclose their secret tricks and
skills but the penman took a liking for his educated pupil and began
explaining his work with love and affection . The Manager had left Atma
Ram free to move about and sit any where in the factory .
Atma
Ram began wondering what skills this worker possessed in him that every
one respected him so much . He was an expert in growing sugar crystals
and his skill was admired by one and all . Atma Ram saw that he would
simply place a few drops of boiling sugarcane juice on a glass slide
and facing the light would tell if the juice was ready for
crystallisation . Atma Ram sitting by his side quickly learnt the
secret of his skill . If the slide became translucent [ Dull ] then
he would ask his assistants to add some syrup etc in the juice . Atma
Ram had observed this carefully .
After a few days he told the
penman that once he might be permitted to grow the crystals . He agreed
instantly . Perhaps he cherished the idea that a highly educated man
had become his pupil . He too in his behaviour with him had never showed
off . Atma Ram did what he was told by the penman and learnt the art
and skills of crystal growing . He took such a keen interest in it
that occasionally he would spend the night in the factory .
That
year winter was exceptionally cold in that area. Sugarcane crop was
damaged due to frost . Red rot set in the sugarcanes . They smelled
of vinegar and sugar yield was also much reduced . Mr. Agrawal told
him that being a local he could help in procuring good sugarcanes from
nearby villages which were not affected by frost . His efforts were
fruitful and the factory could get sufficient good quality sugarcanes .
Normally
the factory could be closed for a few days due to sugarcane shortage
but Sir William Stemp who was then Chief Engineer ,U.P. had invited the
then Governor of U.P. Sir Harry Heig for a visit to the factory .
Needless to say that Shri Agrawal was much worried due to possible
shortage of good quality sugarcanes . He was thus relieved
Sulphur-
di- oxide was used for purifying cane sugar . While working Atma Ram
concluded that by its use acidity was increased which led to the
formation of excessive molasses . The frost damaged sugarcanes formed
molasses still more . Being a researcher Atma Ram thought that if
less acidic substance was used for purification perhaps molasses
formation might be reduced and the sugar yield might increase . A
replacement of the acid was needed . He recollected that in his village
crushers were used for making gur and acid was not used to purify juice
. Yet the juice was clean . He remembered that they mixed ‘Chuclai’ [
Like the tough exterior covering of ladies finger plant ]
in the
juice for cleaning . This was easily available in the village and he
got some collected . On his suggestion Shri Agrawal engaged a worker
from the crushers . Very few in the factory knew about this development
. The factory in reality became an experimental one . Atma Ram began
comparing the juices produced by the two methods . The penman who did
not know any thing about acidity tried to dissuade him saying that
nothing ever changed in the factory routine . But when Atma Ram
explained he accepted . The factory Engineer Shri Kehar Singh Bhal
appreciated the idea of using chuclai in place of the acid .as it was
already in use in cane crushers ..
The idea worked . The juice
in which chuclai was used with less sulphur , purified better . The
success was more than expected . Formation of molasses was less and
sugar content increased . shri Agrawal was very pleased when Shri Bhan
informed him . Later he told Atma Ram that while occasionally he
travelled with him in his car to Bijnor he had never mentioned the
experiment to him .
The penman publicised this in the factory .
He commented that chemists in the laboratory knew less than Babu Saheb
yet they were being paid and not he , but he took more interest in his
work .
The matter was reported to higher ups . The manager
patted him on the back and appreciated his work . From then on the old
penman considered him an expert in the field .
Sir William Stemp
and other senior Government officials used to inspect and visit the
factory quite often as it was under Government supervision . Shri
Agrawal held Atma Ram in high esteem . Once he introduced him to Sir
Williams and informed him that though he was not being paid yet his
contribution to the factory was great and he had improved the sugar
production significantly .
After some time as season ended the
factory operations came to a standstill . Every one was without a job .
Hence his being absorbed there was out of the question .
After
a few days Atma Ram was called for interview . Those days during summer
Union Public Service Commission used to hold interviews in Shimla .
Since he was out of job he wondered whether it was worthwhile to spend
money to go to Shimla when the vacancies were only three . Anyway he
did go to Shimla . Interviews were to take place in Kennedy House
annexe . Atma Ram was in the first batch of about 15 candidates .
Some candidates were Ph.D. from London . It was rumoured that out of
about 700-800 candidates only about 40-50 were short listed and called
for interview . Dr. M.N.Ghatak D.Sc. from Allahabad University was
also a candidate . His interview was for the next day . Atma Ram
could not believe that even he had come for the interview . Atma Ram
got very disheartened . Reason was evident . Those days Muslims had
thirty three percent reservation in all the posts . Hence only two
vacancies were available . They could not select both the candidates
from Allahabad University only . The candidates were from all over
India . Dr. Ghatak , his senior was already a D.Sc. Probability of
his selection was greater . While Atma Ram had submitted his thesis he
was still to get the formal degree . Seeing the reality whatever
tension he had about the interview vanished . He felt then that it was
only a formality to appear for the interview .
Atma Ram was
called for the interview . Initially formal questions were asked like
his name , where he had come from and how he had come etc. etc. Rai
Bahadur P.L.Dhavan member UPSC and Director of concerned department
Mr. Broady were among the members of the selection board . Mr. Broady
was in the board as an expert .
Dhavan Saheb in order to assess
the mental balance asked me where he had come from , how he had come ,
if by rail by what class he travelled and how much was the fare . After
that he asked a strange question , ‘ Had you travelled first class how
much the fare would have been ! “
Atma Ram had already given up
all hopes . He was perplexed by those strange questions . He did not
know what to reply . He simply said , “ Sir , there seems to be some
misunderstanding “
Mr. Dhavan asked , “ what ! “
Atma Ram said , “
Sir , I am called for the interview for the post of a Chemical
Assistant in the Industrial Bureau not for any post in the Railways . “
As
he said this every one had a hearty laugh . Atma Ram was shaken up .
He felt that he had committed a mistake in showing his annoyance .
Dhavan Saheb ‘s face became red . He then spoke seriously , “ I know . “
Immediately the Chairman announced that the interview was over .
It
may be mentioned that Atma Ram ji had told the author regarding the
interview that he did know how he answered that way . In a similar
situation now he would not give that answer .
Atma Ram began
collecting his papers . The moment he was getting up Mr. Broady asked
the Chairman if he too could ask some questions.
Chairman said , “ Yes , Yes “
Atma Ram just sat down .
Mr.
Broady was a Scot and his English pronunciation was not very clear .
He asked , “ Well , have you worked on photo chemical reactions 1 “
Atma Ram , “ Yes , Sir . “
Mr. Broady , “ What effect sunlight has on Sambhar salt ! “
He
spoke Sambhar salt in such a way that Atma Ram got perplexed . He
wondered whether he was saying Sambhar salt or somersault . Sambhar
salt was being produced from Sambhar lake situated in Rajsthan .
Somersault would mean changing positions and postures by man with out
reason . After a while he replied , “ Sir , what exactly you mean --
Sambhar salt or somersault ! “
Chairman smiling said that it could be both .
Atma
Ram , “Sir , sunlight would evaporate the water as steam from the salt
solution of the lake and only salt crystals would remain . But
somersault is related to the behaviour of men altering body postures
for no possible reason . I do not know how sunlight would effect this
as it pertains to the domain of medical sciences .”
At this every one had a hearty laugh .
Chairman , “ Interview is over “
This time interview was really over . Atma Ram collected his papers and returned with a heavy heart .
Atma
Ram had reached Shimla a day before the interview He stayed in a small
hotel . A girl of his village had been married to Shri Visheshwar
Dayal Tyagi of the neighbouring village . Shri Tyagi was an Indian
Audit and Accounts Officer and was then stationed at Shimla . His
father-in-law had asked him to definitely meet Shri Tyagi and deliver
to him his letter personally He went that very evening to meet Shri
Tyagi . He was a very experienced and a social person . He gave Atma
Ram some tips on the interview and advised him that if he did not know
the answer to a question he should simply say so instead of bluffing
just to impress the members .
Atma Ram became very sad after the
interview . He went to meet Tyagi ji before leaving for his village .
His office was not far away from Kennedy Annexe . Seeing Atma Ram’s sad
face he asked with concern , “How was your interview ! “ Atma Ram told
him that it was very bad and then narrated the whole episode .
Tyagi ji was immensely pleased and told him not to unnecessarily worry
and go home happy as he had done very well in the interview . He
thought that Tyagi ji was only comforting him . He wondered if that
interview could be judged good then what a bad interview would be .
He returned home after bidding him goodbye .
When he returned
home another interview call was awaiting him . In 1935 Uttar Pradesh
Government had instituted a special scholarship for sending a candidate
abroad for getting specialist training in Sugar technology . The call
was for this interview . He had to go to Hercourt Butler Institute of
Technology , Kanpur for the interview . In a portion of this Institute
there was a Department for research in sugar technology . The
department has since grown and has become famous as full fledged
National Sugar Institute .
`There was only one scholarship .
About twenty people were called for the interview . When about eight
candidates were interviewed it was suddenly stopped . Rest of the
candidates were simply kept waiting and none was called . Atma Ram was
one of them . He kept sitting under a tree with a token in his hand .
Those days it was the custom to give tokens to the candidates . After
quite some time they began losing their patience and all decided to
find out as to why they were not being called for the interview . They
thought that perhaps the interviews would recommence after lunch .
Seeing an office peon nearby they enquired from him . He informed
that interviews were over long back and all the officers had left . He
asked that if no one had taken their tokens back . All of them were
stunned . They were well aware that out of about twenty candidates
only one was to be selected and their chances were minimal yet they
could not believe that candidates called officially would not only be
not interviewed but ignored and sent back unceremoniously .
The
candidates could not digest that . Suddenly they saw a clerk type
person in the verandah . A candidate ran towards him and enquired
about the interviews .By chance he happened to be concerned clerk .
He confirmed the peon’s information . Every one then returned the
tokens to him and departed . There was no point in staying there any
more . Candidates felt utterly humiliated . There is a famous
couplet :-
“ Nikalana khuld seadam ka sunate aaye hein
Bahut be abru hokar tere kuche se ham nikle ”
meaning
- “ We had heard that Adam was banished from the garden but we have
been thrown out of your place unceremoniously and humiliated .”
After
twenty three years of this instance in 1958 Atma Ram had an occasion
to visit the Hercourt Butler Technological Institute but for different
reasons . Atma Ram was not a candidate for scholarship but was
specially invited as the chief guest of the Institute . There was
some function concerning sugar and Atma Ram was invited as chief guest
Those days he was the Director of Central Glass and Ceramic Research
Institute , Jadavpur , Calcutta – a premier National laboratory .
During
the course of the function Atma Ram recollected the sad episode of his
interview . He thought of the strange ways of God’s functioning . The
person who was sent off the Institute’s premises humiliated and
unceremoniously with out interview was at that moment present there as
their Chief Guest . He thanked God for His kind mercies .
While
refreshments were being served after the function people surrounded him
. Suddenly he sighted the person who had been selected in the
interview . He was his senior by one year in the University . On
seeing him he went to him and enquired , “ What are you doing here ! “
He replied , “ You have recognised me ! “
“ Why Not ! We were together in the same Department . “ so saying Atma Ram mentioned his name too to satisfy him .
Narrating this episode Atma Ram stated thus :- .
“
I got lost in thoughts after knowing about the gentleman . I thought
of the disappointment I felt in not being called for the interview . I
was very sad . But God had other better plans for him and did not want
him to get entangled in that small job . Had I been selected that day I
might have ended like that gentleman as Officiating Officer only .
Man has a weakness of losing his balance of mind
on being unsuccessful . His mind gets in knots and for his failure he blames others or his bad luck .
But man gets disheartened unnecessarily . If persons believe sincerely
and implicitly that God does every thing for their good they can face
even the greatest calamities very easily” .
There was another
interview call of a lecturer’s post in Balwant Rajput College , Agra .
The college was starting a science course for Inter students . Atma
Ram had four months teaching experience . He had taught in Ajmer .
He also had a certificate from Prof. Seshadari . On that basis the
management selected him . The salary was Rupees one hundred twenty
only .
During the interview he was asked , “Since you are not
likely to stay here ,if we increase the salary to rupees 150 , would you
fill a bond for three years ? “ Atma Ram instead of filling the bond
accepted the salary of rupees 120 only . New classes had to begin .
There were holidays then . The management told him that he could join
that very day if he wished so . He just wanted that as he was
unemployed . He joined duty . At that time the principal of the college
was Dr. R.K.Singh , who later became Vice Chancellor of Meerut
University . It may be mentioned that during the tenure of Dr. Singh ,
Atma Ram was invited to deliver the convocation address of the Meerut
University . Then Atma Ram was the Director General of the Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research
Atma Ram received a letter
from his brother-in-law within six days of his arrival at Agra . He had
written that Shri Dan Tyagi from Shimla had intimated that he was
selected for the post . On learning that the Principal of the Balwant
Rajput Inter College became quite sad . He was not paid any wages .
Next day he returned to his village .
National Planning Committee
The
famous Scientist Dr. Megh Nad Saha had studied in detail the Russian
Planning Processes . He was in touch with several top ranking Russian
Scientists . He used to admire American Scientists as much as Russian
ones . But he was more influenced by the experiments conducted by the
Russian scientists .He also used to meet Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose
quite often . They would discuss important issues of the day . Once
in 1937 he told him that Congress should take interest in National
Planning . Subhash Babu treated Saha with respect and gave due
importance to his suggestions He told Dr. Saha that such matters were
of academic interest as they were fully engaged in freedom struggle and
had no time for such things .
Dr. Saha called Atma Ram after his
meeting with Subhash Babu . When he reached there he was in an angry
mood . He said that our country’s educated people never understand any
thing except ‘ Charkha’ and ‘ Khaddar ‘
Dr. B.N.
Adarkar had authored a book , ‘ If War Comes ‘ Dr. Saha had written
its preface . That was not a mere preface but an important document .
During the conversation Atma Ram suggested that he might ask Subhash
Babu what would happen , ‘ If Freedom Comes ‘
Atma Ram was in fact
reading that book at that time otherwise he could not have suggested so .
Atma Ram himself used to wear khadi and in a way they held dissimilar
views . Dr. Saha kept quiet .
After a day or two Dr. Saha went to meet Subhash Babu . He took Atma Ram along with him .
That time too he raised the same question and asked him , ‘ What would he do if independence was granted next day ‘
Hearing
this Subhash Babu jumped with joy . For him country’s independence was
of supreme importance . He said that in independent Bharat nobody
would ever remain hungry or with out clothes . Dr. Saha intervened
and asked him , ‘How much cloth would be needed ! How much food would
be required ! How many houses would be required to be built ! ‘ He
thus put up a series of such questions to him .
Subhash Babu
replied , “ We would have to look into them . “ Dr. Saha told him that
he had come for that very purpose of National Planning . In this regard
congress should state its policy explicitly and an outline directive
be laid down .
An Introduction with Pandit Nehru
Subhash
Babu was exceedingly impressed by Dr. Saha’s suggestion and gladly
agreed to the formation of National Planning Committee .
Nehru ji
was released from jail in 1945 . He sent a telegram to Dr. Saha from
Allahabad that he would like to meet him before he left for a
conference in Shimla to discuss some aspects pertaining to planning .
Dr. Saha took his pupil Atma Ram to Allahabad along with him for the
meeting with Pandit Nehru . By that time Atma Ram had returned to
Calcutta from Delhi as Officer in-charge Central Glass and Ceramic
Research Institute .
Dr. Saha wile introducing him to Pandit
Nehru said that Atma Ram was a student in Allahabad during the 1930
struggle . Presently he was working in the Government Test House . In
spite of being in Government Service he wore khadi . His contribution
in the report on fuel technology in the National Committee had been of
great significance . Hearing this Nehru said with surprise that he was
taking a great risk . Was he not concerned with his service . Dr.
Atma Ram felt a bit awkward at this .
During 1945-46 on his
visit to Calcutta Nehru ji stayed with the famous Doctor and congress
leader Dr. Vidhan Chandra Roy . [Later after independence he became the
Chief Minister of West Bengal ]
Dr. Saha invited them for lunch at his residence .
Dr.
Saha introduced Atma Ram to many eminent Scientists present at the
lunch . He met a few among them for the first time . When Atma Ram
considering himself a junior scientist would stand behind , Dr. Saha
would take him in front . It would not be out of place to mention
that under the active guidance of a famous and eminent Scientist like
Dr. Saha , Atma Ram’s scientific calibre blossomed and later he too
made his place among the world renowned Scientists .
Fourth Chapter
Background to his entry in the scientific field
Establishment of Industrial Research Bureau
In
1934 Government of India established Industrial Intelligence and
Research Bureau under the auspices of Indian Stores Department . Its
function was to disburse technical information . In addition it had to
assist local industrial units by giving suggestions after evaluating
them . The Headquarters of the Bureau was located in Delhi where a
Director and an asst Director were posted . Its one research unit ,
Government Test House was situated at Alipur , Calcutta . The word
‘Intelligence ‘ was removed quite some time back from the name of the
Bureau and it was now called , ‘Industrial Research Bureau ‘ . Dr. Lal
C.Burman was the Officer-in-Charge of its Research Group . He later
became the founding Director and then Director General of the Indian
Standards Institute .
Dr. Atma Ram was a Chemical Assistant in
the Group and he was assigned the work on glass , sand , china glass ,
and liquid gold . The work included survey of raw materials for
making glass and developing techniques for making decorative glass
objects ,specially using china glass and liquid gold .These things were
imported then . In addition the work included providing of guidance and
help in fabrication of better glass melting furnaces to the glass
industry . Bureau had limited resources by way of finances and
infrastructure .
In1937 Uttar Pradesh Government established a
post of a Glass Technologist . Dr. Andil was nominated to this post and
was attached to the Banaras Hindu University’s Department of Glass
Technology . This was the first glass technology department in the
entire country . A ceramic department already existed in the University
. Any way till then there were no signs for the establishment of a
separate organisation for the research in glass .
Second World War and establishment of B.S I.R.
The
Second world war began in 1939 . Some loyal bureaucrats suggested to
close down Industrial Research Bureau . If at that time Sir Ramaswami
Mudaliar happened not to be the Commerce Member of the Viceroy’s
Executive Council the suggestion would not only have been accepted but
implemented too . Sir Ramaswami persuaded the Government to accept the
formation of the Board of Scientific and Industrial Research . Thus in
the beginning of 1940 B.S.I.R. came into existence and Sir Ramaswami
was made its Chairman and Sir Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar was designated as
Director Scientific and Industrial Research .
Some well known
Indian Scientists and representatives of the industry were made its
members .Among them were Prof. Megh Nad Saha , Dr. J.C.Ghosh , Lala Shri
Ram , and Ghan Shyam Das Birla . Thus for the first time scientists ,
industrialists , and bureaucrats worked together in an apex body of the
Government . Several committees were formed to quickly identify the
problem areas with the active cooperation of the Universities and
specialists in their fields Glass and Refractories Committee was one
of them .
Those days there were no effective Government
Laboratories for Industrial Research in the country . The research
work pertaining to the Directorate of Scientific and Industrial Research
was at the time being undertaken in the premises of the Government
Test House , Alipur , Calcutta by the laboratories established
temporarily there . A division of Industrial Research Bureau which
also existed there was subsequently taken over by the Board . Dr. Atma
Ram narrates the goings on in the Bureau at the time as follows :-
“
Dr. Bhatnagar went to Calcutta in 1940 for initiating research work
in the laboratory there . He changed the entire working of the Test
House . Test House that did not have either any large laboratories or
any modern sophisticated test equipment was suddenly altered both from
the point of view of lay out and in its working . Then no body could
waste time . There was no opportunity for making complaints or excuses
either . Some place was quickly covered with ‘chhapar ‘ . Somehow
laboratories were made workable . In no time the verandah’s were
converted into offices . Several persons occupied the same room . Dr.
Bhatnagar himself shared the room with Shri N.N.Sengupta Executive Head
. In a way work was carried out quite informally . However in the
Test House there was no Library and also no reference books . I used
to visit the University Library and spent several hours there to gather
information .
As a matter of fact life was infused in the Test
House and it was buzzing with activity . Top Scientists Industrialists
,and high officials would come there in large numbers for discussions
and meetings . Once during this period Mr. Broady also came . He was
the member of the interview board which had selected me for the
Assistant’s post . He told me that members of the Board at Shimla were
highly impressed by me . I was really amazed on hearing this . I
remembered the encouraging words spoken to me after the interview by
Shri Visheshwar Dayal Dan Tyagi . Yet till today I have not been able to
fathom out what exactly I said which impressed the Board so much .”
Air Foam Solution Made Him A Hero
Those
days all the D.S.I.R. laboratories were engaged in war efforts in their
own ways under the leadership of Lord Mountbatten against the Japanese
in Burma and South East Asia . In 1941 Japanese had declared the war .
Many places near Calcutta like Baj Baj[ on the banks of Hugli river ]
where oil was stored in large quantities were in danger zone .They were
within the striking range of the Japanese . The problem arose of
indigenous production of air foam at the earliest . Dr. Bhatnagar was
worried . The owners of the oil companies were worried more . For
extinguishing the petrol fire the air foam solution used to be imported
from England . This had somewhat slowed down . Dr. Bhatnagar assigned
me the responsibility of developing indigenous air foam . In Atma
Ram’s own words Dr. Bhatnagar said , “ This work has to be done by you
only . If you succeed you would be riding on a flying horse. “
Dr.
Atma Ram accepted the challenge and got busy . Where his colleagues
were engaged in research on glass in nice environment , he was
experimenting with dirty and foul smelling solutions filled in buckets
in open fields . When wearing khaki shorts and unpressed shirts he used
to experiment in open areas a crowd of amused onlookers used to watch
him wondering what was happening . Then he appeared more a technician
than a scientist . In the laboratory premises he would dig small holes
and after filling petrol in them ignite a fire and then tried to
extinguish it using his indigenous solutions . For his colleagues too
it was a unique sight to watch .They used to often laugh at his strange
ways . But one day his incessant efforts bore fruit and soon he
succeeded in developing air foam using indigenously available materials
only .
In August 1942 it was decided to hold a test demonstration
of its adequacy at Baj Baj . Senior officials of the British oil
companies reached Baj Baj .The test began in the presence of Mr. Garden
Peez , the then Chief Inspector of Explosives . Dr. Atma Ram narrated
this episode thus :-
“ Pits of about 30 feet were dug and
petrol was filled in them . Petrol was then ignited . In one of the
extinguishers air foam manufactured by a British company and imported
was filled and in the other the solution prepared by us entirely
indigenously . Dr. Bhatnagar spoke with some elation , “First you
demonstrate extinguishing the fire with your imported solution .” Mr.
Tommy who operated the extinguisher commented that how could an
indigenous solution compete with an imported one . On hearing this Dr.
Bhatnagar felt very hurt and insulted . But he remained steadfast on
his instructions to try imported solution first . By chance that day
the fire could be extinguished after a fairly long time . At one stage
it appeared that the fire could not at all be extinguished . Then Dr.
Bhatnagar asked Mr. Tommy to try our material . It took less than a
minute to extinguish the fire with our material . Now Dr. Bhatnagar was
immensely pleased and his joy knew no bounds . He ran round the pits
like a child . He lifted me up saying , “ Oh ! My Boy .” Mr. Garden
Peez also patted me on my back
That day was Saturday . Dr.
Bhatnagar returned to Test House . He sent a telegram and a letter to
Sir Ramaswami Mudaliar . He specially mentioned my name . Ramaswami
too sent a telegram in reply. He specially wrote to thank Atma Ram on
his behalf .”
Atma Ram all of a sudden became well known after
this experiment . Though he was a mere Assistant yet this success made
him a hero .
Dr. Atma Ram was a dynamic person . Atma Ram
was a leader with his eyes fixed on result in the field of applied
research . The problems were directly given by Dr. Bhatnagar himself .
He would always check and enquire . This way he had infused the
atmosphere and environment of a University in the government laboratory
where the distinction between the Director and an Assistant totally
disappeared . It had a great impact on the employees . At the Silver
Jubilee celebrations of the Council of Scientific and Industrial
Research , Dr. Atma Rm in his address expressed his tremendous
appreciation of Dr. Bhatnagar in the following words :-
“ We are
highly indebted to Dr. Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar . He was the founder
of C.S.I.R. . I have worked under him in this organisation for fifteen
years . He was both my guide and Director . Rajaji [ Chakravarti
Rajgopalacharya ] used to call him a live wire . The National Physical
Laboratory where we have gathered today has his indelible mark on its
every brick . Sir C.V.Raman has rightly said that after independence
the spread of science in the country was the joint legacy from Nehru -
Bhatnagar combine . He regularly used to visit to satisfy himself on
the progress of the construction activities . Not only this , many a
times he even brought Pandit Nehru to see the progress himself . Dr.
Bhatnagar’s name would always be synonymous with that of C.S.I..R. . “
Due
to the spread of war specially in the eastern part of India in 1942 the
D.S.I.R. laboratory was shifted to Delhi from Calcutta . Dr. Atma Ram
came to Delhi from Calcutta . All the staff from Calcutta was
accommodated in the newly built science laboratories of the University
of Delhi . Those days there were very few science departments and the
facilities were almost non existing . But due to the efforts of the
then Vice Chancellor Sir Maurice Gweyer the facilities were being
created fast . Due to non availability of enough gas supply clay ovens
with coal tar or coal were being used Recollecting those days Atma Ram
in his address on the occasion of the silver jubilee of C.S.I.R. stated
thus :-
“ I remember during cold weather of February few of us
during lunch break would fry ‘pakodas’ on the clay ovens . Often the
pakodas were offered to Dr. Bhatnagar . He used to relish them . He
was very fond of hot spiced food and ‘ chat ‘ and pickles were his
weakness .”
The Birth Of C.S.I.R.
After working for about a year in the Test House it was felt that pace of progress in scientific research
in
a Government Department could be accelerated only if the strings
attached were loosened fully . Therefore a proposal was mooted to
make the organisation autonomous but finances would still be the
responsibility of the Government . It will have a Governing Body with
members from scientific , industrial and bureaucratic communities .
With this in mind Sir Ramaswami Mudaliar proposed in the then
Legislative Council [ now Lok Sabha ] establishment of an ‘Industrial
Research Fund ‘ with an initial grant of rupees ten lakhs . Thus the
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research was formally established
on first April of 1942 . Sir Ramaswami Mudaliar became its founder
President .
Arguments In Favour Of Research In Glass
Prof.
Meghnad Saha was the editor of ‘ Science and Culture ‘ .In April 1941
he emphasised in an editorial urgent need for the creation of centres
of learning for glass technology . At the same time an article on the
status of ‘Indian Glass Industry ‘ was also published . The result was
that the long standing demand for the establishment of a central
laboratory for exclusive research in the glass field once again came
into the lime light . He had written in the Editorial :-
“ If
India desires that its glass industry should stand on its own legs then
it should start a college for teaching and conducting research in glass
technology keeping in mind the following aims :-
1. Imparting education in Glass Technology
2. Basic research and investigations to assist industry
3. Testing and standardisation of raw materials
4. Offering technical consultancy to Industry whenever and where ever needed “
“
Since the people manning the college have to remain in continuous touch
with the glass industry it was essential that the college was located
nearest to the place where there were maximum number of glass factories .
The reason for the success of British glass industry is that its
world famous glass Institution is located in Shaffield , the centre of
its glass industry . For the industry the testing of the raw materials
and finished goods and their standardisation was absolutely essential
without which some draw backs would remain resulting in heavy losses
In
the past when ever a proposal for the establishment of an institution
or a department was mooted , paucity of trained manpower was always
sighted . Ever one is aware how difficult it is to establish such
institutions with the help of foreign experts . We feel that in future
we would have to establish such institutions on our own strengths .
If in England Turner and Padel [ Dr. Padel was the first research
student in glass technology who worked under Prof Turner . He gets the
maximum credit for the flourishing glass industry in England . ] , in
America Washwern and Kepler in Germany started their career as plain
scientists before establishing noted Glass and Ceramic Research
Institutions in their countries , no doubt Indian Scientists would also
succeed in their efforts to establish such institutions . We have now
to give up our inferiority complex and develop awareness and confidence
in the abilities of Indian scientists . In this country some people
specially those holding high offices are enamoured of foreign experts .
They think that like Alladin’s lamp foreign specialists would in no
time establish glass industry just by wave of magic wand . But the
experience of Indian Glass producers has not been particularly
encouraging .”
Formation of a Committee for the Establishment of an Organisation for Research in Glass
Question
of research in glass technology became live again and discussions were
resumed . This resulted in B.S.I.R . Editor Prof. Meghnad Saha and Sir
Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar visiting Benaras Hindu University for
exploring the possibilities of establishing a Glass Research Institute
They submitted a report to B.S.I.R. The Board in 1942 constituted a
committee on central Glass Research Institute under the chairmanship of
Sir Shanti Swroop Bhatnagar . Among the members were Prof . Meghnad
Saha , Prof. J.N.Mueherji , Prof. P.Ray , Shri I.D.Varshney and Dr.
Nadel .
The first meeting of the committee took place in Lahore
Forman Christian College on 27 th April , 1942 . In the meeting only
the Chairman and two members namely Shri I.D.Varshney and Dr. A. Nadel
were present .
The Vice Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University ,
Sir Servopalli Radhakrishnan intimated Sir Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar on
24th April , 1942 that if the government had taken a decision for
encouraging research in glass technology and they are unable to find a
suitable place then the glass technology department already existing in
the University could be considered . Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan
Malviya also wrote a letter on 6th May 1942 to Sir Shanti Swaroop
Bhatnagar in the same context .
A Lucky Break
The
Board of Scientific and Industrial Research at its meeting held on 1st
July , 1942 discussed the committee’s report but the Board at its two
consecutive meetings decided to postpone the matter for the time being .
At last after a gap of about two years , on the recommendation of
B.S.I.R. , the Governing Body of the Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research decided that the proposed ‘ Central Glass and
Ceramic Research Institute ‘ for research in glass technology should be
as per the suggestions of the Indian Ceramic Society . A provisional
Secretary should also be appointed to survey the raw materials required
for the industry and to bring into light the problems of the industry
associated with glass and silicate . A committee under the chairmanship
of Sir Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar was also constituted to guide the
Secretary and for discussions .Its members were Prof Meghnad Saha ,
Prof J.N.Mukherji , Prof P.Ray , Carter Spears , Dr. Anadel ,
I.D.Varshney , Dr. M.D. Quareshi , and Prof K.S.Krishnan .
Atma
Ram was liked both by Dr.Bhatnagar and Dr. Saha . He was appointed the
Secretary of this committee on a pay scale of rupees 500 - 700 Dr..
Atma Ram said in this context :-
“ I commenced working as
Secretary of the committee from 1st March ,1944 and continued my
association with it for about twenty seven years directly and five years
indirectly .
I was surprised that instead of feeling proud on
my being selected by the apex committee of the most eminent Scientists
of the country I felt hesitant in taking over the new assignment . I
never had any association with glass . I had only a little experience
when I had successfully fabricated china glass . But I had no
experience of producing glass in a factory . I was not a specialist in
silicate technology either . On my telling Dr Saha my misgivings he
told me that the intention of the C.S.I.R. was to establish a research
laboratory and not a glass factory . When I discussed the issue with
Dr. Bhatnagar he also expressed the same views . I do not know if Dr.
Saha had discussed this with Dr. Bhatnagar prior to my speaking to him .
Or it could be that the saying that great men think alike was true .
Immediately
on taking over the assignment I toured Calcutta , Bombay ,and Bahjoi [
Uttar Pradesh ] to learn and evaluate the industries problems and its
needs . I also visited Jamshedpur based Tata Laboratories and the
Departments of Glass Technology and Ceramics of Banaras Hindu
University ..
I was surprised to observe the reaction of the
industry . The reaction was natural and sympathetic . Shri
I.D.Varshney who was the Bhishma Pitamah of glass industry and a member
of the Committee and later became member of the Advisory Board came to
receive me at the Bahjoi Railway Station . He showed him his sheet
glass factory and discussed at length the problems of the industry .
In
Calcutta I had the opportunity of meeting and discussing with two path
finders of the pottery industry .—Shri Satya Sunder Dev and Shri
M.G.Bhagat . I also had a meeting with Shri M.M.Sud of the enamel
industry . I already knew him well .
In Bombay I met two path
breakers of glass and pottery industries –Shri R.D.Chandorkar and Shri
C.P.Saha . Chandorkar was indeed a store house of all the problems of
the glass industry . He possessed a technical library of his own . He
was a member of the advisory board of the Committee . Shri C.P.Saha
was associated with the Eastern pottery industry . He provided me with
very useful and excellent information on the problems which industry
was facing . I prepared the report in about two and a half months .”
In
short the report dealt with the status of the industry, its problems
,its contribution to the national development and called for the
immediate establishment of a research institution on war footing . The
report dealt with at length the status of glass industry in the
developed countries . In addition the proposed institute’s role ,
functions , probable location , expenditure on staff , equipment and
building was also elaborated in detail .
The report was widely
circulated in the country and abroad too . Several glass specialists
commented on the report . Among them two - one from Dr.John Mathai [
who later became India’s Finance Minister ] and the other from Prof .
W.E.S.Turner [ who was the professor in Shafield -the Mecca of glass and
enamel industry ] , were very significant . Prof Turner was
internationally renowned and eminent glass specialist .
In 1935 a
Tariff Board was constituted under the Chairmanship of Dr.John Mathai
with the object of safeguarding the interests of the glass industry .
The gist of his report was that along with providing financial
assistance , improvements in technology must also be ensured
simultaneously . He also suggested formation of a separate department
to ensure compliance . Later in 1938 on the recommendations of Dr. John
Mathai , the U.P.Government did form a glass department but nothing
worthwhile happened . Thus while glass Industry got the financial
safeguards , the issue of technology improvement remained as it was .
Dr. Mathai had commented on the report as given below :-
“
I have read this report completely . I welcome this report . In 1935
when I was the Chairman of the Tariff Board I too had made such
recommendations . But this report is in detail . This has dealt with
at length with all possible aspects of the glass industry and critically
analysed the need for a research laboratory in glass . Therefore why
should we not give the responsibility of implementing the
recommendations of the report to the author himself .”
Dr. John Mathai submitted the report with his comments to the concerned Honourable Member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council .
Prof
Turner had also commented similarly . Prof Turner was the pioneer and
a reputed specialist in glass . Therefore his comments had tremendous
value .
C.S.I.R. Decision
In 1944 a few months
after the publication of the report a meeting of the sub -committee was
held in Calcutta . Two resolutions were unanimously passed by the
sub-committee . First was that a research laboratory should be
established in Calcutta and second Dr. Atma Ram should be appointed its
Officer-in-Charge .
The D.S.I.R.’s resolution of
appointing Dr. Atma Ram as Officer-in-Charge of the proposed laboratory
was passed unanimously . Prof Meghnad Saha while supporting the
resolution had stated that the survey report would be an ideal for
future surveys .
Atma Ram’s well compiled and informative report
prepared with lot of labour bore fruit . Along with the laying of the
foundation of a research laboratory as a centre of excellence in the
field of glass technology Atma Ram’s future was ensured too . His
problems of earning a living were permanently solved .
He felt a
bit of hesitation when Dr. Bhatnagar informed him about his new
appointment . However , how could he ignore the fond wishes of Dr.
Saha and Dr. Bhatnagar whom he held in great affection . He accepted
their proposal with humility . Atmaram was appointed the
Officer-in-Charge of the proposed laboratory . His wages were kept at
par with that of Assistant Director . Pay was fixed at rupees seven
hundred and fifty . He then returned to Calcutta [ Jadavpur ] from
Delhi in 1945 .
The decision to establish a Central Glass and
Silicate Research Institute [ Later it was named ‘ Central Glass and
Ceramic Research Institute ‘ ] was hailed and welcomed by all concerned
.
Fifth Chapter
Two Decades In Calcutta
Temporary Arrangements For The Office
Once
the decision was taken to establish a research institute in Calcutta an
immediate problem arose of finding a suitable place for it . This
responsibility was also entrusted to Atma Ram . A scientific
institution is generally located at a place where there is an atmosphere
for research , intellectual activities and for exchange of scientific
information and ideas . Since land was not available near the Test
House at Alipur , two other locations were considered . One was in the
Science College campus situated at upper Circular Road [Acharya
Praphulla Chandra Road ] and the other was the Jadavpur College Of
Engineering and Technology campus .
Science College was the
centre of scientific activities . Bose Institute was adjacent to it .
Its campus was the ideal choice . But the campus was already saturated
with various departments and the establishment of the new institute
would have had an adverse effect not only on the future growth of the
College but would also have affected the functioning of the existing
departments . In an industrial research institute for glass the smoke
coming out of the furnaces and chimneys which would be an essential
part of it ,would have polluted the entire atmosphere . Dr. B.C.Roy
was the chairman of the Jadavpur College managing committee . Dr.
Triguna Sen who later in 1967-69 became the Education Minister in the
Central Government was its Principal . He was very keen to give the
land adjacent to the college . But only about five Bighas of land could
be made available there . Such a little piece of land was not
sufficient even for the existing needs of the institution what to say of
its future growth .
Dr. Atma Ram said in this context :-
“
Dr. Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar was very keen to establish the institute
at the earliest . He therefore agreed to accept even five Bighas land .
I objected to it . In fact I had asked for fifty Bighas of land ,
twenty for the Institute and thirty for its residential complex . Once
he even brushed me aside on this issue . He had retorted , “ Would you
eat the land ? “ . In the end we settled on twenty Bighas of land by
procuring some nearby land . My demand was not excessive . Later when
we required additional twenty Bighas of land we could not get more than
ten Bighas of land anywhere in the city .Dr. Bhatnagar was a very large
hearted person After some years he told me that if we had established
the institute at that small piece of land it would have been a major
mistake .”
The land by the side of the road had been given to the
college by the Calcutta Corporation on hundred years lease . Somehow
with considerable efforts he got the land transferred in the name of
C.S.I.R. During early 1944 Atma Ram had to visit Calcutta several
times just to secure the land for the institute .
