National Science Day – Musings on Science, Technology and Engineering

Today – February 28 – is observed as “NATIONAL SCIENCE DAY” in India.

On the 28^th of February 1928 – celebrated Indian Scientist Sir CV Raman discovered a phenomenon of scattering of photons – which was later known as “Raman Effect” after his name. 

After two years – in 1930 – Sir CV Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for this remarkable discovery and this was the first Nobel Prize for India in the field of Science. 

To mark the discovery his famous phenomenon – “National Science Day” is celebrated in India on the 28^th of February every year.

Do you know the meaning of the term “SCIENCE”...?

Do you know the difference between “Science”, “Technology” and “Engineering”...?

Can you tell me:

What is the difference between a Scientist – a Technologist – and – an Engineer...? 

I remember that I had been asked a similar question about the definition of Science, Engineering and Technology many years ago when I used to conduct an induction training program – and – in response – in addition to answering the question – I had written a blog post on the subject.

Let me delve into my academic writing journal archives and pull out this article which I had written long back – 10 years ago – in the year 2008 – during my “Professorship” days...

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING
Meaning and Definition
By 
VIKRAM KARVE

From my Academic Writing Archives:

Here is an article I wrote during my teaching days, while conducting an induction training program, 10 years ago, in the year 2008...

SCIENCE ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY –  SCIENTIST, ENGINEER, TECHNOLOGIST  –  What is the Difference...?

Long back – during my teaching days – when I was talking to some youngsters undergoing an induction training program – I realized that they did not know the difference between Science, Engineering and Technology. 

Some of the trainees had degrees in Technology (B.Tech. / M.Tech.), some had degrees in Engineering (B.E. / M.E.) and a few had degrees in Science (B.Sc., B.S., M.Sc., M.S). 

I called two trainees.

One had a B.Tech. (Bachelor of Technology) degree in Electrical Engineering.

The other had a B.E. (Bachelor of Engineering) degree in the same discipline.

I asked then what was the difference between a B. Tech. degree and a B.E. degree...?

They were clueless. 

By the way – in addition to BE and B. Tech. – in earlier times – some Universities awarded the B.Sc. (Engineering) and B.Sc (Technology) degrees to Engineering/Technology Graduates too.

I asked all the trainees if they knew the difference between Science, Engineering and Technology...?

No one seemed to know. 

Tell me – do you know the difference between Science, Engineering and Technology...?

In many research organizations – like DRDO – even Engineers and Technologists are designated as “Scientists”. 

Do you know what is the difference between Science, Technology and Engineering...?

Can you tell me what is the difference between a Scientist – a Technologist – and – an Engineer...? 

Let me try to elaborate – in as simple a way as possible.

SCIENCE and the SCIENTIST

Science is the reasoned investigation or study of natural phenomena with the objective of discovering new principles and knowledge of natural phenomena.

The principal goal of a Scientist is to publish a research paper. 

Nowadays, the sheer manner in which so many papers are churned out it seems that many research papers are seen to be written and not written to be seen.

Of course, a genuine Scientist will try and ensure that a research paper must be written to be seen and not seen to be written. 

TECHNOLOGY and the TECHNOLOGIST

Technology is the practical application of science.

Technology includes the skill, technique and knowledge of the manipulation of nature for human purposes, using scientific results and knowledge.

The principal goal of a Technologist is to produce some physical change in the world. 

ENGINEERING and the ENGINEER 

Engineering is the professional art of using technology (the practical application of science) for achieving the optimum conversion of the resources of nature for the benefit of humankind.

In order to exploit technology, the engineer applies scientific principles to practical ends such as the design, manufacture, and operation of efficient and economical structures, machines, processes and systems. 

The principal goal of an Engineer is to design, create and produce new tools, machines and systems for practical human means by exploiting technology.

 

WHO IS MOST USEFUL TO SOCIETY – SCIENTIST TECHNOLOGIST or ENGINEER...?

In a nutshell:

a Scientist studies nature

a Technologist manipulates nature 

an Engineer exploits technology for human purposes.

While Scientists may, at times, may conduct scientific studies for the sake of discovery, Engineers and Technologists always try to have in mind the ultimate benefit of humankind and results of their work are invariably beneficial for human purposes.

