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"I wonder how it happened that an intellectually and culturally
advanced people could have been subjected to colonial rule for such a long period" -
this is what this gentle and affable director of one of the most prestigious institutes
for mathematics research in France says after spending seven weeks in Chennai. Prof.
Oesterle is a world-renowned mathematician working in the branch of Number Theory and
Elliptic Curves, where so many advances have taken place in the past few decades
(including an unexpected application to cryptography, that is the basis of secret
communication for military and secure transmission of sensitive data on the Internet). He is unusual among mathematicians in the sense that he does not believe in globe-trotting for attending a conference in Japan in November and a winter school in Italy in December and a three-day symposium in California in January, etc. He says it hinders his regular work schedule. Instead he
prefers to spend two months in a single place where he can be useful to the younger
generation through a lengthy course of lectures with his insights; this also gives him a
good break from his regular administrative responsibilities allowing him to concentrate
more on his research pursuit. Earlier he had spent two months in the winter of 1996-1997
at Allahabad and this time he chose Chennai. Instead of restricting his activities to a series of lectures at the research centres of Chennai, he has also lectured at an elementary level to a larger audience at Vivekananda College, elucidating the mysteries of Pi to B.Sc. students. Here are the excerpts from a meeting with him at the
environment-friendly `air-conditioned' discussion room (thatched enclosure in the open
space) in the campus. Qn: How do you find your stay in India, academically and otherwise? Oesterle: The work done at the Mathematics research institutes in India is upto internationalstandards and so professionally I am quite satisfied to be here. And moreover, I feel quite at home in India. Actually in all my visits to countries such as Germany, USA, England, Belgium (where French is spoken) I don't feel comfortable outside my professional sphere. Especially Germany--I would not like to be there for more than a few days. The work done at the Mathematics research institutes in India is upto internationalstandards and so professionally I am quite satisfied to be here. And moreover, I feel quite at home in India. Actually in all my visits to countries such as Germany, USA, England, Belgium (where French is spoken) I don't feel comfortable outside my professional sphere. Especially Germany--I would not like to be there for more than a few days. Qn: That is quite surprising to hear. Many French mathematicians who have visited India have expressed similar feelings about India. Any special reasons for this? Oesterle: Well, the cultural values are more important than money to French people. The tolerance to the animals straying around in the cities, for example, gives a relaxed feeling. Personally I feel Madras, especially the part where I am staying is more like a village in Alsace province during my childhood. Besides India, I feel at home when I am in Italy. And there are not too many rules here. I am not very comfortable in places like Germany with their obsession for perfection and efficiency. Qn: About the popularity of mathematics or basic sciences, what is the status in France? Unlike what I hear about India, the best talent still chooses to pursue an academic career in basic sciences. There is one Ecole Polytechnique which is a prestigious place like the IIT's for Indians, and there is one Ecole Normale Superiore for academic research. Still many students who clear the common entrance test come to Mathematics and Physics as opposed to Computers or high technology courses, even if it means that as professors they may get only quarter of the salary compared to a job in the industries, they would get after studying in Ecole Polytechnique. Qn: That is quite different from the situation in India. Is there any pressure from parents or society to chose a career in Technology as opposed to sciences? True, many parents resent their sons and daughters choosing a career in sciences, but on the whole French society respects academics and regards them highly. I hear that the SPIC Mathematical Institute under the direction of Professor C S Seshadri FRS, is offering B.Sc. courses. This is a very healthy sign, when first rate mathematicians get involved in undergraduate teaching. Qn: What are the feelings of the French people towards India? One thing I can say. A good number of people including President Jacques Chirac are very supportive of India's position on nuclear testing. Actually many people resent America's sanctions on India on this count. Qn: Tell us about your experiences in India outside academic activities. My wife and kids enjoyed their stay here. My sons (aged 6 and 3) were happy playing along with the kids of all the workers here. But I noticed that people here find it surprising or unusual for our kids to mix with other kids. About food. I am strictly a non-vegetarian. I like all spicy food as far as it comes with chicken or meat! Qn: With what feelings will you be returning to France? I enjoyed my stay in all my visits to India to Allahabad, Mumbai and Madras. I find Madras in some ways still retaining some aspects of a village. I would like to come once again for a longer period like 4 to 6 months. I am not impressed by Goa, or Pondichery. I am quite happy here. I am even seriously thinking of
settling in India--- after some 20 years when my sons are grown up. In case summer here is
unpleasant, I can split my life between here and France, spending 6 months here and 6
months there. After saying this, the Professor went back to the library to resume his work. Let us hope India retains its charm for him even 20 years later! P. Vanchinathan |
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Professor Oesterle, Director of
