Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday urged scientists at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to take lessons from sages, saying that they were “probably great scientists”. Addressing the 39th Directors’ Conference at DRDO, Parrikar referred to Rishi Dadhichi and said the sage gave the weapon Vajra to Indra. “They say that he made it out of his bone but I think he would have probably done some scientific research to develop a metal, which provided that kind of superior technology. So you can classify him into a scientist,” said Parrikar. “The major difference that I find in those days and today is that rishis had control over ego, control over anger. These are very important for educated persons.” [related-post] “For an educated person, to have humility is one of the most important virtue. I think the scientist community should choose to make it part of their overall behaviour and set up. This one aspect. I see many tussle. Politics is done everywhere but is also being sometimes played in a wrong sense. I understand you have high aspirations,” he added. In line with the government’s Make in India campaign, the minister urged DRDO to collaborate with the industry and develop an interface with the Army and IAF the way DRDO has done in case of Navy. Newly appointed DRDO chief S Christopher, in his address said, “There is a need for enhanced budget and augmentation of scientific manpower. A mere 5 or 6 per cent of defence budget for R&D (research and development) is inadequate to meet the aspirations of India’s defence needs, especially when China spends about 20 per cent of their defence budget for R&D.”