Engineering is the art of optimally using technology and is primarily concerned with how to direct to useful and economical ends the natural phenomena which scientists discover and formulate into acceptable. 

Engineering therefore requires the creative imagination to innovatively apply technology in order to obtain useful applications of natural phenomena. 

It seeks newer, cheaper, better technologies of using natural sources of energy and materials. 

Science pertains more to Academic Education – whereas Engineering is related to Skill Development.

It will primarily be Engineers who can make the recent “Make in India” campaign a success – of course – with support from Scientists and Technologists.

 

So we can infer that the Engineer is the one who is most useful to society and humankind – isn’t it?

Dear Reader – do you agree? 

Or – do you feel that the Scientist is more important that the Engineer...? 

Or – do you think there is no difference between Science, Technology and Engineering...? 

Please do give your views and comments.

ENGINEERING – Definition

A Gobbledygook Definition of ENGINEERING

Now I have tried to tell you in as simple a way as possible, but if you prefer Gobbledygook read on:

The American Engineers’ Council for Professional Development  has defined Engineering as follows: 

 

Engineering is:

“The creative application of scientific principles to design or develop structures, machines, apparatus, or manufacturing processes, or works utilizing them singly or in combination; or to construct or operate the same with full cognizance of their design; or to forecast their behavior under specific operating conditions; all as respects an intended function, economics of operation and safety to life and property”

WHY INDIA IS STILL TECHNOLOGICALLY BACKWARD DESPITE INVESTING SO MUCH MONEY AND HUMAN RESOURCE IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

India could not capitalize on its Scientific Developments since our Engineering and Technology were weak. 

There is no use pursuing scientific research without strong engineering capability and robust technological base. 

There is no use inventing and discovering new things if you cannot utilize your inventions and discoveries for the benefit of mankind.

CONCLUSION

I think I will end with a quote:

“A good Scientist is a person with original ideas. 
A good Engineer is a person who makes a design that works with as few original ideas as possible. 
There are no ‘Prima Donnas’ in Engineering”

                                                                     ~ Freeman Dyson 

Now – Dear Reader – you tell me: 

Who do you think is most useful to society: 

A Scientist – a Technologist – or – an Engineer...?

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

All Stories in this Blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

Humor in Uniform – “Dental” Memories from my Navy Days

Around 12 years ago – towards the end of my Naval Career – I was appointed in a rather nondescript inter-service organization – and – I lived in “Aundh Camp” – in the “back-of-beyond”.

One Saturday morning – my “Better Half” had a “dental emergency”.

So – we rushed to the Military Dental Centre (MDC) located in Military Hospital (MH) Kirkee (Khadki) – which was the nearest Dental Centre I was aware of.

When we reached MDC Kirkee – we noticed that the place was all “decked up”.

The Dental Centre had been made all “spic and span” with a lot of “spit and polish” for a “VIP Visit”.

At the reception counter – we were informed that in view of the “VIP Inspection” – patients would not been seen on that day – so – we should come on Monday – the next working day.

When we pointed out the “dental emergency” – we were told:

“You can try the Bombay Engineer Group (BEG) Dental Centre…”

Someone said:

“No – No – it is better they go to College of Military Engineering (CME) Dental Centre – their unit is located in “Aundh Camp” which is across the river – so they come under the “jurisdiction” of CME Dental Centre…”

Someone else remarked:

“No – No – since they want urgent dental treatment – it is better they go to BEG Dental Centre – the Dentist there is very good and cooperative – the Dental Centre at CME is most non-cooperative – last week – they sent back patients saying that they were overloaded with internal patients and had no time for “outsiders”…”

A random “Pongo” gave an “expert comment” (in the spirit of “Jointmanship”):

“Why are Naval Officers coming here for Dental Treatment…?”

“Do you want us to go to Mumbai…?” I said angrily, “please understand – it is a “dental emergency”…”

“Sir – I suggest you go to BEG Dental Centre…” someone sensible advised us – and he gave us the directions.

So – we drove down to BEG Dental Centre.

There – we discovered that the Dentist had gone to “Dighi Camp” to conduct “Dental Inspections” of Soldiers.

