India has had a strong foundation in science over the centuries: ISRO director

ISRO Director S. Somanath speaking at a symposium on the theme, Ektamat Manav Darshan, at the KLE Centenary Convention Center in collaboration with Prabuddha Bharat and Rani Channamma University Pandit Deen Dayal Chair in Belagavi on Friday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The strong foundation of science laid in India over the centuries has led to its growth in the last five decades in science and other areas, according to S. Somanath, Director, Indian Space Research Organisation.

Mr. Somanath spoke at a two-day symposium in Belagavi on January 3 on the theme of ‘Ektamat Manav Darshan’, held at the KLE Centenary Convention Center, in collaboration with Prabuddha Bharat and Rani Channamma University Pandit Deen Dayal chair.

“We have been seeing that India has been able to make many scientific achievements in the last 4-5 decades. This is because of the strong foundation laid since ancient times. India had achieved immense success in metallurgy 2,500 years ago. Our country was the leader in architecture, urbanisation system, administrative decentralisation, and economic situation. Our knowledge heritage of ayurveda, yoga, and architecture has made a unique contribution to the progress of the world,” he said.

“Due to such early advancement, India continues to achieve great things, despite 600 years of slavery. India’s contribution to mathematics is immense. Due to the contribution of the Indian numeral system and zero, mathematics has developed to this level around the globe. The Roman numeral system has many shortcomings. But Indian mathematics is so efficient that we can count up to infinity,” he said.

Journalist Praful Ketkar said that Indian thought was rooted in science since the beginning. Long before the 16th century scientists told us that the Earth was not flat, Indians described it was Bhoogola, or a spherical object. Geography was among the subjects taught by rishis in the guru kula system.

Mr Ketkar, the Editor of Organiser magazine, said while innovation was a means of money making in the West, in India it is aimed at social welfare and universal progress. The two economic ideologies of capitalism and communism are not compatible with India’s economic and social system. “These are advocated and practised by several countries in America, Russia and Europe, which call themselves progressive. India has evolved its own economic system over the centuries,” he said. Despite continued neglect of Indian culture and economic system, the country remains a united progressive global force to reckon with. “Colonial powers tried to divide the country based on language and regional disparities. But India remained one,” he said.

He said that the concepts of secularism and feminism had evolved in Western countries to counter the overarching interference of the church in layman’s affairs. “Priests overruled kings and women had no freedom. However, in India, all such issues were addressed as science was combined with philosophy and spirituality,” he said.

RCU Vice-Chancellor C.M. Thyagaraja, Alka Kale, coordinator of Prabuddha Bharat, resource persons like Shobhit Mathur, Tulasi Tavari, Sandeep Nair, former MLA P. Rajeev and former MLC Ganesh Karnik were among those who addressed the gathering. Guests released a book of research articles.

The Sanskar Bharati team presented a cultural programme.