When Sanskrit Meets Science: 102nd Science Congress Held in Mumbai
When Sanskrit Meets Science: 102nd Science Congress Held in Mumbai
The 102nd Indian Science Congress has taken a historic step wherein the roots of inventions have been traced in ancient Sanskrit texts. While delegates hailed this move, critics called it the union of science with mythology. The 102nd Indian Science Congress was undoubtedly definitely the place to be, for the sceptics as well as the believers.
Ancient Sciences In Sanskrit Texts
The Indian Science Congress conducted a symposium on Ancient Sciences through Sanskrit that also included a paper on the existence of interplanetary aircrafts in India 9000 years before and interesting concepts such as cosmic connection and the fusion of science plus spirituality.
Held at the University of Mumbai, this is the first time such a session has been included in the 102 year history of this scientific gathering. 7 papers were presented over a 5 hour session. Papers were invited by Mumbai University’s Department of Sanskrit and Kavi Kulaguru Kalidas University, Ramtek and reviewed by the Department. While some were professionals from diverse fields, others were students in the study of Sanskrit.
A paper co-authored by Captain Anand Bodas, retired head of a pilot training centre and a teacher Ameya Jadhav held the Rigveda provided the evidence of ancient aviation. This paper held that aeroplanes existed between 6 and 7000 BC and also said ancient Indian sages talked of radar systems depending upon the “basic principle that any animate or inanimate object radiates energy all the time. We know that when radiation stops, that object is considered dead.”
“In the Sulbha Sutra written in 800 BCE, Baudhayan wrote the geometric formula now famously known as Pythagoras theorem. It was written by Baudhayan 300 years before Pythagoras,” Dr Gauri Mahulikar, head of the Sanskrit department of Mumbai University was quoted as saying, while holding that Sulbha Sutra was also the first to crack the pi ratio.
Science and Sanskrit: Modernity Meets Tradition
Union Minister of State Prakash Javadekar indicated that India should use its ancient knowledge and wisdom to its advantage and even Europeans from nations such as Germany have evinced strong interest in the ancient language. More studies in the fields of science and sanskrit would serve to spread the light.
Science is the Need of the Hour
PM Narendra Modi on Saturday, 3rd January 2015 called for more academic autonomy and a focus on research to encourage future generations of science and scientific thinking. He was discussing this at the inaugural function of the Science Congress. He also said the nation must prioritise science and technology and digital connectivity should be as basic a human right as attending school.
He also spoke of the urgent need for CSR initiatives through India Inc. He also asked the diaspora of Indian scientists to guide and teach doctorate scholars in the nation. The PM also said there was need for research in the field of agriculture, clean energy, biotechnology, health care and agriculture.
"I feel humbled by the work scientists do. Since independence, scientists have made outstanding institutions with modest resources. They have alleviated some of the most acute challenges of human development, have increased food production, have secured borders and have increased the pace of industrial progress," the PM was also quoted as saying.
He also appreciated the manner in which scientists had saved millions of lives through accurate prediction of the cyclone Hudhud. “Let us make science and technology the theme of Republic Day in the near future,” PM Modi was also quoted as saying.
Scientists Need Funding: Money Matters
“Just like I talk about the ease of doing business in India, I also talk about the ease of doing research in India. The funding proposal must not take too long. We want our scientists and researchers to explore the mysteries of science and not government processes,” the PM said said.
He indicated the need for a clear regulatory policy for research and technology in the field of biotechnology, clinical research as well as nanotechnology. Science emanates from the compassion of the human heart, he indicated while tracing the routes of science and using Vedic interpretation for this.
Maharashtra’s Path to Growth
Maharashtra CM, Mr. Fadnavis who was also present at the event indicated science has the capacity to solve problems. He also spoke of how agricultural distress and malnourishment in the state must be overcome for equitable and true prosperity. "Climate change has made sustainable agriculture a challenge. Till now, we have given Rs. 8,000 crore as relief to farmers due to various disasters like untimely monsoons, drought, hailstorms. We need to understand this climatic change and find ways to make traditional agriculture sustainable. We also need to find ways to fight chronic malnourishment among our children," he said.
The Indian Science Congress has been held in Mumbai University after 54 years. Nearly 15,000 national and global delegates have registered for this event which will continue till January 7th, 2015.
Science Versus Spirituality: Mind Over Matter
The beauty of science is that it is demonstrable. Just as faith is based on inner convictions, science is based on facts and proven phenomenon. Spirituality is a matter of personal choice but science speaks a universal language and has the capacity to solve mankind’s problems. Faith can move mountains and science can achieve miracles too. Each has an important role to play in the history and evolution of mankind.
Science has the potential to undo the destructive impact of uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources. With the right scientific temperament, one can unearth the mysteries of nature and understand how to help the human race to adapt and evolve in ways that can banish the darkness and spread the light of knowledge. But belief in God and science are not complete opposites. Even Albert Einstein, one of the world’s greatest scientists was a firm believer in God. So, perhaps a divide between science and spirituality may exist, but science and faith are actually driven by the same strength and passion that is the defining feature of humankind as a whole.