But – the Dental Assistant at BEG Dental Centre assured us, saying:

“Sahab is very good – he will see you in the Dental Clinic there. Sir – you go to Dighi – I will call up and tell him that you are coming…”

So – after getting directions from the Dental Assistant – we drove down to Dighi.

I must say that this BEG Dentist was one of the best Military Dental Officers I have ever met.

He immediately attended to my “Better Half” in a most professional and courteous manner.

Sometime later – when we wanted some Dental Treatment – we visited him at the BEG Dental Centre – and he treated us most cheerfully.

Unlike others – he did not seem to have any “jurisdictional” issues – and he welcomed all patients.

Sadly – he was posted out – and his replacement was very particular about “dental jurisdiction”– which we discovered a few months later – when he showed great reluctance to treat us – grumbling loudly that we should have gone to the Military Dental Centre at Khadki (Kirkee).

After this disheartening experience – my “Better Half” decided to get her dental treatment done from a reputed Civilian Dentist.

After retirement – I too visit the same Civilian Dentist for dental treatment.

This morning – while I sat terrified in the Dental Chair – hearing the Dentist’s comforting words – I remembered this story about my favourite Military Dentist – a Lady Navy Dental Officer… 

“DENTISTS” in UNIFORM

Dental Memories of a Navy Veteran

A Fictional Spoof

By

VIKRAM KARVE 

Disclaimer-cum-Warning: 

This is a humorous spoof – satire. 

So – read this story only if you have a “sense of humor” 

“Dentists” in Uniform – Memories of My Navy Days

A few years ago – after I had retired from the Navy – a fellow Navy Veteran learnt that I was visiting a Civilian Dentist for dental treatment – so – he asked me: 

“Why are you going to a Civilian Dentist…?”

“It’s convenient…” I said.

“But – if you go to a Civilian Dentist – you have to pay from your own pocket. If you go to ECHS (Ex-Servicemen’s Contributory Health Scheme) – they will send you to a Military Dentist – and – you can get your dental treatment done “free of cost”…” the Navy Veteran said.

“The Civilian Dentist is located near my home – whereas the ECHS Clinic is quite far away – and – the Military Dental Centre is even further – so – it is very inconvenient for me to go all the way – first to the ECHS Clinic to take a referral – and then drive down to the Military Dental Centre...” I said.

“Yes – you live so far away – it is certainly inconvenient…” the Navy Veteran said.

“Actually – inconvenience is not the only factor. The main reason I go to the Civilian Dentist is that I like this particular Dentist – I am comfortable with him. In the Military – I cannot choose my Dentist – I will have to go to whomsoever Military Dentist they send me to – whether he is good or not – and – there is no continuity – next time – they may send me to someone else – especially if the earlier Dentist is posted out…”

“But if you go to a Military Dentist – it is free. If you go to a Civilian Dentist – you have to pay…”

“At my age – as a Retired Senior Citizen – for me – my comfort is more important than money…” I said to my fellow Navy Veteran. 

“Oh...” he remarked.

 Then – I said to my Navy Veteran friend: 

“Let me tell you one more reason – the Civilian Dentist is trying his best to restore some of my teeth which were ruined by Military Dentists…”

Dear Reader – before I tell you about the Military Dentists who ruined some of my teeth (or removed them) – let me begin on a positive note. 

Let me tell you about the best Military Dentist I came across during my long Navy Career – a Lady Dentist.

Actually – she was wearing Navy Uniform at that time. 

But then – like all Military Doctors belong to the Army Medical Corps (AMC) – all Military Dentists belong to the Army Dental Corps (ADC) – and – they keep changing uniforms – depending on the service to which they are posted. 

And – just like “Military Doctors” are called “Medical Officers” – “Military Dentists” are called “Dental Officers”.

This happened around 18 years ago – when I was appointed in the premier Naval Dockyard at Mumbai.

One afternoon – while having lunch – one tooth chipped off and broke.

This hapless tooth had been “worked-on” by a Military Dentist – many years ago – during an Annual Medical Examination (AME)

Dear Reader – let me digress a bit – and – tell you that – during the AME – we were sent to the “Unit Dental Officer” to get our teeth examined.

Most Dental Officers delegated this task to their Dental Assistants – called DORA (Dental Operating Room Assistant) – in the Navy.

However – some “Eager–Beaver” Dentists who were keen to “hone their skills” by extensive “Hands-On” experience – would personally examine and “treat” every Officer who came for the Annual Medical Examination (AME).

I remember one such “enthusiastic” Military Dentist – who probably wanted to become the best “Root Canal Therapist” in the world.

Since uniformed military personnel have no choice to select their doctor/dentist – they have to visit their “Unit Dentist” for Dental Examination/Treatment.

Luckily (for him) – this passionate “Root Canal Therapist” was posted to a prestigious tri-service Military Training Academy – and – he was the one and only “Dental Officer” posted in this huge establishment – and he had a large number of military cadets and staff under his “dental jurisdiction”

This opportunity provided this aspiring “Root Canal Therapist” plenty of “Guinea-Pigs” – on whom he could experiment and hone his dental skills – before he quit the Army – and started a lucrative dental practice in “Civvy Street”

So – he ruthlessly “root-canalled” everyone who entered his dental clinic – and – sadly – I was one of his early “victims” when he “root-canalled” two of my teeth in quick succession – when I reported for my Annual Medical Examination.

Both my teeth were ruined.

Later – one of these “experimentally root-canalled” teeth was extracted by another Military Dentist – who was aspiring to be an “Extraction Specialist”.

Fortunately – the other tooth was restored by a Civilian Dentist who painstakingly performed a “re-root-canal” 

And – it was only then – that I realized that Root Canal Therapy was an intricate procedure involving multiple sittings – not the “shoot and scoot” type “root-canal” done on me earlier by the Military Dentist.

Military Dentists are lucky – they have plenty of opportunity to “experiment” on hapless gullible “Faujis”.  

It is not so in the case of Civilian Dentists – who run the risk of being put out of business – in case their “dental experiments” start going wrong. 

Yes – just a few “dental mishaps” can badly affect a dentist’s reputation in the highly competitive field of dental practice in the civilian world – and even ruin his business. 

Coming back to Military Dentists - like “Root-Canalists” and “Extractors” – I came across a few “Drillers and Fillers” and “Cappers and Crowners” too.

Yes – like the Corps of Engineers has “Sappers and Miners” – in the Army Dental Corps – we have “Cappers and Crowners” and “Drillers and Fillers”…

Maybe – it was a few of these “super-specialists” who seemed to have “worked on” the tooth which had now chipped and broken.

Anyway – I rushed to the Naval Dockyard Dental Centre with the broken tooth-piece in my hand.

There – I had expected to see the Surgeon Commander (D) who was the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Dental Centre – who I feared would probably extract the damaged tooth (since he was famous as an “Extractor”…)

But instead of him – there was a pretty young girl in Naval Uniform wearing Two Stripes with Crimson in-between (a Surgeon Lieutenant)

(In the Navy – for Medical Officers – the term “Surgeon” is prefixed before the Rank – and – for Dental Officers – in addition to the prefix “Surgeon” – there is a suffix (D) in brackets)

Seeing the surprise on my face – the young Lady Surgeon Lieutenant (D) said to me: 

Sir – the OIC had to suddenly go on leave…”

“Oh…”

“Sir – I am officiating as the OIC Dental Centre now…”

“Have you come on Temporary Duty…?”

“No, Sir – I just reported yesterday – they have appointed me as Deputy OIC – Sir – today is my first actual day at work as a dentist…”

I had no choice but to submit myself the young lady dentist. 

I explained my predicament and showed her my piece of tooth which had chipped off and broken.

She asked me to get onto the dental chair and she examined my damaged tooth.

“Are you going to extract the tooth…?” I asked her, fearfully.

“No, No, Sir – we will save the tooth…” the pretty lady dentist said – and – she began working on my damaged tooth.

While she was treating my tooth – she kept on talking to me – giving a “running commentary” – explaining what she was doing.

Normally – I feel terrified when I sit in a dental chair – but – her “running commentary” had a soothing effect on me.

Though she was young – she was extremely dexterous and skillful – and – she repaired and restored my damaged tooth very well.

