Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the 37th Kerala Science Congress at the headquarters of the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) in Vellanikkara, Thrissur, on Saturday.
The Chief Minister highlighted that over the past three and a half decades, the Kerala Science Congress has become a significant platform contributing to the State’s scientific and technological progress. He stressed that beyond its contributions to Kerala’s development, the science congress has also gained attention for hosting discussions that serve as models for the entire nation.
“In an era where attempts are being made to blur the lines between science and superstition, even trying to elevate superstitions above science, the science congress stands as a stronghold of scientific resistance,” he said. He cited a recent speech by an IIT Director as an example, noting that it reflected anti-scientific sentiments. “Shockingly, even our research and development funds are sometimes diverted to support superstition-based activities,” he added.
Unscientific ideas
The Chief Minister questioned whether science congresses are now attended by genuine scientists or disguised proponents of communal revivalism. “It is a matter of concern for all who love this country that national science congresses are increasingly becoming platforms for spreading unscientific ideas under the guise of science,” he remarked.
Reaffirming the State government’s commitment to combating climate change, he stated that Kerala aims to become carbon-neutral by 2050. He also noted that the presence of scientific talents from abroad is being ensured in Kerala’s research institutions.
Chief Minister presented this year’s Young Scientist Award to Vrinda Mukundan (DST INSPIRE Faculty, NCESS) and Hareesh V.S. (Malabar Botanical Garden).
Deepak V. received the award for popular science literature for his work Socio-Political Life in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, while Satheesh Paul won the award for science literature for his book Concepts in Quantum Physics.
The award for science journalism was conferred upon Dileep Malayalappuzha (Deshabhimani), and Suja S.R. from Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden received the award for Best Scientist.
Felicitated
Students who presented the best papers at the National Children’s Science Congress were also felicitated during the ceremony.
Speaking at the function, Revenue Minister K. Rajan said, “We are living in times when certain groups are constantly attempting to create a society that trivialises science while reviving superstitions, discriminatory customs, and caste systems.” He observed that the rejection of science has been a recurring phenomenon throughout history, but science has always managed to grow rapidly, overcoming social challenges.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by K.P. Sudheer, Principal Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology. M.K. Jayaraj, chairperson of the Science Congress, elaborated on the objectives of the congress. B. Ashok, Vice-Chancellor of Kerala Agricultural University, and Chief Minister’s science advisor M.C. Dathan also addressed the gathering.
During the event, Mr. Vijayan announced that the Kerala Science Award for 2023 will be conferred upon former ISRO Chairperson S. Somanath. The date and venue for the award ceremony will be decided later, the Chief Minister added.
