With the Indian Government having earmarked Rs 100 cr for its nanotechnology scheme and several western countries too investing huge sums for research in this field, there is a lot of buzz surrounding this specialisation. Its tremendous research and job potential makes it a calling of the future, writes Manish Kumar Singal

WITH the rapid strides being made in research in the field of nanotechnology, it is emerging as an area of fast growth and potential employment. This technology has the potential to change the world around us in unimaginable ways. Soon, it will impact every aspect of our lives from medicine to computers to the energy we require to the cars we drive and so on.

This technology holds the promise of exciting applications in bioscience, medicine, environment, cosmetics, electronics, security and a host of other fields.

Countries like the USA, UK, Japan, China, Germany and France have invested a lot of funds in nanotechnology and have a focused programme at the national level. According to sources, the USA is planning to invest $ 1 trillion by 2015 under its National Initiatives in Nanotechnology.

The Indian Government has also launched a scheme— 'S&T Initiatives in Nanotechnology' with a capital fund of Rs 100 crore for five years. Many scientific institutions in the country have already begun R&D in this field.

Scientific laboratories in India have started preparing nano materials for various applications in industrial houses and elsewhere.

Says Dr R. P. Singh, Director, Amity Institute of Nanotechnology, New Delhi "This is an emerging area with vast scope and job potential in the near future. In countries like Japan and the USA, it has already crossed new frontiers."

'Nano' is a Greek word meaning 'dwarf.' Materials, when reduced to a nano dimension, show drastic changes in their physical, chemical, optical, magnetic, mechanical and electrical properties. Nano-materials are a thousand times smaller than the diameter of a human hair.

In crime also, nanotechnology is helpful in detecting the presence of narcotics and fingerprints of suspects. Nano-tube pacemakers, placed in a blood vessel of the heart, can generate electricity for cardiac functioning. The technology enables the manufacture of nano-sized robots to repair damaged and diseased tissues. Nano-coatings are transparent, scratch- resistant and dirt-repellant. Nano-boats can be made from carbon nano-tubes and will perform the functions of a human being. Scientists are engaged in exploring newer applications of nano-products, which will revolutionise the industrial world in the 21st century.

Says Singh. , "The areas in which its application has immediate impact are drug delivery to treat tumours, cancer (without using radiotherapy & chemotherapy), solar energy, display technology and the like."

He says that there is a growing demand for nanotechnologists, especially in foreign countries. A person with M.Tech. in Nanotechnology can start with a monthly package of Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 and thereafter the rise is manifold. In foreign currency, the amount is much higher."

"We started our first batch in November, 2003. We got a good response from youngsters. Other universities too are approaching us to send candidates for further research and jobs," he adds.

"Most of the placements are in foreign countries since it is a field whose importance is being globally acknowledged," he adds.

Although the Indian Government is spending a lot on this technology, there is still a need for more specialists and researchers in this field.

STEPS TO SUCCESS
"Work upon your strengths"

FOR Arup Ghosh, Head of Department, Sahara Samay, making the transition to television journalism was not easy. "After spending more than a dozen years as a print journalist, making the shift to television was difficult. Initially, the fear of failure nagged me and the thought that I had shut one door dogged me constantly", he reminisces.

Ghosh began his television career in 1995 with NDTV. "Live television is a different ball game altogether. I remember, my first PTC (piece to camera) was watched by my family members. Though I did them proud, deep down I knew that I had a long way to go", he says.

He feels that his experience in print journalism stood him in good stead. "My basics were strong. I knew my work and also the people in the circuit," he says.

What motivated him to take the plunge from the print to the electronic medium? "There were no new challenges in the print media nor was the pay package too attractive way back in the 1990s," Ghosh remembers.

From NDTV to Sahara has been another challenging leg in his career. "We launched Sahara from a scratch. Being at the helm of the content team I’ve had to work doubly hard," he says.

Ghosh, at present, has about 400 members in his team. "I do my best to create a positive environment. I advise my team members to concentrate on their strengths rather than spending time in ironing out their weaknesses," he adds