Then – she checked all my teeth – and said: 

“Sir – I think two more of your teeth need a bit of restoration – the fillings seem to be coming off...”

Impressed by her proficiency – I asked her: 

“When can you give me an appointment…?”

“Sir – you can come anytime – preferably in the afternoons…” she said. 

I got those two teeth fixed “ship-shape” by her that week itself.

I was so impressed by the young Lady Surgeon Lieutenant (D) – by her gentle dexterity and her professional skill – that I profusely praised her everywhere – even during our weekly meeting chaired by our boss.

“If the new Lady Dental Officer is really as good as you say – I must get my teeth fixed by her too…” he said.

“Yes, Sir…” I said, “She is a really good dentist – she is not like our “Extractor”…” 

“Ha Ha – “Extractor” – an apt name for our Surgeon Commander (D)...” our Boss said, “That’s why I avoid going to the Dental Centre – all that the bugger does is to extract teeth at the slightest opportunity. I have to go “out-of-station” this week – so – I will get my teeth fixed by the new Lady Dental Officer next week…” the boss said.

Sadly – he was too late.

When the boss reported to the Dental Centre after one week – the Surgeon Commander (D) had reported back from leave and assumed duties as OIC – and – the young Lady Surgeon Lieutenant (D) was relegated back to her position as Deputy OIC.

Now – in the Military – seniority is sacrosanct.

Yes – in the Military – everything depends on seniority – even competence – so – ipso facto – it is assumed that the Senior is more professionally competent that the Junior (though actual facts may be otherwise).

So – the senior Surgeon Commander (D) – the “Extractor” – attended to Officers – whereas – the junior Lady Surgeon Lieutenant (D) – the “Restorer” – she had to take care of Sailors.  

As per this precedence – when our Boss – who was a Senior Officer – reported to the Dental Centre for treatment – he was ushered into the office of the Surgeon Commander (D) (the “Extractor”)

Our Boss pleaded that he would like to be treated by the young “Restorer” Surgeon Lieutenant (D) – the Lady Dental Officer. 

But – the “Extractor” Surgeon Commander (D) refused to listen – and he said to our Boss: 

“Sir – you are a very Senior Officer – how can I hand you over to that young inexperienced Dentist – she is only a Lieutenant – she is meant for junior ranks.  Sir – I will personally treat you myself…”

In the Military – the moment you enter a Clinic/Hospital – the Doctor’s word is final. 

So – our Boss had no option but to submit himself to the “Extractor”. 

As expected – the the “Extractor” Surgeon Commander (D) extracted the tooth which was paining. 

One hour later – our Boss emerged from the Dental Centre with one tooth less in his mouth. 

And – in lieu of this extracted tooth – he carried a One Day “SIQ” (Sick-in-Quarter) Chit in his hand.

Yes – in the Military – visiting a Dental Centre is like playing “Roulette”. 

If you are lucky – you may get a “Restorer”.  

But – if you are not that lucky – you may land up with someone else – a “Driller and Filler” – a “Capper and Crowner” – a “Root-Canaller” – an “Extractor”– or maybe – an even more deadly “super-specialist”…

Also – when you are in military uniform – you have no choice – and – you have to report to the assigned Military Dental Centre if you have a dental problem (and for your Annual Dental Examination)

At least – after retirement – you can choose your own dentist – if you are willing to pay for it. 

(Dear Reader: Hope you enjoyed this story. I am sure you will enjoy DOCTORS IN UNIFORM even more. 

Here is the url link -> http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/12/humor-in-uniform-military-medicine.html ) 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All Stories in this Blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

 

This is an abridged and revised repost of my article “DENTISTS” in UNIFORM posted online by me earlier at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/01/dentists-in-uniform-humor-in-military.html  and https://karve.wordpress.com/2017/01/21/dentists-in-uniform-humor-in-military-medicine/  and https://www.quora.com/profile/Vikram-Karve/Writing-by-VIKRAM-KARVE/Military-Humor-%E2%80%93-%E2%80%9CDoctors%E2%80%9D-in-Uniform?srid=5Hkq  andhttps://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/03/happy-national-dentists-day-to-all.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/05/dentists-in-uniform-memories-of-my-navy.html etc