Prof Srinivasan who hails from Kolar spoke to media persons on Wednesday in detail about the status of education and research in India. He  also explained the progress of his works and research at the International Council for  Theoretical Physics (ICTP).

There is no adequate teaching staff in the universities and colleges in India. The laboratories lack even basic equipments. Under such circumstances, it is very difficult to maintain good quality of education, he felt.

Mr Srinivasan expressed concern that the present generation, in its mad rush for money, has forgotten values like honesty, dedication, commitment and hardwork. Everyone wants easy money, and the urge to earn  quick money has overpowered all other aspects of life, he observed.

He said that ICTP, which functions with the support of UNESCO, International Centre for Atomic Energy and other international organisations provides opportunities for meritorious scientists coming from developing nations.  Every year about 5,000 to 6,000 scientists from different countries visit ICTP for guidance of which 250-300 are from India, he added.

Replying to a query on the proposed nuclear deal of India with the USA, Mr Srinivasan said the agreement will have no effect on the fuel and energy sector in India.

Speaking on energy conservation, he urged for tapping alternative energy sources such as solar energy which is available in abundance in the nature. If developed countries including America and Canada considerably cut down on the consumption of electricity they will be contributing significantly in resolving the problem of global warming, he said.

Mr Srinivasan is in India to participate in a seminar organised by the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore.