Why has the Nobel Prize in Science eluded India for so long

The Nobel Prize was constituted in 1901 following the demise of renowned scientist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel who dedicated majority of his fortune to the establishment of prizes in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace.
His will stated that the prizes should be awarded to “those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.”
India has made significant contributions to the fields of science and technology, but it is true that the country has not yet produced a Nobel laureate in those fields. Several factors have contributed to this rather dismaying fact:
1. India’s colonial past: The Nobel Prizes were established in 1901, and historically, India faced various challenges in terms of scientific infrastructure, funding, and educational opportunities. In the early 20th century, when the Nobel Prizes were gaining prominence, India was still under British colonial rule, which had a significant impact on the development of scientific institutions and research culture.
2. Inadequacy of Fundamental Research: The Nobel Prizes often recognize groundbreaking discoveries in fundamental research. While India has made significant advancements in applied sciences and technology, the focus on fundamental research has been comparatively limited. Nobel-worthy discoveries often require long-term, sustained efforts, interdisciplinary collaborations, and substantial funding, which may be influenced by various factors including resource allocation and research priorities.
This story is from the August 12, 2023 edition of The Daily Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 12, 2023 edition of The Daily Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In

WCL S2: Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard Join West Indies Champions
The World Championship of Legends Season 2 is on a marquee journey featuring former prominent international players in the era of Legends Cricket.

India May Not Lose Much in Agriculture: Economist Ashok Gulati
Ashok Gulati, a well-known Indian agricultural economist and professor at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), said that India is unlikely to face major losses in its agricultural exports due to new tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump.
Eight people die inhaling toxic gas in a well they were cleaning
As many as eight people died due to suffocation from the poisonous gas in the well in Madhya Pradesh's Khandwa on Thursday.
Trump Says Zelenskyy and Putin 'Ready to Make a Deal'
US President Donald Trump said he talked to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and said that the latter was ready to make a deal.

ECHOES OF 1905: WHAT WE'VE FORGOTTEN ABOUT KANGRA EARTHQUAKE
The destruction extended well beyond Kangra. In the Kashmir Valley, tremors led to the deaths of 4,000 to 5,000 people, while Dehradun and other parts of Punjab reported collapsed homes and fractured roads.

The real power behind the spotlight
In the dazzling noise of achievement, many lose touch with the quiet power of purpose. When I sit with leaders and change makers, our conversations are rarely about doing more; they're about being more. Who are you beneath the brand? What do you truly stand for?

Europeans Blame Moscow for Thwarting Trump Peace Bid in Ukraine
European foreign ministers at a NATO meeting blamed Russia on Friday for thwarting a U.S. push for peace in Ukraine and called for firm pressure on Moscow to agree to a ceasefire, in a clear bid to persuade the Trump administration to take a harder line.

Neeraj Chopra Classic javelin throw event to be held in Panchkula
The inaugural edition of the Neeraj Chopra Classic (NC Classic) javelin throw competition is set to be held at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula, Haryana, on May 24, the World Athletics confirmed, according to Olympics.com.
India Ranks 10th in Private Investment in AI
India and China are the only developing countries in the world with significant private investments in AI in 2023, according to a UN report. India ranks tenth.

Amid controversy over 'Empuraan', ED raids producer's Chennai premises
The searches were conducted at the chit fund office of Gokulam Gopalan in Kodambakkam as well as his residence at Neelangarai.