When Dr. Atma
Ram took over as Officer-in-Charge of the Institute in May 1945 the war
in Europe was almost over . During the war the Government had acquired a
very large number of houses in Calcutta . Therfore it was difficult to
find residential accommodation . Dr. Meghnad Saha ‘s house was near the
proposed site of the institute . Dr. Atma Ram stayed there . His
advantages were doubled . He received the guidance of Dr. Saha on
several occasions
Dr. Atma Ram described the happenings of that time as follows :-
“
Those days Jadavpur was an undeveloped suburb of Calcutta . It was
under Talligunj Municipality . It was a muddy area and the land was full
of mud at several places . The pits were full of dirty stagnant water .
There was only one bus service to reach there each day and that too
was rather uncertain . There was hardly any house except the College
building on the main road . When we went to take possession of the land
we saw a man carrying a dead snake coming towards us . The entire area
was infested with snakes . Even after a decade when some of us were
living in the campus , killing of snakes was a daily routine .”
For
the office use a small wooden cubicle in the Chemical Engineering
machine shop of the College was made available .Prof Saha’s laboratory
was nearby . Atma Ram occasionally used to sit in a very small room
there . It suited him as Dr. Saha’s steno was his part time steno too
Some
time after the end of the war with the consent of transport department
four small rooms in a building earlier occupied by the army were also
made available . It had light, fans and telephone facilities . During
the war time getting a telephone connection was like receiving a boon .
Dr. Atma Ram worked from here for three long years . Those days among
his collegues were scientists Y.P.Varshney , S.Das Gupta ,
A.K.Dastidar , S.C.Chakravarti , M.M.Gupta and D.N.Chatterji .
Laying of the Foundation Stone of C.G.C.R.I.
In
1943 the institute was called the Central Glass and Silicate Research
Institute . In 1945 its name was changed to the Central Glass and
Ceramic Research Institute .On 24thDecember, 1945 the president of the
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research , Sir Ardesher Dalal
laid the foundation of the Institute .
First Foreign Tour
Near
the end of the second world war when Germany was on the verge of defeat
the Allied Forces stipulated some conditions for its surrender . Among
them was the condition that Germany would have to disclose its progress
in science and technology to the scientists of the Allied Nations .
The British government permitted the Indian Government to depute some
scientists to Germany . Then India was a colony of Britain . From
India fifteen scientists accompanied the British Intelligence Objective
Service party to Germany . Dr. Atma Ram was one of them .It was a
golden opportunity for him to have a close look at the German glass and
ceramic laboratories and factories . For the Indian scientists tours
to Britain and Germany were combined .
In 1946 Atma Ram left on
the foreign tour after handing over the charge of the laboratory to his
colleague Shri Y.P.Varshney for the duration of his absence .
Germany was then under the direct control of the Army . Dr. Atma Ram
was made an Honarary Colonel and he had to be in uniform all the time .
He narrated his experiences of his foreign tour in the following words
:-
“ This was my first foreign tour . My entire education had
been in India only . In the B.I.O.S. group we had another Indian ,
Shri M.G.Bhagat . Both of us sailed from London to Germany together .
During this period we saw several factories . Many of them were in
ruins due to incessant bombing . Some were out of operation due to lack
of coal . Very few factories were actually operating .There I learnt a
lot about the German production techniques and current technology I
also went to see Scott and Johnson optical glass plant . There was
hardly any functional Glass and Ceramic Research Laboratory in Germany .
I could contact only very few German scientists .
But I was
forced to interrupt my tour of Germany after about three months only .
One September night near Frankfurt I got involved in a car accident . I
had a miraculously narrow escape from certain death but I got
seriously wounded . I lost the sight in my right eye permanently . I
had to spend three and a half months in Frankfurt and London hospitals .
I could leave the hospital in January 1947 only .
I made full
use of my stay in London . I met the famous specialist Dr. English He
was a very large hearted person and he gave me enough time .for
discussions . In London I met the famous glass Technologist Prof
W.E.S.turner . I was already in correspondence with him . My meeting
with Prof Turner was very long and very useful . He introduced me to
many eminent persons personally and suggested names of some others whom I
should meet . I visited Shaffield many times and met Prof Moor who
had taken over from Turner after his retirement . The Society of Glass
Technology , Shaffield also invited me to one of their meetings .
Taking advantage of this opportunity I met many glass specialists and
they also showed me their laboratories . I also met the famous glass
specialist D r. C.J.Pandel .During the first world war he had made
effective contribution in the production of optical glass . He was the
technical director in a large factory at St. Helins engaged in making
bottles . I also visited his laboratory where I had the good fortune
of meeting the President of the Society of glass Technology , Dr. Arnold
Cousin .
In St. Helins I visited the sheet and plate glass
factory of Pilkington Brothers . I saw both the factory and the
laboratory . Till then I had never seen such a large and huge factory .
I also met the Pilkington Brothers - Harry and Lawrence
India
Supply Mission situated at Mt. Saint , London had provided me with all
office facilities . The Mission had contacts with several industries
and sellers of scientific instruments . Soon I began ordering
instruments and equipment for the institute .”
Meeting With Rajaji
Several
far reaching political and historical changes had taken place in India
during the absence of Atma Ram abroad . The Viceroy Lord Wavell had
invited Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to take over as the Vice President of
the Executive Council . Rajaji [Chakravarti Rajgopalacharya ] was
already appointed Hon’ble Member for Industries . Dr.Shanti Swaroop
Bhatnagar regularly reported the progress of the laboratories to Rajaji
. Once when Dr. Bhatnagar was discussing the progress with Rajaji ,
he mentioned about Atma Ram being seriously wounded in a car accident
and his undergoing three operations each in Frankfurt and London .
Rajaji did not like the idea of forcing an injured and helpless person
with one eye only to work in a foreign country . He told Dr. Bhatnagar
that Dr. Atma Ram should immediately be called back and be given some
light assignment and some one else be sent in his place .
Dr Atma Ram was about to leave for America from London , when he was asked to return home . In this context Atma Ram said :-
“
In June I was expected to leave for America but all plans went haywire
.I had to return home . Suddenly communal riots erupted in Calcutta .
Dr. Bhatnagar was a very sensitive man .He had personally come to the
airport to receive me despite intense heat and blowing hot winds .
Plane was late . He returned and then again came to the airport .
Though we had differences of opinion occasionally yet he was very humane
. He went to the aircraft straight . He did not stop even when the
security personnel tried to restrain him . He never cared for obstacles
.He embraced me on meeting me . Then he asked me to open my eye . He
was very anxious to know about my welfare .On my telling him that
because of heat it might not be advisable to remove the bandage he was a
little disappointed . Dr, Bhatnagar had sent a cable to the Indian
High Commissioner that Atma Ram be sent home instead of America . When I
sent a cable that I desired to go to America he informed me that Rajaji
wanted me back immediately.”
Next day Atma Ram went to meet
Rajaji . He had never met rajaji before though he had heard his
speeches , had read his articles and knew that he was a very sharp
witted and a highly capable person .Atma Ram spoke about this meeting
as follows :-
“ Rajaji asked me how I felt after the accident and
how did I feel about the work now . I told Rajaji that if God desired
me to achieve something in life then one eye would be good enough . He
would provide me with enough strength in one eye to do his bidding .
Otherwise if He did not wish me to do any thing even four eyes would
have been meaningless . He was very happy listening to this and said ,”
How I wish I had similar faith in god “ .He then asked me some
questions about the procurement of instruments and equipment . He then
wrote something on my file which was before him and after getting it
sealed he gave it to me to be handed over to Dr Bhatnagar . Dr
Bhatnagar was very anxiously waiting for me I began narrating to him
in short my interview with Rajaji . During my narration he opened the
file and began reading Rajaji’s orders . He had ordered that I should
be sent to England immediately . He was exceedingly pleased with me .
After a few days in Delhi I intimated Dr. Bhatnagar about the details
of my visit to London .”
Dawn of Freedom
India
gained independence on 15th August , 19447 . Entire country rejoiced
with pleasure . Prof Saha unfurled the national flag on the half
built Technology block .
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru became the
first Prime Minister of the country . He was a great supporter of
science . Dr. Bhatnagar successfully persuaded him to accept the
chairmanship of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research .
Thus the newly formed department of Scientific Research came directly
under Pandit Nehru . This development had great effect on the impetus
of progress in scientific research . Pandit Nehru got directly
involved with the establishment of the National Laboratories . He
wished to see all activities completed at the earliest . He was not
interested in excuses for the delays but come what may the work must be
completed in time . Dr. Bhatnagar used to obtain Pandit Nehru’s
acceptance for minor or major works easily .
Within two and a
half years of India’s independence the expansion of science and the
swift way many National Laboratories were established Prof C.V.raman
used to call the ‘ Nehru-Bhatnagar Effect ‘ In this respect C.S.I.R.
alone was fortunate as all successive Prime Ministers accepted its
Presidentship . It was but natural that it would have a positive effect
on its progress . It is not to belittle the contributions made by
its previous Presidents . All its ex-Presidents from its Founder Sir
Ramaswami Mudaliar to A.R.Sarkar ,Sir Mohammed Azizul Haque , Sir
Ardeshar Dalal ,and Rajaji took a deep personal interest in
establishing the laboratories .
Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee was
the first Minister of Industries of independent India . Since Pandit
Nehru was the President of the Council Dr. Mukherjee gladly accepted
its Vice-Presidentship . Dr. Mukherjee used to visit Calcutta quite
often . Once at an opportune moment Atma Ram invited him to visit his
laboratory . During the inspection he saw some packing cases full of
equipment lying in corridors and also scattered in jam packed rooms .
On his asking the reason for the disorganisation Dr. Meghnad Saha
explained that due to paucity of funds even construction work had to be
stopped at times . Dr. Atma Ram requested the Hon’ble Minister for
his personal attention in securing the funds for the Institute . His
suggestion worked and in September 1948 permission was accorded to
recommence construction activities .
Studies on American Progress
Dr.
Atma Ram went abroad again in may 1948 . After spending a month in
London to oversee the despatch of the equipment he had ordered during
his earlier visit , he proceeded to America in June .
Sir
B.Ramarao was the Indian ambassador in Washington and Shri R.K.Nehru was
the minister .Dr. Atma Ram was already in correspondence with many
scientists in America and he had sent the copies of his report to them
.The introductory letter from Prof W.E.S.Turner was very handy in
making contacts .Dr. E.U.Kendon , Director National Bureau of Standards
, Washington was Dr. Saha’s friend . He had already introduced Atma
Ram to him Atma Ram spent a lot of time here during his stay in
America His practical experience gained here was of immense help in
setting up his own laboratory later .
Since taking over as
Officer-in-Charge of the Institute Atma Ram had many ideas in his mind
specially that of developing optical glass . He was also aware that
during the war the Indian Government had approached some British Glass
companies for setting up facilities for the manufacture of optical glass
. C.S.I.R. had also provided financial assistance to some research
projects in this regard . But there was no tangible success . He also
had information that during the first world war British and American
Scientists were able to successfully produce optical glass with out
external support . There was a small experimental optical glass factory
adjacent to the National Bureau of Standards . Dr. Atma Ram was very
keen to visit this factory . That factory was established by the United
States Navy .
But its operation was under the auspices of the
Bureau . Indian Ambassador got him special permission from the State
Department for a visit to this factory .During his sojourn in America
Dr. Atma Ram had met the Indian Ambassador and the Minister many times .
Both of whom helped him fully by taking personal interest . In the
Bureau’s factory very seldom special glasses were produced . Somehow
finding time Atma Ram saw the entire process of making optical glass .
In totality time spent by him in the Bureau proved of immense value .
Geo-physical
laboratory was also located on the same road and very near to the
National Bureau . There he met the glass specialist Dr. George W. Mure
During the first world war Dr. Mure had significantly contributed to
the development of the optical glass . Though in appearance the
laboratory was a small one yet it was rich from academic point of view
.. There every person had its own small laboratory . There were hardly
any assistants . Even world famous scientists used to work themselves .
Dr.
Atma Ram stayed in Pitsburg for some time . He got opportunity to see
many places from here He visited Mellone Institute of Industrial
Research Work on Applied Research was taken up for the first time in
the country in this laboratory . Dr. Atma Ram saw in detail the
practical application of research and the working of various equipment
being used there . He also met Prof. Alexander Silverman Dr. Kawn
Hangsun of Westing House Research Laboratory . Prof. Silverman had a
good collection of coloured glass samples . Many of them he had himself
developed in the laboratory .
On the invitation of Corning Glass
Works Vice-President Dr. J.T. Livington , Atma Ram saw the
manufacturing processes of ‘ Pyrex’ glass for full two days . There he
met famous glass technologists Mr. Howard R. Lille , Dr. Delton , Dr.
Neighberg , and Dr. Donald Stucky Dr. Stucky was the founder of the
Ceramics Glass industry .
Columbus in the State of Ohio was a
great centre of research in glass and ceramics Battily Institute
which is famous for its pioneering efforts in popularising industrial
research and influencing it most is also located there . Dr. Atma Ram
met Dr. Salivan there and studied in depth the techniques and
methodology of the application of research and the special instruments
and equipment used for the purpose . There was an Experimental
Engineering Station there as well . That was an unique organisation
Here he obtained specialised knowledge of the manufacturing processes
of the pottery industry . He also met Prof H.H.Blou of the glass
technology department of Ohio University . The University was in the
fore front of research in pottery
While in America Atma Ram
tried his best to meet all persons connected with the development of
optical glass . During the first world war American Scientists had
succeeded in developing optical glass indigenously and independently of
any outside help , even from its Allies . This knowledge and the
experiences gained helped Atma Ram tremendously in his efforts on
return to his home land . Dr. Atma Ram met Dr. John C. Hostester in
St. Louis . Dr. Hostester informed him how he was able to produce
optical glass by using a make shift equipment developed by him when the
desired special equipment was not available . When Dr. Atma Ram
developed the optical glass in his laboratory , he faced an identical
problem . He too succeeded in producing optical glass using only
indigenously
available equipment .
Dr. N.J.Cradle , Director
of Chemical Physical Laboratory , University of Viena who was then
in-charge of the Chemical Division of the famous Bosh and Lamb Optical
Company , Rochester engaged in the production of optical glass and
optical glass instruments , arranged Atma Ram’s visits to all the
laboratories located in Rochester . He not only showed his research
laboratory but also the factory producing optical glass . This was the
second factory Dr. Atma Ram visited after seeing the small Bureau
factory .
Atma Ram described his visits as follows :-
“
It was a pleasant surprise to me to see another glass factory while
staying in the Bureau , learning in detail about the contributions of
the various noted Scientists who perfected the technology of producing
optical glass and getting the opportunity of observing the secret
processes of optical glass production . The success of developing
optical glass , whether an art or a technology , lies not in mixing and
melting some secret materials but in the entire process including the
smallest scientific details and strict enforcement of them all . I
saw Eastman Kodak Company laboratories in Rochester . Some of the glass
factories I saw included Libbe Wavens , Ford Glass Company and Wavens
Illionois . There I met Dr. Donald E.Sharp and Arker Berks .”
Aims of The Research Institute
On
26thAugust ,1950 the then Chief Minister of west Bengal Dr. Bidhan
Chandra Roy formally inaugurated the Central Glass and Ceramic Research
Institute . Thus Atma Ram’s dream of building the Institute was
fulfilled . It was the culmination of his farsightedness and
tremendous efforts that a glass research laboratory was established .
Not
much time had elapsed since the country became independent . Almost
all the items made either of glass or ceramic were still being imported .
Even the china clay used in making good quality cups and plates was
being imported from England . Dr. Atma Ram had himself prepared the
aims to be achieved by the Institute . He had fixed the aims very
carefully after studying the country’s requirements and the problems
being faced by the industry . Hence taking into consideration the
present and future requirements of the country and after detailed
discussions with his colleagues he laid down the research programme of
the Institute .as follows :-
[ 1 ] Improving the quality of glass
and enamel ware being produced in the country . Inspection of the
finished goods and removal of defects found in them . Inventing and
fabricating simple testing techniques which the factories can easily
adopt .
[ 2 ] To develop techniques for improving the quality of
indigenously available raw materials for use by the glass and ceramic
industry . To carry out research for the utilisation of these raw
materials for new products .
[ 3 ] To use naturally found raw
materials in our country as substitute to imported materials .To develop
techniques for utilising waste materials for producing items of utility
.
[ 4 ] To develop indigenous techniques for the manufacture of goods currently being imported .
[ 5 ] To develop production techniques for glass and ceramic items which may be of great importance and utility to our country .
Important Research Projects
Dr.
Atma Ram was appointed Joint Director of the Central Glass and Ceramic
Research Institute in May 1949 and with him Shri Y.P.Varshney as
Assistant Director . In 1952 he became the Director of the Institute
and remained on that post till August- September 1966 .
As
Director he organised the research activities in such a way that
infused confidence in the minds of the Industrialists and they gave him
their unstinted support . The industries felt their interests would be
safeguarded if they actively cooperated with the institute Initially
when the Indian glass and ceramic industries were still under developed
the Institute by starting two big projects was successful in garnering
the support of the industry . The Institute conducted an intensive
survey all over India of the raw materials used by the industry . This
resulted in finding out many such materials which were still being
imported . Thus the dependence of the industry on foreign materials
ended . Under the second project the Institute undertook the
responsibility of detailed examination of the products of the industry
picked up randomly from the market . Dr. Atma Ram invited the
representatives of the industry during such examinations . The industry
got assistance in improving their products and Dr. Atma Ram learnt
first hand the problems of the industry and their suggestions to solve
them . By establishing excellent relations with the industry the
Institute was able to turn the waste materials of the industry into new
useful products and also could carry out improvements in the then
prevailing techniques and technologies . In addition he was
successful in finding out substitutes for the imported raw materials .
The
industry benefitted much from Atma Ram’s research work . Its regard
and respect for Atma Ram knew no bounds when he developed foam glass
from glass scrap and mica bricks from scrap mica . In our country mica
mining takes place extensively in Bihar , Madhya Pradesh and many other
places and the same is exported to foreign countries .to meet their
demands . In these mines while cutting the thick sheets of mica into
usable sizes , a lot of waste in scrap form is produced . Those days
near the mines and mica sheet cutting factories scrap mica was
collected in huge heaps resembling small hills .These could be seen from
a distance in Koderma , Girideeh and many other places in Bihar . It
was a major problem to get rid of this waste Atma Ram took note of
this problem and to utilise this waste material he began the production
of mica bricks . Before moulding into bricks it was necessary to grind
mica into a wet paste . He developed a suitable technology to achieve
this . As a result of the research several new industries came up into
existence and a new era began in the country in manufacturing products
with mica and other heat resistance goods . The country got a new
direction in this regard .
Principles of Red Glass
Dr.
Atma Ram was well aware of the problems of bangles industry specially
in Ferozabad , U.P The experts used gold to make red bangles . They
were using Selenium for past many decades . Selenium
was not
available in the country . They had to depend on import . The red
colour could also be obtained by copper but quality was not all that
good . The colour was not even . He took up the challenge and
altogether changed the last fifty years thinking of the scientific
community by a revolutionary finding about the colour of copper . He
experimented not only in the laboratory but actually demonstrated to
expert workers right in their own factory in Ferozabad .
Fundamental
research is the backbone of applied research . Dr. Atma Ram using
copper oxide created red coloured glass . Till then the scientists all
over the world made mistakes in adopting old technology for producing
red coloured glass based upon the old principle . He propounded an
entirely new principle for creating red coloured glass from copper .
He proved that in the glass the red colour of copper was due to the
cuprous oxide colloidal particles and not because of the copper’s
colloidal particles . Thus a substitution for Selenium was found .
This saved precious foreign exchange . Today Selenium is available in
the country .
Dr. Atma Ram’s interests lay not only in industrial
research but he also laid stress on fundamental research for the
progress of industries . This was the reason that he kept himself
mostly engaged in fundamental research for application in industries .
The international science community admired his fundamental research
in copper and ruby coloured glasses . Scientists in other laboratories
began research in this field and slowly the principles enunciated by
him got more and more acceptance from the world community .
Under
the leadership of Dr. Atma Ram the Institute did notable work .The
Institute’s laboratory was adjudged the best . During this period he
published about hundred technical research papers on physical chemistry
and in the fields of glass and ceramics .More than two dozen patents
were obtained mostly connected with glass and ceramics . Even today
many of these patents are being used in the industries . Some of the
important researches carried out under his direct guidance are mentioned
below :-
Chemical porcelain , Red Glass without Selenium
,Vitreous Enamel without Borex , special refractories ,railway signal
glasses of different colours , sun glasses , vitreous enamel for wires
and registers , spark plugs for use in vehicles, porcelain teeth , mica
based paints , mica heat insulating bricks from waste mica ,
reconstituted mica ,glass electrodes for pH meters , various colours
used for decorating clay and glass articles , plaster of Paris for use
in ceramic industry ,foam glass , glass containers for medicines ,milk,
food etc , various types of clays for use in ceramic industry , glass
sands and furnaces for the industry
Founder Of Optical Glass
Dr.
Atma Ram’s greatest contribution is – Optical Glass . This notable
achievement placed him among the prestigious category of top scientists
not only in India but also in the entire world . He not only developed
the technology of Optical glass entirely with indigenous resources but
also established large scale production of the same .During his visit to
America he had the opportunity of visiting the National Bureau of
Standards , Washington . There he had seen some of the processes of
making optical glass . Though he was not permitted to see the important
and decisive processes yet because of his sharp memory he assimilated
most of the valuable information . He had also visited several European
Countries There too he had the opportunity of seeing many glass and
ceramics factories . He learnt many new things and got fresh ideas .
Optical
glass is of great importance to Defence Services where it has several
applications . In the world America , Japan and about seven to eight
countries in Europe had acquired this technology .Its production
processes were kept so secret that even during the world war the Allied
countries did not exchange any information in this regard .Indian
Government wanted to be self sufficient in this field but despite an
offer of rupees ten lakhs none of the manufacturer agreed to part with
the technology . In desperation the Government asked the Central Glass
and Ceramics Research Institute , Jadavpur to undertake the development
of this technology . During this period the Government feeling the
urgent need for optical glass entered into an agreement with Russia for
the establishment of a unit for its manufacture at Durgapur . At the
same time Atma Ram carried on with his research very quietly at his
Institute .He had already established the needed infrastructure in the
laboratory . He was successful in fabricating the accessories too With
pride he declared that the Central Glass and Ceramics Research
Institute in its small unit was capable of producing optical glass to
meet the requirements of the entire country . Neither the Government
nor the then Scientists of the country could easily believe this
.
One
day Atma Ram ji went straight to the Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal
Nehru and showed him the samples of the optical glass produced in the
laboratory . He fully satisfied Pandit Nehru on this count . His
greatest achievement lay in convincing the Nehru Government that topmost
quality optical glass had already been produced in the laboratory’s
small unit . Needless to say that there was no need now for importing
foreign technology . Pandit Nehru took Atma Ram’s assertions quiet
seriously and discussions were held at the highest levels between
Russian and Indian Governments . This resulted in the cancellation of
the proposed establishment of an optical glass unit at Durgapur by the
Russians as there was no such need due to India developing its own
technology . Since then the Central Glass and Ceramics Research
Institute has been fulfilling the entire needs of the country both
defence and civilian . Today the country is self reliant in glass
technology . Developing and producing optical glass indigenously with
out any external support was in itself a great achievement
Atma Ram
was thus rated very highly both by the Government and the Scientists.
By developing optical glass and making the country self reliant he
established himself within the country as also outside . Britain’s
Shaffield Glass Technology Society honoured him by electing him its
Fellow . He was the only Asian scientist to be conferred with this
honour .
In fact this development placed India among the category
of the few nations which possessed this technology . No doubt this
was the greatest achievement of Dr. Atma Ram . Without knowing the needs
and applications of optical glass it is very difficult to discern its
importance Therefore it would not be out of place to mention and
describe in short this aspect . The man to improve his standard of life
has duplicated nature in many ways using its resources in which optical
glass is at the top . It has a history of deep appreciation and fame in
its utility more than any other thing This unique item has become an
imperative and essential part of the modern civilisation One wonders if
this optical glass had not been produced what would have happened to
the development of human civilisation . Man could not possibly have
achieved so much .
By its use in telescopes the science has freed
us from the shackles of blind faith and stubbornness of prevalent
notions . It is because of the powerful telescopes that mankind has been
able to fathom the secrets of the deep space of the universe several
light years away . Every one is well aware of the progress made in
science , life sciences and in industry by the use of microscopes .
The life sciences would ever be grateful to and in debt of the optical
glass for alleviating and minimising the suffering of mankind .Not only
this but the fermentation industry would always be in debt of a small
piece of this glass . Besides these the photography and cinematography
would have remained unknown had the optical glass not been in existence
. Even the growth of geological and physical sciences would have been
stunted Thus the optical glass has provided to the mankind the special
gift of sight to be able to see from microscopic to macro level
physical world .
Most important utilisation of the optical glass
is by the Defence Forces .It is used in the fabrication of various
optical instruments , for example , in range finders , submarine
periscopes , telescopes in use by the armed forces, gun sights, cameras
etc Hence optical glass is called the ‘ Eye of the Army ‘ .
The then Central Industries Minister Shri Manu Bhai Shah while inaugurating the Development Committee stated :-
“
Development of optical glass was a challenge for the Scientists of the
Central Glass and Ceramics Research Institute which they accepted with
great courage . Many developed countries have congratulated us on this
distinct achievement .”
In 1953 the
Indian Government invited Prof. W.E.S.Turner of the Shaffield Glass
Technology Society for a visit to India . He stayed almost for two
months in India and spent most of his time in the Institute at Calcutta .
On his return home he wrote an appreciative article on Dr Atma Ram in
the Glass Technology journal in its April 1961 issue . The gist of the
article is reproduced below :-
“ Central Glass and Ceramic
Research Institute under the able leadership of Dr. Atma Ram is
functioning effectively for the past ten years .Among all the National
Laboratories established by the Indian Government , this Institute has
earned a special name for itself due to its quality and variety of
research work .Successful production of optical glass is one such
achievement . There was a time when the Government was convinced that
optical glass could not be produced in the country without external help
. The Government was discussing an agreement to this effect with the
Russian Government . In 1958 when these discussions were still in
progress the Institute Scientists under the able guidance of Dr. Atma
Ram , achieved success in producing optical glass in the Institute .
This made the Indian Government and even the Prime Minister extremely
happy . Acknowledging this achievement of Dr. Atma Ram the Government
honoured him with ‘ Padma Shri ‘ .This made the Institute famous . The
Government asked the Institute to establish a factory to produce ten
tons of six varieties of optical glass .
The high esteem in
which Dr. Atma Ram and his Institute was held was clearly visible when
the Prime Minister Pandit Jawahalal Nehru inaugurated the Silver Jubilee
celebrations of the National Institute of Sciences . The National
Institute established a commemorative medal in honour of its Past
President Sir Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar, Director General Council of
scientific and Industrial Research , who with his untiring efforts
established a series of National Laboratories including Central Glass
and Ceramic Research Institute , Calcutta . Dr. Atma Ram was honoured
for his research work by being awarded in the presence of the Prime
Minister with the first Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar Gold Medal . He was the
first recipient of this coveted Gold medal .
Glass Technologists
the world over would be pleased to learn that in India their subject
has got a place of honour and for this they would appreciate the work of
Dr. Atma Ram . No doubt Dr. Atma Ram created with his tremendous
enthusiasm and forward looking outlook an expert team of young aand
capable research scientists .”
Dr. Atma Ram spoke thus on the importance of optical glass and how he succeeded in developing it indigenously in India ;-
“
Before the first world war [ 1914-18 ] Germany had the monopoly in the
entire world for the production of optical glass instruments It used
to export optical glass for military applications to various countries .
Except Germany no other country had the wherewithal of making optical
glass . Realising the significance and utility of the optical glass in
military applications , Germany completely cut off all supplies of
optical instruments to Allies during the war . Never before was the
importance of optical glass as a strategic material realised more than
during this critical period and its production received , necessarily ,
top priority .
In modern warfare optical glass instruments are
essential for observation of the enemy positions and attacking them with
guns and mortars with lethal accuracy .Among such instruments are
-range finders , sub-marine periscopes , telescopes for Army and navy ,
binoculars , cameras , tank gun sights , aerial photography equipment
etc .Only optical glass is used in their fabrication .
Optical
glass is not only an essential requirement for military applications but
also for all scientists, be they agriculturists , geologists ,
zoologists , chemists , physicists , doctors , engineers , or surgeons ,
the optical instruments are a must . The progress and achievements of
modern science are to a large extent due to optical glass . Thus
optical glass plays a very significant and an important role both in
peace and war
By the time second world war broke out [1938 ]
Allies countries specially America had succeeded in producing optical
glass . In certain aspects they were even better than Germany . At this
time Canada and Australia too succeeded in developing optical glass .
Though
in India a few factories were established for the manufacture of small
arms etc yet no one had ever thought of making optical glass . From the
very beginning India was totally dependent on Britain for meeting its
demand for optical glass . The importance of optical glass was realised
during second world war when difficulties arose in transporting it from
Britain to India . Then the Indian Government made a request to British
Government to transfer the techniques of making optical glass to India .
This had no effect . At the same time the Scientific and Industrial
Research Council offered financial assistance and other inducements to
several scientific institutions to take up the development of optical
glass but no specific results were obtained . Optical glass became a
cause of worry for the Indian Government . While it is a strategic
material of great importance the demand of this special glass is very
limited . The private companies were therefore not much interested in
taking up its production . In 1947 , the Glass Panel appointed by the
Indian Government in its report recommended that in view of the
strategic importance of optical glass in military applications the
Government should initiate action to develop it in the country .
I
visited America in 1948. I roamed around the National Bureau of
Standards in Washington .I keenly observed the glass making factory of
the Bureau . On returning home I put up a proposal to the Government . I
had stressed on the development and production of optical glass in view
of its strategic importance . The Indian Government contacted the
optical glass manufacturers all over the world specially Britain
,America , East and West Germany ,France and Japan for the transfer of
its technology . Some of the countries sent their technical personnel
for discussions in India but no satisfactory result accrued and the
Indian Governments problem remained as it was unresolved . Even the
Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru felt that in view of the
prevailing circumstances and to resolve the issue it would only be
appropriate that The Central Glass and Ceramics Research Institute be
asked to take up the development of the optical glass In view of no
practical solution coming up during the discussions with the foreign
companies and to implement Pandit Nehru‘s ideas the Planning Commission
in mid 1956 asked the Central Glass and Ceramics Research Institute to
take up a project for the development of the optical glass .
During
this period The Indian Government received the word from Russia of
their willingness to set up a factory for the production of optical
glass in India . But by this time we succeeded in developing optical
glass in the laboratory . We informed the then Prime Minister Pandit
Jawahar Lal Nehru and the Government of India . The proposed agreement
with Russia was postponed . Thus India became self reliant in optical
glass by 1958 . It joined the exclusive club of the seven or eight
countries in the
world who had the technology of making optical glass .
The
optical glass producing companies keep their technology secret . We
faced this situation when despite all our efforts we were unable to
import the necessary equipment . We could not even obtain their design
.We commenced the work based on my observations at the Bureau of
Standards in Washington . We fabricated the required equipment in the
laboratory itself . We carried out improvements after improvements .
Process was slow as we had to learn from our faults .
We
developed the glass in the Institute . We sent the samples to the
Physics Department of the University of Delhi ,National Physical
Laboratory ,New Delhi, and the Defence Laboratory at Dehradun . All of
them gave satisfactory reports and declared it of the highest quality
The Defence Organisation at Dehradun which is the largest consumer of
optical glass in the country rated the optical glass produced by us in
our laboratory as ‘ A ‘ . Encouraged by the results obtained the
Institute set up a small plant in the Institute itself. Thus the
country became absolutely self sufficient in meeting its requirement of
this strategically important material .
Optical Instruments
Industry is a very important and essential component of the national
industry . It meets the necessary requirements of the educational
institutions , research laboratories , industrial organisations and
Defence Services . Had this industry been dependent on imports from
abroad it could not flourish to the extent desired . No doubt our
scientific institutions would have experienced avoidable delays in
obtaining their requirements from foreign countries . Today every one
is well aware of the importance of this material .”
Inauguration of Scientific Journal
Dr.
Meghnad Saha had a keen desire that the Central Glass and Ceramics
Research Institute should commence publishing an applied science and
technology journal which should be a pride for India for its excellence .
Dr. Atma Ram was in complete agreement with the idea . For him it was
like fulfilling the command of a teacher by his pupil .After deciding on
the possible contents and framework of the proposed journal he
discussed the issue with well known Scientists and Editors within and
outside India .The main ones were - Dr. Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar and
world famous glass technologist Prof. W.E.S.Turner Prof. Turner was
publishing the ‘Transactions of the Society of Glass Technology ‘ from
Shaffield University in Britain .He was the founder and Editor of this
journal . After lot of deliberations and discussions it was decided to
publish the Institute’s journal on quarterly basis . It should have
articles on scientific and applied research being conducted in the
Institute . It should also contain articles on glass and ceramics
written by scholars in India or abroad which should be beneficial to
our industry .
Dr.Ram Lakhan Thakur was appointed the Editor of
the journal .He was assisted by Shri Satyendra Krishna Mukherjee and
Shri Sudhindra Nath Saha Soon the journal came into limelight
In
shaping of the journal Atma Ram’s foresight and vision played the major
part . His advice was that every article which came for publication
should be read very carefully and checked and rechecked so that
unnecessary words and sentences be deleted . Keeping the ideas of the
author intact the article should be moulded in such a way that it might
be easy to read and interesting too . They should also obtain the
concurrence of the author This way some money would be saved in
publishing shorter articles . The money save could be well utilised for
other development work .
Very shortly the C.G.C.R.I. Journal
became well known in the world and was considered one of the top
ranking journals in the field of Silicate Sciences The famous journal
of the scientific world ‘Nature ‘commented on the journal : [11th
December ,1954 pages 1086- 1087 ] ‘ The recent Journal of the C.G.C.R.I.
is symbolic of India’s awakening ‘
Till the end of his life the journal remained very close to his heart and was always an apple of his eye .
Sixth Chapter
Returning again to Delhi
Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
The
then Union Minister of Education Shri M.C.Chagla came to address the
Central Glass and Ceramics Research Institute on 11thJuly , 1966 . In
his long and interesting address while praising Dr. Atmaram to the hilt
stated :
“ This is the only Institution which produces optical
glass. There is no other organisation in the country which produces
this . Dr. Atma Ram has presided over this laboratory for many years
and presided over it with distinction .He has helped to build up this
laboratory , he has helped to bring out young scientists , and we are
all thankful to him for what he has done .
I have often said that
the test of leadership lies in your bringing out young people , in
instilling young people with a sense of dedication ,in inspiring young
people to work and to do their best . If you have those qualities then
you are a leader . Leadership does not mean you are acting like a lone
wolf . you may be a great scientist ,you sit in a corner and do
research with international fame and international laurels .That is not
my definition of leadership . Leadership entails essentially that
quality which creates other leaders . After all , we are here on the
stage today and we are gone tomorrow . What will remain behind is how
many people have been trained up to follow the instructions . Dr. Atma
Ram can say that when I leave the laboratory , I can look round and feel
proud that when I am not here there are lots of young people who will
carry on the great work which has been done in this laboratory .
Now
, I am going to snatch away Dr. Atma Ram from you very soon . I want
all the C.S.I.R. Laboratories to have him .I like him to contribute to
other laboratories the sense of leadership which he gave to this
laboratory . I told him before that he should not be parochial when he
becomes Director General . He should not reserve all the affection for
this laboratory , though we are human beings and we always think of a
place where we grew up ,where we worked for years and , therefore , I
will turn a blind eye when Dr. Atma Ram shows a special partiality to
this laboratory . But I know of Dr. Atma Ram’s sense of impartiality
and objectivity , and I have no doubt that this laboratory will benefit
as much from the fact of his being director General as it has benefitted
from his being the Director .”
A few days after this indication
from the Minister of Education , the Central Government of India in
August , 1966 appointed Dr. Atma Ram , Director General of the Council
of Scientific and Industrial Research .
His period as Director
General of the Council of Scientific and industrial Research could be
considered in many ways ‘tumultuous ‘ . He was not afraid of giving
certain new orientations in the functioning of the organisation which
he felt were necessary . In the process, he set in motion a certain
amount of contentions and reactions for and against , in the scientific
community , in the press , parliament and even at the political level .
It should be said to his credit that he could face the resultant
problems courageously and with determination . Although he could be
considered as a member of the establishment , he did not hesitate to
express independent views sometimes to the discomfiture of the
establishment .He considered it as a basic privilege of a scientist to
express objectively his views without the constraints of office .
He
had the courage of his convictions to discus frankly , freely and
fearlessly although some people felt he was creating controversies .
His view was that leaders of science and technology in the country
should discuss and debate , provoke and initiate such debates on major
policy questions in the field of organisation and management of science
and technology , the role of scientists in society in India , contents
and policies of education , science and technology in the development
process of the country , the rights and responsibilities of the
scientists ,the need for a separate Technology Policy Statement ,
policies governing technology trades with other countries , etc . Many
of his utterances were provocative leading to wide spread debates ,
discussions and sometimes adverse reactions and even personal
accusations of Dr. Atma Ram by a few . But till the last days nothing
deterred him from straightforward and forthright expression of his
views . His personality and statements attracted not only the
scientific community at large but also the media , particularly the
newspapers ,both inside and outside the country ,as well as those who
questioned his views . He welcomed such discussions and debates so long
as they were healthy . He continued to be ebullient .
The
scientific community by electing him President of two of its
prestigious bodies supported and helped him in achieving his goals . In
1968 he was elected President of the Indian Science Congress . In
1969-70 he was elected President of the Indian National Science Academy .
These two positions accorded him to a great extent the scientific
freedom and the forum to state his views in public . He was also the
President of the Society of Chemists and the Indian Ceramics Society .
Dr.
Atma Ram was invited from time to time by several Indian Universities
to be their Chief Guest and for delivering the Convocation Addresses and
by scientific institutions to preside over or inaugurate functions .
The Universities of Banaras , Saugar and Andhra honoured him with
honorary doctorate degrees . These occasions also gave him
opportunities to speak out his mind on many current issues .
