2013 is the second time IIT Delhi is sending a team to iGEM. The first team participated in 2010 as one of three Indian teams - three years later we are one of only two- the other being the consistent IIT Madras. Meanwhile, participation in iGEM from other countries has grown many folds.
While participation in a student contest is not a statement about a countries potential in research or a subject/field - It does seem strange and troubling that the number of teams from India hasn't increased. Not to pose this question - why the low number of teams? - would be avoiding several important questions about our own survival as a team and movement in IIT Delhi. We would like IIT Delhi to participate again and again in the contest - and possibly create a permanent club and a permanent lab for the team to work in - all year round.
Indian Participation in iGEM
What is it that keeps Indian teams from participating? As a team we have struggled with everything - finances, interesting other students, creating a buzz around our team and getting constant guidance from experienced people. Other teams must have the same problems. Are there ways in which we can solve these problems for everyone?
Biotechnology in India
India is known for it's Generic Pharma industry. While hated by many - it helps the developing world fight disease, immunize hundreds of millions of children and treat and manage Cancer and AIDS. The Indian Biosimilar Industry is also growing in the same way - many companies like Dr.Reddy's , Biocon and Ranbaxy are world leaders when it comes to Biotech drug manufacturing.
It is in agriculture where the real crisis lies. In recent years - the Bt. controversy - both around Bt Brinjal and Bt Cotton has gripped the popular imagination. Many have raised concerns about Biosafety, Biodiversity and ethics. Studies have often become controversial, activists have often confused innuendo with logic and many scientists and commentators have responded with extreme hubris.
As a team we shall need to ask questions about what we are doing continuously - and take stock of our efforts every now and then. And we shall also need to ask - Is it this controversy around Genetic Engineering that is taking a toll on Synthetic Biology in India?
There is no dearth of Institutes in India when it comes to Biotechnology. Yet all Indian teams have been from the IIT's (Indian Institute of Technology - Madras, Delhi and Bombay), Srishti School of Art Design and Technology (Artscience Bangalore), NCBS, IBB-Pune, VIT and JIT. Why is it that teams emerge from only a few colleges? Is it lack of information about Synthetic Biology and iGEM? Or is it just a lack of funds?
How are we going to help solve these problems?
- Talk to People ; Interview people - Biologists, Biotechnologists, Genetic Engineers, Activists, Artists and Designers about their views on Synthetic Biology and what needs to be done?
- Gather data , Find answers to the above questions : Find a solution via science.
- Help create a sustainable SynBio movement in IIT Delhi and around.
- Help create a system wherein people can talk to us - ask us questions about what we are doing and whether they are in any danger.
Hoping we answer these questions, Perform well in the contest and more.
Team iGEM IIT Delhi
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