NEED FOR IISER IN BIHAR

Activity, diversity, cooperation, interaction, responsibility and expectation are the pillars of good education systems which involve research and training in a much professionalized manner. Unfortunate turn of events of early 1970s led to the decline of university system that began with research shifting to specialized agencies (Decision taken by Government of India). Also, lack of support systems to match the changing face of science further smoothened descend. No support from specialized agencies in the form of CSIRs/DOEs/DRDOs laboratories added a new dimension in education system in Bihar where scientific research became “lost or last” priority in the absence of iconic symbol as an institution thereby collapsing the pillars of good education system along with curiosity and creativity. No one would ever think of getting closer to moon or wiping out diseases without research. Likewise, it is practically impossible to expect reforms effort in university education to have significant effects and impacts without research-based knowledge guiding activities and providing diversity including the social one.
To pave the way in this direction, Government of India has taken several new measures and initiatives across several states and union territories. The great vision of setting up these new institutes is to create research universities/technological institutions by integrating teaching and education with the state of the art research. Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research (IISER) offers a viable alternative to accomplish a new social-stirring while nurturing curiosity and creativity in the area of basic sciences as well as breaking the “palisades” of traditional educational means.
The futuristic scenario can be brought closer and quicker if we churn our large “underprivileged” population first. That is why Bihar needs to be churned in an effort to induce power and energy in the performance-driven Indian education system. Vision, design, quality-personnel, reputation, excellent and well-conceived program, etc. which are the ingredients or elements of modeled-education output will meet new challenges in this fast emerging global world moving steadily from hunches to conceptualizing and specifying a question, where innovative technology can become a “real” economic engine. “Sunlight is the best disinfectant”. Hence Bihar, a home of nearly 85 millions people, must be given opportunity so that age-old technical and scientific education could be revamped and revolutionized. The other constituents such as teacher-student interaction, cooperation amongst students, active learning and prompt feedback will provide a platform for “underprivileged” Bihar. Presence of IISER in Bihar will extend and expand its influence in the existing and vitalizing universities of Bihar.
We all know that simulation is the art of replicating the “real” so that reality becomes safer, faster and proficient. Impoverished Bihar needs to be simulated. Offering IISER in Bihar will provide a unique strategic location where the outstanding talents can be pooled within the location and will serve the greater purpose of higher education and strategic partnership with industry and hence the overall growth.
Dr. Sudhir Ranjan, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA