Few days back I happened to meet a scientist, of good reputation for his scholarly works and ethical attitude in his area of research.I say so because he is yet to receive an award from any agency or from our own G.O.I.He is yet to make a study of some species which may exist,or is likely to exist in this planet in future, or cohabiting behaviour of some islanders of which there is a remote chance of you locating in a geographical atlas.He is known to me since quite a number of years. I always admire his organising capacity, zeal and sincerity with which he undertakes his responsibilities. In fact he never appreciated "Arm chair research"in science.He was of the opinion science has a great social responsibilty, a great commitment to the society to which he belongs and to the mankind at large.I know very well he has refused many foreign assignments. But unfortunately today he is a victim of poilitics where merit finds no place. Many scientific establishments in India does not seem to be appreciating productive work and critical analysis of a problem.Often the quality of output is very poor. The reports which come out are of very low quality, superficial with the aim of pleasing some individuals to meet their ends. Reports are tailored to satify the organisations which fund those projects. People capable of compiling fair reports are sidelined. What suits me and my boss will only be entertained is the motto of the investigating agencies. No woder you have tsunamis and bridges falling every second day.Little openess and a free hand to address the problems by people who are well euipped would have averted many catastrophe. I have ben observing,should any calmity occur in any corner of the country, every one from every field becomes an expert and has a say over that phenomenon. This is the state of science in India. Science no more attracts people specially families of scientific community. We are good in serving some other nation with all our intellectual potential and energy for their well being. Coming bact to the story I was much pained to see that genius, genuine friend of mine suffering and suffocating within the four walls of his air conditioned room finding difficult to condition himself to the hypocracies in the name of science and awards.To be frank enough we have been losing many a jewels, who have succumed to the pressures and temptations of "Dollar" which gets drained out in our jewellery shops . Long live Indian science. kanaka.