It was a great honor for the team of RBS Acumen (students' journal of
RBS Chennai) to meet a Nobel Prize winner, Mr. Sidney Altman . The meet happened at Accord Metropolitan on April 27 th 2008 was not only memorable, but certainly motivational too. Mr. Sidney Altman who is known for his contribution in the field of molecular biology was awarded Nobel Prize in the year 1989 for chemistry. The Yale University professor reveals that Indian scientist Dr.C.V.Raman was one of his main inspirations in taking up science. The 69 year old scientist is still young at his heart and was patient enough to answer every single question with complete ease and a smile that he carried all through the interview session. Here are some of the moments captured candid with him.

Acumen: “sir, It's an immense pleasure to meet you today in Chennai, How is the city?”
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>Mr. Altman: “It's good, nice to meet young students like you all, and I am happy to be in Chennai!”

Acumen: “With life sciences generally being perceived as difficult subjects, what can be done to remove this myth?”

Mr. Altman: “It is rather sad that sciences are being thought of as difficult subjects in India. In fact science is one of the easiest subjects you can identify because it is so objective and practical. Maybe the lack of inspiring teachers is the reason for this situation here. Teachers must try to keep their explanations simple and take the subject to the students. But then, student's own interest in the subject is a big factor. It is not something to be done only for the money, it will bring in future. Students must definitely show an inclination to learn. I would suggest that life sciences be introduced at much earlier stages of education.”

Acumen: “Speaking on motivation, how important is it to have a teacher or mentor to rise in the field of sciences?

Mr. Altman: “A teacher definitely plays a great role in inspiring the student to take interest in the subject. But I do not understand what is meant by the term ‘mentor' – If it means a person by your side all the time, then the answer is no! A self-motivated student can go places.”

Acumen: “Who were your role models when you grew up?”

Mr. Altman: “I should mention that while I was growing up Einstein was presented as a worthy role model for a young boy who was good at his studies. I added various writers of fiction and stars of ice hockey and base ball to my pantheon.”

Acumen: “Mr. Altman, what do you think is the current position of India in the field of Biotechnology?”

Mr. Altman: “Research Industry in India is good; there are lots of initiatives from the government. With foreign collaborations alongside India is in a very good position.”

Acumen: “With the rapid advances in Information technology, how has it affected the popularity of life sciences? Have they gained popularity due to the immense applications that have now been made possible in their field?”

Mr. Altman: “Well, I am not sure about these kinds of rigid comparison between two different fields. Both have made great advancements in their own areas and what is important are the problems and topics that they are capable of addressing. You have your own Kiran Mazumdar Shaw who is on par with any IT industry and she does belong to the field of life sciences.”

Acumen: “How would you rate Indian and Asian students in comparison with other international students?”

Mr. Altman: “When I lecture in America, all students behave just like Americans irrespective of their cultural differences back home. I see no difference in their attitudes, work and thinking. What I find worth mentioning is that the first generation immigrants always seem to work hard more than the others. Especially Indian students are very good, they know what they are doing, they know the fact that their parents have to work hard in India for their education in America, and Here I feel the students are more inhibited, not very prone to asking questions or clearing their doubts.”

Acumen: “finally what is your advice to the millions of students, who wants to achieve big in life?”

Mr. Altman: “Self motivation, hard work and perseverance are the three things one should follow in their life, rest will happen automatically. If you want to get a Nobel Prize forget it! rather work hard and Nobel Prize will come to you.”