Kerala Chief Minister Issues Stern Warning Against Superstition Masquerading as Science
In a significant address at the 38th Kerala Science Congress in Kochi, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan delivered a powerful warning against contemporary attempts to glorify superstition and regressive practices. The CM expressed deep concern about the dangerous trend of projecting irrational stories from myths and legends as ancient scientific discoveries, stating that such tendencies pose a serious threat to scientific temper and rational thinking in society.
Defending Scientific Rationality in Modern Society
Speaking after formally inaugurating the prestigious scientific gathering, Vijayan emphasized that society must actively resist efforts to revive blind beliefs and unscientific practices. He stressed the urgent need to openly expose narratives that present non-rational mythological claims as historical inventions, calling for meaningful discussions that effectively utilize scientific knowledge and research to counter these troubling trends.
"Anyone who believes in the capacity of science to transform society in a progressive direction must firmly stand on the side of humanism," declared the Chief Minister. He added that events like the Science Congress become truly relevant only when such a perspective reaches society at large. The CM noted that awareness of global technological advancements alone is insufficient without a clear understanding of the true history of science.
Understanding the Evolution of Scientific Thought
Vijayan elaborated on the importance of comprehending the conditions in which science evolved, how it diversified into multiple disciplines, and how scientific knowledge has been applied across generations to transform human life. "At a time when there are deliberate attempts to link the history of science with myths and hearsay, developing a correct and evidence-based historical understanding of science became imperative," he asserted, highlighting the critical need for factual scientific education.
Kerala's Pioneering Role in India's Technological Development
In his keynote address at the same event, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan highlighted Kerala's decisive role in India's national growth and technological advancement. He pointed to several landmark achievements originating from the state:
- The establishment of India's first Technopark in Kerala marked a historic milestone in the country's technological development and later served as a model for similar parks nationwide
- Kerala was home to India's first public sector electronics company, Keltron
- The nation's space programme began from Kerala in 1962
- The state public sector undertaking KMML successfully manufactured titanium products required for the space sector and other industries
Narayanan also praised Kerala's high literacy levels and social inclusion, noting that these factors have transformed the state into a laboratory for human development models that other regions could learn from.
Recognizing Scientific Excellence
During the ceremony, Chief Minister Vijayan presented the prestigious 2024 Kerala Sasthra Puraskaram to missile scientist and former Director General of DRDO, Tessy Thomas. Several other awards were distributed, including:
- The state government's science and technology awards
- Kerala State Young Scientist Award
- Best Scientist Award
- Awards for science literature and media contributions
The 38th Kerala Science Congress thus served as both a platform for celebrating scientific achievement and a forum for defending the principles of rational inquiry against what the Chief Minister characterized as dangerous attempts to rewrite scientific history through mythological lenses.