In
short he fought valiantly against a shower of adverse publicity and
criticism and remained steadfast in pursuing his goals . Even in worst
of circumstances he always remained cheerful and never lost heart . He
replied to all his adversary ‘s baseless criticisms with good humour and
convincing them moved on to his goal like a true ‘ Karm yogi ‘
Dr.
Atma Ram was a principled man . Greatest of temptations and most
powerful people could not dissuade him from his principles and ideals .
In this context an example might suffice
It may not be known to
many that an event occurred in his official career to show what a man of
principle he was . In August 1966 when he was appointed as Director
General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research , he was
also made ex-officio Secretary to the Government of India . But due to
some scheming bureaucrats behind the curtain intrigues the issue of
necessary order was being unduly delayed . In the absence of such
orders he refused to draw his salary for about ten months . In the end
he won and proved that he would not budge from his principles and
compromise come what may . He firmly believed that after accepting the
Director General’s post if he was to compromise in any way not only he
would be belittled but also in future too the prestige of the post would
be severely affected resulting in the country’s Science and
Technology taking a back seat and thus lose itself completely
A Memorable Meeting With Indira Gandhi
Dr.
Atma Ram despite being part of the system he was a great proponent of
the freedom of the scientists . Though holding a very senior position
in the Government of India he was always sympathetic and well aware of
the rights and responsibilities of the scientists and was an expert in
bringing a happy balance between the two . About twenty to twenty
one years ago in 1976 Dr. Atma Ram dictated to the author an
interesting episode in his life which throws light on his qualities so
vividly . In order to keep his style of talking ,choice of words and
framing of sentences in tact , the same is reproduced below with hardly
any changes :
“ In 1966 I was appointed the Director General of
the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research for a term of five
years . Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was the President of the Council
.Chagla Saheb who was the then Education Minister was its Vice President
.
The beginning was very auspicious . After about three months
of my taking over , the meeting of the Governing Body of the Council
was held on 19thNovember , 1966 . After taking over as the Prime
Minister the day was Indiraji’s first birthday and as Director General
it was also my first chance to take part in the meeting .
Though
the date of the meeting , 19th November , was fixed after consultations
with the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, but when I recollected that the
day happened to be Prime Minister’s birthday , I felt that most likely
being very busy with her birthday functions she might not be able to
come to the meeting and if at all she came she might have to leave early
after completing the formalities . A day before the meeting an
indication of sorts from the Prime Minister’s Secretariat was received
as to why not the meeting be postponed by a day . This could create
lots of problems . All members from outside Delhi had already arrived .
Even then I told them to check up with the Prime Minister and whatever
she decided would be done . She decided that there would be no change
in the date of the meeting and she would come to the meeting .
Obviously I was very happy .
Meeting took place in the
afternoon . When I was accompanying her to the meeting , she asked how
the topic of postponing the meeting came up . When the meeting had been
fixed there was no question of its postponement . I began the meeting
by congratulating her on behalf of the Governing body on her birthday .
The meeting started with an auspicious note and in good mood .
Most
of the members thought that the Prime Minister would arrive in a hurry
and leave the meeting in about twenty minutes after addressing it . But
that day Indira ji proved all of them wrong . Even on her birthday she
stayed on for two and a half hours and left early because of an
important function . That day we specially discussed the functioning of
the C.S.I.R. and its priorities , increasing its contacts with the
Universities , on measures required to increase the cooperation of the
industry with its projects and early utilisation of the results of
successful research work . She took great interest in the proceedings
and in between she made many suggestions . The meeting was conducted in
a very encouraging atmosphere .
I remember that Shri Ashok Mehta
who was Vice Chairman of the Planning Commission and was conducting
the meeting after the prime minister left , congratulated me after the
meeting . He told me that generally Prime Ministers attended the
meetings for just half to three quarters of an hour but you kept her
engaged for full two and a half hours . I felt satisfied and very happy
. At all the subsequent meetings the Prime Minister always set for two
to three hours This is the proof of her keen interest in science .
Two
days before the meeting I had gone to meet the Prime Minister . I had
made a short brief of the main points and submitted all the papers to
her . She clarified some points . I got the impression from my first
contact with her that she listens to others very carefully and seriously
. Like other leaders who simply say ‘ Yes . I have heard . All right .
All right ‘ she does not use that terminology This gimmickry was not
in her nature . During my tenure of five years , I got many
opportunities to come in contact with her . I met her several times
and every time my impressions were firmed up and besides that she does
not stall the issues like many other leaders .
That day during
the Governing Body meeting the way Indira ji spoke I felt that she had
gone through my papers very carefully . I thought that the Prime
Minister of such a great country who would be busy listening to the
sufferings and woes of crores of people and who must be surrounded by
several national and international problems would hardly find time to
even go through the papers cursorily . My impression was totally wrong
and from experience I learnt that she reads all the papers very
carefully .
I observed one special trait in her that she does
not like long speeches and long drawn discussions . She also does not
like unnecessary introductory flowery words while presenting any matter
just for the sake of formality . Once during a meeting of the
Governing Body of the Council a member who liked speaking began talking
on an early item of the agenda and kept on speaking . Every one listened
to him helplessly . In fact they were simply waiting for him to finish .
I was seated next to the Prime Minister . On observing her reactions I
felt that she too was fed up with the speech .
Being the Director General I was taking up items for the discussions serially as per the agenda
.
For quite some time Indira ji listened to the gentleman and when her
patience gave way , she very courteously told the member ,” Do you know
how many items Dr. Atma Ram has already got through ?” That gentleman
was taken aback and being talkative said in defence , “ I desired to
comment on third or fourth item of the agenda .” Even before he could
complete his sentence Indira ji intervened , “ That item is long over
.”
On hearing this all those present smiled . He felt ashamed to
his chagrin . Seeing the Prime Minister laughing rest of the members
roared with laughter . When the laughter was over Prime Minister asked
the member , “Did you wish to say some thing special on that item ? “
She also apprised him with the decision already taken on the item . The
gentleman said , “ I wished to say the same thing “ Every one again
laughed .
The Governing Body meetings of the Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research were regarded with highest
importance . It consisted of twenty to twenty two members . Prime
Minister herself presided over the meetings . There were four to five
ministers of cabinet rank , eminent scientists , industrialists ,
bureaucrats as its members . I distinctly remember that day in the
meeting Morarji Bhai Desai and Shri Faquruddin Ali Ahmed were present .
Being the Presiding officer she could have easily interrupted the
member but the humorous way she gave the hint to the member to stop
became a sweet warning to such talkative members and the atmosphere at
the meeting remained full of laughter and humour and none felt hurt .
It
is generally seen that highly placed persons due to heavy workload and
busy schedules often attend the meetings for the sake of formality but
leave only after a few minutes . But in my personal experience of five
years except for the first meeting when she had to leave after two and a
half hours but just half an hour before the close due to some urgent
work , Indira ji never left the Governing Body meetings mid way before
close . Once the meeting carried on for more than three hours but the
Prime Minister set all through and actively participated in the
discussions . In between she kept on jotting down something . Prime
Minister while listening carefully notes down whatever she considered
important . She than follows it up by giving instructions to concerned
officials . She has a business like approach .”
Upheaval from the Indian Science Congress
In
January , 1968 55th session of the Indian Science Congress was held at
Varanasi Prime Minister Shri Mati Indira Gandhi inaugurated the
session . Dr. Atma Ram was the President of the Science Congress . Some
people who had even remotely nothing to do with science created an
uproar on what he had said concerning science in his Presidential
address . Most of the scientists in the country welcomed his address .
Some scientific journals published excerpts of his address and specially
his views on the need for a Technology Policy Statement in their
special editions . Some eminent foreign scientists specially Lord
Blacket quoted him at many places Editors appreciated him in their
editorials . Some persons accused him of saying and doing just the
opposite of what the Prime Minister says . Some Members of the
Parliament raised the issue even in the Parliament . Some people
demanded that he be dismissed from the service . When some
representatives of the people in the Parliament raised the issue, Prime
Minister in her reply defended Dr. Atma Ram in Rajya Sabha on 22nd
August , 1968 as follows :-
“ Director General [ Dr. Atma Ram ]
is a very eminent scientist . We know that that there is a difference of
opinion among people – ‘ On what we should pay special attention ‘ . I
do not understand that it is appropriate to say that whatever I have
said about the policies of the Government he { Dr. Atma Ram ] had
totally opposed them . He rightly lays stress on applied science . The
Government has to see another aspect too . We are in agreement with the
Director General on his views about laying stress on applied science
but the progress in science is also very important to the country .”
In this context during some discussions Dr. Atma Ram while expressing his gratefulness to Shrimati Indira Gandhi said :
“
Prime minister’s support of my views in the Parliament is a matter of
great importance to me . I was sad with this baseless accusation . Did I
do something stealthily ? Did I conspire against her ? It was an open
Presidential address where thousands of foreign and Indian scientists
were present The Prime Minister herself had inaugurated the Science
Congress . After the inauguration ceremony at lunch she congratulated me
before every one and appreciated my address . I could never imagine
even in my wildest dreams of opposing the President of the Council while
holding the post of its Director General .”
After the Prime
Minister’s support this controversy became weak but did not end
completely . After a few days two Members of the Parliament –Arjun Arora
and Mushir Ahmed Khan distributed a pamphlet on C.S.I.R. ‘s working .
Through the medium of this book Director General Dr. Atma Ram was
accused of spreading nepotism , showing favouritism and partiality ,
unnecessarily troubling the Directors of National Laboratories ,
transferring the responsibilities of the Council to other organisations
etc In the conclusion it was written that a fool proof evidence
existed to prove that the present Director General was not at all
sympathetic to the interests of the C.S.I.R. . Because of his policies
and actions there was complete chaos in the organisation and it was not
functioning properly . Therefore if the organisation had to be saved
then it was essential that the present Director General was immediately
changed . Not only this but all those who were encouraging the policies
of harming and disintegration of the organisation should also be removed
. This was the only way to save the organisation . By removing such
persons not only C.S.I.R. would be benefitted but it would also be very
beneficial to the progress of science in this country . In this
context Dr. Atma Ram later said :
“ Those Members of the
Parliament placed that pamphlet on the floor of the house but it did not
carry any weight and the matter was simply talked out . After a few
days the uproar faded out on its own . I learnt from this episode that
The Prime Minister listened to every one but took her own decisions
.Once she made up her mind she remained firm . She never changed her
decisions just because some persons made a hue and cry This wonderful
trait has played an important part in her momentous .achievements .”
Closeness With Three Prime Ministers
The
author once during his talks with Dr. Atma Ram told him that he had
the good fortune of being close to not one but three Prime Ministers .
He with a mixture of pride and humility narrated an incidence to
confirm this :
“ Why me only , all the Prime Ministers had shown
special consideration for Science . Those days there used to be a
Scientific Advisory Committee to the Cabinet . Cabinet Secretary was
its Chairman . Dr. D.S.Joshi was the Cabinet Secretary then . The
members of this committee were all scientists . I too was a member . One
day I just asked Dr. Joshi that we were advisors all right but what
happens to our advice and how it was implemented etc . Cabinet
Secretary perhaps raised this matter with the Prime Minister . This
resulted in fixing up a meeting of this Committee with the Cabinet
Ministers . It was in December 1967 . The meeting took place in a room
of the parliament .The Prime Minister herself was present . If I
remember correct the meeting was attended by Sardar Swarn Singh , Shri
Jagjivan Ram , Dr. S. Chenna Reddy , Dr. Triguna Sen , Shri Ashok Mehta ,
Dr. Ram Subhag Singh , and Dr. Karn Singh . At the meeting the
Scientists raised some issues specially –they do not get enough funds
for their needs from the Finance Ministry and what ever is given it is
not on time , expenditure on science should be at least three percent of
the G.N.P. , it is not proper that selection of Scientists be done by
the Union Public Service Commission etc . As per the seating
arrangements at the meeting four or five Scientists were stressing on
these points . Then my turn came to speak . I kept silent .Prime
Minister asked me to say something . I submitted that Scientists have
had their innings now the Ministers should tell what this Committee
should do . Indira ji smiled on hearing the word ‘innings ‘ and
repeated that I should give my views . I had to obey her . Whatever I
spoke in nutshell it is— It is very difficult to say how much a country
should spend on science . America certainly spends three percent of her
G.N.P. on Research and Development .It is a rich country and can spend
as it likes . Whatever is being spent on Science is because Science and
Technology help in the economic development of the country . If our
intention is to encourage scientific research for the country’s economic
development and social well being then the research programmes should
be cast accordingly . There is no relationship between economic
development and the percentage of G.N.P. spending . Britain spends
about 2.5 percent . Japan and Germany do not spend even 1.5 percent .
But there is no comparison between the economic development of Britain
and Japan and Germany . The question should not be on the percentage
spending on science but how the huge funds made available to science
despite being a poor country , were being utilised . The problem of
paucity of funds would always remain . These figures would not solve the
problem . Secondly whatever research programmes we make those should be
directly related to the needs of the people . It is essential that the
people in general should be benefitted . In other words scientific
achievements should be related to the needs of the people and not to the
fashion . There is fashion in science . By following the fashion we may
perhaps not be able to develop economically . One should not forget
that scientific research has become very expensive now . We should
stress more on ‘ felt needs ‘ The question is of felt needs and not of
felt fashion . If science helps in the economic development of the
country , the Government would certainly spend more on science .If the
country does not have enough money where would be our science and our
scientists .
Since lot of time had already been spent I asked
for forgiveness for taking time . Later four or five ministers spoke .
They all confirmed the role of science in the economic development .
The
Prime Minister was quite pleased with the deliberations at the meeting .
While opening up her mind she stated that the our Science and
Technological Research should be related to the country’s problems and
the goal should be its economic development . She confirmed my views
that there was no relationship between G.N.P. and expenditure on science
and specially mentioned the stress given on applied research in
developed countries . I did not know at that time that the Prime
Minister never cared much about G.N.P. I only learnt it later .
Many
ministers congratulated me that day on my clearing the issues very
explicitly. Dr. Ram Subhag Singh embraced me after the meeting and said
, “ Dr. Saheb you said what I had in mind and that too so clearly and
firmly .”
I shall only say that from the times of Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru to Lal Bahadur Shastry , Indira ji and Morarji Desai ,
the science budget was never reduced in any way despite poor state of
the country’s economy. Budget allocations were increased every year .
For the science and the scientists this is a matter of much importance
and every scientist should be grateful to the Prime Ministers . “
Dr.
Atma Ram always laid stress on the application of science for the
economic progress of a developing country like India He expressed his
views at a number of occasions both at national and international forums
. Whenever he got the authority and opportunity to implement his views ,
he did whatever he considered in the country’s interests with out fear
or any hesitation . He was of the view that for the nation’s economic
development science should be utilised to the full . The common man’s
basic needs for bread , clothing and housing should be given the
highest priority and science should be geared to this end . This was
his pet subject and till the end of his life he kept on propounding his
views and philosophy ..
As the Director General of C.S.I.R. he
laboured hard to give directions to set economic goals in the
development of science and technology . He took initiative in directing
the national laboratories to come forward and take the lead in solving
the pressing problems of the society effectively . It was rather
unfortunate that persons misunderstood his efforts and even accused him
of despotism . For example many believed that he had taken initiative in
removing some national laboratories and organisations from the ambit of
the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. But the fact is
that even before he became Director General recommendations had
already been made to transfer some national laboratories including the
three which were transferred during his tenure . When he was asked to
give his views , he had opposed the idea . But at the same time he said
that those organisations who had opted to move out of the C.S.I.R.
should be removed . This decision was taken by someone else but Atma
Ram got the bad name . It was his magnanimity that he never felt any
need to issue clarification .
He had very cordial relations with
all the three Prime Ministers from Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru , Smt. Indira
Gandhi to Shri Morarji Desai with whom he had the opportunity to work .
Every one supported him .Every one appreciated him after evaluating
his work thoroughly . They believed in his honesty and integrity . Not
only this , whenever he was wrongly accused they defended and supported
him .In august 1971 just before he relinquished the office of the
Director General the then Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi while
addressing the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research committee
meeting praised Dr. Atma Ram and thereby stopped all his opponents it
their tracks . She said :
“ Dr. Atma Ram has brought laurels to
the country by his valuable research work in the field of applied
sciences all through his long scientific career in the service of
science . He developed and produced optical glass of great strategic
value at a time when only very few nations possessed the know how . Dr.
Atma Ram has always laid stress on the use of science and technology for
the economic development of the country . Therefore his second great
contribution is giving economic direction to the policies of C.S.I.R ”
Silver Jubilee of C.S.I.R.
The
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research completed 25 years in
1967 . At that time the country was in the grip of a severe famine and
was passing through a difficult time . The entire Government was deeply
engrossed in tackling this gigantic problem . Therefore the Council’s
Silver Jubilee was celebrated in August 1968 . The main function was
held in the auditorium of the National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi on
10thAugust 1968 .The function was organised under the direction of the
Director General Dr. Atma Ram .
During the celebrations among
those who addressed the audience apart from the President Dr. Zakir
Hussain , Prime inister Shrimati Indira Gandhi , Education Minister ,
Dr. Triguna Sen were Director General of UNESCO Rene Maheu and
Founder President of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
Dr. Ramaswami Mudaliar . On Dr. Atma Ram’s personal invitation two ex-
Directors General Prof. M.S. Thacker and Dr. S. Hussain Zaheer were also
present . Dr. Atma Ram formally welcomed all the special invitees and
expressed his gratefulness towards them .
Two years had elapsed
since Dr. Atma Ram took over as Director General . He was being
commented upon and criticised for his style of functioning and the way
of running the Council. Director General was even accused of despotism
and spreading nepotism . Dr. Atma Ram got a small opportunity to answer
his critics . Taking advantage of it he in his address referred to the
allegations made against the Council and in a straight forward manner
rebutted all of them saying :
“ I feel it is natural that there
will be expressions of different types of opinions about large
organisations such as the C.S.I.R.. There will be arguments and
criticisms . But science progresses on criticism and discussion . From
them better ideas and measures flow . We are thankful to all those who
are giving thought to the C.S.I.R. and offering us advice . As a person
who has spent nearly 25 years in C.S.I.R. , I feel gratified with what
has been achieved by my colleagues . At times , expressions to the
contrary are made by some people . It depends how a person looks at
things . Take , for instance , a tumbler with some water in it .
Somebody may say it is half full , while the other may say it is half
empty . It depends on the way a person looks at things .”
For giving adequate importance to the young scientists he said :
“
The Council entrusted to me the task of establishing the Central Glass
and Ceramic Research Institute in Calcutta , and gave me an independent
charge of this project . This opportunity was a turning point in my
career . I have worked under the leadership of Dr. Shanti Swaroop
Bhatnagar . He was the Director and I was a mere Research Assistant .
The atmosphere he had created was so informal and friendly that we had
no occasion to bother who the Director was and who the Asst. Director .
Yes , there was discipline all round Today , we talk of freedom and
of the need ‘to break hierarchy ‘ , but how much do we think of these
noble ideas in relation to the scientists on the bench –the working
scientist ? Those were the days when the greater concern was to have
more of science than to have talks on the organisation of science . In
all our discussions on the organisational aspects of science , the
point of view of the research man at the bench is sadly neglected . All
other points of view are amply and vociferously put forward ,
particularly the view of the man at the top . Let us not neglect him in
our anxiety about organisational aspects . CSIR. has become a big
organisation . Many of our laboratories are much bigger than the entire
laboratory of the DSIR of those days . An organisational pattern ,
howsoever elegant , that neglects the working scientist can not become
effective . We should take care that we do not become victims of this
error . Let us do more science .”
On this occasion Sir Ramaswami
Mudaliar offered his humble congratulations to the scientists who were
with the CSIR from the date of its inception as follows ;-
“
One of them is here in the capacity of the Director General of the CSIR
at present . It was my pleasure to welcome Dr. Atma Ram in those days
in 1942 , when he joined one of the laboratories from the Alipur Test
House . The progress that he has made in the ceramic and glass industry
is a model of its kind . He is an indication of what Indian science
unhelped by any extraneous influence , not copying even the invention of
others , could do in the industry .”
Chairman of the National Committee on Science and Technology
In
1977 Janata Party formed the Government at the Centre . Morarji Desai
was unanimously elected as Prime Minister . Dr. Atma Ram had old
contacts with Morarji Desai . Both were well acquainted with each
other’s views and philosophy . Dr. Atma Ram when he was Director of
the Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute , Calcutta had met
Morarji Desai the then Cabinet Minister of Industries and Commerce in
1958-59 for the first time in connection with a meeting . Morarji Bhai
later became the Minister of Finance and subsequently Deputy Prime
Minister . He was also a member of the Governing Body of the CSIR . At
that time Dr. Atma Ram was the Director General of the Council . Even
when he was not the Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Atma Ram maintained close
contacts with him . The basis of the closeness and intimacy was the
firm belief of both of them in Gandhi ji’s principles of truth and
non-violence . Both believed in purity of means in achieving goals .
When
Dr. Atma Ram was appointed the first Chairman of the newly created
National Committee on Science and Technology in June 1977 he told the
author :
“ I meet Morarji Bhai quite often . Mostly we meet
early morning at seven o’ clock . He gets up early in the morning and
so do I . I always write beforehand whatever I wish to talk to him .He
does not like doing things in a hurry . Many times he asked me , “ Tell
me what have you brought in the envelope ? “ He likes my habit of
taking things written down .
When he became the Prime Minister ,
then one day Dr. Ramchandran who was Secretary , Department of Science
and Technology came to me and told me that the Prime Minister desired me
to take over the Chairmanship of the National Committee on Science and
Technology . He requested me to meet him . When I met Morarji Bhai I
told him why was he making retired horses run . He replied that my age
was not more than his . I became speechless then . So I accepted his
offer . He remembered me was enough indication of his confidence in me
.”
In this position , he had the national responsibility of
overseeing the total science and technology effort in the country . As
Chairman of N.C.S.T. , he was Principal Advisor to the Prime minister
and the Union Cabinet on Science and Technology and , therefore , as
soon as the Government at the Centre fell , he submitted his resignation
without any loss of time in order that the new Prime Minister may have
the opportunity to review such appointments . He considered that this
was a matter of principle and he should set up a healthy precedence .
The three most important questions dealt with by the N.C.S.T. under his guidance were :-
[a] science and Technology education must get a fair of the brightest young .
[b] The need to substantially augment the resources of the Universities for research and development .
[c] Preparation of the draft of the Technology Policy Statement for the Government’s consideration .
On
29th September ,1977 in the presence of Prime Minister Morarji Bhai
Desai , while delivering the Chairman’s address of the N.C.S.T. he said
:-
“ We have to re-examine what the nation expects from
science and scientists , how we can obtain adequate returns from the
vast infrastructure that has been built up at a great cost and how we
can ensure that the fruits of development become available to the masses
.
Tackling poverty and unemployment , should get top priority .
Both of them are massively present in the rural areas .Promotion of
rural industries suggests itself as one of the solutions .
Gandhi ji ,
the most practical of our economists , was in favour of village and
cottage industries which could cater to the needs of both the rural and
urban areas . He brought about a radical change in the pattern of
consumption and in the style of living . He advocated the use of khadi
and hand made products . He made Swadeshi not only a weapon in the
political struggle , but also an effective tool for the reconstruction
of our villages . He achieved a considerable measure of success . After
independence however , the pattern of consumption has changed . The
spirit of Swadeshi has suffered an eclipse .Foreign products have again
become status symbols . Most of the needs of even our rural areas have
now to be met by products of urban origin . This trend has to be
countered . The viability of industries , especially in the rural areas ,
depends largely on the prevailing pattern of consumption .”
Dr.
Atma Ram , even after ceasing his connection with the Government ,
continued to take active interest in the field of science and technology
as an adviser to the scientific foundations and industrial groups for
the establishment of their corporate R & D and also in matters of
science and policies .On the request of noted industrialist Shri
K.N.Modi he accepted to be the adviser-director of the Modi Industries
and remained with the group till his death . Till the day of his demise
his interest in science and technology was spirited and lively .
Honoured by Anuvrata Award
The
honour Dr. Atma Ram valued a great deal was the recognition by the ‘
Anuvrata Movement ‘of the Jaya Tulsi Foundation . His distinguished and
long service to the cause of ethical principles and moral and human
values and character building were recognised in a function of the above
foundation in October 1981 and he was given a cash award of rupees one
lakh . Dr. Atma Ram’s steadfastness to principles is amply borne out by
the fact that he at once contributed the award back to the Anuvrata
Movement to be used for the good cause they were working for .
The
Vice-President of the Anuvrata Committee Shri Budh Mal Shamsukha
commented that Dr. Atma Ram’s simple gesture proved his dedication to
uphold moral values and ethics in society . He tells about his meeting
with Atma Ram ji :
“ I met him informally perhaps in 1974-75 .I
went to his residence in military barracks of Central Vista Hostel ,
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road as working Vice- President of the Anuvrata
Samiti . Dr. Saheb was not well those days .He was suffering from herpes
. We began discussing the causes and remedies of such serious
afflictions . Skin diseases are caused by disorders in the blood and are
cured by purifying it . Dr. Atma Ram explained in detail how and why
the blood defects occur . In fact in such a way that an independent
article could be written on the subject . He had already tried natural
therapy .He was a proponent of Naturopathy . His arguments were based
on knowledge and facts and not on blind faith . Suddenly the discussions
took a turn and were centred on what awareness was and what was its
form . I felt that awareness might be considered a kind of the atomic
process . Did the chemical reactions always taking place in the atoms
convert in to a sort of life- awareness ? I remember very distinctly
every word of Dr. Atma Ram . He said ,” Atom has power It has movement
too . But it does not have intelligence or awareness . Till date all
the researches in the atomic and sub-atomic field have not proved any
signs of the existence of awareness in atoms .” We were aware of our
ignorance of atomic science and his understanding of the subject . We
were facing a philosopher scientist and there was no possibility of
taking the arguments further .
Whenever I had gone to him , I
have returned after learning something new from him . He was a simple
man always at peace with himself and would sort out a problem in very
few words . His clarity of thought and philosophy of life were always
inspiring to others .”
When Anuvrata award was announced his immediate reaction was :
“
Till now I have not been able to understand on what basis Jaya Tulsi
Foundation has bestowed this award on me . Like many others I too had
gone to attend the function of hundreth death anniversary of Shri
Acharya . There only Acharya Shri Tulsi made this announcement I was
amazed .”
While expressing gratefulness on receiving the award he said :
“
I am aware of my weaknesses . You have given the award , I consider it
as your benevolence . Today the saying ‘ There are many who are adopt
in giving advice to others ‘ is being proved true Merely giving a
slogan is not enough . One has to learn controling himself first before
disciplining others . ‘ nij par shasan phir anushasan ‘ is to be
imbibed in your mind and is to be implicitly followed for others to see
. This is the only way of ending the social tensions and ills in the
society . “
It is difficult to say when and how Dr. Atma Ram got
involved in the Anuvrata Movement . But for some years he was fully
involved in it . His eldest daughter Shrimati Snehlata Singhal has
narrated a few of her recollections which bring out facts so far unknown
even to the author She said :-
“ I do not remember exactly when
he was influenced by the ‘ Anuvrata Movement ‘ but soon he took an
active part in all their activities and attended their meetings
regularly . He was twice elected chairman of Anuvrata committee . He
was extremely close to Acharya Shri Tulsi and he would visit him very
often in Rajsthan where Acharya used to live , for discussions on
innumerable topics . He remembered to the minutest detail every moment
he spent with Shri Tulsi and would fondly narrate to us all what
happened on returning home . He took part in the Anuvrata Movement only
after being influenced by it . He believed that cult of lip service and
hollow show had spread its web all around so much that man has to make
efforts to save himself . Till one acts truthfully he will not get
complete success . He who does not lead a truthful and an ideal life ,
he is not fit in any way to get any recognition from any where . A man
does not become great merely because he is a well known leader , a big
businessman or even a rich person . These should not be the criteria
for judging them for honours . Even in Anuvrata movement whenever he
came across such persons he opposed them very strongly . He never
hesitated in expressing his views before any one . He totally disliked
criticising a person in his absence , so to say behind his back . He
would say that if one did not like something then it should be his duty
to speak out his mind frankly, clearly and forthrightly before every
one and never behind a person’s back .
Pitaji received the first
Anuvrata award of the Jaya Tulsi Foundation .I would like to say
something about it as this aspect of his life is known to only two or
three persons besides me . On 18thOctober 1981 at Delhi Ramlila grounds
the Foundation had arranged a momentous and huge function where
Acharya Shri Tulsi , head of the Anuvrata Movement , was also present .
Many national leaders , Cabinet Ministers , and well known Indians
were also present . At home we also knew that Pitaji too had gone to
attend the function . He returned from there by about one o’ clock and
came straight to my residence – Central Vista Hostel . I noticed that he
was bare footed . All of a sudden I said that now you have really
become a Jain Muni as you do not even have a chappal in your feet
.Laughing he said that some where in the crowd he lost his shoes and
could not trace them . Then he began talking about the function and
said that he was very pleased as in the day’s proceedings , discussions
took place on the burning issues of our country . The congregation
took the pledge of not taking any dowry , not resorting to adulteration
and for the removal of un-touchability etc . It was a unique meeting of
its kind . Perhaps it was another step forward in the nation’s progress
.
It was past one o ‘clock and the time for lunch . I
insisted that he should leave after having lunch . He told me that he
should leave as my mother would be waiting for him . But when my son
Anuj told him that he would inform Amma on phone that she should not
wait for Nana ji as he would have lunch here , he stayed on . Within a
few minutes , Pita ji’s driver Shri Dharma Chand ji came inside the
house and called me outside . He enquired from me , “ Bahen ji , has
Bare Saheb told you that he had received something at the function .? I
had heard his name being mentioned and thereafter there was lot of
clapping . Please tell me what exactly he has got .” I told Shri
Dharma Chand Ji , “ He has only lost his shoes at the function . This
is what he has got . Rest I do not know . “ Then entering the room I
asked Pita ji , “ Dharma Chand Ji is saying that you got something at
the function . Did you get something there ?” He replied in a very calm
voice with a little usual smile on his lips , “ Yes . Today Acharya
Shri Tulsi suddenly announced at the function that Jay Tulsi Foundation
‘s first Anuvrata award is being given to the present Chairman of the
Anuvrata Samiti and famous scientist Dr. Atma Ram .” Hearing this
announcement he was puzzled and surprised that for such a great honour
how Acharya Shri and the Foundation had selected him . Then he took out a
paper from the pocket of his kurta on which was a note written by
Acharya Shri himself and said , “ These words written by him are
invaluable to me . This is my greatest possession in life .” When we
read the amount of money written on it our joy knew no bounds that it
was such a big award . Pita ji then told us that he had given the
entire amount there itself for use in Anuvrata programmes .Within
minutes several respectable persons announced their donations too at the
spot . We then rang up Amma ji and conveyed the happy news . In our
home and in the neighbourhood too every one rejoiced . In a short
while we began receiving phone calls , congratulatory telegrams and
messages . If at that time Dharma Chand Ji had not broken the news then
perhaps we too would have learnt the news like others on Akashvani
news bulletins , T.V. News or on receiving a congratulatory phone call .
Once I mentioned this episode to Shri Sethia ji of Anuvrata Movement .
He told me that at that time he and Dr. Saheb were sitting very close
to each other .This conversation took place after the sad demise of my
respected Pita ji . During this period Shri Sethia ji came to our place
several times and conveyed the condolences of the entire Anuvrata
family . I repeat Sethia ji’s own words , “ I too had no inkling
whatsoever that the award would be announced today and that the honour
was to be bestowed on Dr. Saheb . The moment Acharya Shri Tulsi
announced the Anuvrata Award huge congregation of people assembled at
Ramlila grounds clapped incessantly welcoming him . The whole atmosphere
reverberated with the welcoming sound of their clapping Every one
insisted that Dr Saheb should come to the dais . There was no
expression of joy on Dr. Saheb’s face and also the prestigious award
did not affect him a bit . As usual he greeted every one with humility
from there itself and said , “ Mein aik itna chota insan va itna bara
samman . Kaise apne ko uske yogya kar sakunga , samajh mein nahi aa raha
hei “ [ I am such a small man and being given such great honour . How
would I make myself capable of it , I do not understand ] . So saying
the very next second he gave away to Anuvrata itself the whole amount of
award of rupees one lakh . True Karma yogi of Geeta was indeed only
Dr. Saheb because in such a great function , suddenly being honoured by
such a great award there was no reaction on his face even for a split
second . “ This is one such event that except for my husband and my son
no one knows . Later I told my mother . It was my good fortune that I
got the news earlier than any one else in my family did . I firmly
believe that all those who were near to him or had spent even a few
moments in his company would have certainly felt , experienced and
seen his simplicity , truthfulness , ethical principles ,moral and
human values , besides a pure and kind hearted demeanor .
If it
is true that there is life after death and I ever wish to ask God
anything for myself then it would be that whenever I am reborn I should
have the good fortune of being his daughter and be in his lap till
eternity . “
Dr. Atma Ram Memorial Lecture
Dr. Atma
Ram had very close associations since his university days with Vigyan
Parishad Allahabad . He was a life member of the Parishad and its well
wisher . He began writing on science with an article published in its
monthly journal ‘ vigyan ‘ . It may be mentioned that he got the best
scholarship of the University because of this article . All his life he
considered himself indebted to ‘ Vigyan ‘ .To pay back his debt he
helped the Parishad with all his might .He made his greatest
contribution in keeping the Parishad alive and functioning by arranging
funds for it from the Government and other resources . After his death
in order to pay homage to his memory Parishad brought out a special
edition of its journal ‘ Vigyan ‘ in March 1984 , calling it Dr. Atma
Ram Memorial Edition .
After the death of Atma Ram ji , his
family donated enough money to the Parishad so that with the interest
accruing on it , an annual lecture in his memory could be arranged at
any scientific centre of the country . The first such lecture was given
by Swami [ Dr. ] Satya Prakash Saraswati in the auditorium of the
National Physical Laboratory , New Delhi . The lecture was arranged by
the then Director of the Laboratory , Dr. Shri Krishna Joshi .
Swami
[ Dr. ] Satya Prakash Saraswati in his long address touched upon the
qualities and life of Dr. Atma Ram in a very vivid and heart rending
way . A few excerpts from his address are given below :-
“ There
are several reasons for Dr. Atma Ram’s success in life . Three
difficult phases in his life , namely , hopelessness , poverty , and
failures, kept edging him forward with determination . In the midst of
all these short comings the destiny slowly pushed him forward step by
step till it placed him at the place which was pre-destined for him .
Amidst an inappropriate and even hostile environment , a few
opportunities came along his way , which helped him move forward to his
destiny with courage
Atma Ram had to struggle hard against
poverty and the problems created because of it for a very long time in
his early life . This incessant struggle could have broken anybody’s
back , as per a Hindi saying , but on every such occasion it so
happened that he got the inherent courage to move forward regardless.
It could also happen that today no one bothered about him as he could
have left schooling after passing middle examination , he could have
given up studies in science for his inter examination in desperation ,
or after retirement as a chemist in a sugar factory he would be leading
an ordinary life unknown , unheard of , unnoticed and unsung . But it
appears that some force was pushing him at his back , urging him on ,
and he moved forward tearing away the crowd . You may say it was destiny
playing its role as it was pre-destined .
At the commencement of
my lecture I had compared myself with Atma Ram . My father was also
from a poor family . He was a self made man . I grew up during the
period of my father’s poverty , but I never had to struggle myself . I
was brought up by my father in Prayag . But Atma Ram was not brought up
this way by any of his family member , yet he reached heights in his
career . This was the greatness of his character . His continuous
advance in life was not due to destiny but due to his strong will ,
determination and character . I shall say that whatever situations Atma
Ram faced , he accepted them , and did whatever he considered fit and
proper with out any hesitation . He then considered them as past and
over and never bothered about the future . He accepted his present
fully and devoted his full attention to make a success of it . If in a
sugar factory he went to an ordinary worker and learnt from him standing
beside him with humility , how he worked , what he had in mind , how he
solved his problems , and the techniques and skills applied by him –he
considered him as his teacher at that time . Not only he would try to
understand the worker’s small problems in detail but would discuss with
him as though it was indeed his own problem .
This trait of Atma
Ram grew up with him all through his life . If you do not take it a
miss I would say that at that moment the ordinary worker of the factory
appeared to Atma Ram just like Meghnad Saha or Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar
. When a person like Dr. Saha , who was a great Indian scientist ,
spoke to Dr. Atma Ram on country’s future plans , he felt that Atma Ram
was his own colleague who was discussing the issues with him at the
same depth and level as he wished . In Atma Rams way of participation in
discussions there was no place for formalities . He was straight
forward . Bhatnagar too had the same kind of experience with him . When
the country faced the problem of producing optical glass indigenously ,
Atma Ram took it as his own problem and began working on it
scientifically He worked day and night and achieved success .
Jawaharlal ji was thinking of solving the problem with the assistance of
Russians , but for Atma Ram it was our own problem to be solved
indigenously . He believed in efforts and never ever left any problem
to itself .
Even in his University days he believed in self
efforts in solving ones problems . If any cook or a vendor complained
of a problem in his chullah or bhatti , Atma Ram would instantly go to
him considering it his own problem and sort it out . It appeared that
Atma Ram was for the people and had emerged for their sake from amongst
them only . All his life he considered himself a man of the masses .
He could weave cotton daries and woolen carpets .He could grind grains .
There was hardly any thing which he could not do or did with out
pleasure
Such was the character and personality of Atma Ram .
When his abilities were recognised in the scientific field , he occupied
all those positions which generally most persons crave for . But he
had only one aim . He desired to improve the lot of the teeming masses
of our country, who were poor , illiterate , who only knew their simple
dialects and nothing more by judicious use of science and technology as
Europeans had done for theirs .
