Poor attendance, bad quality of presentations and bad organisation marked the just-concluded 95th Indian Science Congress held at Vishakapatnam. The rhetoric of creating a knowledge-based society using science and technology paled beside the shoddy management of the five-day event. Many top scientists slated to participate did not turn up. Of the 41 laboratories under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, only two were represented by their directors. There was almost no representation of top-level scientists from premier organisations like the IISc. Most sessions were poorly attended while some of the plenaries ended in confusion with last-minute change of venue and speakers. Papers presented often turned out to be more than a year old.
This has been the scene at many science congresses, though the latest one perhaps could be the tipping point from where things can get real bad. The reason for the deterioration involves a chicken and egg question. Are the science congresses, meant to showcase the best of Indian science, being neglected by the cream of Indian science who find it a ‘waste of time’? Or is it a missing mandate that has been keeping away the cream? The body of scientists running the show under the banner of Indian Science Congress Association will have some serious introspection to do. Why has the congress, which could be an ideal forum for scientists across the nation to exchange notes and forge tie-ups ended up as a mere jamboree for many of them to visit a new city with their families in tow?

Anyone who has attended a few of the congresses will acknowledge that it is not the best of Indian science that is showcased here. It is equally true that there is need to recognise work going on in our universities, for which the congress could be an ideal opportunity. The congress could in fact be an ideal meeting place for scientists in premier institutions and universities to exchange meaningful notes towards improvement of science and education in the country. The topics will have to be selected for its relevance and impact; invitations and acceptances done early in time. Uniform representation of the many scientific institutions and research oriented industry will have to be made. For all this the organisers will have to do some serious homework. Or else the congress will remain a mela, just for the records.