Rosy promises to make India a developed country by 2020, and shedding crocodile tears over the young generation's lack of interest in science were the highlights of the 91st session of the Indian Science Congress. The meet, held in Chandigarh from January 3-7, 2004, would be remembered for the non-participation of many prominent scientists and patrons of science, including Prime Minister Vajpayee. The cold wave sweeping the city, or rather the much colder attitude of political and scientific leaders, ensured lowest-ever participation in the annual event, despite the session's catchy focal theme: