Foster scientific temper

Science and rational thought are the cornerstones of human progress. As we celebrate National Science Day on February 28, it is imperative to reaffirm our commitment to fostering a scientific temper—a principle championed by India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as essential for a peaceful, prosperous, and progressive society. In an era of rapid technological advancements, scientific reasoning must remain our guiding force, shaping democracy, economy, and social harmony.

Scientific temper transcends laboratories and equations; it is a mindset rooted in rational thinking, curiosity, and evidence-based decision-making. Nehru envisioned a society where logic triumphs over ignorance and superstition. A nation that values scientific reasoning fosters inclusive governance, economic resilience, and social cohesion.

In today’s digital age, where misinformation proliferates, cultivating scepticism and inquiry is paramount. Encouraging young minds to question, hypothesise, and explore nurtures not only future scientists but also responsible citizens who base decisions on facts, not fear. As Dr A P J Abdul Kalam aptly said, “The universe conspires to give the best to those who dream and work.” Scientific exploration is driven by curiosity, perseverance, and the quest to unravel the mysteries of existence.

India’s scientific legacy is exemplified by Sir C V Raman’s discovery of the Raman Effect in 1928. This groundbreaking work on light scattering earned India its first Nobel Prize in Science, showcasing the power of indigenous research and innovation. The Raman Effect remains pivotal in fields like medical diagnostics, material science, and space research. National Science Day commemorates this achievement, inspiring future generations to pursue discovery and knowledge.

While celebrating past achievements is vital, the challenge lies in making science accessible to all. Science must transcend classrooms and research institutions, permeating everyday life. A nation that empowers its citizens with scientific knowledge fosters innovation and development at every level.

The Government of Karnataka is taking significant steps to democratise scientific exploration. The state has allocated Rs 3 crore in the 2024-2025 budget to provide telescopes to students in 833 schools and pre-university colleges. Additionally, planetariums and science centres will be established in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, ensuring every child can explore the cosmos. 

Such initiatives offer hands-on learning experiences, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. By bridging the urban-rural divide, they pave the way for future scientists, engineers, and astronomers, creating an inclusive, knowledge-driven society.

STREAM for holistic learning: While STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education has been a focus, it is time to embrace STREAM: Science, Technology, Robotics, Ecology & Environment, Astronomy, and Mathematics. This broader approach integrates cutting-edge skills like AI and machine learning with environmental stewardship, preparing students to innovate while nurturing the planet. The Department of Science and Technology will introduce state-of-the-art STREAM Labs in pilot schools, gradually expanding across the state. This initiative ensures students are equipped to harness technological advancements and address global challenges. 

A national pledge for science: On this National Science Day, I propose a ‘Pledge for Science’—a collective commitment to uphold scientific temper in governance, education, and public discourse. Policymakers must integrate scientific principles into governance, ensuring laws and programmes are data-driven. Educators must champion inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to think critically. Citizens must counter misinformation and embrace lifelong learning.

Article 51A (h) of the Indian Constitution underscores the fundamental duty of every citizen to develop a scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry. This duty is not merely academic but a national responsibility that strengthens democracy and socio-economic progress.

As Dr B R Ambedkar noted, “The cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.” Science and rational thought empower individuals and societies to move forward with confidence, free from fear and prejudice.

Science is not just about knowledge; it is about empowerment. A society rooted in scientific reasoning progresses without fear, innovates without limits, and builds a future grounded in truth. As we celebrate National Science Day, let us renew our commitment to a rational, forward-thinking India—one that values innovation over stagnation, knowledge over misinformation, and scientific reasoning over superstition.

In the spirit of Kuvempu’s Vishwamanava Sandesha, let us nurture every child’s inherent potential to become a universal individual—curious, open-minded, and driven by inquiry. By embracing discovery as our guiding principle, we pave the way for an India empowered by knowledge and dedicated to progress.

(The writer is the Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology; Leader of the House, Karnataka Legislative
Council, Government of Karnataka)