The progress of research has established the history of science, technology and ecology as viable branches of the discipline of history. This has added new and important dimensions to general history. At the same time, detailed research has demonstrated the close interrelationship between the histories of science, technology and environment. All this has altered the shape of history.
After Independence studies of technology acquire an analytical historical perspective. A preliminary venture in this direction was a series of lectures by leading scientists and technical educators. Technology was treated in such preliminary works as part of the history of science. It took some time to give more complex and critical attention to technological history on its own.
Many historians in the West continued to emphasize the progress brought about by technology transfer from the West to non-Western societies.
An important article in this collection, ‘The Building of India’s Railways: the- Application of Western Technology in the Colonial Periphery’, by Ian Derbyshire, pointed out that railway development in India, unlike UK, secured few direct, ‘backward linkage’ benefits. Labour market conditions discouraged greater mechanization.
Forward linkage effects, on the other hand, mean the stimulation of demand for other products resulting from the new product. In and the case of railway construction in India, a forward linkage benefit might have come about with the construction of locomotives.
The emergence of environmental history added a new dimension to the existing criticism of the role of technology and science.
At the same time, he has not forgotten to emphasize the positive benefits of railways in particular and technology in general. One aspect of science and technology is the import of Western medicine in India. Here, too, recent research has highlighted not merely the positive effects, but also some of the negative developments.
Over all, the new research, even when at its most critical has still not dislodged the impression that technology brought important benefits. Without science, technology and modern medicine, India’s vast and growing population would have been more (and not less) vulnerable to famines and epidemics.
Pathways by which science ministries can address issues and specific technology needs of the states and ways to strengthen the centre-state co-ordination for the socio-economic development of the nation.
Top scientific administrators across Ministries and departments discussed pathways. They highlighted the need for adequate investment in research and development from the private sector.
Some states have received substantial foreign direct investment, and some like Karnataka and Uttarakhand have made exemplary efforts in some areas like One Health Mission.
DST has supported startup incubation centres in places like Hyderabad and Vadodara.
We are working for catalysing Science Technology Innovation (STI) ecosystem in the States by facilitating human resources, S&T infrastructure & socio-economic development through appropriate partnerships and strengthening of the S&T-based delivery system.
Indian researchers at all corners of India should pursue scientific research for the benefit of society with practical application-driven innovations.
