India, July 9 -- By Dr. R. Balasubramaniam

It all started with a phone call. A distinguished voice on the other end said, "We are putting together a high-powered committee and we want you to chair it."

Chairman. The word had a certain ring to it. A title that exuded authority, wisdom and - let us be honest - just the right amount of self-importance. I imagined leading intellectual debates, steering important decisions and basking in the collective brilliance of my esteemed colleagues. I said yes.

That was my first mistake.

The grand illusion of support

No sooner had I accepted the role than I realised I was on my own. No secretarial support, no assistants, not even an intern to take notes. The committee, I was told, had "all the reso...