| Ever since India conducted its nuclear tests, a debate has
raged across the country on whether they were necessary. In a democracy like ours there
will always be such divided opinions. However, in one area there has been unanimous
opinion. That the tests have been a triumph for Indian science and technology. While our
industrial products are not known for their quality, a group of scientists have proved
that in a high technology area requiring great precision and knowledge they can be
successful. The nuclear tests were also a fine
example that in an age in which everyone wants to be an individualistic shehnai player, we
can still work as an orchestra when need be. I say that because scientists from both the
Department of Atomic Energy and the Defence Research and Development Organisation came
together in a joint venture which has few parallels in India. More than that, whether it
be high energy physics, the chemistry of metals or the complex engineering technology
required, all this expertise, unlike Pakistan's, was indigenous.
Our cover story this week deals with these men behind the
bomb and an inside look at the making of it. Scientists by nature are reticent people.Yet
Deputy Editor Raj Chengappa, who has written several cover stories on India's premier
scientific establishments, was allowed rare access, enabling him to get a first hand
account of the events that surprised the world. For instance, the scientists took
extraordinary precautions like donning army uniforms at Pokhran to blend in with the
military personnel. Most of all, says Chengappa, "It is heartening that these humble
men, who live on government salaries, endured endless sleepless nights to achieve their
target."
(Aroon Purie) |
