The yearly occasion has been a significant part of the nation’s scientific calendar for more than a century, with the exception of the Covid years. Prime Ministers have consistently given it the go-ahead after independence, highlighting both its significance as a national occasion and the political leadership’s conviction that advancing research is the best path to advancement and development.
Jawaharlal Nehru, the prime minister, first saw it as a platform to promote research and the scientific method. Leading scientific institutes, organisations, and scientists from across the nation took part in the event. It served as a venue for meetings and interaction between students, the general public, and scientists and researchers of all stripes. Discussions on the papers and displays were insightful and helpful. It has taken place across the nation over the years, even in tiny villages.
Source: PIB
Over time, the Science Congress has lost part of its significance and standing. Currently, many eminent scientists do not attend, and many institutions are reluctant to be involved. There has been a decline in the calibre of papers as well as the calibre and depth of conversations. Issues have come up for debate, including the subjects of the papers that were given. The government is currently in a crisis since it won’t provide financial support for the event.
The Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA), a private organisation, has been using government funding to organise the event. The government has accused the society of “financial irregularities” and “unilateral decision-making” in order to justify its refusal to fund it at this time.
The government withdrew its support for the Science Congress this year, citing the venue’s change from Lucknow University to a private university in Jalandhar. The university in Jalandhar has now stated that it would not be able to conduct the event due to “unforeseen challenges”. Other universities have been urged by the ISCA to host the event, potentially in February.
Source: Drishti IAS: English
The government has been endorsing the India International Science Festival in collaboration with Vijnana Bharati, an association associated with the Sangh Parivar, notwithstanding its disassociation from the Indian Science Congress. This month, the organisation is holding its annual convention in Faridabad, Haryana. It appears that the government wants to promote it as a substitute for the Indian Science Congress.
If the government was unhappy with the Indian Science Congress, however, it could have attempted to improve its operations rather than suppressing it. Restoring it to its former splendour would have required deliberate initiative and work. It may have promoted the competing event for ideological purposes. However, ideology and science shouldn’t be related. It is detrimental to its development and well-being. The nation needs the practice and promotion of true science.
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