Ordinary man in Europe is
aware that he also had a hand in the spread of science in the world
The people in Europe are very well familiar with modern science . It is
in their blood . In order to cultivate this awareness and familiarity
with modern science in our masses , Atma Ram had entrusted me with the
task of compiling Hindi edition of the ‘ wealth of India ‘ . How I
wish this was published during his life time . For Atma Ram there was
no consideration of politics or otherwise in popularising science in
Hindi , it was just to make available knowledge of science to the
ordinary persons . It may be clearly understood that there is no other
alternative to raise the awareness of our people . If the common
people are not able to comprehend scientific reasoning and ideas , they
can not be freed from the shackles of blind faith and traditions .
Even Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati for this reason welcomed spread of
science in the country . In the present age there is only one way to
eradicate poverty and blind faith And that is peoples staunch faith in
science and scientific techniques , together with honesty , hard work
and feeling of national brotherhood . Dr. Atma Ram all his life time
worked towards these cherished values and ideals .”
The End of the Humane Scientist
Dr.
Atma Ram contracted a bronchial problem , asthma and urticaria from
which he frequently suffered. . Because of this allergy , he had to
avoid antibiotics and other modern remedies and substitute them with
homeopathic treatment whenever he fell ill His long stay in Calcutta
helped him to acquire a certain amount of mastery in homeopathic
medicine and practice .He became extra cautious about his food and
living habits ; he was a strict vegetarian , non-smoker and teetotaller ,
because of this regimen he was some what withdrawn in his social habits
.
Asthma usually troubles more in winter . In the last week of
January , 1983 he suffered an acute attack of asthma . He could
breathe with difficulty . He felt that he must visit a hospital as the
homeopathic medicines appeared ineffective to control breathing . He
was immediately admitted to the Holy Family Hospital near his residence
in Maharani Bagh . He was not used to allopathic medicines yet he
willingly accepted the medication . The family was worried about some
adverse reaction of the strong medicines . His desire to live was very
strong and he faced the disease with courage . It appeared that he had
overcome the problem and his condition improved . He remained
satisfied and contented at the hospital . He never complained of pain or
need for any thing . He always remained calm and poised . But
suddenly on 5thFebruary, 1983 his condition began deteriorating .
Specialists were called to check him . It seemed that he suffered a
fatal stroke . Though he could not talk or see , yet when the family
members asked him to move his eye lids he did . His brain was
functioning normally . There was no visible pain either in his eyes or
face . He was very calm and composed . His face was as usual bright .
Ultimately , he succumbed to bronchial infection . One can fight disease
valiantly but can not overcome death .On 6th February , 1983 at about
13.30.hours in the afternoon he departed peacefully from this world .
His face was so peaceful and bright that his family felt that perhaps
Doctors had made an error in declaring him dead .
With his sad
demise we lost a great protagonist of science writing in Hindi . Several
industries in the country lost their true adviser . Science and
technology suffered an irreparable loss . The young Scientists lost
their staunch supporter .
Dr. Satya Prakash Saraswati , his great
friend and like an older brother to him , while expressing his
condolences on learning about his sudden demise said :-
“ He
was an old asthma patient . Perhaps he could not bear Delhi’s cold this
time .He has gone leaving us behind . Saying even a few words on the
death of a younger person is really a curse of the old age .”
Dr. Sant Prasad Tandon who lived with him at Allahabad for many years and was his friend till the last wrote ;-
“
Dr. Atma Ram’s life is an inspirational one for all of us . In his
death I have been separated by my older brother The country has lost a
great Scientist . “
The well known Scientist Dr. Ajit Ram Verma while payiny tribute to him said ;-
“ ‘A strong column of science ‘ and a great Scientist of our Generation ‘ has left us .”
The
famous Gandhian and writer Shri Yash Pal Jain wrote on the front page
of All India Anuvrata Samiti while paying tribute to Atma Ram as follows
:-
“ A staunch follower of Anuvrata Movement , a Scientist of
International repute , and a follower of moral values and ethics Dr.
Atma Ram would so suddenly leave us , we could not imagine even in our
dreams . He has left .The field of science has suffered a lot ,but even
greater loss is in the domain of humanity . It is but natural that we
feel sorrow at his death , yet there is no reason for despondency as he
has left an unlimited storehouse of wisdom through his actions and
writings ,”
Dr. Dharma Vira , his friend and a well known administrator , while paying condolences said :-
“
It is easy to become a Scientist or a great administrator , but
extremely difficult to become a good human being . And this difficulty
was embodied to the brim in Dr. Atma Ram .”
Seventh Chapter
Atma Ram As He Was
Simple Life But High Thinking
Dr.
Atma Ram was of medium built . Complexion was slightly dark and body
was normal . He liked simplicity . He dressed simply but it was always
neat , well pressed and looked elegant on him . All through out his
approach was to establish a fair balance between urban and rural way of
life . This could be seen even in his clothing . Initially he wore coat ,
pant and tie . But later he wore close collared Jodhpuri coat and
matching pant or full sleeved bush shirt and pant . He always wore
Gandhi Topi with Indian dresses .Therefore many were deceived in taking
him as a villager . He liked wearing khadi kurta and dhoti at home . He
wore spectacles all the time .By looking at his eyes it was difficult to
ascertain which one was sightless . He had a sharp vision .He took time
in accepting something . It was perhaps due to his scientific approach .
He would decide on a matter after fully satisfying himself thoroughly
.He woud express anger on some bitter experience but would laugh
hilariously whenever an ammusing incident cropped up during discussions .
He had no artificiality in him .
Atma Ram was a simple hearted
person .Even his staunch opponents appreciated his simplicity and
humility . He was a very practical person . He knew very well how to
deal with younger, older and same age people . A distinguishing aspect
of his character was that he not only extended but continued maintaining
friendship in all situations .
His life was simple and devoid of
any show . He spoke little . He felt uneasy seeing wasteful expenditure
. He was very careful and cautious in avoiding such a waste . We
observed that whenever he left a room even for a few minutes he would
never forget switching the fan off. He used to wear dhoties . Whenever
the dhoties were worn out he would get made handkerchiefs out of them .
When the collars of the shirt were worn out he would get them reversed
and wear them under the coat in winters . This does not mean that he was
a miser . No one knows how many institutions received financial aid
from him personally and how many needy people were relieved from their
financial troubles . He used to substantially help in the marriages of
daughters of needy persons .
He had implicit faith in truth and
non-violence . Despite being born in a vaish family he did not like
accumulating wealth . He was a sort of a socialist . He was a true
Gandhian . His views on wealth and social and moral values were very
explicit and logical . He believed that the minimum monetary and other
essential facilities should be available to every one so that they may
be able to live easily and without misery . During talks he would
repeat a couplet of Kabir which implies :
“ Sai itna deejea , jaye kutumb samaye ,
mein bhi bhuka na rahun , sadhu na bhuka jaye”
meaning--‘ Oh God give me just enough to support the family so that I may not remain hungry and also any saint who visits me ‘
He
believed that if we understand and follow this couplet , the country
would entirely change for the better . No one in our country would
remain hungry or naked .
In the context of country wide debates
on poverty , unemployment and the ever increasing cost of day to day
living , his views were very moderate and progressive and a socialistic
thinking was obvious . He would say , “ See, how lucky we are that we
are following vocations of our own liking . The country is struggling
with dreaded unemployment . We have lots of facilities . Just compare
with the life in a village . In a villager’s life there is nothing else
but scarcities only . Hundreds of millions of people live there . By
observing a little frugality , we can better the lot of our society and
the nation .”
Atma Ram was a strict vegetarian . He did not take
eggs . He never smoked . He also did not have a special liking for tea
either . He did not suffer from temptations . Once during talks in this
context he said :-
“ I remember that Pitaji often brought tea
from Bijnor . We used to prepare tea mixed with tulsi leaves . Those
days Tea Board was propagating the use of tea and it was served at road
crossings free We used to drink sugared water called ‘sharbat ‘ at
home during summers . I began taking tea regularly in Calcutta . But
even now I have no special craving for tea . I do not take coffee . I
take cow’s milk whenever available .”
He suffered from asthma .He would medicate himself by studying homeopathy . He told in this context :
“
I am not against any system of medicine . While in Allopathy the
disease is apparently cured but its after effects on the body are not
good . After studying homeopathy myself , I tried these medicines on
children with good effect . I took Aurvedic medicines too many times
but to no effect . I got seriously ill in Calcutta once . I was under
the treatment of vaid Kaviraj Sharma ji But my lungs were cleared only
by Homeopathy . That medicine was -‘Brayonia ‘ . I took this medicine
myself .without any consultation from any one . I felt dryness in the
chest and the phlegm would not come out . I always keep 15-20
medicines with me . I consider antibiotics as a ‘ Brahmastra ‘ and
should be used sparingly .
I always took cold water bath even in
winters . But after my accident in Germany doctors gave me penicillin in
very strong doses . It had adverse effect on me . I felt chilly while
taking bath even in hot summers . Due to this I take hot water bath
what to say of winters even in summers too . I felt breathlessness too .
I had doubts in my mind that it was all due to penicillin . Even on my
return to homeland the Doctors continued giving heavy doses of
penicillin . In 1946 penicillin had just been introduced . I felt quite
uneasy . In 1953 , Sir Alexander Flemming who discovered penicillin and
who was jointly awarded the Nobel Prize with another Scientist had come
to attend the Science Congress in Calcutta . I asked Flemming whether
there was any antidote for after effects of penicillin . He asked me as
to who was suffering . When I told him that I had penicillin injections
consecutively for three weeks , he said , “ Is it not enough that you
are alive ? After so much of penicillin the cold resistance of the body
would be reduced to minimum .Do not take penicillin now .” On my
telling him that since I was alive , what should I do . He replied , “
Here people take penicillin even in ordinary cough and cold . This
causes harm instead any relief . These Doctors are harming the patients
. Antibiotics should be taken only when necessary .”
While
assessing the entire life of Dr. Atma Ram we conclude that he found ,
developed and cherished the values of life and its ideals the “Sanskars
‘in his home and family environment and they only became stronger with
his struggles in his life . He had to continually face from his early
life several adverse circumstances and disappointments in life . But
whatsoever the situations and difficulties were he surmounted them with
courage and fortitude and carried on regardless like a born victor . In
his own words :-
“In my life there were several incidents when I
had to face failures . But later when due to those very failures I got
tremendous successes my views on failures completely changed . I
regarded them as stepping stones to success . Now with my long
experience I am of firm belief that success is hidden behind every
failure .”
Dr. Atma Ram was deeply aware of all what was
happening around him . He had an uncanny ability to gauge things
correctly . In his day to day living and in his eating habits one could
discern the mixture of urban and rural environment . If on looking at
him he appeared to be a simple villager , he during talks gave the
impression as though he had all his education abroad . Just coming into
his contact one could not remain unaffected by his intellect and wisdom
.
From the beginning Goddess of Learning ‘ Saraswati ‘ bestowed
her bounty on him . Like wise later in his life Goddess of Wealth ‘
Lakshmi ‘ followed suit . Perhaps right from childhood till he got into
service the total neglect shown by Goddess Lakshmi induced her to make
suitable amends in his later life and bestowed full affection on him He
never craved for wealth . He was fully satisfied with whatever he
earned honestly through his hard labour . This he considered a boon of
his life . He would usually say that we should be satisfied with what we
have as there were crores of people who did not have enough to lead an
honourable existence .
There will be no exaggeration if we said
that Dr. Atma Ram got what he desired , got the position he wanted and
did what he wished to . In this he was sometimes helped by favourable
circumstances and at other times he was able to alter the course of
events under adverse circumstances in his favour . Whatever be the case
he reached the heights one by one with his strong will power . Because
of his pious nature , hard work and transparent honesty he got all
whatever was his due . For such great persons it has been said that
they get what they deserve .
Dr. Atma Ram was a man of few words ,
ate little and spent less on himself . We find a glimpse of these
wonderful characteristics in what Smt Uma Gupta , his niece, has written
about him :
“ During Janata Rule , when uncle was the Chairman
of National Committee on Science and Technology he was residing in a
bungalow facing Krishi Bhawan . One day we were talking while sitting
in the lawn . Suddenly his hand touched the collar of his shirt and with
a little surprise he told his wife , “ The collar of this shirt has
frayed . Please repair it early otherwise it would get worst . “ My aunt
expressing unwillingness said , “ After all this 20 year old shirt
would last how long more ? “ The uncle then after making some
calculations confirmed that in fact he got that shirt stitched 20 years
back when he went abroad . Then said , “I have to retire it now “ .
Uncle
was not fond of clothes . He would never discard old clothes till they
were worn out . My aunt without telling him used to give his clothes to
the needy . During my social work she also gave me clothes for
distributing among the poor on several occasions .
He was
cautious about his food . While the dining table was full of eatables ,
he would select only a few items according to their usefulness and his
needs . He ate very little .
Uncle’s life was always within
limits . Occasionally to stress this he would say , “The man remains
happy till he lives within limits . The moment he breaks out and asks
for ‘more ‘and ‘more ‘ he loses his composure and contented life
altogether
He would then explain with an example , “ See, in a
human being’s body in a very compact and little space such a great
length of intestines is accommodated and they function effectively .
While this so small a tongue when leaves the limits even a little , one
knows how much one has to endure . If in greed you eat more you suffer ,
just like you suffer when you speak more . Therefore every one must
remain within limits . Contentment in life is very important .”
Smt. Sita Devi wife of Dr. Atma Ram while describing their happy married life stated :-
“
We were married in December 1934 . After the wedding we went to our
village [ Pilana ] . But we did not stay their long . We have so far
lived together for about 45 to 46 years . What to say and what to leave
I do not know ..
He gets up very early in the morning . He
regularly goes for a walk . He does exercises for some time . He is very
punctual . He desires that every one in the family should do like wise
but he has never forced his will on others .
He likes simple food
, with less chillies and spices . He does not like food having lots of
oil or ghee . Leave aside meat and fish , he does not take even eggs .
He has never touched liquor . He has never smoked . He is a pure
vegetarian . He drinks only milk and tea . Occasionally he takes
coffee. But he is not accustomed to it . He never forces his wishes and
habits on any one . He never stops any one from eating and drinking .
He leaves eating and drinking on ones choice .He is not strict on such
matters .
He is of Aryasamajic views . He has never visited
temples .But he has never stopped me from going there . He is not ,
unlike his father, staunchly against idol worshipping . Every Sunday we
perform ‘ Hawan ‘ at home .We have married our daughters with
Aryasamajic rites .
He never takes decisions concerning the
family with out consulting me . He asks my opinions only on family
affairs but he never discusses office affairs at home .He is very
serious and remains so busy that he has no time to speak about his
problems if any . I never feel he is ever under stress as he never
shows it . As a human being , he must be facing some problems sometimes
He
is fond of classical music . Earlier he played sitar . He used to sing
as well . He played tabala too . He plays harmonium . At Jadavpur ,
Calcutta , he had engaged a master to teach me music at home .
By
nature he is peaceful . He seldom gets annoyed and that too for a short
while and then quickly composes himself . We both have understood each
other . Hence there is no quarrel or any unpleasantness between us
He has always cared for my happiness . When the children pass with good
percentages , he feels very happy . There is a great commonality
between both of us . We both are very contented persons . We are not
very greedy either . Our children listen to us and do what we say . They
give us all the respect .Therefore our household runs very smoothly .
This is a matter of great solace to us .
He is always worried
about our country . He is not bothered about clothes . He is not fond of
cinema either . Yes, he likes halwa and khichri . He likes khichri so
much that if he had his way he would declare it ‘ National Food ‘
He likes every thing in place properly . He does not like untidiness and things scattered all over in the house .
He
is busy day and night . Whatever he does, he does it with full
concentration . At the same time he looks after his family too . He also
helps his children in studies .
He is a old asthma patient . He
medicates himself He contracted this disease in Calcutta . His father
too suffered from asthma . He controls the disease by self discipline .
In winters he suffers the most .
He never kept money for
himself. Whatever he earned he always gave it to me . He believes that
ladies spend the money wisely . Hence the household is totally run by me
. He has full faith in me . Even marriages have been managed by me .
I
have taught him the art of selecting saries . His choice is very good
too . When he goes outside he thinks of his children too . He always
brings sandesh from Calcutta . Once he brought even sweet curd from
Calcutta .
He is fond of studies and moving about . He has been
overseas in connection with office work . I have never accompanied him
on official tours . We have otherwise gone around a lot during holidays
.
We are living happily .We are contented persons .We are used
to living with restraint and within limits . We sleep at night at ten o’
clock .”
A glimpse of Dr. Atma Ram’s plain and simple life is seen in his nephew Sarvesh Kumar’s writing :
“
Often we have observed scar marks on his feet . He used to tell us that
these were his greatest legacy .Man moves with his legs. If he has
painful boils in his legs he develops a kind of relationship with
others’ pain . He would quote , “ Jinke per na phati bivai , vah kya
jane peer parai “ meaning , those who do not suffer from chaffed feet
would not understand other’s pain
Therefore he always considered
his duty to lead a simple life and help others with out any
expectations in return . Sometimes we children felt uncomfortable with
his simplicity .Whenever he visited his paternal village , he would sit
on the ground along with others at the railway station or in the village
. Though every one was anxious to provide a chair for him , yet he
would say , “ This earth has given me life . Only this is true rest is
all false “
One day it so happened that his grand daughter ,
Archna , who was studying in class two of the Modern School on
returning from school told him ,” Nana ji , Today there is some big
function in our school . “ Perhaps uncle was invited to preside over the
function . He asked Guria [Archna] ,“ Would you take me to your school
?” The child remained quiet .She was perplexed . She did not want to
take him but at the same time could not refuse either . She thought for a
while and said , “Nana ji I could have taken you but in our school poor
persons are not allowed .” Uncle then asked her , “ Who else would you
take?” She replied ,“I shall take Dharm Chand Ji [ Driver ] . He has
good clothes -suit and cap . You do not have good clothes .“
Transparent Honesty
His
elder son-in-law, Air Commodore [ Retd } Ravendra Kumar Singhal
narrated an incident which throws light on his stark honesty :-
“
Usually family members who spend most of the time together know each
other extremely well as every matter is open and nothing is hidden from
them. Generally persons know about each other’s weaknesses and lasting
impressions are created .Good qualities are usually overlooked . It
always surprised and amazed me that after so long an association with
both Amma ji and Pita ji I could not fathom out any short coming ,
howsoever small, in them . I would also take them for granted . Like me
they too had full faith in me . Once when he was Director General CSIR ,
he asked me to purchase a steel almirah for home . I went to a
shop-cum-factory and placed an order . I also gave an advance . The
almirah was duly delivered and I paid the balance amount to the person
who carted it I did not bother about obtaining receipt as I thought it
was not needed A few days later , Pita ji asked me about the receipt .
He told me to obtain it . He cautioned that when people are working in
the Government it should be considered mandatory that we have proper
receipt for any costly item we procure Otherwise we open ourselves to
criticism and suspicion . I promptly got the receipt and made it a habit
for future . A file is full of them .”
Possessed a Perfect Memory
Dr.
Atma Ram was gifted with a razor sharp memory . He remembered not only
big events but also small matters in great detail .He remembered the
birthdays of all family members He would repeat words of others exactly
as spoken . When I asked for his family tree , he described in detail
all the names with birthdays right from old people to the present as a
computer displays information at the push of a button .
When he
was Director of Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute , Jadavpur,
Calcutta , his colleague , Shri Davendra Singh narrated an incident :-
“ I had the opportunity to serve under Dr. Atma Ram for about thirteen years . I was highly impressed by his wonderful memory .
It
happened in 1934 .Prof. Turner , an old and famous scientist of England
in the field of glass technology had come to Calcutta . The scientists
of Calcutta had arranged a scientific meeting in the Institute’s
premises Due to Professor’s popularity, some news papers insisted that a
copy of Prof. Turner’s address be provided to them that same night so
that they might publish it in their next day’s special supplement Hence
a tape recorder was arranged .so that his entire talk could be
transcribed .
The meeting finished in time .Prof. Turner had
spoken for about 40 to 50 minutes. When the tape recorder was played, to
every one’s surprise , due to some fault, it had not recorded any
thing When Dr. Saheb learnt about it , despite a tiring and hectic day ,
he dictated to me Prof. Turner’s talk just from memory . We could send a
copy of the same to the news papers that same night .
Next day
when the tape recorder was set right , we heard Prof Turner’s taped
address .We were all surprised and taken aback after comparing it with
what Dr. Saheb had dictated . It was identical word to word and in
correct serial order . The only difference was that it did not contain
the paragraphs in which Prof Turner had praised him immensely. “
Very Particular About Time
Dr.
Atma Ram was always punctual . He always reached in time whenever
invited to functions , seminars , formal gatherings and meetings . He
considered not going better than going late to a function . He once
mentioned about an incidence in his life :-
“ I was invited to a
function as Chief Guest . I reached the venue of the function at the
exact time mentioned in the card . Workers were busy spreading duries
etc. All the chairs were lying empty . The dais had a vacant look . The
electric fittings were lying in disorder I felt that I was late
because of faulty watch . I asked the workers there whether the function
was over . One of them smilingly told that the function had not even
commenced . That day I returned without disclosing my identity . If I
had identified myself the organisers would have been embarrassed . I
went there again after an hour . Even then there were very few people .
The invited guests had just began arriving . I simply set at the back .
When an acquaintance saw me , he took me from there .”
It was in
Atma Ram’s nature that whenever he went to a function he would sit in
the third row If the organisers sighted him and they felt proper , they
would respectfully take him to the first row . Otherwise he would
remain seated there through out the proceedings . Jesus Christ had said
, “ When you get an invitation , sit behind on the last seat , so that
the host may request you to come forward . This way you will be
honoured in the presence of all the invitees . He who considers himself
big would be made smaller and he who considers himself small would be
made bigger .” It is difficult to state whether Atma Ram ji had known
about Jesus’s advice , but with his habit of sitting in the third row it
appears that he had imbibed his advice in his life . That is why he got
so much respect and honour in his life time which perhaps no other
scientist ever got .
He had great regard and implicit faith in
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru . He had made his life’s principle what Nehru
had said many years back – “ Do your work in time . I am not interested
in excuses for delays but only in work done . “ Due to his efforts and
inspiring leadership , Central Glass and Ceramics Research Institute ,
Calcutta, was declared the best laboratory among all the National
Laboratories .
He was such a captain of his team , who worked
himself and at the same time used all the abilities of his team mates to
full advantage . His approach in adhering to time was a factor in his
achieving success beyond expectations . While he was not in favour of
time frames for research work but he insisted on experimental work being
done in time .
Tremendous Self Confidence
Dr.
Atma Ram received three things as a legacy from his father –
Discipline ,Honesty and Self Confidence . His father had only these
things and nothing else to will to his son . The seeds of these traits
were sown in very early days of his childhood . As he grew up these
three qualities took deep roots in him due to his innumerable struggles
in life and by the time he reached maturity these became part of his
nature . Even in most adverse and most favourable circumstances he
never dithered on these . Needless to say that due to implicit
adherence to these principles he became such a great scientist and
achieved successes one after the other . These were the pillars of his
strength which brought honours and laurels to him at home and abroad .
One
can clearly discern his great courage and extraordinary
self-confidence in the description he gave of the tragic car accident in
which he lost the sight of his right eye permanently :
“ It
happened in September 1946 . Those days I was in Germany collecting
information on glass and enamel ware technology . One night we were
returning after visiting the Spark Plugs Factory of Bauch and Company .
Shri M.G.Bhagat was also with me . Shri Bhagat was the Managing
Director of Calcutta based Bengal Potteries . When our car’s tyre was
punctured , Shri Bhagat left by another car . For me another car was
arranged from Frankfurt . By this time it was eleven o’ clock at night
Our car collided with a truck . I became unconscious after the accident
.One glass piece had entered my cheek which was taken out after the
operation . One glass piece pierced my eye lens . Next day when I
regained consciousness I found myself in a hospital in Frankfurt .
Those
days Germany was being governed by the Military . The Doctor who was
treating me was originally from Lithuvania but became an American
citizen . His name was Tibsus . We were in military dress . We also
had one badge indicating that we were civilians . He told me that my
left eye was all right but a glass piece had entered in the lens of my
right eye and it had lost its sight . His endeavour would now be to
save the other eye .
I told him , “ In our mythology God is
called an engineer [ Vishvakarma ] . If God desires me to do something
great it can be done by one eye otherwise even four eyes are meaningless
“
He was amazed listening to this . Now onwards he became my
friend . He did one by one three operations . Yet there was redness in
the eye . He thought there could be an infection . It would go off
slowly by itself . I was given penicillin for three weeks .
Disappointed he took me to England . there was one more operation .
Operation was conducted by Surgeon P.G.Doyan . There surgeons do not
like to be referred as Doctors . They are addressed as surgeons only .
Doyan was really a very capable surgeon . I did not feel that operation
had been done . When Dr. Tibsus told Doyan about my Vishvakarma talk
he told me , “ You are a philosopher .” I had gone to Germany for four
months . The accident happened just after two months .
In
Frankfurt Dr. Tibsus had cautioned me that I could be blinded as
sympathetic opthalmia could take place in which the good eye follows
the other in sympathy . But I did not lose heart . I thought why should I
worry for the future now . If it has to happen it will happen . God
came to my rescue and the Doctor’s doubts were proved wrong . My left
eye was saved .
Sometimes on such occasions your inner strength
gives you courage . Self confidence generates itself . I told my
acquaintances and friends not to inform or write any thing about my
accident to my family . When I am in a position to write I shall convey
to them myself .
When Dr. Bhatnagar received the cable his worry
was obvious . At that time Prof. Saha was sitting by his side . Both
were stunned . Both of them went to my house in Kamala Nagar . My
brother had gone to Bijnor . So they told my wife . But the cable was
sent to Dr. Bhatnagar after considerable time had lapsed.. Hence my hand
written letter too reached home within a few days . I had written that
I suffered only a minor injury . There was nothing to worry . “
Emerson has said , “ Self confidence is the first secret of success .” Atma Ram had plenty of it infused in him .
Atma
Ram ji was a very sentimental person , though outwardly he appeared
serious . He had lot of humour in him .He loved an atmosphere of
laughter and hilarity . He loved in particular talking to children in
their own way . He liked conversation on current topics . He suffered
from an old asthma . Occasionally it troubled him much . But he never
let others know of his suffering . He would keep himself busy days at a
stretch . But one aspect of his life , that of complete self
confidence, reflects in his entire personality . The moment one came in
contact with him and began talking , one could immediately feel the
self confidence oozing out of him . It is the true sign of a man of
truth and non-violence .
In 1970 while addressing the convocation
of the Lucknow University he said , “ The roots of our work lie in our
own courage and confidence . The confidence has to be in oneself and in
the immediate environment . Our national problems would be solved
quickly and successfully if we make a joint effort .There is no need to
be despondent . I have firm belief what the famous scientist Lord
Kelvin said , “When you are in the midst of a difficult problem think
that you are just on the verge of success. “ Ability and courage are
truly tested in times of great difficulties only . Our country is famous
for its various struggles . The need is only of clarity in thinking and
to move forward with courage , honesty and conviction . “
Bhagwat
Geeta’s Shri Krishna was Atma Ram’s ideal . Work is worship was his
motto of life . He used to say Geeta was the true companion of man .
Never despair if you face problems in a your work or you are not able to
complete it .You do not know what God has chosen for you for your
good No effort is ever wasted if the work is performed with true zeal
. Man always gets what he deserves as per his good or bad deeds .
His friend and class mate of Allahabad Universities days , Dr. Sant Prasad Tandon says :-
“
Dr. Atma Ram from the very beginning had lot of confidence in him .
Some research students decided to meet once a week where each one in
turn would speak on his subject . We had two distinct reasons to start
this . Firstly , we shall have practice for lecturing as our uneasiness
and shyness would disappear . Secondly we shall know what exactly
others were doing and we would benefit by exchange of ideas . Mostly it
was observed that the research students feel uneasy in speaking before
others . I was also very shy and hesitant . But Dr. Atma Ram would
deliver his lecture with confidence and with out any hesitation . He
began his practice of delivering lectures from there only His
stupendous success in the scientific field was to a great measure due to
his confidence in himself
If Atma Ram had humility and
simplicity in him , he also had lot of self respect in him . I still
remember a small incident which happened in 1933. Shri K. Venkatgiri
had come from Bangalore to our laboratory to do research in the field of
organic chemistry under Prof Dhar . Once Shri Giri , Dr. Atma Ram and I
along with two other research scholars were discussing some topic .
Giri uttered the word ‘ idiot ‘. Dr. Atma Ram felt that this was meant
for him Immediately in anger he rebuked him . Giri perhaps did not mean
it , yet he immediately apologised . Such incidents did occur
sometimes when some persons in the presence of Dr. Atma Ram maliciously
criticised his teacher Dr. Dhar or his own work . On such occasions he
would with out fear show his opposition in very strong words . He was a
staunch nationalist . Whenever some one spoke in bad terms about any
national leader , he would oppose them and give a spirited reply . “
Dignified Civil and Straightforward
Dr.
Atma Ram was an effective orator . He had equal command on English and
Hindi . He stayed in Calcutta for more than two decades . He had family
relations with Prof Meghnad Saha . Due to this closeness he became
very fluent in Bangla . He delivered innumerable lectures in Hindi and
English from 1952 till 1982 . In these lectures one easily discerns his
knowledge and wisdom as well as his command on the languages .
Once he told about his lecture delivered by him in Bangla :
“
This happened when I was in CSIR. I was invited to speak by Bengal
Science Congress . I was told that it would be ideal if I spoke in
Bangala . Though while at Calcutta I had learnt a little Bangla , yet I
was very hesitant in delivering a lecture in it . But Dr. Bose
encouraged me and asked me to speak in Bangla . Any way I did go and
spoke in Bangla only . That day Akashwani Calcutta broadcast my lecture
delivered in Bangla . When I listened to it I was very surprised how
could I deliver a very effective lecture on scientific research in
Bangla , a language which was not my mother tongue . Not only Dr. Bose
but several Bangla literary writers too, much appreciated my lecture .
“
Not only in English but also in Hindi too he delivered
lectures very fluently and in near literary language . He would
explain the dull and serious subject like science by giving examples
from daily life resulting in very eager audience response . They
remained spellbound .. Though his voice was not very strong yet it had
an attraction of its own . He would occasionally become sentimental
while talking but it was to stress a point .It was his speciality to
bring in a sprinkle of wit and humour during his speeches to
entertain the audience .
His most of the lectures have been in
English . Because of his being a great proponent of Hindi , he would
speak in Hindi whenever he delivered convocation addresses in Hindi
speaking areas . On a perusal of his Hindi lectures one easily observes
his exceptional command on Hindi . He even delivered lectures in
Hindi twice during the deliberations of Indian Science Congress . His
lecture was always full of serious thoughts and was interesting too .
He had an exceptional gift of expounding the subject matter . Once he
mentioned about his Hindi lectures :
“ During the Indian Science
Congress deliberations in Roorkee , I was invited to speak on optical
glass . I prepared my lecture in Hindi . Dr. Satya Prakash told me
that he would not tell any one before hand that the lecture was in Hindi
. The hall was full of audience . I began speaking in Hindi Leave
aside others , even the scientists from South India occupying the front
seats listened attentively with out moving from their seats . Even at
Banaras I had delivered my Presidential Address at the Indian Science
Congress in Hindi . “
Atma Ram ji as he was an expert in making
optical glass , he was equally adopt in explaining difficult and
serious scientific topics in a lucid and simple language . One felt a
sort of sublime happiness listening to him . He had the capacity to cast
a spell and completely engross his audience . He would read out his
written lectures on formal occasions . One easily discerns his writing
capability and deep knowledge of his subject . But when he deviated
from the written piece and spoke very fluently and with ease he really
amazed every one . It appeared as though the words just flow from his
tongue with out any effort on his part . He had a wonderful way of
speaking . When he spoke in Hindi on scientific subjects , he always
used simple ordinarily spoken common Hindi words . He never used
flowery Hindi words or lengthy and difficult sentences .
He
wrote several articles which were published in many internationally
known English journals In Hindi journals and magazines too his
articles were published . He began writing in 1931 by contributing
articles to Hindi monthly journal ‘ Vigyan ‘ published from Allahabad .
Till a few years before his death he always helped and supported this
journal . He contributed more than two dozen articles to ‘ Vigyan ‘
He
published more than hundred research papers on Physics , Chemistry ,
glass and ceramics . He was fond of literature . His book in Hindi -
History of Chemical Sciences - is its example . He liked children
specially . He used to write for ‘Saptahic Hindustan ‘ . He also wrote
for two other Hindi well known magazines -‘Nandan ‘ and ‘Parag ‘ His
book ‘ Ozone ki Chatri ‘ was very popular among children . He desired
that effective and useful books on scientific subjects be written for
children of our country . Towards this end he made various efforts
after his retirement from service .
Dr. Atma Ram was famous in
scientific circles for his straightforward approach . He was absolutely
fearless in expounding his thoughts . He never hesitated in speaking
out his mind at appropriate moments without any regard to bitterness it
might create in the minds of some . He described an incidence in this
regard which confirms this :-
“ In 1962 after the Chinese
invasion of our country , a large meeting was called in Vigyan Bhawan
which was addressed by our first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru .
At the meeting among those participating were the then Central
Minister of Science and Culture Prof Humayun Kabir , Central Ministers
Krishnamachari , Yashwant Rao Chauhan , the three Chiefs of the Armed
Forces , senior civilian officers and noted scientists . Among the
scientists were Prof Satyen Bose , Prof D.M.Bose , Dr. Homi Bhabha , Dr.
D.S.Kothari , Dr. Bhagwantam etc. All the Directors of country’s
laboratories several University Professors were also present . The
topic of discussion was the contribution made by the scientific
institutions for the country’s defence forces . The discussions were
very strong . One speaker said that after two Nobel Prizes we have not
got any . I could not digest the reference to Nobel Prize . I told the
audience some thing like this . Had we got a few more Nobel Prizes ,
would it had helped in throwing away the Chinese from our soil . Some
in the gathering did not like it , some showed annoyance , while others
simply smiled . Prof Satyen Bose who was sitting next to me patted me
on the back . “
Whenever he arrived at a decision after careful
thinking , he would stick to it . In 1968 while delivering his
presidential address at the Indian Science Congress at Varanasi , he had
appealed for the preparation of a Technology Policy Statement to be
issued by the Government . From then on he continued saying so . Some
people got the wrong impression that he was fighting only for the import
of technology . Not only this some quarters thought that he was in
favour developed nations . Some people imagining such things about him
behaved very badly with him but he remained firm in his views . When in
1977 he became Chairman of the National Committee on Science and
Technology , he brought together all the scientists who held similar
views for drafting a Technology Policy Statement . He could not complete
this mission during his tenure as he submitted his resignation when
Morarji Desai Government resigned . In course of time it was completed
by other members in the form of an outline of technology policy . When
the policy was announced he became very happy . He said that if not in
1968 at least now the technology policy has been established .
His
ideas and statements were so distinct that one could not attribute any
other meaning to it . He neither liked buttering any one nor accepted
such behaviour from others . He learnt being straightforward from his
teacher, respected Dr. Meghnad Saha . The fearlessness and honesty
needed for being straightforward , he got it as a legacy from his father
. He paid much importance to the means used for achieving a set goal .
Due to this his quality of straightforwardness grew with him to great
heights . It became a part of his life . Like others he too had a fair
share of dealing with dubious people of shady character . But due to his
clean image he always finally prevailed on them . He had infinite
capacity to suffer fools .
Atma Ram’s behaviour was always civil ,
balanced and dignified , whether he was taking part in formal official
/ scientific gatherings or sitting informally with his friends and
relatives . Dr. Iqbal’s couplet fits him very well :
“ Narma dame guftgu garm dame guftgu ,
Rasm ho ya basm ho pak dilo pak baz “
---meaning
-‘ If your way of talking is civil and dignified and whatever you are
saying has strength then it does not matter whether it is a simple
gathering or a battle field .’
The Steadfast Man Of Geeta
Atma
Ram was truly Geeta’s steadfast man . He took happiness and sorrow ,
profit and loss , success and failures in the same stride and continued
with his work He considered Geeta as ones true companion and a path
finder . He believed in Geeta’s saying that one only has a right to
work and not to its fruit . He implicitly followed this dictum . He was a
man of principles . He was honest too . He was not adamant . He would
listen to others logical arguments carefully and then make up his mind
.
Hindi poets Kabir Das , Surdas , Tulsi Das and Nirala and
poetess saint Mira Bai had particular influence on him . He was
influenced most by poet Rabindra Nath Tagore He considered Poet
Laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore as his mentor . While in Calcutta he read
Rabindra Nath’s writings in Bangla . Atma Ram ji used to say that
Rabindra literature has brought out the true meaning of life in clear ,
precise and explicit words . He liked his saying that ‘ man is above
all ‘ . He did not distinguish between man and man . In his way of
thinking there was no difference between an ordinary factory worker
and an officer . He treated both equally and with regard .
He did not at all like famous Hindi playwrite Kali Das . He explained his reasons in a logical way thus :
“ Kali Das perhaps never thought of the ill effects his characterisation of Shankutala in his play
would
have on the society . By such descriptive characterisation he has
lowered the image of women in society . On one side he extols the virtue
of women’s purity and on the other describes Shankutala’s intense love
to a total stranger . I could not understand what exactly Kali Das was
conveying through this contradiction . The poet has not at all
bothered about the feelings his dual characterisation of Shankutala
would generate about women in the minds of the people in general . “
Dr.
Atma Ram had implicit faith in God . He was a very sentimental man He
felt great pity and became uneasy seeing poor and helpless people .
The reason being the stark poverty he faced during his childhood .
Pardon was therefore his answer to their wrong doings . Due to constant
struggles and labours he put in , he led a difficult life . But facing
the challenges he moulded his life to suit the existing circumstances .
The ‘sanskars ‘ [ the principles of living ] he got as a legacy from
his poor but disciplined family helped him in becoming an honest and
fearless person .
He use to say :
“ We should remain happy
in whatever condition we are because we can not change the
circumstances by brooding over and being unhappy . Then why at all
worry and trouble yourself . When I was without employment , had I been
brooding , instead of solving the problem I would have spoiled my
health It is written in Ishopanishad – ‘ He who uses beyond his needs ,
is a thief . He who eats alone sins . ‘ If even one percent people
follow this dictum , the society would have no problems . “
Atma
Ram ji followed the above dictum with all his conscience , words and
deeds in his every day life . He used to care even for small little
things Once I went to him to present a calendar of Hindustan Times
Publication Group . I had gone at noon . After accepting the calendar
he said , “ You, just came to give the calendar?”
