New Delhi, Aug. 16 -- Singapore's first and legendary Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew once told the Parliament, "If you have a political system that does not attract the best into government, then you are going to get second-rate people running the country, and you will get second-rate results."

India faces the same challenge as it inches towards the 80th Independence Day. We need to conserve and promote our talent. Our growth, social progress and border security depend on it.

The exodus of more than 100 scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has brought the ominous reality to the fore. Unfortunately ISRO isn't alone. Talent attrition is commonplace in the Indian Army, defence research organizations, Indian Institutes...