Prof. Rajendra Prasad
interviewed by Manish Tiwari

Manish: What you would like to tell readers about your beginning at the JNU ?

Prof. Prasad: I was never a student of JNU, but I came here in 1976 as an Assistant Professor at around the same age when many students join JNU for their Ph.D. I earned my Ph. D at the age of 23 from Central Drugs Research Institute, Lucknow in 1970. I was at the USC School of Medicine, Los Angeles and we used to hear in USA that in India you need some ’extra-academic’ qualifications and recommendations for such good appointments. But to my  surprise, I was selected in absentia for the post of Assistant Professor. It reinstated my belief in the system. Prof. P. N. Srivastava was the Dean of the School of Life Sciences and he gave me two students to work under me for their research, which was a great responsibility for a person like me, since I had no experience. Unlike conventional universities, I found no difference between Assistant Professor and Professor and we were allowed to take students irrespective of our status. Such an environment made me feel proud of JNU. I always think of myself as much a JNUite as any other student of JNU.

Manish: I would like to know about your research and  views on the state of sciences in the country and also at JNU.

Prof. Prasad: My research area is on bio membranes and functions related to it. Particularly work is related to multi drug resistance of the fungal infections frequently occurring in HIV patients. Sciences over the country are on a progressive path, but the problem is that this development is localized only to small pockets. What we need  in  sciences is the passion for it and probably that is decreasing these days. The state of science in JNU and in other places has improved even when the impression we get is not very encouraging. Resource allotment has always been progressive despite of changes of Government. One question at times posed is of the brain drain. But running away is not the way out. You need more than required energy in this country to work; here system is geared to discourage work, as when you work, you will have all kinds of problems. But if you really want to work hard, there is no better place than India. Results may not be proportional to the inputs and labor one uses but there is satisfaction down the line.

In JNU also the work environment and infrastructure has improved in recent times. School of Life Sciences was one of its kind in India, where biological and physical sciences were integrated for the first time. Today it is one of  the best schools of biology  in the country. Now we are discussing a creation of a School of Integrated Biology, which would also be the first of its kind in the country. It will be integrative of physics, chemistry and biology and computer sciences. It will be interdisciplinary in true sense. One more thing which we proposed and is now beginning to take shape is the creation of an Advanced Instrumentation Facility in JNU.  It is a facility which will house expensive instruments for all the science Schools/Centers and it will be operated by trained personnel hired by the University.  It will be the first of its kind in the country within a University system.  And we have plans to make it an inter university facility, so that all of us and those around us will be benefited in the near future.

Manish: You have seen JNU in  different phases. Tell me about your observations and experiences at JNU.

Prof. Prasad: I have seen JNU in its different moods and shades. When I came here,  that was the time when many new things were taking shape all over the country, and JNU was no exception. Times have changed many things have improved from those days,  and also many have diminished. Infrastructure of the university has improved significantly and so is the quality. JNU has established itself in the realm of academic excellence not only in the country, but internationally also. One thing which makes JNU different is its human face. I remember an incident in 80’s. In a viva-voce examination for M Phil. PhD entrance in one of the science school, there came a student from some provincial university, who was not able to speak in English and after some time he left the room. He was called back and given some time. Then he was  interviewed in Hindi. His answers were clear and brilliant,  and for this he was given admission. Now he is a Professor in a renowned university in USA and is one the most leaders in research on Bottolina toxin. This is what JNU is. The sense of security on the campus  unique over the country. One will never find the JNU kind of teacher  student harmony and trust anywhere in the country. The internal evaluation process was started here for the first time and it’s a great success.

What bothers me,  a little these days is the form politics  is taking  on the campus in last few years. I would like urge students ]to do away with petty politics and in place of that to look in the larger perspective. May be more vibrant evenings with more discussions on diverse topics on the campus, more than socio-political discussions, probably a series of seminars on the interface of humanities, sciences and social sciences with regular frequency, might offer an alternate to politics.

Manish: What is your message to the student community of JNU?

Prof. Prasad: I would like convey that what JNU is today is because of its students and teachers and the culture of shared spaces and respect for each other they have nurtured. This culture and spirit should be cared for and kept up. Students should also keep away from small time and myopic politics, which has at times surfaced on the campus. I would like to remember the times when at the time of any strike students used to first run to the library and take its control, so that their studies should not suffer. That spirit is now missing.