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 – The Scientist “Z”

MEMOIRS OF A “BABU” IN UNIFORM

Sometime ago 

 – a Civilian

 

“Babu” issued a letter regarding inter-se

 

“

equivalence

”

 

 between Civilian and Military Officers posted to Service Headquarters in New Delhi. 

And 

– many Senior Officers 

– serving and veteran 

– went hyper on 

the Social Media complaining that Defence Officers had been 

“downgraded” in status vis-a-vis their civilian counterparts. 

I get amused when I see excessively Rank-Conscious Senior Military Officers and Veterans who are obsessed with things like 

“warrant of precedence

”,

 

“civil-military 

equivalence

”,

 

“status/equivalence/

protocol

”, 

“inter-se seniority

” 

etc 

Of course 

 

– junior offficers and soldiers/sailors/airmen are least bothered about such inconsequential things which are mainly Delhi-Centric in nature. 

As a young officer 

– 

 

I didn

’t give a tinker’s damn about things like 

 

“warrant of precedence

”, 

“civil-military 

equivalence

”,

 

“status/equivalence/

protocol

”, 

“inter-se seniority

” 

etc

 

My only aim was to have a good time 

 

– 

and enjoy my job in the Navy. 

A

nd 

– in my mind 

– I considered myself as nothing less than an Admiral. 

During my service

– I wasn

’t overly rank-conscious at all 

– and it amuses me when some officers are 

rank-conscious even after retirement 

– though rank has no meaning in civilian life. 

While obsession about rank in uniform is bad enough 

– bickering about about inter-se seniority/status with civilians is even worse. 

All this

 

“

brouhaha

”

 over the 

 

“civil-military 

equivalence

” letter reminded me of this story.

This story happened around 35 years ago 

– in the early 1980

’

s 

– when I was a 

“Babu” in Uniform 

– pushing files

 in an office in New Delhi

...

Story of the SCIENTIST “Z”

A Fictional Spoof

By

VIKRAM KARVE 

After slogging for 5 years in the Navy – afloat and ashore – I was “selected” to undergo the 

 “prestigious”

 

 Two 

year M. Tech. course at IIT Delhi. 

On completion of my post graduation (M.Tech.) from IIT Delhi – I was posted to the Military “babudom” in Delhi – what we in the Navy jokingly referred to as the landlocked “Northern Naval Command”. 

Though ostensibly it was an Research and Development (R&D) billet in consonance with my recently acquired M.Tech. qualification – in actual fact 

 –

 

 I was a pen-pusher – a “Babu” in Uniform.

I clearly remember the first day I reported to my new job after completing my M. Tech. at IIT Delhi 

 – 

 my first day as a “Babu in Uniform” to push R&D files.

I reached my office dot on time – at exactly 9 AM.

The moment I entered my office – I saw a man sitting inside.

I noticed that he had picked up the phone and he was dialing a number.

From the way he was dressed – I thought he was a peon or conservancy staff.

Maybe – he was trying to misuse my official phone for his personal calls.

Despite my being in sparkling white navy uniform – the man seemed to be ignoring me – and 

 –

  he continued his phone call.

I got angry.

I roughly took the receiver from his hand – and 

 –

  I put the receiver back on the telephone instrument.

Then – I told him in Hindi to get out of my office.

The man stood up – and 

 – 

 he said to me in English: 

“You talk to me properly. I am a Scientist “F”…” 

On hearing this 

– 

I thought in my mind:

“Scientist “F”...? The impertinent bugger was only a Scientist “F”...!!! He must be equivalent to a bloody “Leading Seaman” – or at most 

–

 a “Petty Officer”. Yet 

–

 he was talking so arrogantly to me...” 

I decided to bullshit the hell out of him 

– Navy style.

So – I gestured rudely with my fingers – and – I told him in English to get out of my office.

But – the man would not budge.

In fact – he again sat down on the chair.

I lost my temper.

I raised my voice – and 

 –

  using typical profane Navy style language – I told the guy in no uncertain terms 

– 

to “bugger off...”.

(It may not be apt to tell you the exact swear-words, expletives, “four-letter words” – and – Navy style profanities – that I shouted at him)

The man was shocked and taken aback by my shouting and abusive language – and – thoroughly shaken up – he quickly disappeared from my office.

A few minutes later – a smartly dressed civilian entered my office.

He was my direct boss – the Joint Director – who I had met only fleetingly when my predecessor had introduced me to him in the Director’s office during my “incoming” interview with the Director.