After three or
four days when I met him again he said ,” Oh brother , though I accepted
the calendar you gave me the other day , but please take it back as we
have plenty of them already . “
I took back the calendar
accepting his wish . This way he respected my feelings and also kept his
conscience clear in following the teachings of Ishopanishad .
Dr.
Atma Ram used to say that it was easy to speak truth but it requires a
little courage . There is one great advantage of speaking the truth is
that one need not remember unnecessary things .
He was a very
contented person . Even after retirement his articles were often
published in newspapers and periodicals . He was duly sent the
remuneration for them . He would return the cheques . Once to satisfy
my curiosity he said ,” According to rules we should fill up every
small amount we receive in our Income Tax returns . If by oversight I
leave some amount it would be a dishonesty . Therefore In order to
avoid this problem I do not accept any remuneration . God has given me
enough for a living .”
Dr. Atma Ram did not believe in fate .
He firmly believed in deeds and adherence to hard work . Hence whatever
he did in his life it was always with full conscience and determination
. Whatever he decided to do , he did that with all his might without
caring for the result and continued doing it . This was the secret of
his success . Dr. Iqbal wrote a couplet :about such persons :
“ khudi ko kar buland itna ki har taqdir se pahale ,
khuda bande se yah puche bata teri raza kya hei .”
Meaning---“
Raise yourself to such great heights that when God is about to write
your fate He may be compelled to ask you what exactly you want ”
At
Allahabad University he had received research scholarship for three
years . After working for one and a half years outcome was not quite
satisfactory . Prof. Ghosh also in disappointment began advising him to
select some other new problem but he did not lose heart . In the end he
was successful in finding a solution of the problem . In his words :
“
I was allotted the research work for three years on the effect of sun
light on chemical reactions in plants underthe guidance of Prof Dhar .
After working for about one and a half years no tangible results were
obtained . Prof Satyeshwar Ghosh who was my well wisher told me one day
,’ Brother , you are not obtaining results . Your scholarship would also
end after three years . You would not get a degree . What would you do
then . “ I told him , “ If I have not been able to get results even in
one and a half years , what can I get on a new problem in another one
and a half years . “ I continued on the same problem . In the end I got
success on this very topic . And the success was such that every one
was surprised . “
Atma Ram ji never dithered even in greatest
difficulties . Though outwardly he appeared to be of hard demeanor , yet
he was a very soft hearted man . He had such a heart that would melt on
seeing other’s sorrow . He even cried . If he was hard on discipline ,
he was equally receptive to human suffering .
Science and Sprituality
On the demise of Dr. Atma Ram while condoling his death , famous Hindi literature Jenendra Kumar said :
“
Those who tread the path of science and sprituality simultaneously
become Rishies . Dr. Atma Ram was in fact a Rishi in the garb of a
scientist’s life he led .”
Muni Shri Rakesh Kumar while expressing sorrow on his death said :
“
Science is that which teaches us to lead our lives in a proper way .
Non-violence is a science which makes us understand life itself . Dr.
Atma Ram’s life was a happy balance between science and sprituality ,
which in fact is the essence of Anuvrata Philosophy . He led a life
where objectivity and spirituality were balanced . Even being such a
great scientist , he did not have any ego . If one leads a simple life
he can have a balanced mix of science and sprituality .”
Atma Ram
ji was as great a spiritual soul as much a scientist . One hardly comes
across such a pleasant mixture of science and spirituality . In 1968
while delivering his Presidential Address at the Indian Science Congress
at Varanasi he said :
“ Acharya Vinobha Bhave has said that in
modern world science and sprituality have replaced politics and
religion . This is of great importance to us . Pandit Nehru also
understood its great value to our society . If we understand religion as
engulfed in tradition , blind faith and things like that , then we must
strive to hard to eradicate such notions . In human life a small
measure of sprituality is essential . Science has as yet not produced a
medicine which can induce good qualities in human beings . Nor has it
produced an antidote to remove his hard heartedness . Without a
scientific environment religion would remain rooted in blind faiths .
Without spirituality science can become dangerous .”
On 13.4.1971 while delivering the convocation address of Gurukul Maha-Vidyalaya , Jwalapur , he said :
“
In the present century of Science and Technology mere discussions and
discourses on our religious books are not enough . Along with mental
and physical exercises we have to cater to our daily bread and also to
many other facilities too . Today it is not possible to live on science
alone .Here , I would like to clarify that religion and science are
neither in competition nor opposed to each other . “
While exhorting the youth to adopt more practical viewpoint of life he said :
“
In today’s circumstances it is even more necessary than before to
adopt a more practical viewpoint . We are passing through a phase of
turmoil in the economic, political and social fields . The new
generation has no set standards or any other measure to discipline and
control their thoughts and deeds . This directionless condition is
quite dangerous .
Under such circumstances our teachers and path
finders have a greater responsibility now as never before . But no one
can stay long on the crossing of uncertainty . Therefore it appears
necessary that the new generation thinks for itself the path it has to
follow .This path is of deeds , hard labour and dedication . One has to
see all the problems of life in a scientific way . One has to test
every thing , search the truth with tests and experiments and without
prejudging adopt truth where ever one finds it This is your path for
your good . Come on , let us all together take to the path of science
and wisdom which leads to happiness and prosperity .”
Capable Administrator and Skilful Organiser
Dr.
Atma Ram was a straightforward , sweet tongued , clear headed and a
far sighted scientist and an able administrator . Impartiality ,
civility , achieving set goals and dedication to work were the distinct
specialities of Dr. Atma Ram’s character . This is the reason that he
was as great a scientist as he was an able administrator , discipline
loving and skilful organiser
Dr. Atma Ram had a rare combination
of scientific and administrative acumen . He would say that a good
administrator must know when to say ‘No ‘ With his helpful and friendly
attitude towards his colleagues and subordinates he was able to win
their confidence .
Once a laboratory assistant received one
hundred rupees less than his salary in his pay packet .His entreaties
had no effect on the pay disbursing officer . With tears in his eyes he
straight away went to the Director Dr. Atma Ram and narrated the matter
to him . He immediately called the officer and told him to pay the
balance amount to the worker before cease work as in his opinion no
worker who had received his full salary would ever dare to approach the
Director with such a complaint .
That man was paid his dues . On
investigation it was found that some persons had knowingly done the
mischief . The culprits were duly punished .
Shri Virendra
Kumar Pande , an officer in the Central Glass and Ceramics Research
Institute , Calcutta , narrated an incidence which shows his skill and
ability in administration :
“ Due to the head of department being
on leave I was acting in his place . A worker disobeyed the Foreman .
The matter came to me . I tried to persuade and handle the worker but
he remained adamant . He rejected my orders too . In order to maintain
discipline in the Department I had to report against him . The matter
was investigated . The report was ambiguous . But Dr Atma Ram punished
him . After one year he sent his file to me directly . On my
recommendation the worker’s position was restored .”
Dr. Atma
Ram really liked discipline . He was moved by listening to his
subordinate’s real problems and difficulties . But he never hesitated
in taking strong measures to maintain discipline in the organisation .
In this way he distinguished people from the needs of discipline
His
way of talking was very elegant . He would choose his words carefully
and sentences were well crafted . His appearance was of a villager and
his behaviour was full of humility . He was always respectful to others
. He would tolerate people to the extent they did not cast aspersions
on him . This is the reason that whatever work he was assigned , he did
it with ability and expertise . Whatever position he got he brought
laurels to it . He never accepted being a convenient tool of his
superiors and remaining a Departmental Head for names sake just to carry
on in service without any aim .
Dr. Atma Ram was an organiser of
great ability and skill . He was well aware of his rights and duties as
a leader . He knew how to work and also how to get work done . He
remained Director of the Central Glass and Ceramics Research Institute
for more than two decades . Dozens of research works were carried out
under his leadership . He always treated his subordinates like friends .
He considered every one lowly to the highest as his colleague . He
would get angry on faults but only for a short while . He looked after
and took personal interest in his workers problems as though he was head
of the family . He always celebrated Holi , Depawali and other
functions in their company . If he did not notice a person at such
gatherings , next day he would inquire from him , “ Hello ,why you did
not come for Holi ? Is every thing all right at home ?” This friendly
approach and humility even those who did not agree with him, appreciated
much .
He was an able administrator . He never used or misused
his powers for his personal petty gains . He formed teams with fixed and
lofty aims and then gave them guidance to achieve their goals . He
never created his own coterie . Regarding scientific community , he
spoke at the Indian Science Congress , Varanasi ,in 1968 as follows ;-
“
The Young Scientific Community should be careful of the lures of the
Organisation . They should not get involved in unnecessary discussions
and cheap slogans . There is no substitute for hard labour and
dedication We should cultivate the habit of hard work . In my
understanding for a good and happy life for the young generation and to
meet their lofty aspirations this is the only correct way.”
For the role of administrators in the scientific field , his thinking was clear and explicit :
“
Generally it is accepted that Scientists and Administrators do not
have any feeling for each other’s views . Our country’s administrative
system was established by a foreign Government . There have been many
changes in the set up but the old roots are still very deep . It would
take time to change it and a little bit of upheaval is likely . In my
view the system as such does not exert much but the Officer does have a
say . Those who are intent to do something , no one can stop .
Therefore I pay special attention that really capable and suitable
persons go in for administration . The Administrator’s behaviour and
his way of functioning can not be altered merely by administrative rules
and regulations . Wrong things can be shown legally right in an
inefficient administrative set up . In incapable hands even a right
thing can go wrong . With changing times Technocrats would mostly
replace the common administrators . Therefore it is essential to put in
a new system and establish new relationships .”
Chapter Eighth
Life And Views
Faith In Aryasamaj Ideology
Atma
Ram ji was a staunch follower of the founder of aryasamaj , Maharshi
Dayanand Saraswati . His ancestors too were aryasamaji . He was much
influenced by the aryasamajic views of his father . Even in his
adolescent days he had made himself quite familiar with aryasamajic
ideology . In a way this ideology which he got in legacy got into him
and with the passage of time the seeded ideas turned into a full grown
tree and he became a staunch believer of aryasamaj . For more than 40
years he implicitly followed this revolutionary ideology after
scientifically testing and examining it and did not believe in
superstitions and was totally against social evils which some how got
rooted in the society .
He had accepted and adopted the
aryasamajic ideology and followed it with all his mind , speech and
deeds . Every week he would perform ‘Hawan ‘ at home . His own wedding
and those of his two daughters were all performed by aryasamajic rites
. Though he was a staunch aryasamaji , yet he never imposed his will
on others . His wife believed in idol worship and she remained entirely
free to go to temples for worship . Religious tolerance was a part and
way of his life . He did not act obstinately in any field of life .
Due to this quality , after his death people called him ‘ maha-manav ‘
--a great human being .
On 13.4.1971 , during his convocation
address in Gurkul Maha-vidyalaya , Jwalapur , [Haridwar ] he mentioned
about his association with aryasamaj :
“ I am an applied
scientist whose major part of his life has been spent in testing sand
and clay and making or watching glass wares being made . Such a man
would naturally appear a stranger in this place of cultural and literary
pilgrimage . I am grateful to the Head of this Organisation for the
honour he has given me but I do not deserve it . I was eager to come
here , as since childhood I have been an admirer of Swami Dayanand and
of aryasamaj founded by him . My family too has been fully associated
with the aryasamajic cultural and ideological programmes . I, myself
while being in scientific field , have always supported the aryasamaj’s
reformist view point . District Bijnor where I was born , at one time
was the centre of several movements initiated by aryasamaj . It has
given the nation many reformists , speakers , journalists, and men of
literature .Even Lala Aman Singh , who donated his entire property for
establishing Gurukal Kangri belonged to Bijnor .
An earliest
organiser of Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s established Gurukal
Maha-vidyalaya , Jwalapur , Shri Padma Singh Sharma was also an
inhabitant of Bijnor . Besides them several nice persons of Uttar
Pradesh have helped the institution with all their might . I remember
that Pandit Nehru visited the Maha-vidyalaya during its Golden Jubilee
celebrations . Dr. Rajendra Prasad too had delivered its convocation
address .”
Dr. Atma Ram not only followed the ideals and
principles of aryasamaj but adopted them in practice too . For Example
he was in favour of widow marriages . He proved it by marrying the
widow of his younger brother Lakshmi . He mentioned about this topic :
“ My younger brother Lakshmi died within a few years of his marriage . I explained and suggested
to his father-in-law and other relations to marry his daughter without caring for the society
norms . Those people married their daughter with courage on my bidding .
The villagers opposed my views tooth and nail . The threatened me and
my family with dire consequences . But I kept quiet knowing full well
that time is a great leveller and every thing quietens by itself . So
far as community was concerned , I simply ignored it . For some time my
action remained an issue but with the passage of time some people
married their widowed daughters siting our case as an ideal . In fact
every one understands the problems connected with widow marriages and
are for it , yet they lack courage to take an initiative .”
The
year 1983 was the death centenary year of Maharshi Dayanand . On that
occasion Swami Satya Prakash Saraswati was assigned the responsibility
of publishing a treatise on the life and teachings of Maharshi Dayand
by a philanthropic organisation of Prayag . Dr. Atma Ram sent an
article with the title ‘ Maharshi Dayanand ‘ True Scientist ‘ at his
request . This was perhaps the last article he wrote . The treatise was
published during Diwali in November . He died in February . He could
not see his article in print . His article is a testimony of his
implicit faith in aryasamaj and the reverence and respect he had for
Swami Dayanand . In sum total the article shows the scientific view
point and approach of Maharshi Dayanand . Some excerpts of the article
are given below :
“ As you are aware Swami Dayanand before
becoming a Swami was called Mool Shankar . An event now famous , that
took place in his childhood shook his mind and set him thinking which
later changed the course of society . Swami ji’s father was a great
Pandit . It was ‘Shiv Ratri ‘ that day . Being tired after a day’s fast
every one slept except child Mool Shankar perhaps to watch as to when
Shivji eats the food kept for him as an offering - ‘Bhog ‘ . But what
the child saw was that a rat came and climbed over the idol and jumped
from it straight on to the ladoos and began eating them . Shankar
Bhagwan did neither stop the rat from climbing over him nor from eating
the sweets . Mool Shankar was surprised to observe that the God we
all pray to did not have strength in Him even to stop a rat climbing on
Him . The questions that arose in his mind sowed the seeds which in
time changed the course of his life altogether .
He did not
accept as truth just because some old persons said so or was written in
some religious book . Truth is that which can establish itself as true .
To know what is truth and its search became his life’s goal .Therefore
when he accepted ‘sanyas ‘ and became Swami Dayanand , he named his book
‘Satyarth Prakash ‘ .In its foreword Swami ji has himself written , “
My main aim of writing this book is to bring into light the true meaning
of truth . To exactly say what is true is true and what is false is
false is to bring into light the true meaning of truth . “ He wrote
further , “To say , write and accept whatever a thing really is , in
exactly the same way , is truth . “
Whatever Socraties and
Gallelio suffered for upholding the truth , Swamiji also suffered no
less . He had to leave his home and break away all relations with his
family . When Swamiji began exposing all kinds of hypocrisy and
bigotry in the society , the die-hards troubled him in every possible
way and in the end he was murdered by stealthily administering poison to
him .
Socraties had to swallow poison . His only guilt was that
he opposed and exposed unfounded beliefs and faiths . Gallelio was put
behind bars because he dared say that it was the earth which moved
round the son and not the other way round . What was Swamiji’s fault
except that though he was born in Aryavarta country , he exposed the
bigotry, hypocrisy and blind adherence of the people to false beliefs
and values . What is the aim of science and what it strives for except
–search for truth . What science values – not to believe anything but
the truth even if it is told by your parents , teacher , official or a
priest . A person is a true scientist only if in his search for truth
he never wavers .
One having a degree in science and working in a
laboratory is not alone a scientist . This is the age of science but
scientific temper is weakening . In the name of science people claim
achievements and print them too and on being caught instead of
accepting their faults begin accusing the persons who exposed them .
This is not science but misuse of it . In reality science is search of
truth . The moment child Mool Shankar thought of the question of
strength in the idol or just peoples blind faith in it , the seed of
search for truth was sown in his mind . He went everywhere in search of
truth . He read lots of religious books . He roamed about in search of a
real teacher . Moving about he reached Mathura and became a disciple
of Swami Nirjanand . Though a blind since birth he had a great
knowledge of ‘ Veds ‘ He taught Dayanand all the knowledge he
possessed , and in return as ‘guru-dakshina’ [ compensation for the
teacher for his efforts ] he asked him to be an exponent and spread the
basic
concepts and knowledge contained in our ancient Veds
The
duty of a true scientist is that whatever facts he finds , he should
state them without fear or hesitation . He should not compromise with
truth . When Swamiji began spreading the knowledge of Veds he observed
that the society was ridden with various kinds of wrong doings . People
were in the clutches of superstitions . He took the cudgels and began
eradicating the menace with application of truth . He started with
Hinduism first . The way Swamiji disproved all the superstitions one
by one shows his scientific approach superbly .
To mention an
instance the priests of Somnath Temple had sustained the myth by
purposely fooling the susceptible people that the main idol ‘Shiv -Ling ‘
was resting above the ground in mid air . Swamiji informed the people
that the priests had cunningly made use of magnets to keep the idol
above ground in space . In another case a rumour was afloat purposely
that in a certain big temple the height of Shiv-Ling increases during
the worship . Swamiji exposed this myth too by a scientific explanation .
He told the people that it was all false . There was darkness even in
the day time in that temple . When a stream of water was poured over the
idol during worship the reflection of the flame from the earthen lamp
gave such an impression . The stone idol remained the same without any
change . The priests were minting money by deceiving susceptible people
.
In another instance a rumour was purposely spread that an idol
of Kaliakant in South India was still smoking ‘Hukka ‘ . Swamiji has
written about it , “ False . False . It is all hollow show , because the
mouth of the idol would be hollow . They must have inserted a tube from
behind the Idol and beyond the wall where someone hidden must be
inhaling the Hooka and through another tube the smoke must be reaching
the idol ‘s nose to give such an impression .
These are only
some samples . ‘Satyarth Prakash ‘ is full of such instances . In order
to dispel the darkness spread by superstitions , Swamiji has used the
torch of science . He has thoroughly exposed the bigotry and hypocrisy
of all religions . Like a scientist Swamiji without differentiating
between himself and others tried to remove oddities in all the religions
. Though Swamiji had not studied in a science college or learnt
science under the guidance of any scientist , or not undertaken research
in a laboratory , yet I consider him as great a scientist as Gallelio .
Needless to say that Swamiji had an abundance of scientific acumen in
him .
The greatest thing is that even today the views of Swamiji
are very relevant . At that time we were under a foreign rule . Then
due to its fear we kept on sliding into the mire of various gods and
goddesses and superstitions . But we still have the same situation . If
Swamiji was alive today he would have been amazed to observe that where
ever you look you find a man wrapped in ashes posing as God and saying ,
“ I am God , worship me “ . Some where some one is producing ash from
no where or some one is teaching his disciples to lift in the air
negating gravity . Not only in India but in foreign lands too people
claim to twist spoons with pure mental concentration . Some one tells
you what is happening in the other room with out seeing . The world is
yet again in the clutches of and mad about ‘Tantra-mantra’, ‘ tabeez ‘,
ghosts , the markings on the palm , stars and planets movement and
omens .
It is the call of time that the superstitions rampant
deep in the society should be rooted out from the base and the message
of Swamiji be spread to completely eradicate the menace from the society
. His this one achievement is in no way less than those of Einstine ,
Gallelio and Newton . It has an element of science in it He is just
considered a religious path finder and a social reformer . His ideas and
views were based on scientific principles . Time has come to take out
and save the country from the deep abyss of superstition it has fallen
prey to like Swamiji and other great souls of the past did . Even in
aryasamaj there should be improvement and scrutiny . While we had to
expose the false notions cunningly being perpetuated by self seekers for
their benefit , we ourselves have fallen prey to factionalism and
coteries for petty gains at the expense of the society . In aryasamaj
people are fighting for positions . Did Swamiji found Aryasamaj for the
followers to fight and use force just to secure a coveted position in
the organisation by hook or crook .
This stage of downfall is
because we have given up the scientific approach which Swamiji expounded
. Swamiji never considered himself above criticism . In the foreword
of Satyath Prakash he has written that , “ In this book if I have made
some mistakes due to forgetfulness or have crept during its editing and
publication will accordingly be corrected as per the truth after due
consideration if pointed out . And if anyone due to being partial
criticises any views or suggests modifications for ulterior motives
would not be paid any attention . Yes , if some one in sympathy with the
humanity and for its sake suggests some thing it would be included in
the book after ascertaining the truth . “
Today how many Swamies
are there who after reaching the top would present themselves to
scrutiny by others this way and jeopardise their positions . A true
scientist is one who is ever ready to be tested any time by any one .
We will imbibe in ourselves temper of science talked about very much
these days by this way only . Simply by opening laboratories , giving
grants , and increasing the number of scientists , we can not create an
atmosphere and environment for the growth of temper of science . The
beginning has to be made from top and by himself first , and never by
imparting advice to others .”.
A Patriotic Scientist
Dr.
Atma Ram possessed an extraordinary will power . His fearlessness and
conviction in his views was another facet of his personality . If he
considered any thing in the interest of the society at large , he would
without any soft wrappings state them clearly and distinctly with all
his might . He never bothered if some one accepted it or rejected it .
Another facet of his character was that he always stood by whatever he
said . Whatever be the temptation , it could not dissuade him from his
path . If once after due deliberations he decided on a matter he would
firmly stick to it and act accordingly .
When he was successful
in developing optical glass at Central Glass and Ceramics Research
Institute , Jadavpur , Calcutta , then the well known Industrialist Lala
Shri Ram offered to establish an optical glass factory . “ You may
keep as many shares of it as you please . You will be the head of it .”
Lala Shri Ram was at that time Chairman of the Working Committee of
the Institute . He was also a founder member of the Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research and a member of its Governing Body .
On hearing this Atma Ram was not pleased and an intense anger showed
on his face . Any body else would have jumped with joy and grabbed
this golden opportunity , but not Atma Ram . He very humbly refused to
accept the offer and frankly said :
“ My aim is to do research
and not make money . To do this would be like deceiving my profession .
And I shall never under any circumstances betray my profession . “
Dr.
Atma Ram was a true patriot . He never complained about what he did not
get from the society or from his country but was grateful for all he
got . He always felt indebted to the country and society . This way
only a dedicated and a nationalist scientist can think . Therefore he
neither let himself be sold nor sold his Institute either . If he had
accepted the tempting proposal , in one stroke his poverty ridden family
would have become rich and security of future generations would have
been ensured too. But simultaneously this is equally true that he
would have missed all honour and esteem he received in his life time in
the country and abroad . He would also not be a famous personality
either .
Twenty six years after this incident in1978 Dr. Atma Ram
was invited by the Delhi based Shri Ram Institute of Industrial
Research to deliver their fourteenth Founder Memorial Lecture .It is
not difficult to understand that if he had accepted Lalaji’s proposal
though he could be counted among the rich , he would have certainly been
deprived from the honour and respect he received from the family
members of Late Lala Shri Ram .
Dr. Atma Ram was an only
scientist whose feet were on the soil of Indian villages but his mind
was always on the horizons of knowledge in the world . He was a true
Indian from his heart and soul . Therefore if one desires to honour a
scientist and address him as Scientist of the Nation then Dr Atma Ram
would indeed be the man . No doubt he was not only a distinguished
personality but an Institution in himself , who enhanced many times the
value of any position he held . He had reached such great heights that
the positions and honours did no more matter .Hence he was always a
source of inspiration to young scientists specially the ones with
national feelings . Any nation could take pride in such a patriotic
scientist .
Every one is familiar with Kakori Conspiracy Case .
During the British rule in India ,at Kakori railway station near Lucknow
a treasury chest was looted . The accused patriots who were involved
in the incident were sentenced to death . During investigations of the
incidence it was discovered that the room in the hostel of University of
Allahabad where the conspiracy was hatched belonged to Atma Ram . The
police and the administration during investigations interrogated Atma
Ram and tempted him that if he disclosed the whereabouts of accused
persons he and his family would be suitably rewarded by the British
Government . But he never wavered . He was then threatened that he could
be hanged. His reply was ,’ Only this is acceptable “ . But he was
released due to lack of evidence .
Protagonist Of Applied Science
Dr. Atma Ram made effective contributions in the field of application of science . His view was :
“
It is essential that we clearly distinguish between science and
technology , which linked together have caused confusion .. Science
produced knowledge , technology helps produce wealth . Science is
universal , technology is virtually a private property . It is
technology backed by strong science which can help us produce the
material advantage we want
No one can deny that science and
technology are not only necessary but essential for the growth of
agriculture, industry and health care . In short one can say that
science helps in raising the standards of life . The man in all his
existence so far had never had so much knowledge and technology that is
available today for his benefit . That is why science has so much
relevance today .The entire responsibility of uplifting the living
conditions of the masses is on the Indian scientists . We have to
ascertain how close we are to our society and common people and our
work is how much relevant to the hopes and aspirations of our society .
Among
the essential pre-requisites for the development of our society ,
science and technology are an important ingredient . We can not at the
same time ignore other equally important ingredients of development . A
true scientist should be humble . The applied science is still in
nascent stage of its growth . Perhaps as it grows we would increase our
understanding of man and society .”
In his address delivered
during the Focal Theme discussions , Indian science Congress Association
, on January 3 , 1979 at Hyderabad , Dr. Atma Ram said :
“ He
quoted the Prime Minister’s comments in the context of UN commission on
Science and Technology for Development ‘ The pursuit of science and
technology in our context must aim at making the country self-reliant
and must assist in solving the pressing problems of providing basic
minimum needs of the rural masses and the weaker sections of the society
. Towards this objective , it should be our endeavour to create an
infrastructure of applied science and technology , and a national
climate for the effective utilisation of our scientific and technical
abilities . ‘
Whenever we speak of science and technology , we
only think of research and development . We do not consider that a vast
amount of knowledge is readily available which if effectively used can
solve many existing problems of the mass of population which was the aim
of the Science Policy Resolution , and to which Government is giving
priority to . Take for instance the cause of night blindness which is
known to be amenable to Vitamin A treatment . Why does it continue to
plague us ?”
He spent his whole life in expounding his views so
that science could become beneficial to the poor masses . In the course
of his talks he said things which some scientists did not like . Some
misunderstood him .For example , when he said that in National
Laboratories basic fundamental research should not be undertaken . The
scientists thought that he was against basic research . But the facts
were otherwise . He was never against basic research . But he believed
that it was in the domain of the Universities . National Laboratories
were not in competition with University Laboratories . National
Laboratories should win the confidence of the industry . He believed
that a common man appreciates science when it does some good to him .
For centuries crores of our people have suffered badly under foreign
rule . Now when we are free , they rightly demand that their basic needs
of bread , clothing and housing should be fulfilled entirely .
In
his address on 29th September 1977 , at the meeting of National
Committee on Science and Technology , in the context of improving the
village life , said :
“ Why should science and technology in India be geared to rural needs and relevance ?
The
answer is simple .Three fourths of Indian people live in villages . A
good many people in rural areas live below the subsistence level . They
have lived in poverty and backwardness through centuries . But they are
not unaware of what good life is . Above all , they are not unaware of
the fact that good life is possible for them too . In fact , they
believe that they have suffered far too long in the wallows of poverty
and backwardness and it is time now for them to ask for a better life .
We can not bypass or ignore their expectations and aspirations for a
better and happier life . Science and technology are the tools which can
improve their life and bring them fruits of their toil in the form of
perceptible material benefits .
While we are talking about the
rural people , there is , yet another segment of Indian population which
has received even scanter attention . They are perhaps the most
neglected and forsaken people in the country . I am now referring to
Adivasis and hill tribes who perhaps are at the lowest rung of economic
order of our country . Our attention now must be riveted towards the
rural people , the Adivasis and the hill tribes . Science and technology
should not end up with their benefits to a small section of the
population in the urban areas . Our efforts should be to make science
and technology percolate even to the farthest hill regions of the
country and also to those traditionally Adivasis areas which have not
yet been touched by the faintest ripples of modernity .
The
actual performance of industries in rural areas will depend upon the
mastery of the production apparatus and techniques by the worker .
Generally this involves the adoption of simple technologies , machines
and tools , and the assimilation of simple science . Lost in the
glamour of big science , which even affluent countries in the west are
finding it increasingly difficult to finance , we have paid little
attention to the need of science and technology in the rural areas .
For
ending unemployment in the rural ,Aadivasi and hill areas , it should
be our endeavour to take stock of the locally available resources . So
far , most of the agricultural resources have been put to one or two
main uses such as food and fibres . A good many agricultural crops can
yield a host of chemicals . Cottage industries can be built around such
resources as hide and skins , crops such as oil seeds and bamboo .There
is a lot of scope for poultry and bee-keeping in rural , hill and
Adivasi areas . What is required is the fabrication and distribution of
inexpensive outfits for the spread of poultry and bee-keeping in these
backward regions .
Paper making is another village industry ,
which has not only a very good employment potential but a ready market
in the country . One often hears of shortage of paper in the country .
Out of a total annual production of about 800.000 tonnes of paper , the
proportion of hand made paper is only about 0.5 % . Why can not we think
of producing more hand made paper ? Hand-made paper is cheaper than
mill-made paper .
One of the persistent maladies of the rural
life in India has been the lack of sanitation , which in a nut-shell is
the problem of disposal of wastes . Science and technology has to find a
simple , inexpensive and workable device for waste disposal in our
villages . Rural sanitation will eliminate most of the tropical diseases
found in our country and lessen the burden on the Government for
financing huge measures to control or cure diseases .
The
application of rural science and technology for rural development is far
from simple . Our talented scientists have to start thinking in terms
of science, and specially applied science , which could make some
tangible impact on the daily life of the people in the villages More
and more of young engineers and technologists , who can identify
themselves with the masses , must be encouraged to work in the area of
rural development on worthwhile programmes . Concerted efforts have to
be made to increase the competence and contribution of the technicians ,
craftsmen , and skilled workers in the rural areas , without which no
major impact is likely to endure . Understanding , initiative , and
standards of performance have to be promoted all round .”
Dr.
Atma Ram’s view was that in the field of applied science , services of
only top calibre scientists should be utilised . He was not against
University degrees , but he was of the view that with regard to economic
development , it was necessary that undue importance be not given to
the degrees and the students be encouraged to take up technical
education from the secondary school stage itself . In 1971 , while
delivering convocation address of Gujrat Vidyapeeth , Ahmedabad he said
:
“ It is a matter of concern that on one side we have
unemployment and on the other there is paucity of skilled technicians in
our factories . Why is it so ? The main reason is that our system of
education gives stress on degrees and not on skills and abilities . An
impression has been created that without a University degree there is no
salvation . The economic progress of Punjab , Haryana and Gujrat has
not been due to University degrees , but due to skills of its workers .
We have given some unnecessary importance to our Universities . Hence
every student wishes to study in a University . There is an impression
specially in Universities to put fundamental research on a higher
pedestal and applied research rather lowly . The need is to create
skills and abilities to put into use and utilise the store of abundant
knowledge lying with us . Is showing the path of utilisation of
knowledge , is not creating knowledge itself . I would like to emphasise
that if for fundamental research we require scientists of a high
calibre , we also require the same calibre for applied science too . If
our students by their abilities , skills and capabilities do not
become useful and creative then the Universities degrees are meaningless
. The education should be for uplifting and becoming useful rather than
just for degree ‘s sake .
For economic progress it is necessary
that undue emphasis is not given to degrees and the students are
encouraged to opt for technical education right from secondary school
stage In a developing country like ours importance should be given to a
person who can develop an equipment by using tit bits of iron and steel
, rather than to a student who can only understand the writings of
Kalidas and Shakespeare .Before you misunderstand me , I only mean that
while we may have the ability to take pleasure in the writings of
Kalidas and Shakespeare , we must have the skills too to earn our daily
bread . Till we learn various types of skills , we can not make
effective use of our natural resources , and our nation would continue
to remain poor .
I fee that in our strategy for development,
human resources development occupies a pivotal place . Whether minerals
would remain underground or would be mined and used for the manufacture
of useful materials , whether steel would remain in ingots or will be
transformed into machines that produce useful goods ; whether oil will
remain hidden or will provide the means of power and locomotion ;
whether waterfalls will remain beauty spots or will also be a source of
electricity ; whether rivers will be only carriers of water to the sea
or will be a source of food and crops , entirely depend on the ability
of the people to harness physical resources to their betterment . Human
resources and physical resources are evenly important. However , there
are instances of countries which have made remarkable progress through
the capabilities of their people in spite of inadequate physical
resources . Instances are also not wanting to show that lack of ability
and wisdom on the part of the people could keep a country , otherwise
richly endowed by nature , backward .”
Regarding import of technology for economic development , his views were very explicit :
“
Unnecessary myths should not be created . You give a problem today and
begin asking tomorrow if any result has been obtained . All the
countries of the world borrow some technologies from one another . If
one says that he would not borrow any thing from outside and develop all
technologies by himself , he would not be right .Should we wait for
years before we develop all the technologies ourselves ? People now do
not like waiting even for two days . Every villager wants drinking water
, full wholesome food to eat , cheap clothing and a house to live in .
Our country has entered the atomic age and space age . This indeed is a
matter of pride . We are also on the threshold of oceanic age But
common people are asking when do we achieve ‘ bread and water’ age .
To
fulfil this aim we must take whatever assistance we can get from our
scientists . Simultaneously we should keep our windows open for foreign
technology . We should get better technology where ever available
-North or South , East or West . Who is not borrowing ? Russia borrows
lots of technologies from abroad . China is borrowing technology from
Western countries . Even America , which has every kind of technology ,
spends about 30-40 crores of Dollars on borrowing technology from
other countries . We complain after spending only 600 crore rupees on
borrowing technology that why do we have to import technology . While
other countries , despite spending thousands crores of rupees continue
importing better technologies than theirs , where ever available .
Whatever America spends on royalties , it earns more on royalties on its
patents . But Japan does not receive even 20 % of what it spends on
royalties . There is a continuing race for purchase of technology in
Japan . Their expert teams roam about the world in search of suitable
technologies .
I may also mention that technologies are not
transferred free . They are not donated . They have to be purchased
.Hhalf of the applied research work in the world is not even published
in scientific journals . Most of the technology is in the hands of
multinationals . We shall have to borrow technology from them . Yes ,
there may be some defence related technologies , which may not be
available even at a price . We shall have to continue supporting and
encouraging indigenous effort in that direction . Our laboratories have
trained people in large numbers and these people are being used to
improve the industries . Yet there is need for better understanding
between National laboratories and the Industry . Though I did not want
to mention by name the Central Glass and Ceramics Research Institute as
I was associated with it for several years , yet as an example even
today the Institute has close relations with glass industry and you can
measure its contribution by the progress of the glass and ceramic
industry in the country .
Such technology has been well utilised
in our country . Due to the efforts of agricultural scientists the
country is self sufficient in food grains . The seeds of dwarf variety
of Mexican wheat were brought . Ways and means were found to sow them .
Then the seeds were modified to suit our environment . If we depended
solely on our own efforts and did not import quality seeds , would we
have alleviated shortage of food grains in the country so early . The
work of our agricultural scientists is really commendable . This method
should also be adopted in rest of the research fields .
I am not
in favour of making out a list of areas where technology may be
imported and another where it should not be permitted. There are no
such areas . Every day new techniques are being developed . There is no
harm in understanding and adopting these new techniques to our needs
and requirements . Recently in Japan a new technique has been found
which would substantially save on power in producing cement . If we say
that we have the technology for producing cement as we are doing it here
, it is not required to be included in the list . Why should be denied
this fuel saving technique . Science says so . We progress that way .
Those who tread the path of rigidity do not progress .”
The
famous British Scientist Lord Blackett considered Dr. Atma Ram
unparalleled in relating science with economic progress and he used to
quote him quite often in his learned lectures . On the sudden demise in
a rail accident of well known aryasamajic leader and Member of
Parliament , Shri Prakash Vir Shastry , Dr. Atma Ram in an article
published in the Weekly Hindustan dated 18 th December 1977 with the
title ‘We have seen few such people ‘. In this obituary Dr. Atma Ram
mentioned his associations with Lord Blackett .
An excerpt from
the article is reproduced below which distinctly shows the unique
relationship he had with this famous British Scientist :
“ This
happened about seven or eight years back .A delegation of our Members of
Parliament visited British Parliament on their invitation . Praksh Vir
Ji was also its member . On receiving the invitation he came to me and
said , “ I have to visit United Kingdom with the delegation . I wish to
meet some British Scientists .” Occasionally he used to speak on
science topics in Parliament . I was quite familiar with his speeches . I
informed him that their Royal Society was a world famous body and it
was like our National Science Academy . I also added that it was more
than three hundred years old and was famous in its field . If you visit
them you can meet famous scientists . I informed him that at present
Lord Blackett was its President .He should meet him . I also gave him an
introductory letter for Lord Blackett Shastry ji went to Britain . He
met Lord Blackett . From there he sent me a short letter describing
his meeting with Lord Blackett . On his return , he told me that he was
highly impressed with Lord Blackett more than any other scientist . I
was pleasantly surprised on learning from him that Lord Blackett quoted
me quite often .He told me that Lord Blackett was in favour of Dr. Atma
Ram’s views and then asked him , “ Tell me how much support you give as
Member to Dr. Atma Ram in the Parliament ?” After some time when Lord
Blackett visited India on our Government’s invitation , I met him along
with Shasrty ji . I felt after the meeting that Lord Blackett was
equally impressed by my views and the decency of Shri Shastry ji .”
Strong Supporter Of Skilled Persons
Dr.
