M. K. CHATTOPADHYAY
Inst. Jacques Monod,
2 Place Jussieu, T 43, F 75251 Paris, Cedex 05, France
e-mail: mkc@ijm.jussieu.fr
Reprinted from Current Science (Bangalore), 25 July 2001, Vol. 81, No. 2
Courtesy: The Editorial Board, Current Science
This is with reference to the editorial 'The astrology fallout' (Curr. Sci., 2001, 80, 1085-1086). Learning from Meghnad Saha about his work on a problem of astrophysics, a friend of his father commented, 'What's great with it? All these things are already documented in the Vedas!' On cross- examination by Saha, the old man had to admit that he did not read the Vedas, but subsequently he asserted his belief again. The genesis of the recent proposal of UGC to introduce Vedic astrology in the university curriculum lies in such a belief that all the achievements of modern science have their root in traditional Indian knowledge. Going through various scriptures (the Vedas and the Upanishads), Saha failed to get anything, which could substantiate this belief; but it does exist and will continue to exist. It is this traditionally nurtured belief, which inspires people at the helm of affairs, from time to time, to rejuvenate our classical knowledge.
Looking from a broader perspective, the present battle is between faith and rationality. Needless to say, in this never-ending crusade, faith has got an edge over rationality. Science research does not necessarily inculcate rationality in the mind of a researcher. That is why we see that some people, working in premier research institutes of India, are taking the help of gem-stones to ward off various problems in their personal lives or are rushing to get a special type of garland (which increases in length with time) for the treatment of jaundice. The 'defenders of a policy of openness' by and large represent this section of people. It is unfair to blame common people for blind faith, since they draw inspiration from these so-called scientists.