Science Congress to steer clear of mythology

[prasad1]

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Stung by the backlash over the inclusion of pseudo-science at the 2015 Indian Science Congress, organisers of its January 2016 edition have said the forum will steer clear of mythology or anything that doesn’t have a “scientific basis.”
“Nothing without a scientific basis or any form of storytelling will be allowed at the congress. I’ve strongly resisted attempts this year too and only proven facts will be presented,” said Ashok Kumar Saxena, general president, Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA). The congress, organised by the ISCA, is a century-old annual meeting that draws Nobel science laureates, NRI scientists, Indian researchers and students.

Though less a forum for discussing new research, it always has the Prime Minister in attendance and over the years, has morphed into a forum for India’s political class — since Jawaharlal Nehru — to comment on the state of Indian science as well as proclaim the country’s expectations from its scientists. The conference is supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Last year, the Science Congress in Mumbai was Narendra Modi’s first as Prime Minister. Along with lectures by eminent Indian-American researchers there was a special session, inaugurated by Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar called “Ancient Sciences Through Sanskrit.” The highlight of the session, that later on was widely condemned, was a presentation by a former pilot, Anand Bodas, who claimed that Indian sages knew how to build planet-hopping spacecraft.

Dr. Saxena said that “criticism” last year had made the organisation more circumspect about including science and Sanskrit sessions and the focus this year would be on “Made in India” rather than Mr. Modi’s own more-encompassing slogan of ‘Make in India.’

The conference this year will be held in January at Mysore University. K. Rangappa, Vice-Chancellor of the university and a key organiser, said that while there wouldn’t be a focus on ancient sciences, India’s historical contribution to science wouldn’t be ignored.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...of-mythology/article7992893.ece?homepage=true

How will the Hindutva Brigade try to humiliate the scientific community?

 

[renuka]

But wouldn't Mythology add a more relaxed atmosphere to a otherwise serious Science Congress?

It would be fun to explore facts from a different perspective.. after all why be so serious in life.

 

[Janaki Jambunathan]

But wouldn't Mythology add a more relaxed atmosphere to a otherwise serious Science Congress?

It would be fun to explore facts from a different perspective.. after all why be so serious in life.

The Theme is fun and we had that in plenty in the past year! In fact it was Science Congress on Mythhology Fun is No Sin and donot Gun it Change the Name instead &- Keep the theme Same ! - Mythology Congress on Science!

Last year, the Science Congress in Mumbai was Narendra Modi’s first as Prime Minister. Along with lectures by eminent Indian-American researchers there was a special session, inaugurated by Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar called “Ancient Sciences Through Sanskrit.” The highlight of the session, that later on was widely condemned, was a presentation by a former pilot, Anand Bodas, who claimed that Indian sages knew how to build planet-hopping spacecraft.

This year it could be Make in India - Fun to Pin

 

[GANESH65]

I think science and mythology are interconnected. Most of the modern scientific inventions are less than 100 years old or may be slightly more than that. But the reference to their existence were already there in our mithological manuscripts written thousands of years ago. Whether it is aeroplanes(Ramayana), missiles(in war sequences of every purana), test tube baby(birth of Agastya), concept of bridges(ramayana), transplantation of body parts(birth of lord Ganesha), you name it the reference is available in our ancient mithlogical scripts references of surgeris are also there in our puranas. These are only a few references. If some one reaserch on this subject I think more relation ships of modern inventions with our mithological scripts could be established. In that way we may say that the ideas from these manuscripts were transformed in to reality by todays scientists. That being the case, how can one say mithology has no scientific base?

 

[tks]

Ancient India taught the world seminal ideas in Science and Mathematics (e.g., Astronomy, Ayurveda, Vedic Mathematics, numerical notation to just name a few).
At the seminal levels of understanding, India's contribution to understanding the nature of Space, Time and Energy is only being caught up by rigorous scientific analysis in the west.

Indian R&D today has many respectable scientists and engineers . Recent accomplishments in Space science and engineering (sending probe to Moon and Mars) is extraordinarily significant, again to name an example.

India has tremendous and unrealized potential to contribute to the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

It is held back by misguided superstitions and imaginations that cannot tell apart what is mythology and what is real science. It is also held back by false and unearned pride and by leading corruption as a way of life in the structured society.

 

[Janaki Jambunathan]

Refost#5
It is held back by misguided superstitions and imaginations that cannot tell apart what is mythology and what is real science. It is also held back by false and unearned pride and by leading corruption as a way of life in the structured society.


Wells is now best remembered for his science fiction novels, and is called the father of science fiction, along with Jules Verne and Hugo

Well You should credit India with authors who could be called Grand fathers and Grteat grant fathers of Sci - Fi!!

 

[tks]

Many Puranas convey truth of reality and meta-science via imaginative stories. Some have been modified over time and have lost the message about underlying truth. Science advanced in ancient times without coupling with Puranas.

Science fiction is still fiction using scientific terms.

However special recognition is due to those that imagine today that Puranic stories point to technological accomplishments of India

 

[auh]

So, will they start with a ganesha prayer or not?

 

[tks]

So, will they start with a ganesha prayer or not?

Best prayer to start with is one that is universal in scope. It is for only those who have an open mind!

From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (1.3.28)

असतोमा सद्गमय ।
तमसोमा ज्योतिर् गमय ।
मृत्योर्मामृतं गमय ॥
ॐ शान्ति शान्ति शान्तिः ।।


The meaning is :

From ignorance, lead me to truth;
From darkness, lead me to light;
From death, lead me to immortality
Om peace, peace, peace


Christians and Muslims can say a prayer of their own choice.
Agnostics can just watch and hear and wonder.

Atheists can just have moment of silence wishing the best for humanity.

 

[yesmohan]

So, will they start with a ganesha prayer or not?

What song would be sung at the inauguration ceremony of the 103[SUP]rd[/SUP] Indian Science Congress 2016, on Jan 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] 2016 at Mysore.
But the 100[SUP]th[/SUP] Indian Science Congress 2012 which was conducted by Coimbatore chapter of ISC, was inaugurated by Dr.Abdul Kalaam. The meeting began with the Tamizhth thaai vaazhththu …………. “Neeraarung kadaluduththa ….. “
I had a chance to attend the 100[SUP]th[/SUP] Indian Science Congress 2012 and present a paper in Physical Sciences.