Atma Ram believed that human resources could not be developed by
education alone though education was essential to it . For nations all
round progress it was necessary to impart professional education and
training for producing scientists , technicians , engineers , workers ,
organisers , administrators and other professional and non-professional
people . In 1968 in his Presidential address at the meeting of Indian
Science Congress Association , at Varanasi , he said :
“ I would
like to draw your attention about our continually ignoring the role of
our technicians . Now the industrial production is getting more and more
technology oriented . Therefore we need skilled technicians to operate
machines , to repair them , to test the raw materials and final product ,
to fabricate new machines and produce new items . During production ,
handling of all these technical and complex processes , we would need
highly skilled technicians . Technicians face a social problem too .
The society does not give them due recognition and importance which is
their due . In our country’s social and economic progress technicians
contribution is no less than others .”
He used to say that a
degree holder engineer can be unemployed but a skilled worker can never
be without a job . By citing an example of his nephew he said :
“
He had passed metric in third division . What job could he get ?
Either a peon or a clerk at maximum . I got him placed in a factory . He
learnt fabrication of furnaces there . Today he is in great demand as a
furnace specialist . He is an expert in his field . So far as
education is concerned , for making furnaces metric is more than enough
.”
He used to say that where ever we enter into agreements for
the transfer of technology with foreign countries , the participating
persons are invariably technicians . The progress of western countries
is also due to the esteem in which the society holds their technicians .
Their pay structure is decent and they are given an honoured place in
the society . In our country this stage has yet to come .
On 14
th February , 1970 while delivering convocation address of Lucknow
University , he had very categorically stated that the country can
flourish if we give due importance to our technicians . We reproduce
some excerpts from his lecture titled—‘ In support of Productivity ‘
“
The very name Lucknow suggests the picture of a city of old splendour
, culture and connected with many other things which make life happier .
Lucknow has been a centre of good living . You can ask me how an
applied scientist like me , who has spent a large portion of his life
in testing sand and clay and watching or making glass wares , would know
about the life for which Lucknow is famous . I would only say that in
this age of progressive science and miraculous technology , who would
remain untouched in imagining the possibilities of wonderful things
happening in life Science and technology are continuously making our
lives better , longer and happier . This is the age of science and
technology . Therefore it is but proper that we pause and think about
the opportunities and challenges , which our young boys and girls are
facing today . In this context I am reminded of a Urdu couplet I read
during childhood :
‘ Gaya daur hukumat ka bas hikmat ki hai bari ,
jahan mein chahar su ilmo alam ki hai amaldari.’
When
a young scientist comes out of the University with a degree , he
discovers that with whatever he has learnt he is fit enough for working
only in the laboratories of the universities , colleges and else where .
He feels hesitant and deficient to join an industry. This is because
as a student he was never exposed to the needs of the industry . As for
the industries , they too hesitate to take them as they feel they may
not be able to work effectively in the factory . This is a difficult
situation where problem of coordination between educational system and
the manpower requirement is distinctly visible .
In our
universities and other educational institutions there are limited
positions for the scientists . About twelve thousand science students
pass out every year from more than seventy universities . They can not
expect that all of them would be absorbed in these universities . It is
therefore imperative to find ways and means for providing gainful
employment to these degree holders in science . It is necessary to
develop a programme in this direction very carefully . It should be
ascertained , how many persons should be educated , in which specific
fields and up to what levels . The best course perhaps would be that
there should be a position for every educated person , and for every
position there should be an educated person . We have to make our
planned programme very practical and it should be flexible enough to be
changed according to needs and requirements . It seems to be a problem
, a seemingly paradoxical situation , that we have unemployment and
underemployment of scientists and engineers , but at the same time there
is a shortage of skilled persons possessing critical skills essential
for economic growth .
Reasons for this are many . We must
appreciate the difference between degree and skill . It is not necessary
that with degree you also get skills and equally degree is also not
necessary to acquire skills For production skills are necessary and not
degrees . Today the nation needs more production . Therefore we need
skilled workers and not only educated people . Skilled workers have
comparatively much less problems of unemployment . Today our educational
system does not cater to this demand . More students pass out from
universities than the gainful employment opportunities in the country .
Also the wages are not same in all cases . The Government and other
employers have the responsibility to alleviate this short coming . But
our social value system also gives rise to and aggravates this imbalance
.
I have said many times that the solution for the country’s
economic , social and political problems is to accelerate economic
progress . By fast economic progress we can fulfill the aspirations of
the common man for a better living . In to days system which is based on
science and technology , for nation’s economic growth , we require lots
of skilled persons who are efficient in various technological fields
and also those who can effectively manage modern industries . Our
universities are presently degree oriented while the need of the hour
is for a large number of skilled personnel . I feel that in our
educational system stress should equally be given both on degrees and
skills . If our educational system is not ready for such a change , I
do not see any other way of alleviating the unemployment problem of our
educated young persons , and the uproar resulting from it . If we delay
the matters any further it would not be in country’s interest .
In
a developing country like ours , we need many technicians and the
demand would only grow . The productivity in our industry is
increasingly depending on the application of science . The industries
require exceptional competence and capability from the persons who would
operate , maintain and repair their modern expensive machines , design
and fabricate new ones , and develop new products . For these highly
skilled works ,we require young people with sound technical knowledge
and a practical outlook . It is a matter of concern that we have not
paid much attention to producing such technicians . We should see to it
that the segment of those students who would not much benefit from the
study of science , are sent for studies for becoming medium or higher
grade technicians . In these efforts the society also must help , as
they contribute a lot to economic progress of the country .
How
to teach these skills ? How to motivate people ? Who should undertake
this work ? In my opinion universities can not ignore taking interest in
such basic issues . Please excuse me if I suggest something . These
days for the topics selected for the award of Doctorate , stress is
given on acquiring new knowledge . Would it not be proper if we include
such problems which may be of use to the society . In our educational
system it should be ensured that commercial inventions are also accepted
for the award of degrees . It would then be possible to utilise the
research work for solving industries problems . Is use of knowledge
not gaining knowledge itself . How to involve our young boys and girls
in industrial productivity . One solution could be to make it compulsory
for every student to spend 3-6 months either in an industry or in an
agricultural environment . This would inculcate in the students an
awareness in their outlook bring closeness between universities ,
industry and agriculture .”
Follower Of Gandhian Philosophy
Dr. Atma
Ram was a staunch follower of Mahatma Gandhi . Gandhiji was an
exceptional social reformer . He remained linked to Politics all his
life . Atma Ram ji was a scientist and in his capacity as a scientific
official , he came in close contact with the politicians till his end .
Even then he did not actively join politics . Gandhiji was a strict
follower of truth and non-violence and he implicitly believed in God .
He believed that truth is God and God is truth . Atma Ramji was also a
follower of truth and non-violence and he too intensely believed in God
.
He , during his younger days , had several opportunities to
meet Gandhiji along with his teacher Prof . Megh Nad Saha . During
these meetings he was fortunate to discuss various topics with him . On
one such occasion Gandhiji told him :
“ Science is for searching
out the truth . In fact why only science every facet of human life has
one aim—honour the truth . Yes, there can be different ways . Normally
it does happen . But the basic issue is not of ways and means but of
intention . As I have said , every one’s intention is –truth .”
Though
the two followed different vocations yet their philosophy of life ,
thinking , living ,and way of working , explicitly displayed tremendous
similarity . Both of them till the end struggled for the upliftment of
the masses . Both of them laid particular stress on the correct ,
proper and pious means to achieve their goals . Both of them gave
maximum importance in their lives to truth and non-violence . This
Gandhian Scientist had said ,” For science truth is supreme .”
Dr.
Atma Ram was an absolute Gandhian in his mind , words and deeds . He
all his life followed Gandhian ideology and through the medium of
science worked for the welfare of the masses . He used to wear khadi as
well as mill made cloth . There was a lot of difference between their
ages . Since the assassination of Gandhiji science has advanced a lot
in every sphere of life . It is quite possible that if Gandhiji was
alive today he might have used polyester khadi Gandhiji had given up
wearing cap early in life . Atma Ramji began wearing Gandhi cap early in
his life and continued wearing it till the end of his life . Perhaps
he was the only well known scientist in the country who wore Gandhi cap .
This Gandhian scientist was recognised by his spotlessly white cap .
It seems as if Gandhiji had told him to wear white cap to commemorate
his memory and to carry on with his scientific work , as he was his
true follower and led a life of truth .
Dr. Atma Ram used to quote Gandhiji in his lectures quite often . During his address to Science Congress he had said :
“
Our civilisation is very old and therefore we are immersed in our
traditions . We have to solve our problems very carefully . Ganghi ji
used to say that for the poor God comes in the form of bread . Before we
expect our countrymen to give up superstitions and follow scientific
perceptions , we should introspect how far we have provided them with
the life’s barest necessities of food , clothing and housing . In
short -economic security .”
He felt great anguish that we have
discarded all the principles of Mahatma Gandhi who brought freedom to us
from the shackles of slavery , immediately after gaining independence .
His ideals are for mere formality now . In 1971 while delivering
convocation address of Gujrat Vidyapeeth , Ahmedabad , he said with an
anguished heart :
“ He [ Gandhiji ] was of the view that man
should be a good human being . If man is right , society will itself
become right . It is said that today his cherished ideals and principles
are being ignored . I would however like to stress that his outlook was
very practical . He always said that we would progress not by more
production but production by more and more people .
We made
Father of the Nation , Mahatma . { ‘Mahan Atma ‘-- a great Soul } We
felt that we have completed our duty towards him . We raise the
slogan- ‘ Mahatma Gandhi Kee Jai ‘ but do not follow his ideals . These
are mere formalities now . Please excuse my saying this . It is a
great betrayal of Mahatma Gandhi , who made us capable of being free ,
and towards us too . His principles were not like the Hindi saying- -‘
Elephant’s teeth are for show and not for eating ’ His principles were
very practical and could be put to practice . His way of working was to
analyse the situation and problems and then find a solution . This way
he was a true scientist of social -science . Science is a process . One
does not become a true scientist by merely working in a laboratory or
obtaining a degree .
Gandhiji placed before the nation the
outline of applied economics . Today when we have the problem of feeding
, clothing and housing fifty five crore people , the value of his
economic programme increases many fold .
In Delhi we have Mahatma
Gandhi Marg . Road signs indicate that . Why only Delhi , every town
has a Gandhi Marg . But there are hardly any who tread his path . Just a
few days back , we celebrated Gandhi Centenary with great pomp and show
and spent crores of rupees . We held several functions which were
attended by thousands of persons from abroad and our people too visited
foreign countries in this context . If these had any effect , I do not
know . But I am of the firm view that had Gandhiji been alive today he
would never have permitted this expenditure . He would have told to
spend that money either on Harijan welfare or some other welfare schemes
of the country .”
Dr. Atma Ram was greatly influenced by
Gandhiji as a person and by his actions . He sincerely believed that a
great democratic country like India , can achieve progress only by
following the path shown by Gandhiji . Why an independent India could
not mould itself to Gandhiji’s ideals . He answers this question thus :
“
In the history of India’s freedom movement , one name which is
mentioned with greatest respect is was far sighted enough to focus on
issues necessary for attaining freedom and for its progress. On basic
education , housing , industry , use of swadeshi things [ produced in
the country ] , untouchability and leprocy a deadly disease , Gandhiji
gave the nation a new meaning .
Science also did not remain
uninfluenced by Gandhiji’s views on use and adoption of swadeshi
things and seeking economic progress of the country only with
indigenous resources . Slowly along with the studies of fundamental
science there was some progress in applied science and technology . A
few universities started studies in certain fields of technology like
silicates , leather , oil and fat etc . Research work began in applied
science too . But the large scale of this activity was visible only
after independence when sudden progress was made
To day the basic
aim of progress in science is to provide to mankind physical means so
that they may live a happy and disease free life . The lack of economic
resources is at the very root of misery in the world . The expectancy
of life in developing countries is still higher than that of developed
countries . They are healthier and abler . Gandhiji also had a vision of
such an India . But his path of alleviating poverty from the country
was different . He desired Indian industry to grow but within the
village and home level only . He believed that with the increase in big
mills and factories the problem of unemployment would increase further .
His interest in mills and factories perhaps arose due to their being
very few of them in our country , forcing us to send our raw materials
like cotton and minerals to Manchester and Buckingham mills of England
and iron ore to factories in Shaffield . The finished goods produced
there were sold in Indian markets at prohibitive prices . Gandhiji
believed that what a mill with very few hands produces , if produced in
small quantities by several people individually , that of the Father
of the Nation , Mahatma Gandhi . During the days of freedom struggle
Gandhiji would provide employment to people in large numbers . But to
day the conditions are very different The greatest effect of science and
technology has been on instrumentation . Several new factories have
been established utilising new processes and instruments . I understand
that we can utilise these techniques in small industries too . There
is an example of Japan with us . Assembling transistor radios is a home
industry there . Lakhs of people earn their living from it . We too can
follow this in India . With very little technical knowledge , common
man can make this a profession . But all this is possible by a
substantial progress in science .
What I understand of
Gandhiji’s concept of swadeshi is the utilisation of indigenously
available minerals , medicinal plants and other natural resources for
the country’s progress . It is true that we can not compete with the
developed country’s technologies and we have taken advantage in many
fields of the technologies provided by them , yet it is not proper to
remain in a borrowing situation all the time . To day in our country
there is no dearth of scientific talent . The fact is that we are
providing this talent to an extent to developed countries . Then why
should we not use this talent to modify the technologies to suit our
requirement . Why should we not develop techniques which may be cheaper
and lasting utilising our own natural resources . The country’s National
Laboratories are engaged in these activities along with fundamental
scientific research . In this direction one can think of research in
making coal which is not usable in the industry useful , infant food ,
production of medicines , new varieties of steel , new varieties of
glass and optical glass , make better kinds of leather etc .”
Dr.
Atma Ram was an admirer of Gandhiji’s views of giving importance to
labour . He too desired that with the scientific research we should
provide employment to maximum number of people . Only then it can be
beneficial to the masses . This way he had logically rebutted the
arguments being propagated against Gandhiji . He had implicit faith in
Gandhiji ‘s truth and non-violence . Below we reproduce some excerpts
from his convocation address to Gujrat Vidyapeeth , Ahmedabad . :
“
Gandhiji in his ashram-cum-laboratory distributed work to every one .
It was compulsory for every one to work , because if one person remained
idle another would have to perform twice his allotted work . He said
that physical labour generates self respect and one continues having
faith in his own efforts .
Gandhiji was not in favour of
traditional education . He believed that in India the education should
be intimately related to common man’s living environment .His views on
basic education and dignity of labour have much relevance even to day .
We have not only ignored but discarded these views altogether .
It
is quite often said that Gandhiji was anti-science , anti - technology
, viewed science with suspicion and considered machines as devils . I
thought about this many times but I could not discern any substance . I
would rather say to the extent that such persons have neither
understood Gandhiji nor science in correct perspective . Gandhiji
expounded the cause of truth and non-violence .Man has invented computer
to aid the brain He would have no dealings where there was an iota of
untruth and violence .
Truth is the back bone of science . Search
of truth is its aim . Even if lakhs of people accept a hypothesis and
one lone person in the world presents a fact disproving it , then that
hypothesis can no longer hold . This is a way to truth . That is why
science is called universal as only truth can be universal . Science is
only science and does not change with specific areas or countries .
There are no such things as German science , English science , American
science , Russian science or Indian science . In the pursuit of truth
scientists had to suffer enormously , were even subjected to physical
torture , but they never dissuaded or even hesitated in expounding the
truth . You are all aware of tortures Gallelio suffered . A scientist
may behave in areas not connected with science in any way , in an
untruth manner . But in scientific matters untruth just can not work ,
truth prevails ultimately exposing the falsehood . I would only say
about the different behaviour of scientists in science and non - science
matters , what I said two years before at a meeting in Vidyapeeth on
the occasion of Gandhiji’s centenary celebrations when this question
arose , ‘ science is universal and not the scientists ‘ .It is but
proper that scientists should be universal –true in all aspects of life .
Gandhiji was such a scientist . I would call him an ideal scientist .
Opposing untouchability is scientific , and a social duty . Zoological
science has proved that all homosapiens every where and of any caste ,
creed or country are same in every way and have no difference . Please
tell me if Gandhiji was not a scientist ? He gave such a wonderful
‘mantra ‘ of truth and non-violence to social sciences , with truth he
created a programme for the eradication of untouchability from the
society , and ensured that what he said he followed .
Gandhiji
always stressed on keeping to the minimum ones personal needs . It is a
great scientific fact that nature is also that way and is very thrifty.
Man has invented computer to aid his brain . If a computer is invented
to replace the brain it would occupy an enormous space . The nature has
produced the computer to fit in the head in so small a space . Nature
accomplishes every thing in an extremely diminutive way . Gandhiji’a
laboratory was nature with all its life . He used to experiment on
himself first and then after due deliberations he would place his
findings before the public . There was never any difference between his
thoughts and deeds . That is why Einstein said at his death that the
coming generations would not believe that at any time such a person
moved about on this earth in flesh and blood . He rightly said so .
Even being in political field he , he was a wonderfully great person .
Since we could not understand his measure , we turned him into a
god-man , so that if some one queried we may get away by telling that
he was a god-man .
To day due to science man has achieved
tremendous abilities . So much that he can feed , clothe , and provide
decent house to each and every person on this earth , yet a majority of
people remain hungry and naked . Because man can control the nature but
not himself . We bother how the man would walk on moon but do not care
if he is walking well on earth . Man would control himself on
understanding his duties properly and by correcting himself . This comes
by discipline and Gandhiji always stressed on it . Therefore he laid
equal stress on the sanctity of means and goals . Sanctity is
deteriorating these days resulting in all round tensions and corruption .
A
question always crops up in my mind that despite so many great and
idealistic men being born here , the country remained backward . We
showed the path to the world but got strayed ourselves . Either we do
not see the path or we have knowingly left it . We simply paid homage
but forgot the path indicated by our great men or remembered them as we
do our dead during ‘shradh ‘ Our character has gone down . Just on a
call of Gandhi entire nation stood by him . On his bidding people threw
away and burnt like in Holi all their foreign clothes howsoever
expensive . But today we seem to be once again running after foreign
clothes and fashion . In 1929-30 Gandhiji asked for an amount of more
than rupees two crores for the poor He travelled round the country and
in no time he collected more than he asked for . Was it all show ?
Where is that feeling now ? Why it is no more ? After acquiring power ,
where did we lose truth and non-violence . Did it die with Gandhiji ?
To day we do hear that he desired so , his path and policies were so ,
yet no one follows them in life .The disappearance of the people’s
nature of sacrifice and following the true path of Gandhiji is not in
national interest under any circumstances . It is essential to
rekindle and keep alive the peoples faith and following in Gandhian
ideals . Today the adage is ‘Ulta chor kotwal ko dante ‘ . It is not
the age of truth but of seeking power . Gandhiji always followed the
path of truth and yet he held the greatest power one could ever imagine .
Even ministers touched his feet . The day , the Viceroy of India set
cross legged in Gandhiji’s hut in Bhangi Colony , was a red letter day
for this country . That was the time when people stood by him united
on just a command from him . Where has that spirit gone now .”
Stress On Application Of Science
Dr.
Atma Ram was of the firm view that science should be applied for the
economic development of the nation and to solve the basic needs of the
people , ie , food , clothing and housing . He expounded these views on
several occasions in both national and international forums . He had
full faith in Indian scientific talent He was not against fundamental
research . But at the same time he did not like laboratories only
producing research papers while the country’s problems remained as they
were . He was much anguished by the fact that a nation which had one
third of the science educated persons in the world , that country is
still compelled to stay below poverty line .
It pained him
too that our scientists were running after international recognition ,
while for a poor and developing country like ours we needed competence
in application of science and not recognition in fundamental science .
In March , 1974 , delivering the convocation address of the Harcourt
Butler Institute , Kanpur , he said :
“ Our most of the
engineering and technology institutes because of running after
international recognition have remained aloof and almost isolated from
the main stream of basic problems of technology transfer . Crores of
rupees were spent on the import of equipment and machinery for the
industries which came into being with external support . All these goods
were the result of the efforts of foreign engineers and technicians .
By importing ready made parts , there is not much scope left for
indigenous research and development unless it is related to local
environment . It is seldom so as the detailed designs of machines and
technology are kept secret . In such an environment the research work on
the adoption of technology is almost nil . In this context the
achievement of a Japanese factory is very significant . This factory
imported technology and some machinery from a British company . After
working for some time they were able to export better technology and
machinery to that very British company . Who did that ? Japanese
technicians . As compared to this what do we see here –just because of a
compressor failure , the factory built with a capital of few crores of
rupees because of its forced closure , was losing rupees four lakhs per
day . It is up to you to decide whether we need competence in
application of science or recognition in fundamental research .”
He
was of the of the firm view that research and development should be
intimately related . It is therefore imperative that the industry
establish their own laboratories . They should leave their dependence
on the Government . This would lead to a quicker development . In 1968
in his Presidential address at the 55th Indian Science Congress
Association meeting said :
“ The industries should have their own
laboratories . Our research and development should be intimately
connected so that economic growth is faster . The President of Royal
Society , Prof. P.M.S. Blackett , said in his recent Nehru Memorial
Lecture , ‘ To day the poverty is so much and solutions being very
difficult for the complex problems of rapidly increasing population ,
it may be necessary to stop all other works to achieve economic
progress. Only economic progress is not every thing but under the
prevailing circumstances for India it is every thing . ‘ I am in
agreement with this view . In this context the test for research and
development is to what extent it is being used . To utilise the
research work , particularly when research and development take place in
different organisations , the industries find it difficult and several
problems arise . It is better if the industries have their own
laboratories .”
Dr Atma Ram considered nationalism and science
complementary to each other and not adversaries . His views were
explicit on this :
“ Science is universal and therefore it
belongs to all mankind . When the knowledge of science is utilised for
industrial production it is called technology . Technology comes out of
science . It is not necessary that it be universal like science . It is
essential for individual countries and societies to select and develop
technologies to suit their natural , economic , human resources , local
situations and keeping in mind their immediate needs . If a country like
India with its limited resources copies the rich developed countries ,
ignoring its own resources and aims , I doubt if it can succeed in its
efforts . A great British Scientist Rutherford once said , ‘ Since we do
not have money like Americans , we shall have to use our brains .’ We
Indians are in a more difficult situation , we shall have to take
recourse to our brains all the more .”
His views on import of
technology were very clear and explicit . He felt that we should import
technology where ever available for our economic growth . He said that
in to days world no country can claim complete technological
independence . We should develop technological competence . The need is
to modify foreign technology to suit our conditions and needs . At
Varanasi Science Congress he clearly stated :
“ Foreign
collaboration and import of ‘ know-how ‘ is another subject on which
strong views are often expressed . Whatever may be the views of
scientists and technologists ,let us not make any mistake about the
general psychology influencing the policy of foreign collaboration and
technical ‘ know-how ‘ . Since 1947 , our country has registered a
fairly good economic growth . By and large , the growth is based on
foreign collaborations and imported ‘ know- how ‘
The government
has adopted a fairly liberal policy towards foreign investment and
remittance and repatriation by foreign investors . There is a feeling
that foreign collaboration has been permitted even where ‘ know- how ‘
was available in the country . Some say that laboratory scale operations
are mistaken for technical ‘ know-how ‘ An investor invests for profit
. Altruistic motives play little part in this matter . Unless we are
able to give the investor the whole ‘package offer ‘ consisting of
technical and economic ‘know- how ‘ , plant and machinery , managerial
and marketing techniques , technical ‘ know- how ‘ alone will not
interest him . The research scientist can not offer the whole gamut of
expertise and ‘ know - how ‘ to make an industrial enterprise . No where
it is so . Lack of appreciation of the role of research scientist can
cause much wastage of time , effort and unnecessary recrimination .
Industrialisation
in the modern sense has brought with it new techniques of management of
high sophistication . Such responsibilities as the following , which
now devolve upon large industrial management , were mostly unknown
before : I. choice of product ; 2. Design of operation for production ;
3. Securing and using the necessary materials , machines , power and
labour ; 4. Merchandising and marketing of the products ; 5. Financing
the operations ; 6. Building and maintaining a large network of
functional set up . All this requires management skills with quite
involved and complex procedures . If we are to be in the forefront in
the industrial and commercial world , trade with other countries and
keep our balance of payment position sound , we need all these skills .
An institutional structure for fostering such activities and working in
close integration with research institutions is the crying need of the
hour .
There is also the psychological aspect of the wide spread
feeling prevailing in the country that any thing foreign is superior to
any thing Indian , which pervades even our intellectual life . It is
also discernible in our science and technology . In industry , nothing
ensures the success of a product better than a foreign name tagged to it
or its association with a foreign firm .Gone are the days of swadeshi
spirit . It may need a Gandhi to propagate a new wave of confidence in
our efforts and in our achievements .
While we should develop
confidence in our own efforts , we should not in the name of ‘ swadeshi ‘
re-invent what is known , unless we are denied the technology available
abroad . When technology can be purchased from others with out
compromising national interests and crippling local efforts , we need
not take a doctrinaire view of things . It may be asked if technology
can be purchased from others where do the Indian scientists come in ? It
is well known , that even where technology may be available from
outside , large amount of work has to be done to adapt it to local needs
and conditions . Therefore , in developing countries high priority
must be given to adaptation work . Technological independence , though a
desirable goal ,is not easy of achievement . Not even the USA , which
is perhaps the only country which has a positive balance of
technological payment , is technologically independent .She pays about
70 million dollars per year to others . We should develop technological
competence rather than strive after technological independence .”
He
made distinct difference between science and technology . Science
indicates a thing can happen , technology makes it happen . Technology
turns scientific ideas into saleable hardware . He laid stress on the
development of indigenous technology to build our own equipment to suit
our needs . We may even begin with very small equipment .He also
stressed on experimentation in science studies . His views expressed at
the above referred Science Congress are :
“ For centuries ,
technology and science remained and developed independently of each
other . Technology , known as industrial arts , was essentially
empirical and provided little interest to the intellectual class who
generally looked down upon it . As an off shoot of organised human
thought science appealed to the intellectual classes and remained their
preserve and pastime . It was only about the middle of the nineteenth
century that science and technology came closer to each other and it was
realised that each stimulated the growth of other . With the progress
of organised knowledge in many areas , science and technology have lost
much of their distinctiveness . Technology is now much more science
based than ever before .
As to day’s science may lead to
tomorrow’s technology , we must promote and sustain science in all its
aspects . Those with vocation for pure science must be able to pursue
it To apply science , one must first know it . Hence , pursuit of pure
science must be encouraged in all its varied branches . But in doing so ,
the highest international standards must be observed . It is essential
to have healthy growth of basic science , research should be conducted
at the very frontiers of knowledge . For this reason the universities
which are the principal centres of basic work must be strengthened . One
of our primary aims in this regard should be the development of what I
would term as ‘ scientific capabilities ’.
In passing , I wish
to mention that the experimental aspect is not sufficiently emphasised
in our science teaching . Cultivation of experimental ability need not
solely depend upon sophisticated equipment or ready made apparatus .
Improvisation is what should be encouraged ; it is this which leads to
innovation and often to discoveries . In any case , it develops skills
and machine sense . This will also help in orienting our education to
production .”
Dr. Atma Ram , when he was Director General of CSIR
, was invited to address a meeting at Bombay . There an industrialist ,
who was earlier a member of the Planning Commission , complained that
he was not getting any assistance from the laboratories , and the
technology had to be imported . Dr. Atma Ram shot back , startling the
member , saying :
“ Do you expect that the laboratories do
research , design pilot plants , and after fabricating the complete
plant commence production ? Do you enter into agreements for foreign
technologies , with the laboratories ? These are all done with
industries and factories who had established production after
fabricating pilot plants . “
Dr. Atma Ram while being a
protagonist of indigenous technology , supported import of essential
technology for gaining time . Speaking as Chairman , NCST , in 1977 , he
reiterated his arguments and stated :
“ Modernisation of
existing technology , development of new ones , and acquisition from
outside , are three important facets of the growth of technology in any
country . During the last couple of decades , self- reliance has been
the basic tenet of our policy . It appears , however , that the
development of modern industries in the country has progressed mostly on
the borrowed technology . To what extent have we succeeded in
modernising the technology of the established industries in the country
through indigenous efforts ? How much new technology has been developed
in the country and to what extent they have been used ? What are the
impediments in the full utilisation of indigenous developments ? To what
extent have the borrowed technologies been assimilated or improved upon
? What is the mechanism for involving our scientific institutions in
the choice of technology , and in the best utilisation of the acquired
ones ? What system do we have to keep track of technological
developments in areas in which we are interested , to assist in making
the best possible choice for acquisition .
Indigenous R & D ,
and import of technology , are not mutually exclusive . They are
complimentary . We need far more intensive efforts in R & D in areas
in which technology is borrowed so as to adopt , modify , and improve
with the least possible delay . It is not the acquiring of the
technology which is bad as such , but the way we have done it that has
done us harm .We almost isolate and insulate ourselves , and in the
process become dependent , and even subservient , on the technology
donor . Borrowing must not end in perpetual bondage .
Japan ,
USSR , and even China are buying technology in a big way . The most
important thing is in the choice of suitable technology , and in its
acquisition on the most profitable terms . We are not a technologically
illiterate nation . Our experts can be depended upon to make the best
available choice , and build upon it ., provided they are suitably
utilised. There need be no question of ideology in the acquisition of
technology -from East or West , right or left .
The prestige and
profitability attached to a variety of good products with the stamp ‘
Made In India ‘ should be more important to us than the credit of ‘
Invented in India ‘ on a few . Prosperity comes from production ,not
merely from discovery or invention .The emphasis should be on self-
reliance in manufacture , in economy , and in competitiveness . , but
not necessarily in working out every process and product ourselves as
some seem to imply when they talk of self-reliance . Every suitable
technology available in the country must be preferred and utilised .
National interest should not be compromised , even in cases where
technology has to be borrowed , in the event of its not being available
in the country . One simple criterion should be leave out what we can
afford to do with out , as in the case of many consumer products .
Measures
for minimising the baneful influence of restrictive privileges like
trade marks and proprietary names , which have hampered the normal
development of R & D , and its utilisation , have to be given
careful consideration .
Tooth pastes , soft drinks , cosmetics
and other articles of the have been very much in the news recently .
Who will accept today that Indian Scientists can not work out formula of
these articles of every day consumption ? As a matter of fact , there
can be any number of variations . But they have little chance of
survival in the market in competing with well established
internationally known brands . This again is a problem of love for
swadeshi .”
Inspired Young Scientists
Dr.
Atma Ram was a great human being . He was one of the very few scientists
in the world who made effective contribution for the welfare of the
masses . Scientists specially young ones looked up to him for
inspiration .During talks he would say :
“ We should perform our
duties . This would inspire others . One should have faith in the power
of the masses which threw away the shackles of slavery suffered under
decades of powerful British Rule . Be optimistic . Never be pessimist .
Pessimism is a dreadful disease . This is infectious and makes the
nation weak too . The growth of science is essential for bringing all
round progress in the country . He quoted Pandit Nehru on his
unflinching faith in science in an article in ‘New Scientist’ on page 15
in its 16 th December 1965 issue :
“ It is science alone that
can solve the problems of hunger and poverty , of insanitation and
illiteracy , of superstition and deadening custom and tradition , of
vast resources running to waste , of a rich country inhabited by
starving people ----Who indeed could afford to ignore science today ? At
every turn we have to seek its aid .----The future belongs to science
and to those who make friends with science .”
The
scientists should therefore be aware of their responsibilities . On them
to a large extent depends the future of the nation . They should
fulfil their duties and the aspirations of the people . They must
remember whatever they are spending in laboratories and else where , the
right on it is of every individual in the country . They should keep
an account of each paisa .”
He was of the firm view that every
one and specially the young scientists should be given full freedom and
opportunities to blossom . They should be encouraged and inspired from
time to time . At the same time he desired that all intellectuals should
speak out their mind fearlessly . They should not toe the line of the
Government merely for petty gains and short term benefits . They should
not butter the politicians as well . He cautioned :
“ History
is a witness that the intellectual elite not based on birth , social
position , or financial means but on performance and merit have made the
democracy work and sustained it. therefore the emergence of this kind
of elite is essential . Such people in whichever era they lived left
behind an imprint of their personality in the pages of history . In such
persons one aspect is clearly discernible , that of their intellect and
idealism . Nehru was a great intellectual . He liked keeping company
with intellectuals . But he could not suffer fools .
Now the
intellectual integrity is becoming as scarce as the natural ‘ heerak
mani ‘ Often our meritorious people of the elite class seek the company
of persons in power . By their backing they can be made members of
delegations , or they can be appointed members of important committees
or members of commissions . This way they ignore their intellectual
abilities . For the elite it is a matter of concern that they are
flowing with the time leaving behind their natural freedom of speech and
action . These developments are rather unfortunate .”
Shri R.K.Gupta writes in ‘Vigyan ‘ journal of March 1984 :
“
In the course of scientific and technical work , he used to call
meetings of concerned groups where even the youngest were asked to put
forth their views and observations , for he firmly believed in
encouraging all to develop their faculties . Many useful observations
thus came from younger brains and these were given due recognition .
He
was one of the first to stop the addition of his name as one of the
authors in the paper published by his scientific staff , even though
guidance was always there .
He used to tell us ,” Take your own time in thinking about your problem , but once you have decided , go ahead and act .”
He left his imprint where ever and in any capacity he worked . His good
advice and intelligent and well reasoned path indications were the
topic of discussions every where . Scientists felt honoured to work
under his guidance .
Shri Virendra Kumar Pande , a scientist who worked with Dr. Atma Ram at CGCRI, Jadavpur, Calcutta , mentions his experiences :
“
Dr. Atma Ram took lot of interest in the Institute . He adopted a very
practical way of encouraging his colleagues . During the early phase of
development of optical glass , he would work along with his colleagues
for hours at a time . Many a day he spent the whole night in the factory
. It so happened in 1962 , that some faults were noticed in the furnace
used for melting the optical glass . Immediately Dr. Atma Ram moved his
office in the department where the furnace was being fabricated . He
moved back his office to original place only after success was achieved .
If in the institute in any department anything was developed or any
equipment arrived from outside , he would personally come to see. He
was the pillar of our institute .
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
desired us to develop transparent anti-radiation glass window , so as to
save valuable foreign exchange . On a personal request of Late Dr. Homi
J. Bhabha , Dr. Atma Ram took it as a challenge to develop this glass .
As a supporter of swadeshi techniques he desired that the equipment for
melting the glass be fabricated in house . The responsibility for
development of glass was allotted to optical department and that of
fabricating the equipment to engineering department . In the whole
process the equipment played the major part . After lot of discussions ,
it was decided to make two types of equipment. One for a smaller slab
of glass and another for a bigger one . When I was experimenting with
the equipment about 450 Kg of red molten glass at a temperature of about
1000 degree centigrade fell over the sand kept below . A major
accident was averted Dr. Atma Ram got the news .
Next day when I
was thinking standing on that spot , Dr. Atma Ram suddenly turned up .
Immediately with annoyance he shouted at me , “ Are you an Engineer ?
Some one could have died today . You do not understand any thing . “
With great fear I told him , “ I made it as I was told . I am sorry
this has happened . But if you let me make it my way I may try . I am
confident that the new equipment would work .” He looked at me sharply
and said , “ All right “ With the cooperation of my colleagues , and
with God’s grace , the furnace for melting the glass and other equipment
was fabricated . By 1964-65 we smelled success. The Institute
produced rupees 11 lakhs worth of anti-radiation glass slab .
We
were successful in melting , rubbing , scrubbing and polishing
anti-radiation glass slabs measuring 1000 x 800 x 125 Cm . Dr. Atma Ram
never failed to show with pride this successful achievement to all the
important guests who visited the Institute . Sometimes while introducing
me he would say ,“ this young engineer has fabricated it .” I felt
tremendously happy . Due to his efforts we were able to indigenously
develop the process of making optical glass and also we made all the
connected machinery within the country . He was a source of inspiration
to all of us .”
Shri R.K.Gupta of CGCRI mentions :
“ I
have been singularly lucky to receive his wise counsel for 31 years . In
fact I can say with pride that I owe my professional existence as a
working glass technologist to him alone . Besides technology , he gave
us a lot more to learn. The simple , almost austere , but well regulated
life could be an ideal to follow in the present day world which is full
of tensions and tribulations . His humane approach to problems of life ,
his subtle sense of humour , his way of dealing with people , his
dislike towards artificiality and ostentation , all are worthy of
emulation for all times to come .
He was a true
guardian of scientists and was a great protagonist of their complete
freedom in scientific endeavours . He spoke on this topic in his
Presidential address at Varanasi Indian Science Congress :
“
Often , the question of autonomy in scientific institutions is raised .
The stress has generally been for autonomy for spending . But , I would
prefer to emphasise intellectual autonomy , and it is autonomy that I
would like scientists to be assured of .Through out my career starting
as a Research Assistant , I have not had any interference in the
operational freedom to handle scientific problems as I would like to .
This is what I would consider intellectual autonomy . Autonomy
particularly in mission-oriented institutes has to be viewed in the
context of the objectives of the institutes and the country’s needs . It
also does not mean that he is free from accountability for the
financial and other resources placed at his disposal . On the contrary ,
scientists should be paradigms of discipline and accountability .
Administrative rules , regulations and procedures are man made and can
be changed ; genuine difficulties in the way of pursuit of scientific
research should be removed . So long as finances are derived from public
funds , the scientist is as responsible as any one else spending public
funds to account for them .
The problem of autonomy has a twin
brother , ie , hierarchy . Here again , I think , there is considerable
misunderstanding . Science recognises no intellectual hierarchy Where
ever it exists it must be completely inhumed . But in a research
laboratory where a few hundred scientists make the staff , there will be
a sort of disorder if all of them begin to feel that they are not
answerable to any one . In such a situation , indiscipline and
irresponsibility would breed . Have we taken care that this does not
arise ?
Learned societies and professional bodies should provide
leadership in the scientific community and create and mould public
opinion by example and precept . With such a lead, possibilities of
unhealthy tendencies in the body politic of Indian science can be curbed
or at least contained .With diversification and growth of Indian
scientific institutions , there is a growing number of young man and
women engaged in scientific careers They are easily susceptible to
influence due partly to economic reasons and partly to lack of proper
understanding and appreciation of the true role of science . They are
likely to become easy victims of shibboleths and slogans and their
careeristic attitude may some times lead them into wrong thinking and
action . The spectacle of a large body of such talented people adrift
should be matter of concern .I appeal to the learned societies to give
serious consideration to this problem . Societies should provide
leadership to the large body of impressionable young minds .
