DR. MILIND KULKARNI
Q.1) We all know that C-MET holds the key position in Electronics and Nanotechnology. Sir please tell us the functionality of C-MET.
Ans.1) C-MET basically stands for ‘Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology’.
The main vision of C-MET is to become a premier R & D organization known all over the world for its knowledge base, innovations and expertise in Electronic Materials.
C-MET is an effort to make India self-sufficient and progressive in the field of electronics.
Q.2) Sir, please tell us about your professional journey.
Ans 2) I am born and brought up in Madha taluka, which is in Solapur district in Maharashtra. I have completed my school education from ‘Zilla Parishad High School’ in Madha. Then I came to Solapur in order to pursue my higher education and there I completed my B.Sc from ‘Sangameshwar College’ in Solapur in the year 1993. Then I worked in a pharmaceutical company in Solapur. After that I pursued M.Sc. in ‘Polymer Chemistry’ from Shivaji University with first rank in the year 1996 and then I received my Ph.D. degree in 2002 from University of Pune by working on ‘Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Conducting Polyanilines as Chemical Sensors’.
Meanwhile, I got an opportunity to work in C-MET in 2001 and since then I have been with C-MET till the date and has been promoted as ‘Scientist-D’.
When I became a Scientist, I was felicitated by Honorable ‘Shri Anna Hazareji ’ and that was one of my memorable moments of life.
Q.3) What are the career opportunities for the young generation in C-MET?
Ans.3) There are ample of opportunities for the young generation in C-MET. Students from Electronics, Computer, Mechanical and also from other fields of engineering have scope in C-MET because nanotechnology is not only spreading its wings in electronics but also in every fields and walks of life.
Students should be focused and should have a high aim. One should have that enthusiasm and interest towards work.
Q.4) You had plenty of opportunities to leave India and get settled abroad with a high paying job, but you decided to stay in India. What made you to take this decision?
Ans.4) Yes, of course there were many opportunities but it was my love for my nation and I was having that ardent wish to do something for the nation that will make my mother India proud. Our dear soldiers who fight day and night, by staying away from their children and family for the sake of nation and are ready to sacrifice their lives. So, I think that mother India has given us so much and now it’s our turn to do something and repay her with the best within us. So we all should work for the country and make India the number one country in the global position.
Q.5) How much of real potential of real scholars is being utilized for the development of our nation and for betterment for the human race as a whole? What measures you think should be taken?
Ans.5) Definitely, India is having very much potential and talent. The youth especially is budding with tremendous brilliance and energy. India is one of the youngest country in the world. Now a days, we can see that in many multi-national companies, Indians are acquiring higher positions. Most of the CEO’s are of the Indian origin. India is truly having a bright future.
I believe that it is very necessary that students should have more of practical knowledge than just being theoretical, because in today’s world, we want candidates who have sound knowledge about actual practical work. We should have that skill to convert our thoughts into action.
Q.6) What challenges did you face in your career till now?
Ans.6) In each person’s life, there are ‘ups and down’. It was not that every time the conditions were favorable for me, there were many hard times too, but I never gave up, In fact, we should not get depressed and should avoid committing the biggest mistake i.e. ‘giving up’. We have to look the ‘up and downs’ as challenges and should overcome those challenges. Don’t make the hard times as “stopping stones”, but turn those into “stepping stones”. Even in order to check the purity of gold that material has to go in the flames of the fires and also has to undergo rigorous processing in order to acquire its shape and the same is with us.
In any condition, we should give our consistent efforts without tiring and should have a focused approach. If we want to acquire certain height in our life then we should be ready to take tremendous efforts and hard work.
You should always keep in mind the three techniques of success:-
1) Self-confidence i.e. we should have an unbeatable self-confidence.
2) Consistency i.e. there should be consistency and sincerity in whatever we do.
3) Competent i.e. we should have the ability to face challenges and we should have the necessary skill or knowledge.
Q.7) Who is your role model?
Ans.7) My role models are late honorable Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (Former President of India and great Scientist), Indian scientists like Dr.Vijay Bhatkar, Dr. Jayant Naralikar and Dr.Vasant Gowarikar, former vice chancellor of Pune University is also my role model. I had many golden opportunities to interact with Dr. Vijay Bhatkar, Dr. Jayant Naralikar and Dr. Gowarikar.
The most important thing I like about these personalities is that they have given and are still giving their valuable contribution for the betterment and welfare of the society.
Q.8) What should students do to build scientific temper in them?
Ans.8) As I said earlier, students should not be ‘bookish’. They should study in detail i.e. up to the root level of that subject. Marks, are just the numbers, but yes, for getting admissions in prestigious and good colleges and for recruitments they do have some value but don’t just study for the sake of marks, but study with wider and deeper approach.
Q.9) You have done an extra-ordinary work in the field of science. You have won so many awards and have done so much of research work. How do you generate that stamina and enthusiasm in you?
Ans.9) Whatever I have achieved in my life that credit goes to my respected parents, my wife Madhura who is M.E. Electronics and is currently working as ‘Head of Department’ in JSPM Institute, Hadapsar and my loving daughter, ‘Mrunal’ who is studying in 6th standard and from my family and well-wishers.
They have given me tremendous support and encouragement so that I can dedicate towards my work. They are the real pillars of my success.
They all are very understanding and in all my ‘ups and downs’ they have given their golden presence.
Their contribution and support has motivated me to generate that zest, stamina and enthusiasm towards work.
Q.10) According to you, what measures will you suggest in order to have female upliftment in the society?
Ans.10) It is the duty of both boys and girls to see that his or her sister, wife, friends are educated, in order to have women upliftment in the society.
At home, I too contribute in doing the household activities. A woman has to do career as well as look after the family so we should understand this and motivate for their education. A women is the pillar of the family and if she is educated, that means the whole family will be educated.
-By
Vispi Karkaria & Neha Bagane