India's rocky road to scientific success.

An interview with Thirumalachari Ramasami, the Secretary of State in India's Department of Science and Technology (DST), is presented. When asked about his interest in a scientific career, he refers to his childhood, which was based on asking questions and wondering why things happen. Ramasami believes that the DST is the arm of the government, which is tasked to distinguish the needs of the science and technology sector and to develop a foundation of science and technology in India.