Indian Science Congress

The 105th session of the Indian Science Congress which was to be held at the Osmania University, Hyderabad in the first week of January was postponed indefinitely. Now the venue is been shifted to Manipur University in the north east.  Over 2,000 scientists including 15 Noble laureates from different countries were expected to participate in the ISC. The apparent reason given for cancellation is the security concerns after a student committed suicide in the university on 3rd December.
The ISC is traditionally the first public function the Prime Minister addresses in the calendar year.

Background

The origin of the idea of Indian science congress association goes to the credit of two British Chemists, namely, Professor J. L. Simonsen and Professor P.S. MacMahon. They wanted to stimulate scientific temper among the Indian community so envisaged to conduct an annual meeting of research workers somewhat on the lines of the British Association for the Advancement of Science.

The first session of the Congress was held in Kolkata under the Presidentship of Ashutosh Mukherjee in 1914. In 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister, was the General President. Post-Independence, Nehru made it a practice to inaugurate the event, every January 3. The tradition has been carried on by successive PMs for the last 70 years. It’s also a record that the Science Congress has been held without a break so far.

What are the contributions of Indian Science Congress?

Popularization of science

Today ISC has been built as strong network of more than 50,000 academicians and scientists who has immensely contributed in advancing and promoting the cause of science. Most importantly ISC has immensely encouraged the engagement of public with scientific developments.

Inertia to the youth

It serves as a platform for young to know about the latest developments of science and take part in exchange of ideas, thereby, give them an idea about making a career in science. With this objective in mind Indian Science Congress Association introduced the programme for Young Scientists from the 68th session of the Indian Science Congress in 1981.

Engagement with international scholars

Participation of the scientists and researchers from all over the world helps in developing new collaborations in different domains, thus, giving an impetus to overall research in the country.

What are the criticisms of the Indian Science congress?

Deteriorating level

Various sections of the scientific community have expressed unhappiness with the affairs at ISCA, and dubbed the ISC as ‘low quality’ and allege that pseudo-science is being discussed at the sessions. Unlike in the past wherein latest scientific developments were discussed now it has been reduced as a platform to make policy statements on science and technology.

Increased government interference

Last ISC was vehemently criticized for presentation of papers related to “ancient” airplanes and spacecraft in the Vedic Age that were based more on mythology rather than science. Some even went to the extent of calling shiva as the ‘greatest environmentalist’.  Some felt that the interference of government with its own ideology into the affairs had diluted its strengths.

Decreased participation

In recent years ISC has been struggling to attract enough contemporary scientists to take it seriously and speak persuasively about their work.

Dubbed as directionless

Many experts are of the opinion that the key issues haunting India are not given due importance. For example-Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest health problems in India but just two papers were presented on it in 104th ISC. Although the number of papers discussed have increased in the years but no serious discussion takes place with respect to the emerging scientific issues.

Way Forward

Today, India has done immense progress in scientific development however it still lags behind considerably in the quality and spread of science research. Keeping this in view and acknowledging the contribution of our great scholars and visionaries in developing the culture of holding an event of ISC, it is important that we should endeavor to maintain the sanctity of the platform and realize its full potential for further scientific development.