Close X
Friday, September 20, 2024
ADVT 
India

'No Talk Of Mythology At Science Meet This Year'

IANS, 03 Jan, 2016 01:53 PM
    The once-bitten-twice-shy scientific community has decided to stick to the basic or applied science, keeping out mythology from their annual jamboree this time.
     
    "Only pure science is our real business this time. Last year, we had certain issues when mythology overshadowed science. We are away from it and concentrating on only science," Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) general secretary Arun Kumar told IANS at the 103rd annual event here, about 140 km from state capital Bengaluru.
     
    The 102nd session in Mumbai last year was marred by controversies as two scientists on January 4, 2015 jointly presented a paper, claiming that aircraft was invented in India during the Vedic age, dating back to 1500-500 BC.
     
    "We are totally avoiding those (mythology) type of things though they were allowed last time, maybe, due to some pressure from ministers and maybe from our own fraternity who wanted a session in the plenary on mythology," Kumar recalled.
     
    Two noted speakers -- Anand Bodas from Kerala and Ameya Jadhav from Mumbai -- demonstrated that aviation in the Vedic age was more advanced than in the modern versions through a paper on "Ancient Sciences through Sanskrit".
     
    In the absence of records or archives and lack of supporting evidence, the duo asserted that the ancient aircraft were huge and could even fly to other planets.
     
    Bodas, a principal at a pilot training school in Kerala, and Jadhav, a lecturer at the Swami Vivekananda International School and Junior College in Mumbai, lamented that owing to passage of time spanning hundreds of years, foreign rulers who looted the country and stole artefacts had denied benefit of doubt for its believers.
     
     
    "As per the theme, chosen carefully this time with the consent of all stake-holders, including the science and technology ministry and the Prime Minister's Office, we are focusing primarily on Make in India, Clean India and Digital India campaigns..." Kumar said.
     
    As last year's event took place seven months after the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA government took office and amid concerns over attempts to revive mythology at a mega science meet, the Kolkata-based association had not given a chance to its members to present any paper that is objectionable and stirs up a controversy.
     
    "It is not just a show, as right from Nobel laureates to a young scientist (they) have a certain tasks to share their achievements and experiences with everyone," said Kumar, who heads the Earth sciences department in the Manipur University. 
     
    He said the theme of the present session "on indigenous development" was selected keeping in view the government's priorities.
     
    The association's various bodies comprising advisories, councils and executive committees have also resolved to stick to core issues pertaining to core sciences.
     
    "Nothing controversial or objectionable will come out this time. Efforts are on to ensure the event is relevant and have solutions that will benefit all," Kumar added.

    MORE India ARTICLES

    Punjab's Ruling Shiromani Akali Dal Rejects Resolutions Passed By Radicals' 'Sarbat Khalsa'

    Punjab's Ruling Shiromani Akali Dal Rejects Resolutions Passed By Radicals' 'Sarbat Khalsa'
    The gathering was the direct outcome of the conspiracy and complicity of the anti-Panthic Congress party whose leaders gleefully clapped their hands. 

    Punjab's Ruling Shiromani Akali Dal Rejects Resolutions Passed By Radicals' 'Sarbat Khalsa'

    Rajnath Says BJP 'Most Secular Party'

    The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the country's "most secular party", Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday.

    Rajnath Says BJP 'Most Secular Party'

    After Bihar Rout, Advani-Joshi Take On Modi; BJP Welcomes 'guidance'

    After Bihar Rout, Advani-Joshi Take On Modi; BJP Welcomes 'guidance'
    The BJP, in a statement, later said it was "fortunate" to have been led by leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Advani for decades, and welcomed any guidance and suggestion from the party's "seniors" on victories and defeats.

    After Bihar Rout, Advani-Joshi Take On Modi; BJP Welcomes 'guidance'

    Veterans Return Medals In Delhi, Say Government Cheated Them

    Veterans Return Medals In Delhi, Say Government Cheated Them
    Ex-servicemen protesting against the notification on the implementation of One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme on Tuesday returned their gallantry and other medals, accusing the government of cheating them.

    Veterans Return Medals In Delhi, Say Government Cheated Them

    At 'Sarbat Khalsa' Sikhs 'Appoint' Jagtar Singh Hawara As The Jathedar Of Akal Takht

    At 'Sarbat Khalsa' Sikhs 'Appoint' Jagtar Singh Hawara As The Jathedar Of Akal Takht
    Deepening the crisis within Sikh religious affairs, Sikhs on Tuesday announced the "appointment" of convicted Khalistani terrorist Jagtar Singh Hawara as the Jathedar (chief) of the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikh religion.

    At 'Sarbat Khalsa' Sikhs 'Appoint' Jagtar Singh Hawara As The Jathedar Of Akal Takht

    With 'Sabka Vikas', There Must Be 'Sabka Nyay', Says PM Modi

    With 'Sabka Vikas', There Must Be 'Sabka Nyay', Says PM Modi
    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expanded his government's 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' motto to include 'Sabka Nyay', assuring free legal aid for the vulnerable sections of the society.

    With 'Sabka Vikas', There Must Be 'Sabka Nyay', Says PM Modi