An Interview with Dr. R. A. Mashelkar

"I received the Maharashtra Bhushan by Maharashtra Bhushan award in 2005. Before me, Lata Mangeshkar and Sachin Tendulkar were the receipients. We all were Maharashtrians. But after me, Ratan Tata received it which was a noble gesture by state government. It showed the spirit of this state. But now, some people are bent on denying entry to people from other state. It hurts so much to see their limited agenda," said Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar, a distinguished scientist on the present conditions.

Elaborating on the uniqueness and greatness of his beloved city, Pune, Dr. Mashelkar touched on some subjects that were close to his heart. After a story appeared in Pune Mirror some two months ago, (Small Lungs Choking, 9 May) he expressed his concern publicly about the state of affairs in Pune. Still, he says the city is exploding with growth, for which he has outline 'My Dream of 'My Pune'. In an exclusive chat with Pune Mirror, Dr. Mashelkar outlined his take on some subject:

On Pollution

The extreme seriousness of pollution level in Pune was brought to our notice when I was heading the committee which prepared National Auto Fuel Policy five years ago. Originally, we had planned just seven cities but on my insistence, Pune was included the list of the cities where implemention Euro norms was prescribed immediately. I was so alarmed by the result of the study on pollution in Pune. Though the norms have been implemented, we have an issue of old vehicles plying on the road. Situation has not improved much since then. We should be worried.

This is an issue which concerns our future generations.

On Growth

Pune is not expanding, it is explosing. So much development is taking place in every sphere that we are falling short of infrastructure. The growth is taking place, the only issue is that it should take place in planned manner and after taking everybody in confidence. People in Pune are more cultured, educated and aware. Therefore even some problems like reducing greenary, water pollution have arisen, innovative approach by the people themselves it less harmful compared to other cities. In some cases, like river pollution, we have all technologies and methods with us and no new technologies are required. Only the regulatory body (Pune Municipal Corporation) should utilise those technologies fully.

On Pune Model

Pune Model, which is basically about zero load shedding, is a unique experiment. I commended Pradeep Bhargav and Shantanu Dixit, who have made it possible because for whole of India, a total of 40,000 MW of captive power can be generated. Looking at what is happening in New Delhi for getting 20,000 MW of power from Nuclear power generation, this amount assumes significance. This model will be followed all over India, only it has to be highlighted more. I am glad that this model is developed in Pune.

This model is also assumes significance because it is based on differential pricing. It is priced more to those who use more electricity. We have to emulate this basis for all the services in the country considering the diversity of consumer profile of these services.

On Team Spirit

I have always worked and thought in the trerms of Team spirit. Whether it be at Council of Scientific and Industrial search ot here in National Chemical Laboratory, I was looking to develope that work culture. It should be Team Pune, Team Maharahstra and thereafter Team India.

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My Dream of 'My Pune'-Dr. Mashelkar

• I love Pune. I have often said that I would like to have the last day of my life in this great city only.
• To me it is a city, where a glorious past meets tyhe challenging present to create a great future, like no other city in India does.
• Pune is a sacred place for knowledge pilgrimage, but it must understand the rue meaning of Knowledge Economy. We must bring knowledge (Sarawati) and Economy (Lakshmi) together and create new Indian 'Sillicon Valleys' of the 21st century in Pune.
• Pune must look at environment, enlightenment, ethics and equality. Puen must become not only the knowledge capital, cultural capital, educational capital but also the ethical capital.
• Pune should become a model of 'sustainable consumption' that the world is looking for.