The
Government has a vital stake in this matter . It should encourage
scientific societies and consult them in matters of moment .The
Government Of India has long been thinking of setting up a single
national academy of science in the country . I might mention that as
early as 1945 , the Government had declared the National Institute of
Sciences of India as the premier scientific society in the country .
There are well organised professional societies in most branches of
science and technology whom the Government should call for advice . What
is needed is for the Government to cultivate the habit of consulting
such societies .”
Old Versus Youth and Creativity
On a related topic of linking creativity with age , He says :
“
In absolute terms , creativity has little to do with age . Relatively
speaking , however , at young age , the propensity to discovery is
sharper . This is a statistical statement . Because the young mind is
not loaded with knowledge and its sense of wonder is still keen , it
proceeds unfettered with preconceived ideas . It is able to hazard
hypotheses which may seem too bizarre to minds saddled heavily with
preconceptions . Such strides of the young mind sometimes make
significant discoveries . When a young scientist makes a significant
discovery , he becomes a celebrity and and has to give of his time
receiving awards , addressing meetings ,discussing in committees and so
on . Circumstances tear him away from creative scientific work . He may
yet obtain plenty of equipment and money , acquire status and security ,
but he does not have the time or the moorings for creative work any
more . May be , in this manner , we might have lost quiet a few who
might have blossomed to distinction .
The essentially statistical
theory of creativity and age is often strained to extreme lengths . The
theory bears relevance to discoveries and may , therefore , be
applicable to pure sciences . It is not of much value in the application
of knowledge as in technology , engineering , industry , agriculture
and medicine . In these spheres accumulated knowledge and experience
weigh much . Competence is and should be the only test in any area of
human endeavour
While every one should warmly endorse the view
that young should be encouraged , the temptation to make another
generalisation should be resisted . If one studies the lives of eminent
Indian men of science , who may now be put in the category of the old ,
one will notice that most of them achieved distinction when they were
young . One might recall that during early days heads of several
National Laboratories were appointed in their thirties and forties . Old
order changing and yielding place to new is but a natural process . The
process thus goes on and will continue to operate for all times to come
. Does this process which is obvious and inevitable really need a push ?
Although it is often said that the young are exploited by the old ,I
have yet to come across a single case of any body being penalised for
this . Specific cases of exploitation should be identified and the
wrong doer dealt with . It is most important to remember that in our
enthusiasm to encourage the talented , we should not support mediocrity
in the name of young .”
Problems Of Brain Drain
Our
scientists are highly talented and have a demand outside . Most of the
scientists desire to settle abroad for various reasons . Some want these
scientists to remain in the country for patriotic reasons even if there
are no suitable positions for them here . Others desire that we should
provide all the facilities and privileges that these scientists get
abroad so that they may return . Dr. Atma Ram’s views are very balanced
in this regard :
“ The problem of brain drain is not peculiar to
India . No country in the world except perhaps the United States is free
from it . In the so called ‘brain drain ‘ , the track seems to be
towards United States . To some extent , the other developed countries
in Europe serve as an interface between the developing countries of
Asia and Africa and the United States ; but the ultimate receiver is the
United States .
I would like to deal mainly with two facets of
the problem . The first is the fact of migration . Since the last world
war , the mobility of scientists and other skilled persons has
considerably increased throughout the world . Apart from the fact that
the language of science and technology is universal , the increasing use
of English as the common medium of communication among scientists and
technologists has made mobility easier . Skills always ask for
opportunities and the United States provides to day those opportunities
which give satisfaction both ephemeral and real . It is difficult to
stem the flow of scientists , but we should take more steps to lessen
the number to ensure that it does not work to our disadvantage . But for
the measures taken in this country to induce scientists to return or
stay at home the outflow of the scientific talent in India would have
been much greater .
The second aspect of this problem is what
precisely can be done to get he foreign based Indian scientists and
other qualified persons back to our country . Here again , we tend to
become emotional and subjective in our approach and even forget those
who are already in the country . Are we doing enough to recognise and
satisfy the competent and the good who have chosen to stay home ? A
general call for the return of scientists abroad is no remedy . The
Scientists’ pool , the creation of supernumerary posts in Government
establishments and other palliatives barely touch the fringe of the
problem . Unless the growth of our economy is such that it can absorb
them fruitfully , the return of a large number of skilled and qualified
men and women will only add to the prevalent atmosphere of frustration
and resentment in our intellectual life . Those who can be absorbed in
growing economy should be encouraged to come back . They would find
satisfaction for themselves and give satisfaction to the nation . Any
other step unrelated to the needs of the country would not help .It may
only worsen a problem already bad enough . Ultimately , the real
solution lies in the economic growth of the country , on the basis of
which the industry would develop and wealth produced . This in turn
would sustain the creation and growth of social institutions and
generate multifarious other activities needing the services of qualified
men of various types . The point becomes clearer by the fact that it
is becoming increasingly difficult to provide employment even to
engineering graduates . With the relatively weak economic growth
compared to our progress in education , the exodus of scientifically and
technically qualified young persons may increase .Most of them are
patriots , but we can not expect them to live by patriotism alone .”
Education as an Instrument of Change in a Democracy
Dr
Atma Ram considered education as a means to develop human resources so
as to valorise physical resources –the two integrals to progress .
Having chosen a democratic way of life , we have also to consider the
place of education in a democratic society . Dr. Atma Ram at the
convocation address delivered on 17 th February, 1968 at Banaras Hindu
University , Varanasi said :
“ The education system of a country
symbolises to a large extent the attitudes and values of the people of
the country . The tremendous changes taking place in society , new
knowledge and growth of science and technology deeply affect the
educational system . More than any thing else , science and technology
are major components affecting rapid changes in education . Education
itself is a primary instrument of change which could be deliberately
wielded . In a world where changes are taking place at a staggering rate
, education also must change equally fast , if not faster . As a
matter of fact , the spirit of education in a country should be such as
to be ahead of social and economic transformation which may be taking
place ; it should be the very harbinger of change . We have seen within
our life time that the education has been used as a deliberate means of
carrying out changes necessary for the implementation of a new ideology
or a new social or political system . Lately , the importance of
education as an instrument of change has been realised in almost all
countries of the world .
In Asia , Africa and Latin America ,
leaders as well as the people have realised the importance of education
as the primary means of modernisation , by which they can improve their
standards of living and catch up with the advanced countries .
The
question that comes to one’s mind is , what use have we made of
education as a means of change in our own country ? Almost 50 % of our
population consists of youth below the age of twenty . Our population is
increasing by over 10 million per year , that is to say , 10 million
more children . to be educated . One can appreciate the magnitude of the
educational problem if one realises that more than half of our
population should be in schools , colleges and training institutions We
have had 20 years to plan and act as an independent people . The
question is to what extent have we been able to use education as an
instrument of change to instil in our youth the change we desire ? Not
being an educationist myself and not in any way connected with political
decision making , I am unable to answer the question . But if one goes
by the results , the tensions and the disturbances one witnesses at
present in our country , there is no gainsaying to fact that our ability
to use education as an instrument of change would not be favourably
commented upon . No doubt we have done well in widening the base of our
educational system , in increasing literacy , in establishing new
educational courses and in training large number of our young men and
women in skills and capabilities which did not exist before .
Nevertheless the problem of using education as an instrument of change
to attain the desired.” pattern of social order , national cohesion and a
purposively oriented people with definite objectives yet remains .”
Education For Economic Growth
In the above referred address Dr. Atma Ram continues :
“
Unlike general education , which could form part of a social welfare
plan , education for economic growth should be part and parcel of an
economic plan . Financial capital and human capital are equally
important and should keep abreast of each other for full national
development Financial capital alone will only result in consumption . A
harmonious and balanced mix of both is essential for economic growth of
a nation Accelerated development as against historical development can
take place only on the basis of a deliberate policy of formation of
financial capital as well as human capital I would consider that raising
financial capital is relatively easier . We can raise a loan in a
matter of a few months . A factory can be built in two or three years .
But it takes twenty years to make a child an engineer who can run a
factory . Should all the effort and expenditure be allowed to go to
waste at the end ?
The other aspect is again a problem for
educational planners . Scientific and technical education has to be
planned in conjunction with the economic plan and be integrated into it .
Otherwise it will produce the sad spectacle of a large number of
scientific and technical men educated at considerable cost without
gainful employment . There is an urgent need for our educational system
and industrial programme to develop a symbiotic existence , one drawing
sustenance from the other . At present the link between the two is
hardly discernible .”
Education For New Responsibilities
Dr
Atma Ram felt that the future of our society lay in technological
development . While delivering convocation address at Rajasthan
University on January 11, 1970 he expressed the views :
“ From a
primitive , rural society , we are gradually transforming ourselves into
a technical society in which scientists and engineers have an important
role to play . Our engineering or science education was mainly based on
premises which are becoming increasingly out of tune . The future of
engineering education and even science education would have to be based
on anticipation of the trends in science and technology –say 20 or 25
years from now .
When an engineer is employed today , he
practices what he learnt several years back . Similarly , today’s
education will have to be geared so as to be useful for 10 or 20 years
ahead . Perhaps , one could do extrapolations for the future on the
basis of experience during the last 25 years and forecast what is likely
to happen during the next 25 years ; but it may not be so simple as
that . Some extrapolation may be useful but a lot more forecasting will
have to be done on the basis of trends in science which , with
technology becoming increasingly science based , determine the growth
of technology of the future .One can then think of and make necessary
shifts in engineering education and for that matter in science education
. Science and technology have their impact on society and they are
shaping social changes . The very changes which take place in society
react on the education system . Therefore , to forecast the future , we
have to examine how science and technology will be shaping then and
how the society would react . These are problems which have no easy
solutions . These can not be left solely in the hands of older
generation as they remain attached to their past experience . The new
generation can be very effective . The youth should place their view
points in a constructive way , then only they can effectively
participate in their future .
The universities would also get an
opportunity to play an effective role as the science and technology
would be need based in future . Those universities which would like to
remain in the forefront of the social transformation , would have to
adopt progressive views on science and technology . They will have to
make continuous changes in their educational systems and the laboratory
facilities . They should also give their unbiased and independent views
to the Government and administrators . In not too distant a future ,
like other developed countries , in India too there would be close
coordination between Government , industry and the Universities. The
universities should be prepared for this . For this to succeed it is
imperative to keep in mind the ideas and aspirations of the student
community “
Staunch Supporter Of Hindi For Use In Science
Atma
Ram ji began contributing articles in Hindi for publication in Vigyan
Parishad’s main journal ‘Vigyan ‘ when he was engaged in research work
at University of Allahabad . Due to this he had got ‘ Empress of India
Research scholarship’ for three years . His first article was published
in Vigyan in 1931 . From then onwards he continued writing articles for
this journal till death . He wrote about two dozen articles on various
topics for this journal . Till 1933 he was a regular contributor but
when he left Allahabad the regularity was broken . He lived in Calcutta
for more than two decades . There English and Bangala were the main
spoken languages . He , despite wishes , could not do much for Hindi .
Though
the Government had accepted in principal to a maximum use of Hindi in
its working , but in reality nothing concrete was done . No senior
Government official bothered to take any initiative in this regard . Dr.
Atma Ram on taking over as Director General took on the responsibility
of propagating the use of Hindi in right earnest , to give a boost to
the Government policy in this matter . He decided to get the voluminous
CSIR English publication , ‘Wealth Of India ‘ translated in Hindi . He
assigned the responsibility of editing of its Hindi version to a staunch
Hindi protagonist and scientist Swami Dr. Satya Prakash Saraswati . He
worked very earnestly and in a very short time he got prepared the first
volume of ‘Bharat Ki Sampada ‘ in Hindi
This is a great and a
wonderful contribution of Dr. Atma Ram in the field of Hindi scientific
literature . The book was in ten volumes . During his life time only
six volumes could be published . He desired that the knowledge about
science and technology should be decimated so as to reach the poorest of
the poor in our country . Therefore the cost of each volume was kept to
the barest minimum . The then Prime Minister of the country Srimati
Indira Gandhi while dedicating the first Hindi volume of ‘Bharat Ki
Sampada ‘ to the Nation said :
“ India has an enormous amount of
wealth both below and above its soil .We all are owners of this wealth
.It is our duty to properly safeguard and utilise it . It is necessary
that we should be aware of it and have the ability to utilise it for
making the country stronger . The ideal way of bringing it to the
notice of the common man and disseminating the knowledge , is to present
it in the language they understand . The Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research has done a commendable job in bringing out the Hindi
version of the English publication ‘ Wealth Of India’ . Through this
publication , the common man as well as intellectual class will learn
about the wealth our country possesses both underneath and above its
soil . I am certain that the first volume of this publication will be
welcomed by all and when all the other volumes are published they would
prove to be of immense value .”
Dr. Atma Ram spoke about the publication of ‘Bharat ki Sampada ‘ ;
“
CSIR has been publishing ‘ Wealth of India ‘ in English in many volumes
. When I was the Director General of the CSIR , I felt that if we have
to pass on the information about our raw materials to common man , which
should be our aim , then these volumes should be published in Hindi and
other Indian languages . But who could take on this great
responsibility ? For me to under take this work was rather difficult
.Dr. Satya Prakash [ Swami Satya Prakash Saraswati ] was the Chairman of
the working committee of ‘Vigyan Pragati ‘ [ Progress in Science ] –a
CSIR monthly publication . He is also my close friend . He had recently
retired as Head of the Department of Chemistry , University of
Allahabad . Who does not know of his immense contribution to Hindi
scientific literature ? Even after retirement he was engaged like a
true ‘karma yogi ‘ in the development of Hindi scientific literature .
When ever he visited Delhi he would occasionally stay with us . I asked
him for his help in undertaking this stupendous task . I was much
relieved when he accepted my request . You may say that I was completely
assured . Once he decides to do a job , you can consider it done .
After
considerable problems the publication of ‘Bharat Ki Sampada ‘ began .
It was a matter of coincident that I received a few copies of the first
volume of the publication just three days before my retirement . I
immediately decided to get the inauguration of the publication done by
the hands of the Prime Minister and asked for a suitable time from her
Private Secretary . Prime Minister was aware that I was retiring in a
few days and could have stalled the matter . Despite having a very busy
schedule , she accepted my request and gave the time early next morning
at her residence . On 19 August 1971 , I along with my two colleagues ,
Shri A. Krishnamurthy , Chief Edidtor of the Publication and Dr. Shiv
Gopal Misra , who was looking after its work in the council , met the
Prime Minister and submitted to her a few copies of ‘Bharat Ki Sampada ‘
With much warmth and feelings she did the formal inauguration and
signed in Hindi on three copies .
For some time the Prime
Minister cursorily went through the publication and in between made some
queries abut Hindi translation of some technical terms . Then
smilingly she told me ,” You got this work done very fast . Just a few
days back you had mentioned about commencing it “
I submitted
that the entire credit goes to Dr. Satya Prakash ji , who took on this
great responsibility after retirement , and has completed the first
volume after working on it incessantly . He has taken ‘Sanyas ‘ .
Prime Minister smiled and said , “ How good it would have been if people took ‘sanyas’ after retirement and worked like this ?
I retired from CSIR after two days “
Dr.
Atma Ram felt distressed that despite gaining freedom from the
Englishmen , we could not remove the shackles of slavery of the English
language . The result is where hundreds of engineers are in the queue
for jobs , yet there is acute shortage of skilled workers . He said :
“
If we had not depended on English alone , we would not have produced
engineers and scientists who were of no use to the country . By
accepting the slavery of this international language we have only
produced engineering and science graduates who are completely cut off
from the national problems and the main stream . Which ever books they
read , they contain references to the work being done in the
laboratories of London , New York , Berlin and Paris but there is no
mention of research work being carried out inside India .”
He
desired that students should learn science in their mother tongue . He
was of a firm view that by studying in their mother tongue they can
later become better scientists . He felt anguished that Hindi was being
purposely denied by a possible conspiracy , the right to become a
language of science by giving illogical arguments in favour of English .
At a seminar organised by the Bhartiya Sahitya Parishad and Indian
Science Writers Association he expressed his views as follows :
“
I firmly believe that till their is awareness in the common man about
science , our country can not derive full advantage from science . And
this knowledge is not possible through any other medium except one’s own
mother tongue . You can have my full support and cooperation for doing
any thing in this direction for science .”
In this context he said :
“
When ever we talk of science , it is stated that without English
nothing can be done . Due to this we are sadly witnessing the spectacle
of plight of science in India for the past 25 years . What a great
disservice we have done to Indian science . Our science is not reaching
the common man . It is all due to the anglicised people who have
reserved the science and technology for themselves in a way . No one who
writes , speaks and reads in Hindi has any access to them .”
In
May 1969 , while inaugurating the Viswesaria Industrial and
Technological Museum at Bangalore he appealed for disseminating science
to millions of our country men and stated :
“ For a developing
country like India , we have to take science to ever person living in
small streets and localities , the house wives working in kitchens , the
farmers working in fields and to the workers in factories . And this
can be possible through the medium of their mother tongue only .”
On
29th September , 1978 , while inaugurating the All India Science
Seminar under the auspices of Uttar Pradesh Hindi Association at
Allahabad , Dr. Atma Ram , strongly advocated the teaching of science
through the medium of mother tongue only . He stressed that only
through the medium of one’s mother tongue can we bring self sufficiency
in technological field in our country . Some excerpts are cited below :
“
All are saying so and for a considerable time too that science and
other subjects should be taught in mother tongue. The question is how do
we do so ? Science is needed for the country’s development . Its
contribution is absolutely essential . When we talk of progress of
science , the problem immediately arises of science education . In the
end all these problems get stuck on the issue of medium of education .
I
have had some experience of the problems which come in the way of
learning science through a medium other than mother tongue . This
happened more than fifty years back . I passed matriculation examination
after studying privately with Urdu and Persian and learning English
for about two years after passing middle examination in Hindi . I then
offered science in Intermediate with a view to get a teaching job easily
after doing B.Sc.as there was a paucity of science teachers then . But
I got very disheartened when in the half yearly examination I got less
than ten marks each in Physics and Chemistry while I got very high marks
in Mathematics . When I went for permission to change my subjects to
arts side , the Head of the Chemistry Department , Prof Rane , was not
convinced . I told him that I do not understand English . I have not
studied English in a regular school . I know not why he placed me under
Prof. Phool Dev Sahai Verma . Once he taught me the basics of chemistry
in Hindi , I
proceeded along . If I had not received Prof. Verma’s guidance , I would have studied either mathematics or Persian .
Because
I have myself gone through the hurdles , I can visualise and understand
the agony of children who have to study science in English when neither
it is their mother tongue nor it is spoken at home . As I have just
mentioned , we have been saying that science should be taught in mother
tongue , then what is the stumbling block ? What is the problem ? Till
when we would deny our new generations to understand the true
intricacies of science “
Need For Scientific Public Opinion
Dr.
Atma Ram stressed on the need for generating Scientific Public Opinion
in our country . In his Prof S. Bhagwantam Sixtieth Birthday
Commemoration lecture delivered at Andhra Pradesh Akademi of Sciences ,
Hyderabad on october 13, 1971 , he touched on this topic . Some
excerpts from it are reproduced below :
“ One thing comes back
again and again to my mind , namely, the need for scientific public
opinion . Unless the scientific community in India consisting of
scientists who are actually engaged in research activities , in our
universities , in the research laboratories ,quasi-Governmental ,
Governmental or otherwise , are aware of the problems and create a
sound public opinion in which the leadership , political or scientific ,
acts in line with such opinion , I do not see the possibility of right
decisions being taken . For instance there is a climate of public
opinion among the scientists of our country , I can not for a moment
imagine the political leadership taking the decision on some of the
subjects on their own . Public opinion should be such as not to leave
room for taking arbitrary decisions at a political level . I wonder if I
have been able to impress upon you the necessity , nay the
imperativeness , for building a healthy scientific public opinion in
the country Unfortunately we do not have journals as effective as
‘nature ‘which reflects scientific public opinion in United Kingdom or
‘science ‘ in USA . Some of our journals have been making commendable
efforts inthis direction but their impact is not much . Our scientific
societies are still to become effective forums . The power and patronage
of the Government and Government Institutions are such that even senior
scientists , barring some exceptions , hesitate to voice independent
scientific opinion. I do appreciate the difficulties of individuals to
do this but the Societies as a whole should voice independent scientific
opinion on matters of moment relating to science . The need today is
greater than even before for well informed , unbiased scientific opinion
in India .
Who is to be approached for scientific advice ?
Obviously , science academies , engineering academies , or institutions
and other professional societies . It is from them that the Government
can have the voice of the scientific and technological community in the
country “
Scientists and the Politician
Some
excerpts from Dr Atma Ram’s address on the subject, published on page
131 in The Selected Works of Atma Ram by CSIR New Delhi , with a
foreword by the then Director General Dr. A.P.Mitra are reproduced below
:
“ The scientists cultivated relations with the politicians for
the support of science –a very natural thing . The politicians
supported science mainly in the expectation of the power that science
would give them . This is also natural . The intermingling was expected
to bring science to bear on politics which Nehru had very much desired .
What we have actually got is politics in science.
How to
introduce scientific thinking and consideration into political system
which for obvious reasons is not well acquainted with science and
technology is a very ticklish problem ; yet the proper handling of it
will largely determine the success of national development in this age
of science . Science is based on facts , however , unpalatable . That is
the temper of science , the scientific approach . A practical
politician bases his thinking on public desires and may not always be
able to understand the difference between the achievable and the
promised .
By the very nature of the difference in approach each
one places a restraint on the other and operates under constraint . The
one whose promises are in line with public desires or talks things
which are popular , becomes more easily acceptable than the one clinging
to facts which may run counter to public desires . The crisis in
Indian science today is actually a crisis of quality . A man of quality
is not necessarily a man good at approaching . And that is what the
average politician does not like to do . Pandit Nehru is reported to
have said something like this : ‘ In the race for favour , the
sycophants rush to the front , if you want to have the able and the
gifted , you better find them .’
In a country which is wedded to ‘
Garibi Hatao ‘ [ Eradicate poverty ] what should be the role of
scientists and the politicians ?What should be the function of
scientists and technologists in a developing country like India ? In my
opinion , scientists and technologists should help in solving the vital
problem of a country , namely ., how to put to maximum advantage the
limited resources of the country within the shortest possible time for
the benefit of the people , for ensuring that every man in the country
gets his essential needs like food , clothing and shelter . If we fail
to be of help in this task , I am afraid , we would be weakening our
claim for public support for our activities . It is then the common man
will appreciate the contribution of science and not all the sermons .
The
politicians’ role should be that of an enlightened supporter of science
, ensuring adequate means to keep science -the powerful tool of
development - in proper trim , and applying the lever of power to create
conditions in which innovation will thrive , and the fruit of science
and technology would be made available to the masses .”
Some Important Viewpoints of Dr. Atma Ram
Shri
K.G.Krishnamurthy prepared a biosketch Of Dr Atma Ram which was
published in Indian National Science Academy journal , and with their
permission CSIR published in their ‘selected Works of Dr. Atma Ram ‘
Some excerpts are reproduced below . It may be mentioned that Dr. K.G.
Krisnanurthy was Secretary, CSIR when Dr. Atma Ram was its Director
General . He was very close to Dr Atma Ram and remained his friend life
long . He was highly regarded and respected by Dr. Atma Ram . He was
in fact a family member . If there was any one who could write about Dr.
Atma Ram , giving him full justice, then it was only he . His biosketch
has been used in this book at several places . We owe him gratefulness
and thanks for sincerely projecting Atma Ram as he saw him to the public
at large . Some excerpts :
“ Restriction of space does not
permit detailed analysis of this particular aspect of Dr. Atma Ram ‘s
career . Nevertheless some of the more important utterances and views of
Dr. Atma Ram may be listed briefly without discussing the merits and
demerits of any of them . It is , however , important to note that he
did not exercise any dichotomy in his precepts and practice . He tried
his best to put into function many of his ideas although he did not
always succeed :
1. A society which continued to be largely
illiterate , would find progress , economically, socially and
culturally at a fast rate difficult . Therefore first priority must
be given to education not only for imparting knowledge but also skills .
2.
The superstructure of Indian science and technology to be strong ,
healthy , and progressive , must be built on the strong foundations of
university research . This was not given enough attention .
3.
The academic community , particularly scientists and technologists ,
have a tremendous social responsibility in India . This means their
activities should be related to needs of the society which supports them
.
4. Freedom and accountability must go hand in hand in
the work of scientists . Freedom can not be interpreted to mean that one
can do whatever one wishes to , but one should have the fullest
intellectual freedom to carry out one’s tasks , in the choice of which
national requirements should dictate , the methodology of dealing with a
project should be entirely that of the scientist .
5 . In a poor country like India scientists must be extra careful in spending public funds .
6
. Scientists who continued to work at the bench were far more
important than those who had gone into offices to deal with paper work ,
administration or similar responsibilities While the role of a
technician should be appreciated and he should be given the best
possible terms of emoluments and recognised in the society , the
relative roles and functions of a scientist and a technician should be
understood . It may not be good to call a technician a scientist .
7
. There had been increasing governmentalisation of Indian science with
the result there was no independent scientific public opinion in the
country which could critically examine , comment and even question
government policies and functioning in the field of science and
technology .
8 . Scientific academies and learned societies have
a special responsibility for generating independent scientific public
opinion . He felt that this had not happened to the extent necessary .
9
. While science and technology interact synergistically they had their
own separate identity , roles and importance . As India had one of the
best statements on the Science Policy , there ought to be a Technology
Policy Statement as well . After a number of years of campaigning by him
, the Government did make a Statement on Technology Policy .
10 .
For several reasons he wanted a more liberal policy of import of
technologies from the advanced countries subject to certain basic
conditions such as adaptation and further improvements within the
country , selectivity with a view to encouraging indigenous efforts [
without providing protection to mediocre efforts ] . He felt that
although people felt rather strongly against imports of technology , the
fact was that more than 90% of technological knowhow and industrial
development in India had been based on such imports although often times
indiscriminate . Even the public sector had been built more or less
completely with imported technology . Whatever indigenous efforts have
been made in the private sector had been built upon the efforts of
scientists , engineers and technicians through out the country . on the
basis of adaptation and improvements of imported plants and machinery
and equipment and technology . He , therefore , felt his views
completely justified . He even felt inspite of all that was being said ,
it was likely our dependence could continue for quite some time because
of the inadequacy of our efforts within the country .
The three most important questions dealt with by the N.C.S.T. under his guidance were :-
(a) Science and technology education must get a fair share of brightest young .
(b) The need to substantially augment the resources of the universities for research and development .
(c ) Preparation of the draft of the Technology Policy Statement for the Government’s consideration .
On
the application of science and technology Dr. Atma Ram in his address
to the Conference on the Application of Science and Technology to the
development of Asia at New Delhi in August 1968 stated:
“ There
is much knowledge –scientific and technological –already available and
the problem is to adapt it to suit the conditions prevailing in
different countries . In the glamour of research , the developing
countries may miss this important aspect . While they establish good
infrastructure for research , impact on economic growth can be secured
only through application .---- Knowledge is power only when there are
people to use it . Herein comes the significance of education and
acquisition of multifarious skills and capabilities to develop and
sustain a modern society based on science and technology .”
Ideal Pupil Of Ideal Teachers
Dr.
Atma Ram felt that there was too much politics in science , but there
has been very little assimilation of science in politics .The entry of
scientists in Politics is right for the country’s economic progress .
But the professional politicians would not let scientists come into
politics . This was exactly the problem which was faced by Prof Meghnad
Saha at the time of first general elections in 1952. Pandit Jawaharlal
Nehru had assured him a seat from Calcutta North East constituency as a
congress candidate . But his candidacy was not liked by the congressmen
of the area and of West Bengal in general . The Provincial congress
committee allotted the ticket to Shri Prabhu Dayal Sinka ignoring Pandit
Nehru’s assurance . Pandit Nehru buckled to party’s decision . Prof
Saha took it as a personal affront and filed his nomination for
election as an independent candidate from the same constituency .
Prof
Saha requested for assistance in his election campaign from all his
scientist colleagues, friends and pupils . Dr. Atma Ram was at that
time Director of CGCRI, Jadavpur, Calcutta . He had faith in the
principles of the Congress Party . He had good relations with Pandit
Nehru . Pandit ji also liked him . Despite this , he obeyed his
teacher’s command without caring for the Government Service and actively
assisted him in his election campaign . For him it was his supreme duty
to obey his teacher’s command . He took very active part in running the
campaign . In the end Prof. Saha won with a very large majority .
Atma
Ram ji treated Prof. Saha like his father . In 1956 Prof Saha expired .
His body was brought to CGCRI so that all his friends , acquaintances
and well wishers could pay their last homage to the departed soul . The
moment Dr. Atma Ram saw the body , he began crying profusely . He
could not control himself and fell over the body . This showed his
great regard and affection for his esteemed teacher- cum - mentor . A
huge crowd of people collected there to pay last homage .
Atma
Ram ji was one of the favourite pupils of the famous scientist Dr. Neel
Ratna Dhar . It was said that he would not do any thing without
consulting Dr. Dhar . Dr Dhar was an embodiment of simple living and
high thinking . Atma Ram all his life followed his teachers ideals . He
had one more esteemed teacher , to whom he all his life time remained
indebted . He was Prof. Phooldev Sahai Verma , The help he rendered
to Atma Ram , not only raised him high in his personal esteem but also
enlivened the old wonderful tradition of pupil and teacher relationship .
Atma Ram had very high and special regard for him . He held him in
greatest esteem . In 1979 Vigyan Parishad , Allahabad , decided to
honour Prof. Phooldev Sahai Verma . Prof Verma was not keeping well
those days . He was at Kanpur and was not in a position to move to
Allahabad . Atma Ramji was at that time at Allahabad to dedicate the
publications of Dr. Ratna Kumari Swadhyaya Sansthan . When the general
secretary of the Parishad Dr. Shiv Gopal Misra told him that the ‘
Abhinandan Granth ‘ had to be given to Prof. Verma at Kanpur , Dr Atma
Ram cancelled all his programmes and immediately got ready to proceed
to Kanpur to get his teacher’s blessings . Dr. Atma Ram went to Kanpur
along with other Parishad members . He presented the ‘Abhinandan Granth ‘
to Prof Verma . Dr. Verma could speak with difficulty . Dr. Ram felt
exceedingly happy on meeting his teacher and getting his blessings . It
was a moment of great personal satisfaction for him . For an obedient
pupil like him , there could be no other better occasion for expressing
his gratefulness and at the same time performing his duty towards his
teacher .
It is not that Atma Ram had high regard for only a few
of his teachers . He was very grateful to all of them and remembered
them with nostalgia and great warmth. He was always overwhelmed with
intense feelings recollecting what all they did for him It is indeed
difficult to find such principled and dedicated pupils in this age .
Dr.
Atma Ram was greatly influenced by Prof. Neel Ratna Dhar . He used to
say that in Dr. Dhar’s life the ideal motto was -work is worship . He
used to follow it carefully and implicitly . Atma Ram all his life
followed the footprints of Prof Dhar . For him too , work was worship .
It became a way of life from him . No doubt he was an ideal and an
obedient pupil . He was such a pupil that not only he assimilated all
the good qualities of his teachers but also made them a part of his
life.. He carried forward the age old great tradition of teacher-pupil
relationship in its true sense .
Needless to say that the
teachers would have felt elated in having a pupil like him . They
bestowed their blessings on him wholeheartedly .Due to their blessings
Atma Ram reached the heights which so many aspire but only a few reach
there .
Dr. Dhar on learning of Dr. Atma Ram’s sudden demise , expressing sorrow said :
“
I consider myself very fortunate in having an eminent scientist like
Dr. Atma Ram as my pupil . Dr. Atma Ram was a very qualified Physical
Chemist and applied his knowledge and ability in tackling industrial and
administrative problems very successfully . He rendered great service
to Central Glass and Ceramics Research Institute at Calcutta . In Delhi
he held the high position of Director General of CSIR . He advanced
the progress of science in India . It is rather disappointing that he
passed away very suddenly causing considerable loss to the progress of
science and technology in India . “
Dr. Dhar in a letter to the author in 1979 wrote about his favourite pupil Dr. Atma Ram :
“
He [ Atma Ram ]is still active and alert . He continues giving his
advice on science and technology to concerned officials and ministers .
Besides this from time to time he delivers lectures full of originality
on science and technology .
I would specially like to mention
that when I was nominated for the Nobel Prize by Swedish Prof. A.
Aslender in 1968 and later by Dr. Victor Kovada of Moscow in 1978 , then
Dr. Atma Ram had prepared a wonderful note on my research work which
was submitted to the Nobel Prize selection committee at Stockholm .”
Dr.
Atma Ram was particularly influenced by the overall personality of Dr.
Saha . Dr. Saha left an indelible imprint of his characteristics on
the imagination of Dr. Atma Ram . Both of them were father and son more
than pupil and teacher . In Dr. Atma Ram’s character one can discern the
same characteristics as that of the world famous scientist Dr. Saha .
It appears that Dr. Atma Ram got these ideals automatically imbibed in
him . Dr. Saha was like a father to Dr. Atma Ram . He had made himself
an honourable member of the Saha family by his actions , faith and
devotion . He was so close to the Saha Family that after Dr. Saha’s
death , his family members would look up to him for matters connected
wit Dr Saha . They were right too as Atma Ram was Dr Saha’s confidant .
Dr.
Atma Ram mentioned several things about his relationship with Dr. Saha
from time to time . We have selected some excerpts given below from this
store house of information which throw light on the similarity of
characters of both these great scientists :
“ I met Dr. Meghnad
Saha for the first time in 1929 at Allahabad . After passing B.Sc. from
D.A.V.College Kanpur , I went to Allahabad for seeking admission in
M.Sc. in the University . Lala Diwn Chand , Principal of D.A.V.College ,
Kanpur personally knew Dr. Meghnad Saha . They were friends . I had
taken letters of introduction for both Prof Neel Ratna Dhar and Dr. Saha
from him .I had not taken those letters to get admission on his
recommendations but to approach them in case I had any difficulty in the
University . Even otherwise I had the impression of my past experience
that once I deposited the fee at the counter , admission was confirmed .
My impression was proved entirely wrong for admission to M.Sc. classes
. When I reached Allahabad the admissions to the University were over .
There was no question of my admission based on these letters . Though I
was admitted to M.Sc. due to Dr. Dhar’s compassion , but this is a
separate story all together .
After this I did not meet Dr. Saha
for a long time . And when we did meet it was in very strange
circumstances . I wished to appear in Indian Civil Services Examination .
I had to obtain Dr. Saha’s signature on some document . He was in a bad
mood . Possibly he was irritated due to some reason The moment he saw
the paper he shouted at me m, “ If all the brilliant students of the
University opt for ICS , who will do research work ?” Till that time I
had no connection with research . I had not even passed M.Sc. He
refused to sign the paper .
What could I do .I simply returned
disappointed with a sad face . I then gave up my desire to compete for
ICS. I thought that Dr Saha was a very dry person This way my first
impression of Dr. Saha was of his being very brash and curt . But this
curtness was in Dr. Saha’s character .He was not a strict person . Dr.
Saha was held in high esteem in the City of Allahabad and in the
University Campus . He was a respected person . He was a noted
scientist . In such a young age the prestige and reverence he received ,
very few scientists get it . At Allahabad Dr. Saha was known for his
curt and dry nature . But he was pure of heart .
Dr. Saha was an
impartial person . Though I was never his pupil , yet he had a
tremendous affection for me . I had opportunities to listen to his
lectures . But I never had any relationship with him as his pupil . Dr.
Saha’s greatest speciality was that he was always eager to discuss all
good things . And it was not necessary that he cared only for his pupils
, but in such matters his heart was equally open to all . Whatever he
did , he did so fearlessly . He had no hesitancy in him . Some persons
dare not act thinking what others might say . But he was such a fearless
man that he never hesitated in saying and doing things if he considered
them correct . For example Shri A.C.Chatterjee was his good friend .
But when ‘ Empress Victoria Readership ‘ was to be awarded , he did not
listen to Shri Banerjee’s advice . He was of the firm view that only
truth should prevail . In this respect he was a hero for the student
community of University of Allahabad . He never differentiated between
science , arts and commerce students . Occasionally students would wait
for his arrival or departure just for a glimpse of him .
In 1933
I met Dr. Saha for a short while . Due to Dr. Saha’s efforts Allahabad
science academy was established in 1930 . He had named it UP Academy of
Sciences . [ Now this body is known as National Academy of Sciences ]
The then Governor of UP, Sir Malcom Herry [ Later Lord Herry ] had
inaugurated it . He gave full respect to Dr. Saha and Dr. Dhar . I read a
paper on the occasion . While I was a Chemistry student I had used
Physics quite a lot . Physics students asked me questions many
times . Dr. Saha was chairing the session . He said some thing like this
,’I am very happy that there is a student of Chemistry who is as
proficient in Physics as a student of Physics could be .’
Listening to this the hecklers were much impressed. For me it was a certificate from a great scientist .
In 1936 I met Dr. Saha again for a brief period . I had gone to the
University to receive my D.Sc. degree . As usual I stayed with my bosom
friend Dr. Satya Prakash . We used to call him ‘ Dada ‘ with affection .
His wife Dr. Ratna Kumari was the Principal of Arya Kanya Pathshala .
His father had sent the car to fetch Dr. Ratna Kumari for attending the
convocation . He asked Atma Ram to accompany them . But Dada told his
father to go , saying that the University being very close from there
[Beli Road ] he and Atma Ram would walk down . Dada was senior to me by
four years . He had obtained D.Sc. degree much before me . He had his
own gown . I did not have a gown . I borrowed Dada’s gown for the
convocation and we both left for the University .
Dada’s watch
was a little slow . I did not have a watch . When we reached the
university campus , I saw the time on the university clock . It was
three o’ clock . In utter dismay I told Dada that it was past three o’
clock . It takes about five to seven minutes to reach the venue -Senate
Hall . When we reached in front of the hall there was dead silence
there . The convocation had begun . Before we could reach there the
D.Sc. degrees had already been distributed . The had begun distributing
M.Sc. degrees . Dr. Saha and Dr. Dhar were very much surprised not to
see me there as I had met them earlier . I felt very sorry for not
reaching there in time . Seeing me coming late Dr. Saha had tauntingly
remarked that ,’ This is the first effect of Government Service on you ‘
. I felt ashamed on hearing this .
Dr. Saha’s words had a great
impact on me . Then and there in my mind I took a pledge to reach the
venue of any seminar , meeting or a function in time . Really , I
followed this rule to the limit of reaching the venue a bit earlier ,
that on occasions the organisers were not ready to receive me as carpets
were being spread and chairs had yet to come . I may mention that
coming late to a function in our society is a ritual and a sign of
importance . I consider that not reaching in time is a great weakness
in oneself . I may add that Dr.Dhar tauntingly reminded me of this
incidence many a times in future . Whenever I met him , he would say ,’
Satya Prakash’s time was wrong “ . Dr Ratna Kumari too occasionally
would mock at me , reminding me of this incident .
Dr. Saha had a
principled difference of opinion with the then Vice Chancellor Dr. Amar
Nath Jha .Dr. Saha decided to leave the University , the moment Dr.
Amar Nath Jha’s appointment was announced . And he joined Calcutta
University as Palit Prof of Physics . Prof C.V.Raman was the Professor
of Physics there . This took place in 1938. Dr. Saha was a man of great
self respect . With differences with the Vice Chancellor he did not
consider it proper to continue as a Professor there . It was a moment
of great historical misfortune for the University when Prof Saha bade
goodbye to it . Though Dr. Saha left Allahabad , yet his love and
affection and the pure heart always remained with his old Allahabad
University students and he was always ready to help them Though Dr.
Saha went to Calcutta , his mind was always in Allahabad . He always
admired the environment of Allahabad University . Whenever any student
of Allahabad University went to Calcutta , it was sort of mandatory for
him to stay at his residence . Some of the persons whom I have met at
Dr. Saha’s home are – Dr. P.K.Kichlu , Dr. G.R.Toshniwal [ Head of
Toshniwal Brothers ] and Dr. D.S.Kothari .
On 6th July 1936 , I
was appointed as Research Assistant at the Industrial Research Bureau .
Those days it was located in the campus of Government Test House Alipur
[ Calcutta ] . At that time I used to be called Chemical Assistant .
Dr. Saha used to visit Calcutta quite often . I had a colleague by name
Dr. Hrikesh Trivedi . He too was a favourite student of Dr. Saha . We
both were Assistants in the Industrial Bureau and were working in the
Test House .
Dr. Saha was seriously thinking and studying
national planning . One day he went to meet Netaji Subhash Chandra bose
in this connection . During the course of conversation Dr. Saha
suggested to Subhash Babu to think about National Planning and keeping
this in mind he suggested formation of a working committee for in depth
studies . Netaji felt that this was all academic . He said that at the
moment they were all busy in the struggle for freedom and had no time
for such things . On hearing this as per his nature he got annoyed .
Netaji used to treat Dr. Saha with regard . But in this matter he did
not show any interest .
Perhaps that day or the next I went to
meet Dr.Saha . During the course of talks he said , ‘ The politicians
except ‘charkha - khaddar ‘ know nothing’ . They feel National Planning
is a useless exercise . But how can the Nation progress without
national planning ?’
I just submitted , ‘’ Sir , you spoke to Netaji like a teacher. You gave your suggestion like a Professor .”
At this Dr Saha with visible annoyance said , ‘ Then what should we tell them?’
I
gathered courage and said ,” Sir, you simply ask him what will you do
on gaining freedom ?” I did not say this based on any due consideration .
The credit goes to the book –‘ If war comes ‘ . The foreword of this
book was written by Dr. Saha himself . I was reading this book at that
time . Obviously it was the reaction from the title of the book . It was
a mere coincidence . I had this title in my mind . Dr. Saha felt
encouraged and a bit agitated and said , ‘Let us go and ask this ‘
After
a day or two he met Netaji again . This time I accompanied him . I do
not know why Dr. Trivedi could not go with us . Perhaps he was on leave
. Both the great men began talking in Bangla . Usually they talked in
Bangla only . By that time I could follow Bangla a little . Later lot
of people took me for a Bengali after talking to me in Bangla . During
talks Netaji said , ‘ After independence we shall do this and that .
Then no one will remain hungry or without clothes . We shall provide
every one with a house to live in . We shall eradicate illiteracy .’
In short he spoke from the point of view of a politician . Dr. Saha
could not contain himself and interrupting him asked , ‘ Please tell me
then how much food, cloth and how many dwellings would be required ?
How would you do it in no time ? Where are the resources ? etc etc . ‘
At this Netaji said we shall work this out after independence . At this
Dr. Saha said , ‘ This is all what national planning is about . We
should be ready before hand ‘ He mentioned what all happened in Russia
. Then Netaji was much impressed by his questions . He said ,’ Oh you
meant this . Then the national planning is a very good thing . This
must be done .’
In the end formation of a National Planning
Committee was discussed. Based on this after some time the National
Planning Committee was established. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was made
its Chairman . Shri K.T.Shah and Shri Harivishnu Kamath ICS were made
its secretaries . Besides these Dr. Saha , V.V.Giri , J.C.Kumarappa ,
Dr. Sayed Mahmud , Dr. J.C.Ghosh , Pandit Ram Prasad etc were made
members . They all were top class administrators , economists , and
scientists . No doubt in my view Dr. Saha was the founder of the
National Planning Committee.
I thus saw how science and politics
combined for the benefit of the common man in the back ground of
common interests and nationalist feelings . Netaji was always thinking
of ways and means of achieving independence . In the same way the
great scientist was thinking of the ways and means of feeding crores of
people and taking care of them in summers and winters . Both had a
common aim –to work in the interest of our country men and to find the
path for their all round progress.
Dr. Saha was a great patriot .
But he did not believe in charkha and khaddar . Perhaps his scientific
mind could not accept such conservative ideas . It appeared that he
considered these as obstacles in the way of quick progress. He took the
initiative to in using science for development . He was the first
scientist to place before the nation the idea of organisation of science
at national level in a planned manner for its proper utilisation for
development . Dr Saha had studied Russian literature and he was
influenced by the current literary thinking . He had visited Russia
many times and was in personal and friendly contact with their top
scientists and organisers . Russian scientists held him in high esteem .
He was true to his words and was a very determined worker . Once he
accepted he would never leave before completing the task . Not only
this he had the uncommon acumen of doing maximum work in the least
possible time . He was the inspirer for hard work . He would engage
people with so much enthusiasm and encouragement that not only the
workers but the viewers too were taken aback at the marvel .
It
is said about Dr. Saha that he was among those men who can break but can
not be bent . All his life he never compromised with his principles .
This resulted in his not getting any recognition from the then British
Government due to his staunch nationalist views , despite being an
internationally famous scientist . Once it as rumoured that he was being
considered for ‘ Knight Hood ‘ .But he did not get it . He was a bitter
critic of the British Government . That was the reason behind it .
After independence it was expected that the Government would suitably
honour this world famous scientist . But this too did not happen . It
was because immediately after independence he had confrontation with the
Government . He was earlier against the British Government , now he
was against this Government too .
Dr. Saha was an ideal example
of simple living and high thinking . He lived his life in a very natural
way . He detested artificiality . He had a very soft heart . He can be
compared with almonds and walnuts —very hard from outside but equally
soft inside .. Some people are like berries – sweet outside but the
stone inside tastes bitter. Dr. Saha could not become a berry all his
life . He always remained an almond . People would hesitate even going
to the verandah leading to his room . But any one who came in contact
with him easily discerned the wonderful and extremely affectionate
nature hidden underneath . It had a reason . He had experienced poverty .
He advanced dealing with and tackling scarcities . He advanced so
much which could be a reason for envy to any other famous scientist .
Dr.
Saha could not suffer fools . He would get angry at any thing foolish .
He was a very straight forward man . I never saw him trying to please
biggest of man . He disliked people who indulged in buttering . He was
able to see through such persons . He would spend hours of his valuable
time with people who meant business . He would dismiss persons who
came just for nothing .
In 1945 I went to Calcutta as head of the
glass laboratory . I could not get a suitable house to live in . I
lived in Dr Saha’s house for full three months . Dr Saha had so much
love for Allahabad University students that whenever any one came to
Calcutta Dr Saha would insist on his staying with him . Who would not
have loved the affectionate command of such a great teacher . It was
my fortune that I got the fruits of his insistence . He was in true
sense a ‘Guru ‘ . [ teacher ]
Some people believe that Dr Saha
was of a dry nature . I also felt the same during my first meeting .
He had little time and work load was heavy . It is true that during
first meeting he would appear a bit dry but as you come closer you begin
seeing the soft interior . He was above partiality . It was in his
nature to treat every one alike . He was not very social . That is why
many thought that he was not a man of this world . But it is not true .
He would listen to every one’s problems . He would help them too.
But he had his principles and his own ways .
He was a very alert
and straight forward person . He would care for every small detail .
In matters of money he was very careful and alert . People found it
difficult to work along with him and under him . But my experience of
long association with him is entirely different . I do feel that there
was a totally different pleasure and great happiness in working with
him . For the second time in his life time I stayed in Calcutta for
eleven years . Not a single week would have passed if I did not meet him
. In a way I became a member of his own family . How much affection
Dr Saha had towards me is made amply clear by the fact that when after
his death family members approached me if I knew some thing which they
did not ,regarding some matters .”
Obituaries
After
the sad and sudden demise of Dr. Atma Ram , several eminent persons
called on his wife , Smt Sita Devi , at her residence , 25 , B-Road ,
Maharani Bagh , New Delhi -110065 , to personally condole his death . A
few of them jotted down their feelings in the visitor’s book . Others
sent condolence messages . Some are reproduced below
Shri Morarji Desai , Former Prime Minister [ Letter in Hindi in his own hand writing ]
‘Ashiana’
Netaji Subhash Road
Mumbai- 400030
“Bahen Shrimati Sita Deviji , 12.2.83.
I
felt grieved to read the sad news of Dr. Atma Ram’s sudden demise .My
relations with him were of several years and were very close . Some days
back he came to meet me upstairs . But I being not at home that day I
could not meet him . In this world every thing happens as per the wishes
of God Almighty. In the end no treatment is effective . We have to bear
the sorrowful separation with courage and fortitude.
May God give you and your family strength to bear this irreparable loss with courage and calmness! This is my wish and prayer.
Yours,
Morarji Desai
Shrimati Indira Gandhi Prime Minister’s House
New Delhi
February 7 , 1983
Dear Mrs. Atma Ram ,
I am grieved to learn of Dr. Atma Ram’s passing away .
He rendered notable service to the country , specially as Director
General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research . He was
respected by his colleagues .
My sympathy and condolences to you and your children in your bereavement .
Yours Faithfully
sd. Indira Gandhi
( Indira Gandhi )
Mrs. Atma Ram,
25-B , Maharani bagh,
New Delhi.
Sri Jagjivan Ram , 6 Krishna Menon Marg , New Delhi wrote on a post card as follows
“
I feel great sorrow on learning the sad demise of Dr. Atma Ram . I pray
to God for his soul to rest in peace and to provide solace to the
bereaved family . Kindly accept my heartfelt condolences—Jagjivan Ram “
Dr. Raja Ramanna , Bombay
“
I was very sorry to learn abot the sad demise of your husband Dr. Atma
Ram . Please accept my heartfelt condolences in this hour of your
beravement “
Dr. D.S.Kothari , Delhi University, Delhi {ex- Scientific Adviser to Raksha Mantri ] wrote on 10.02.1983 :
“
A most distinguished Scientist who made a special and far reaching
contribution to linking science with industry and productivity ; a
person of sterling character , and very affectionate . His example and
work will long continue to inspire scientists and others for a long time
to come . It is a deep personal loss “
DR. G.R. Toshniwal , Kundan Nagar , ajmer
“
I have known Dr Atma Ram ever since he was a student of the Allahabad
University and we developed an intense liking for each other since then
I have watched his scientific career , which always had a practical
bent of mind . The technology for developing the method of making
optical glass in India for the first time was a signal achievement . He
very rightly deserved promotion as D.G. CSIR and I had very close
contact with him even during this period . His approach to all matters
scientific was very practical , but the country was not prepared to
accept it whole heartedly . Dr. Atma Ram lived a very useful life and
will be remembered for centuries not only in India but outside too His
death is a great loss to India .”
Mr.Wahid C. Malic , Vice Chancellor , University of Kashmir , Srinagar . 13.02.1983
“
As a chemist I always admired his contribution to science and specially
chemical technology . His commitment to the development productive
science was unparalleled . I came in personal contact with him on
several occasions and was always inspired by his profound excellence and
integrity of character . May his soul rest in peace!”
Signature illegible 10.02.1983
“
A scientist in the real sense , a sage , a guide and a philosopher of
great virtue has gone too soon --- leaving others behind to emulate his
greatness in words and deeds .”
Swami Satya Prakash Saraswati 21.02 .1983
“
DR.Atma Ram came to Prayag in 1927 . Our closeness began right then .
Slowly our friendship grew so much that we both became members of the
same family . To day it appears unreal that he is no more in this world .
He reached an eminent position in life from very humble beginnings .
Separation from his younger brother --- this is destiny .One has to
accept it . My mind is full of reminiscences to write about and think
.”
Shri G.P.Kane , Bombay 07.02.1983
“ I had known Dr.
Atma Ram for more than three decades and since he came to New Delhi as
DG CSIR , a friendship and comraderie for common endeavour developed
that I valued greatly . His passing away suddenly has created a gap for
me that can never be filled .”
Prof Neel Ratna Dhar , University Of Allahabad 10.02 1983
“
Your husband’s passing away suddenly has caused a tremendous loss to me
. He was deeply devoted to me for over fifty years . I wholeheartedly
join with you and the members of your family to mourn this dreadful loss
to us .”
Dr. Dhar sent another letter on 14.02 .1983from his 2-D Beli Road Allahabad residence :
“
I prayed yesterday at 2 PM for my devoted pupil , Dr. Atma Ram and for
you and the members of your family . I got the printed card that you
celebrated the Shradh function at 2 PM , on Sunday , the 13 th . I hope
you received my earlier letter . With blessings and good wishes to you
all .”
Smt. Sharda Mukerjee , Governor of Gujrat 07.02 1983
“
Shocked to hear the tragic news of Dr. Atma Ram’s demise . He was an
eminent scientist and intellectual who devoted his life to the service
of the nation . Profound sympathies and condolences to you and family
in your irreparable loss and sorrow .”
Shri Shiv Charan Mathur Chief Minister Rajsthan 08.02.1983
“
I have known Dr. Atma Ram for a very long time At Bhilwara he got
produced heat-resistive bricks from waste mica and used them at Central
Glass and Ceramics Research , Institute , Calcutta ., thus saving
crores of rupees in foreign exchange . The passing away of the famous
scientist has inflicted a mortal blow to the scientific world .”
Immediate Family Of Dr. Atma Ram
Dr. Atma Ram’s immediate family comprised of the following :-
Wife
: Smt. Sita Devi [ 25.06.1818 – 27.12. 1992 ] was an ideal life
companion of Dr. Atma Ram . She lived as happily in his village among
his family members right in the midst of pecuniary scarcities , though
she came from a very well to do family , as she lived in affluence later
in life . She supported him wholeheartedly in all his efforts . That
gave him tremendous strength to face the world fearlessly with courage .
She ran the household and kept him free to follow his intellectual
pursuits . She without any reservation and with great willingness
performed marriages of boys and girls of the family bearing all
expenses . Not only this both of them set apart funds in the form of
Unit Certificates for the possible weddings of children who were still
not of age . She gave away these certificates to their parents after her
husband’s demise . She was a very well respected by all in the family .
She was a pillar of strength of the entire family - her husband’s and
her parents . Every one looked towards her for advice . She kept the
house open for all relatives howsoever distant and family friends at any
time of day or night . The house was always full of people coming from
village for treatment , shopping for weddings , engagement ceremonies
and for fixing up matches for the girls .
She was like mother
nature thrifty and led a very simple life . She was always neatly
attired gracefully and elegantly . She liked people who were clearheaded
and simple in nature . She was full of compassion for the poor . She
taught servants’ children daily with love and affection . She in
particular liked teaching English . They still remember her .
She
stood firmly like a rock after her husbands death . She took the
calamity very calmly . She never lost her composure and it was she who
immediately took initiative to get back all our things from the Holy
Family Hospital room right after Dr Atma Ram’s death , when the body
still lay on the bed. It was she who consoled others and gave the
needed strength to bear the loss with fortitude .
She continued
running the household and gave her advice till the end . She suddenly
suffered a stroke and breathed her last peacefully after a very brief
illness on 27.12.1992 almost ten years after her husband’s death .
Eldest
Daughter ; Smt. Snehlata Singhal { Birthday 30. 06. 1936 ] w/o Air
Commodore [ Retd. } Ravendra Kumar Singhal , an Electronics Engineer
,who after permanently seconding to Defence Research and Development
Organisation from the Indian Air Force , retired as Director of
Electronics and Instrumentation and subsequently Director Technology
Forecasting Group . She has inherited in abundance all the qualities
her father possessed. .She has now taken over the mantle of running the
household and she is doing an amazing job . The family remains firmly
as one as before , as though nothing has changed in life . She spends
lot of her free time in teaching servants’ children ever day mornings
and evenings . She is ever eager to help others . She has ensured that
every Sunday morning we perform Hawan before breakfast . Like her father
she leaves it to others to take part on their own accord in the prayers
. She had two children –elder a daughter and younger a son .
Daughter Smt. Rita Kumar [ Birthday 01.09.1956 ] is married to Shri
Pradeep Kumar , a Senior Engineer in Proctor and Gambles , who is
presently posted at Kobe , Japan . She has the distinction of being
elected the President of the Parent -Teachers Association of the
Canadian Academy -being the only non - Asian and non - American lady .
She later was nominated as the Member of the Board of Trustees of the
Academy which runs the Academy . She has two children . Elder is a
daughter , Miss Richa Kumar , [Birthday 07.08.1979 ] . She after
graduating from Canadian Academy and obtaining International
Baccalaureate Diploma is now in final year of her under graduate course
in the School of Foreign Service , George Town University, Washington
DC , USA . Son , Master Anupam Kumar [ Birthday 08 .03. 1984 ] is
studying in Canadian academy , Kobe , Japan and is in the eleventh
standard.
Son Late Shri Anuj Singhal [ 25.02.1966 – 17. 01.1996
] After graduating from the university of Delhi , Anuj joined the
Hotel Consultant Institute in Switzerland and obtained Diploma in Hotel
Management specialising in cuisine . Thereafter he proceeded to USA and
obtained B.Sc. degree in Hotel Management from the Johnson and Wales
University , Providence , Boston . He served in Pizza Hut , Hotel
Holiday Inn , Colonade Hotel and Brakers Hotel at Palm Beach . He died
in an accident on 17.01.1996. in USA. His last rights were performed by
Shri Pradeep Kumar in the presence of Smt Rita Kumar . He too was like
his grand father. He lived very simply even abroad and would not spend
much on himself to the extent his fast friend Mr. Chris Cresto came to
spend sometime at Delhi with him told us that he was till then under the
impression that he belonged to a poor family . What a beautiful
coincidence with Atma Ramji when his grand daughter considered him poor
and thus not eligible to visit her school . We felt proud of our son .
As a child after his fourth birthday he told us firmly that instead of a
birthday party the money saved must be sent to the orphanage . When
told that we would do both , he typically replied like his grand father
that the additional amount be also given to them . Every year he would
either personally visit the orphanage or we would give the money to the
blind school . We are carrying out his wishes . As a child we remember
the incident when my wife shooed away the birds when some eatable was
kept for drying . He sternly told her to refrain from doing so as the
birds can not go to office to earn money .Where would they eat ? What a
compassion ! He overwhelmed us . Once when he reached his school for
the Competitive Military Entrance Examination for entry to Military
Academy , Pune , his friend got injured in his leg. Without caring for
the examination he went from his school , The Central Air Force School ,
Dhola Kuan , on a cycle and dropped his friend in his house about three
KM away . When he returned the examination had begun more than fifteen
minutes back . On his entreaties he was permitted to write his paper .
He passed with very high marks and was subsequently selected by the
Services Selection Interview Board , Bangalore . He declined to join
the army and we all accepted his wish . He told us that he simply wanted
to prove himself . His helping nature remained with him even after his
death . In his driving license or blood donation card , he had
mentioned that his body parts may be used for transplantation for the
needy . Even then Doctors attending on him asked for our permission .
We agreed . All his body parts were used for transplanting . We received
several letters of thanks and appreciation from the Hospital . Beloved
grand son joined his grand father in heavens but a bit too early for the
rest of us .
Younger Daughter of Dr. Atma Ram , Smt, Manju
Mittal [ Birthday27.11.1949 ] , w/o Shri Narendra Kumar Mittal . He is
an Electrical Engineer from the University of Roorkee . He is a Diploma
holder for Export Promotion from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade .
After spending a few years in the profession , he joined his father’s
trading business in gur ,at his insistence , at his home town Hapur in
UP. Since then they reside there. But they keep coming to Delhi . They
have two children . Elder is a daughter - Smt. Archna Maheshwari {
Birthday 31.03.1972 ] . She had a brilliant academic career . She is
interested in Fine Arts and has lots of Tanjore Paintings to her credit .
She is married to Shri Vipul Maheshwari , a supreme court lawyer .
She spent her childhood with Dr. Atma Ram at Delhi and continued living
there till marriage . Dr. Atma Ram was very fond of her and she could
take any liberty with him . She is now the proud mother of a lovely
little girl -Aradhita - who had the privilege of being blessed by no
other than Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam , Bharat Ratna , and Scientific
Adviser to the Prime Minister , Shri Atal Behari Bajpai . The
scientific tradition continues .
Her Son- Shri Prashant Mittal [
Birthday 27.03.1975 ] has obtained his Chartered Accountant degree from
the Institute of Chartered Accountants { India }.
The family is
happily living together in the house built for them by Dr. Atma Ram –
25 , B-Road , Maharani Bagh , New Delhi -110065 .
Through The Memory Lane
Air Cmde R.K.Singhal who spent years in Dr. Atma ram’s close company reminiscences :
“
We lived together in close company for several years and had many
opportunities to discuss matters of serious nature , be it science and
technology or metaphysics . I thought that it would be nice if I shared
with the readers a few things which gave me a completely new direction
in my thinking and seed sown by him ever remained in search of similar
ideas . He had the knack of explaining seemingly complex matters in
very simplified way and in very few words . Certain words scientists use
commonly , without really understanding them , caused lot of
unnecessary controversies .
How many of us really understood the
subtle difference between science and technology ? He would simply say
that science shows the possibility of something to happen . Technology
makes it happen . For example science discovered that if current was
passed through a resistance wire , it would glow with heat and emit
light . Technology invented an electric bulb . This clearly established
the difference between science and technology . Application of science
for a useful product is technology.
He would explain technology
transfer thus . Technology is not something which you transfer from one
bin to another or money which you transfer from one bank account to
another . It comprises the whole range of activities from concept ,
design , pilot plant , industrial production , creation of needs if
necessary , advertising , sales and further growth .
Initiated ,
I began thinking how to explain terms like ’knowhow ‘ and ‘knowwhy ‘
.Once reading an article in National Ggeographic Magazine I observed
that while a species of eagles was flourishing yet another species in
the same area of Sahara Desert was on the brink of extinction . As in
the desert they existed on bones , mostly of camels , which were huge
.They would pick up a big bone , fly and from a height drop it on the
ground . If it broke the small pieces would be easily eaten .They both
were following the ‘knowhow’ . The successful one was dropping the bones
on a rocky surface , so they broke to pieces on impact . The other one
copied blindly and dropped the bones on the sand which proved as a
cushion without breaking them to pieces. They did not try to find out
‘Knowwhy ‘ for the ‘knowhow’ process. As simple as that .
Once we
were discussing the purpose of life in the universe . I felt that
there was no purpose but doubt was there that life was not a random act
but a very well thought of , planned and designed where there is no
duplication and nothing is wasted . What one throws out another eats .
Cycle is complete . He asked me a very simple question . Does a he-goat
knows his purpose of life ? No . But we know that he is to be killed
and eaten . With our limitations how can we know the purpose . He
opened a new direction of thinking for me in just one sentence . Like
Rishies of Vedic period we have to take our imagination to heights
beyond our physical bodies and then try to fathom out . This resulted in
theory of immortal soul but the purpose still remains out of reach of
the humans .”
Submission By The Author Of Hindi Edition
I
met respected Dr. Atma Ramji for the first time in 1974 . By that time
he had retired as Director General , the Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research . He was residing with his eldest daughter Smt.
Snehlata Singhal at 36 Central Vista Hostel , Dr. Rajendra prasad Road ,
New Delhi . I met him in connection with some writing work for ‘
Saptahik Hindustan ‘ . I had initially met him for an interview but
slowly within less than two or three meetings our relations grew very
strong due to his very warm nature.
When we came nearer I
proposed to write his biography . He happily acceded to my proposal . I
began taking notes from him from time to time . Some conversations were
tape recorded . But all this ceased when I was selected to be the
member-secretary of the National Indira Gandhi Decade Celebrations
Committee. This committee was formed in connection with the completion
of ten years of rule of Indira Gandhi as Prime Minister . Besides other
work , a book in Hindi and English on Indira Gandhi was to be compiled
and published by the committee. The Convener of the committee was the
then Petroleum Minister , Shri Keshav Dev Malviya and its Chairman was
Mr. Aziz Imam , Secretary Congress Working Committee . Members were
Shri Khurshid Alam Khan , Shri Jitendra Prasad, Smt. Margret Alva , Shri
Nawal Kishore Sharma ,Smt Aziz Imam , and Shri Sunder Lal , all Members
of Parliament . Dr. Atma Ram accepted to be the consultant to this
committee on the personal request of Shri Aziz Imam and myself . After
that I continued meeting him in connection with the committee’s work .
The biography was left out . We had lot of valuable help from him in
carrying out our task in the committee . He also got for the committee a
handsome amount of money due to his own efforts . On the whole during
this period our relations grew stronger .
In 1977 general
elections congress Government at the centre was wiped out . Indira
Gandhi too was defeated . Morarji Desai formed the Janata Government at
the centre . I could see that I would get the time to write the
biography . I began thinking in that direction and started making up my
mind . But then within a few days of the formation of the Government ,
Prime Minister Shri Morarji Desai nominated Dr. Atma Ram as Chairman
of the National Committee on Science and Technology . Atma Ramji
shifted his residence to 2 Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road from Central Vista
Hostel . He became so busy that we could hardly meet . Therefore our
meetings were just formalities. Leave aside taking notes for biography
we could not even talk freely . Even otherwise he was a strict follower
of rules and time . Morarji’s Government fell through in only two and a
half years and he resigned . Dr. Atma Ram too resigned immediately .
Then he moved over to his own house in Maharani Bagh .
A long
time had elapsed since I met Atma Ramji . Then one day the chief editor
of ‘ Kheti ‘ Dr. Ramesh Datt Sharma in a taunting way told me that Dr.
Saheb was saying that Nautial would write my biography when he was no
more . As he said so the warm and affectionate face of Atma Ramji
floated before me and I was overwhelmed . The loving complaint of Atma
Ramji passed on through Shri Ramesh Datt affected me very deeply . For a
moment I was lost in the past . I felt terrible remorse on my idle
habits . Then I took courage and decided there and then that I would
complete the book come what may . ( It is true that I have completed my
promise after such a long time but could not prove Atma Ramji’s words
wrong despite all my efforts . ) .
Very next day I contacted Atma
Ramji . I learnt that due to my disinterestedness he had made up his
mind to write his own autobiography as per the wishes of his admirers ,
wellwishers and persons close to him . He commenced writing on Krishna
Janmashthmi day in 1980 . And what a coincidence that today I am
also writing the preface on this very day after seventeen years . It is
true without God’s mercy nothing can be done .
Now we were
meeting quite regularly . Earlier I used to take a tape recorder but
now I began taking notes based on question and answers . The work was
progressing well . One day he asked me how I had come . On my saying
that lot of time was wasted in commuting by buses , he arranged to bring
and take me back by car . Thus the work gained speed . And after a few
months of taking notes I was satisfied that I had got all the material I
required.
The work progressed well . I began showing him the
typed copies of my manuscript from time to time . He would correct them
as necessary . This way the work became authentic and perfect . He
appeared satisfied with the effort . I also felt relieved that the work
which had almost been closed began taking shape . But this also did
not last long . One day I learnt to my dismay that Atma Ramji was no
more . I felt that he was telling me -‘ If you have leisure , write
this biography , I am leaving after performing all my duties ’
I feel somehow guilty and sad that I could not complete the book in his
life time due to several non reasons . This would always pinch my
heart . But now I am pleased that despite my weaknesses I have
completed the book and thus fulfilled the wishes of millions of his
admirers . I may feel satisfied that what ends well is well done.
Though the biography is of Atma Ramji but I have been coaxed and
encouraged into writing it by his close friends , admirers and well
wishers . I would like to express my thoughts in Kabir’s words ‘ Mera
mujh mein kuch nahi , jo kuch hei so tera -tera tujhko sonpta kya lage
hei mera ‘ . In a way it is his work which he put in my custody and I
kept it hidden for so long from public with out authority .
On 7
February , 1983 all the newspapers carried the news of world famous
scientist Dr. Atma Ram ‘s sudden demise . I was then working in
‘Saptahik Hindustan ‘ . Smt Sheela Jhunjhunwala was its editor . My
friend and colleague Shri Himanshu Joshi informed Sheelaji that I was
writing Dr. Atma Ram’s biography . On her request I gave a few chapters
of the biography for publication in ‘Saptahik Hindustan’ . These
serials were published with effect from the issue of 9 October 1983 .
The
moment the issue was out we received hundreds of appreciative letters .
Those days among the weeklies ‘ Saptahik Hindustan ‘ occupied an
eminent place . We published dozens of these letters in the weekly . I
personally received several letters from his friends and admirers .
Every letter demanded that Dr. Atma Ram’s entire life be searialised .
Thus even belated , the biography is before the public . This is all due
the demand , requests , appreciations and encouragements of the
readers of the weekly .. I apologise to millions of Dr. Atma Ram’s
admirers for unnecessary delay in the publication of the biography in
book form . I humbly request the readers that whatever they find
useful and inspiring in the book please accept as loving gift ‘Prasad’
from a saintly scientist and whatever you may consider terse please
ignore it as a shortcoming in my understanding .
‘ Bharat-kokila ‘
Smt Sarojni Naidu said that for writing about Dr. Rajendra Prasad one
required a pen of gold and honey for ink . It would not be an
exaggeration if I say that whatever was said about Rajendra Babu is
hundred percent applicable to Dr. Atma Ram .
No doubt
internationally well known and famous glass technologist Dr. Atma Ram
would be remembered in successfully producing optical glass at a very
difficult time with indigenous raw materials and resources when he had
vision in one eye only . [ At the age of 26 years he lost the vision in
right eye in a serious car accident in Germany ] . Optical glass is a
strategic material for the defence forces and is used practically in all
visual instruments in civil life . India till then was totally
dependent and at the mercy of a few nations who had its knowhow . He
would also be remembered for many other successes in scientific field .
He occupied many senior positions in the field of science . Future
scientists would not forget him due to his being a perfect pupil of such
famous scientists as Dr N.R.Dhar and Prof Meghnad Saha . Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru liked him much . Prime Minister Indira Gandhi held him
in esteem . She depended upon him . He was a scientist confidant of
the Gandhian Prime Minister Shri Morarji Desai . Even more than being a
great scientist , he would be remembered for centuries to come for his
humane nature . He was such a man on this earth who was full of
compassion for humanity . He was such a great man as though God Himself
has taken birth as Atma Ram on this earth for the good of mankind .
For only such great persons a poet has said :
“ Farishton se behtar hei insan banana
magar usmein padati hei mehanat ziada “
In
our country lives of great men have always been written and read with
great interest .. Ramcharitmanas is a case in point . People have shown
interest in the lives of Saints and Mahatmas . But the biographies of
scientists have been very few , and even so they contained very little
about their struggles in life and more the dull descriptions of their
research work .That is why they were not popular among the common men .
In the present era Dr. Atma Ram was such a scientist in the applied
sciences field that his field of work or of life was truly Indian and
more of a real villager . Born in a small village of Uttar Pradesh and
brought up and studied in that environment , it is indeed a mystery and
a miracle , how he could grow into such eminence that he took his place
among the internationally famous scientific community of the world . I
have made an attempt to portray the glimpses of the life of this great
man in words . How far I am successful in my efforts only readers would
know after going through this book . I wish today Atma Ramji and many
others were alive who gave me encouragement , cooperation and support in
writing this book .
In a way the material of this book was Atma
Ram’s own and he gave it to me for safe custody for writing his
biography . But I am bringing it to light after so long a period due
mainly to my laziness. Any way , today , I am exceedingly happy and
satisfied that though late yet I have succeeded in fulfilling my pledge .
Through this book I pray and gratefully remember a great pious soul
like Atma Ram’s , who with all support and affectionate insistence
inspired me to write this book and encouraged me from time to time so
that I could give up my laziness .
World Famous scientist
Albert Einstein said about Mahatma Gandhi , “ After two three
generations no body would believe that a great man like Gandhi had ever
walked on this earth “ Gandhiji freed the country from the shackles of
foreign rule through his weapon of truth and non-violence . Dr. Atma
Ram provided freedom to the country from dependence on foreign powers in
respect of valuable optical glass . No doubt both brought freedom in
their respective fields . Whenever the national flag will be unfurled
from the ramparts of the Red Fort and at the time of the Republic Day
parades Gandhi would always be remembered for centuries . Dr. Atma Ram
would be likewise remembered when astronomers would use telescopes using
optical glass to find out the mysteries of the distant stars and
universe , when the cientists use the microscopes for research in their
laboratories and when the Armed Forces use it as an eye augmenter . If
the Indians remain indebted to Gandhiji for bringing them independence ,
they would be indebted to Dr.Atma Ram for that small piece of optical
glass.
I feel that after reading this book there would be a
natural urge to think hard how a simple village born lad and a one eyed
scientist could reach such great heights in our country . Really it
would be difficult to believe stupendous achievements of this man . And
this is his greatness . And this is a measure of his determination to
achieve eminence . An this is the way to assess his achievements .
Thus
, if the readers and specially the young scientists get any inspiration
from his biography , I shall consider my several year’s efforts
successful . My mission of past several years would be fulfilled . I
pay my regards and respects to this great soul .
--- Durga Prasad Nautial
Preface
After
reading this book , I felt that Shri Durga Prasad Nautial , had done a
commendable job in projecting Dr. Atma Ram as he was . Generally it
has been observed that Hindi writers are prone to exaggerations and
eulogising the person they are writing about . Shri Nautial has
completely refrained from it as Atma Ram would not have liked it . He
has extensively used Dr. Atma Ram’s own narration and that makes the
attempt very charming and meaningfully authentic. Shri Nautial has a
command and fluency in Hindi which persons can easily understand . Dr.
Atma Ram’s scientific works have been extensively published –specially
by the CSIR. But what was lacking was the impact that Dr Atma Ram’s
struggles in life could make on impressionable young minds . Public had
seen a little glimpse in Shri Nautial’s articles in ‘Saptahik Hindustan
‘ which were a raging success . The family was all these years waiting
for this book and had almost lost hope and thought Shri Nautial had
forgotten Dr. Atma Ram .Then suddenly the book was published and we were
very relieved and happy . And what a book ! All praise to Shri Nautial .
I
thought that the book would be more beneficial if it was translated in
some other Indian Languages as it was mainly meant to enthuse the young
children . I thought that I could do the English translation some
justice as I knew and was quite familiar with Pitaji’s life and work and
being an Engineer who managed research work in the Defence R&D
organisation at senior levels . [ Dr. Atma Ram was my father-in-law and I
addressed him so ] . But I had no occasion to speak my mind to Shri
Nautial .
In early second week of April , 2000 Shri Nautial
called on us to discuss matters concerning a documentary based on this
book for telecast by Doordarshan . It was a great idea so that the
young generation might be inspired from Dr. Atma Ram’s successful
struggles in life . I broached the subject of English translation to him
. He said he would begin only after competing the documentary . I
suggested to translate the book myself . He readily agreed and I
commenced working on it next day . Today I have completed the work and
it is ready for publication .
I have taken the liberty of making a
few alterations here and there and adding on new materials to make the
publication more comprehensive and explicit. I only hope that the
persons who do not understand Hindi are able to read this translation .
If
it is able to inspire and kindle a light of hope even in a few
downtrodden people to rise above their adverse circumstances to greater
heights , I would be amply rewarded
I owe my gratitude and
appreciation to my wife Smt. Snehlata Singhal for encouraging and
supporting me in my efforts by making suggestions and helping in actual
translation , without which this could not have been possible . In fact
since Pitaji and Ammaji’s death , she had taken their mantle on herself
and guided every one in the family . I owe my thanks to my nephew Shri
Prashant Mittal , a Chartered Accountant , for teaching me the
intricacies of computer operations , bringing back the lost typed pages
in the computer and for print outs . I owe my thanks to Shri
N.K.Mittal and Smt Manju Mittal for their help in selecting suitable
photographs for publication .
I owe special thanks to my
son-in-law Shri Pradeep Kumar , daughter Smt. Rita Kumar , grand
daughter Miss Richa Kumar and grand son Shri Anupam Kumar for their
suggestions and encouragement via e-mail every day from Kobe, Japan and
from Washington DC.
25 , B - Road
Maharani Bagh
New Delhi -110065
Phones Residence - 6317214
6916144 R.K.Singhal
16.05.2000
Dedication
Dedicated to the sacred memory of
Dr. Atma Ram and Smt. Sita Devi
and to their devoted and doted Grand Son
Shri Anuj Singhal
