So the only solution feel these scientists is in evolving novel highly cost effective strategies for speedy dissemination of new knowledge to the youth and simultaneously creating in them a research culture. Mobile workshops are held in respective colleges, conducted free of cost for students who also get gratis reading material.

The Academy has also set up a ‘eukaryote biotechnology training laboratory’ with basic equipment and sophisticated gadgets like a fluorescent microscope, thermal cylcer, vertical and horizontal gel and paper electrophoresis specially for students who get an opportunity to perform experiments. With a modest capital of Rs 13,000, over the last four years, the academy’s various programmes have received Rs 13 million in grants from several national and international agencies including ICMR, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Department of Atomic Energy, Indo-French Centre for Promotion of Advance Research and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust among others.

So what drives these scientists who could well lead a peaceful retired life rather than traveling from Simla to Coimbatore? It is important to motivate youngsters. We need to start early, you see, says the octogenarian Wadia. Ideally research should commence at age 25 so that the best output is at age 40,’’ insists Wadia.

Deo however is a bundle of energy as he attends calls, monitors sessions, coordinates dinner sessions of students with `happening’ professors and today is happy that the number of medical students getting studentships for short term medical research from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been increasing. The number of scholarships went up to 500 and 700 in 2005 and 2006 respectively.