Synopsis
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan highlights the need for science to prevail over superstition at the 37th Kerala Science Congress. He questions the authenticity of science congress attendees and emphasizes the importance of scientific integrity in the face of rising superstitious beliefs.Key Takeaways
- Pinarayi Vijayan calls for science to overshadow superstitions.
- Concerns over the authenticity of science congress participants.
- Kerala aims for carbon neutrality by 2050.
- Government's commitment to combat climate change.
- Push against practices that undermine scientific progress.
Thrissur, Feb 8 (NationPress) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan raised concerns on Saturday regarding the authenticity of attendees at science congresses, questioning if they are genuine scientists or merely individuals masquerading as sectarian revivalists, while emphasizing that science should take precedence over superstitions.
At the opening of the 37th Kerala Science Congress held at the Kerala Agricultural University, the Chief Minister pointed out that over the last thirty-five years, the Kerala Science Congress has evolved into a substantial platform that has significantly contributed to the state's advancements in science and technology.
He highlighted that, apart from benefiting Kerala's progress, the Congress has also attracted attention for facilitating discussions that serve as exemplary models for the nation.
"In a time where efforts are being made to obscure the distinctions between science and superstition, even attempting to elevate superstitions above science, the science congress acts as a bastion of scientific resistance," stated the Chief Minister.
Vijayan referenced a recent speech by an IIT director as indicative of rising anti-scientific attitudes.
"It is alarming that even our research and development funds are occasionally redirected to support activities rooted in superstition," he added.
He raised a question regarding whether current science congresses are being attended by true scientists or by those posing as sectarian revivalists.
"It concerns all who cherish this nation that national science congresses are increasingly evolving into venues for propagating unscientific notions under the pretense of science," he noted.
Reiterating the state government's resolve to combat climate change, he announced that Kerala aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. He also mentioned that the inclusion of scientific talent from abroad in Kerala's research institutions is being prioritized.
State Revenue Minister K. Rajan remarked that we are currently living in a time when specific groups incessantly attempt to foster a society that diminishes science while resurrecting superstitions, discriminatory practices, and caste systems.
“The disregard for science has recurred throughout history, yet science has consistently managed to thrive despite social adversities,” Rajan stated.
K Sasidharan Nair, vice chairman of the Law Reforms Commission, highlighted that the ruling CPI-M has taken a definitive stance against superstitious rituals, black magic, and human sacrifices. However, he pointed out that the government has yet to progress with the draft bill regarding these issues to a conclusive stage.
“We formulated the bill by reviewing legislation from states such as Karnataka and Maharashtra. The proposed bill targets those who engage in practices that could be harmful to individuals or are conducted in the name of caste or religion,” Nair explained.
