Opinion M.G.K. Menon: A statesman scientist

M.G.K. Menon contributed to science and the building of modern India.

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T. Ramasami

November 25, 2016 12:34 PM IST First published on: Nov 25, 2016 at 12:00 AM IST

MGK Menon, Scientific advisor to Prime Minister. Express archive photo.

With the passing of Professor Mambillikalathil Govind Kumar Menon, India has lost a true statesman of science. M.G.K. Menon, born in Mangalore on August 28, 1928, became a star in the firmament of Indian science. He enjoyed a pan-India grounding early on. His primary schooling was at Kurnool and Cuddalore. His family moved later to Jodhpur.

An awe-inspiring experience he had of meeting Sir C.V. Raman as a teenager was fondly recalled by Menon. He obtained his matriculation degree from Punjab University, a Bachelor’s degree from Agra University and a Master’s degree in physics from the Royal Institute of Science in Bombay. He obtained his PhD from Bristol University, working with Cecil Powell on particle physics. By 21, Menon started his pioneering study of elementary particles. By 1951, he had already made fundamental contributions to the field by studying the decay of charged K particles into pions; he then obtained his PhD in 1953.

In 1955, Menon joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). He, with Dr B.V. Sreekantan and others, recorded the first ever interaction of a cosmic ray neutrino generating a muon; this seeded the growth of neutrino physics the world over. TIFR’s founder Homi Bhabha detected Menon’s leadership qualities. Under the joint influence of Bhabha and J.R.D. Tata, Menon became an influential planner in Indian science. In January 1966, Bhabha passed away in an air crash. Soon after, Menon was appointed the director of TIFR. In 1970, he was elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society for his contribution to particle physics and the study of cosmic rays. The Kolar Gold Field experiment, performed by a large international team of scientists during his directorship at TIFR, led to the observation of proton decay and the setting of limits for the stability of matter known at that time.

Meanwhile, from 1971-82, Menon also held the charge of secretary to the government of India. In addition, he became chairman of ISRO. Menon’s uncanny ability to spot talented scientists and persuade them to accept key roles benefitted India in no small measure.

Leadership is also the art of persuasion — and in that art, there are few parallels to Menon.

Through the 1980s, Menon worked as the chairman of the scientific advisory committee to the cabinet, scientific adviser to the prime minister, member, planning commission and minister of state for science and technology from 1989-1990. He was also a member of the Rajya Sabha during 1990-96. He served several roles with a single purpose — shaping Indian science for nation-building. He brought the tools of science to governance and the rigour of governance to bear fruit for Indian science.

Several colleagues recall Menon’s rare qualities of mentorship and empowering others. In my initial days as secretary in the department of science and technology (DST), I called upon him and asked, “Could you advise me as to what I should not do in DST?” He said, “Forget all this. Just be good.” I sought his mentorship. He smiled and said, “You might face many tormentors. Let me be just a well-wisher.” I can recall several instances of his gracious guidance. He truly was a mentor to many, including me.

He became president of all three science academies in India, a founder fellow of the World Academy of Sciences, general president of the Indian Science Congress Association and a key member of the global citizenry of science. For his achievements, he was awarded the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.

Among his several contributions, one that stands out is how consensus was built among diverse intellectuals on the protection of a fragile ecosystem in the Silent Valley forest in Kerala. This was a true lesson in statesmanship and objectivity. Menon’s personality combined sharp intellect with administrative acumen, empathy with originality, and determined nation-building with statesmanship.

He leaves behind his wife, Indu, and family, along with many admirers, students and friends who called him Goku. We pay homage to a true academic, a renowned scientist, a great leader and a wonderful human being. Menon is to be saluted for contributing to world science and nation-building.