“Good morning, Sir...” I wished him.

“Good morning, Lieutenant...” he said.

“Sir – please sit down...” I said.

The Civilian Joint Director pulled a chair – he sat down – and he said to me: 

“Everything okay...?”

“Yes, Sir ...” I answered.

“There is a thoroughly terrified and shaken up person sitting in my office. He has almost had a nervous breakdown. He says that you abused him in filthy language – and – you bullshitted the hell out of him. What happened...?” the Civilian Joint Director asked me.

I told the Civilian Joint Director the full story. 

Then – I said to the Civilian Joint Director: 

“Just imagine, Sir – what an impertinent bastard...!!! 

He is just a bloody piddly Scientist “F”... 

But – he was behaving as if he was a Scientist “A” – or a Scientist “B”…!!! 

So – I let him have it – nice and proper – and – I threw him out of my office...”

The Civilian Joint Director burst out laughing – and – he said to me: 

“Tell me – what do you think I am...?”

I looked at him – quite clueless.

The Civilian Joint Director looked at me 

– 

and 

–

 he said to me: 

“I am also a “Scientist” – you tell me what “Grade” of “Scientist” do you think I am...? Tell me – what do you think is my grade...?”

I looked at him – and – I thought to myself: 

“Surely he could not be a Scientist “A” – if so – he would have been the Director – or maybe – even higher. At most – he could be a Scientist “B” – or more likely – a Scientist“C”…”

It was better to err on the safer side – so I said to him: 

“Sir – you must be Scientist “B” – or – you must be a very senior Scientist “C” …”

“I am a Scientist “E” …” he said.

“You are an “E”…!!! Really Sir...? How can you be a Scientist “E”…” I exclaimed in surprise. 

The Civilian “Scientist” Joint Director said to me: 

“In R&D everything is topsy-turvy. 

In Academics – grade “A” may be higher than grade “B” which is higher than grade “C” and so on... 

But in R&D – everything is “ulta-pulta” (topsy turvy) – in reverse order – so Scientist “F” is higher than Scientist “E” – do you understand...?” he explained to me.

“Oh, shit...” I said.

“The guy you bullshitted is a Senior Scientist “F” – he is equivalent in rank to your Navy Captain or Commodore...” the Civilian Joint Director said to me.

“Sir – I am sorry. Should I apologize to him...?” I said.

“Relax...” the Civilian Joint Director said, “on second thoughts – I feel that you did the right thing. Sitting here in Delhi – I think that this is the best way to deal with those buggers from outstation Labs who come here and disturb us. Now that you have earned a reputation as a bullshitter – let your terrible reputation spread – and no one will bother you here...”

I sat in silence – feeling relieved.

The Civilian Joint Director got up to leave – and – as he walked to the door – he turned around – and he said to me: 

“And by the way – there is no rank as Scientist “A” 

In R&D – the alphabet starts with “B” – so – Scientist “B” is the junior-most rank. 

Why is it so...? 

Why there is no rank of Scientist “A”...? 

Well – I don’t know – so please don’t ask me...!!!”

EPILOGUE

At first – I thought that these “Boffin” Scientists were dumb – in having a reverse order of alphabet hierarchy.

But later – I realized that the “Boffins” were much smarter than everyone else – particularly the straightforward gullible “Faujis” – who were outwitted by the Scientists on most occasions.

During those days – the senior-most rank was Scientist “F”.

Soon – they created a Scientist “G”

Later – they had a Scientist “H” 

And – they can endlessly go on and on creating more and more higher ranks: 

Scientist “I” – Scientist “J” – Scientist “K”…“L”…“M”…“N”…“O”...“P”... 

They can go all the way down the alphabet – till they create a Scientist “Z” – who may outrank everyone in the Military Hierarchy and Civil Services Bureaucracy.

You never know – but the way their ranks are proliferating – these canny “Boffins” may one day even claim that Scientist “Z” outranks the President, Prime Minister and Ministers too.

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, 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 Story was written by me Vikram Karve 4 years ago in the year 2013 and was earlier posted by me Vikram Karve in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal Blog on unter title SCIENTIST "Z" on Dec 19, 2013 by Vikram Karve at 12/19/2013 03:42:00 PM at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/12/humor-in-uniform-scientist-z.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/03/humor-in-uniform-faujis-babus-and.htmland http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/11/memoirs-of-babu-in-uniform-story-of.html etc