B'lore is undisputed centre of science: Rao

Although rapid changes have reduced Bangalore to a ‘garbage city,’ it is still the undisputed centre for science in the country. There is, however, a lot that needs to be done to develop science in India, said Bharat Ratna Prof C N R Rao.

He was speaking after he was felicitated by residents of Malleswaram here on Monday. “I have lived in many cities, but I admit I love Bangalore more than any of them. It is a small city that is beautiful but of late it has become a garbage city, in all aspects, internally and externally. Nevertheless, it is still the capital of science and innovation in India,” Rao said.

Rao highlighted how in the last decade China had achieved a lot more in terms of innovation and science. “In fact, 15 per cent of the innovations in the world have come from China, whereas India has managed to contribute only two per cent in the last two decades,” he said.

He said that although nothing could stop India from doing well, presently it had a very ordinary ranking in science globally. 

“Out of 144 countries, India ranks only 66,” said Rao.

Aerospace scientist Roddam Narasimha highlighted how Rao was only the second scientist in pure science after A P J Abdul Kalam to receive the Bharat Ratna.