Intro: Swadeshi Science Movement Kerala (SSMK) Vijnana Bharati is all set to celebrate its silver jubilee. The organisation brings the scientists and science students under a single umbrella to recognise the scientific talents of our ancient country.
Swadeshi Science Movement–Kerala (SSMK), Kerala unit of Vijnan Bharati started its work in a simple way back in 1991. Now, it is a powerful nationalist movement in the realm of science in Kerala. Annual Swadeshi Science Congress is attended by eminent scientists, annual exhibitions like Swasraya Bharat (a mega science and technology expo), Defence and Shastra Pratibha (science genius), competitions for school students, etc. are the regular activities of SSMK. The organisation brings the scientists, who take pride in the scientific heritage of our ancient country, under a single umbrella.
The SSMK silver jubilee celebration was launched in Kochi on April 29, 2015. Dr VPN Namboothiri, Working Chairman of the silver jubilee celebration committee delivered a speech on the philosophy of SSMK. He told about the scientific heritage of our country. He said foreign scientific community has recognised that our country’s ancient scientists had vast knowledge of all branches of science which the modern scientists claim as their discoveries. Metal towers like Qutab Minar still remains without corrosion. Harappa’s unique town planning is still a wonder. Nalanda University remains a role model even for modern times. Yoga and Ayur Veda are surprising Indian contributions towards health. One hundred twenty slokas of Aryabhatiya penned by Aryabhata in AD 499 were missing. At last a Japanese university team found it in Germany. They translated it into English and then published. The thirteenth century mathematician and astronomer Sangrama Madhavan’s works are wonders for the modern scientists. We had books in 6th and 16th century describing the speed of the light. But, the modern science discovered the speed of the light only in 17th century.
Major aim of SSMK is “Find and Learn Ourselves”. Convergence of spirituality and physical sciences is another aim. SSMK State president Dr K Muralidharan, presided over the function. The function was inaugurated by Dr S Ananta Narayanan, Vice Chairman of the Celebration Committee and former Director of NPOL Kochi. Dr S Kedarnath Shenoy Director of NPOL, Dr M Anandaraj, Director of Indian Institute of Spices Research, Dr CN Ravishankar, Director of Central Institute of Fisheries Technology-CIFT, Dr RC Sinha, Director of Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical And Engineering Training- CIFNET), Dr PS Parameshwaran (Scientist-in-charge, NIO) and Engr. PA Vivekananda Pai, National Secretary of Vijnan Bharati delivered felicitation speeches.
Jayant Sahasrabudhe, National Organising Sectretary, Vijnan Bharati made the concluding remarks ans said, foreign invaders tried to kill our identity. As a result, Bharatiyata or Indianness is missing in all walks of life. He stated that all other State units of Vijnan Bharati are trying to replicate the Kerala unit’s model. That way the entire movement will reach its destination. He reminisced that SSMK was launched during Ranga Hariji’s regime as the Kerala Prant Pracharak of RSS.
Kumari Aromal Subi S Stephen, a higher secondary student and one of the winners of the ‘Shastra Pratibha’ competition also addressed the gathering. Dr ARR Menon, Secretary General of the Silver Jubilee Celebration Committee and former Principal of Scientist of the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) proposed vote of thanks. A large number of scientific fraternity participated in the launching ceremony. Senior RSS Pracharak Shri Ranga Hari was present throughout the launching ceremony.
—T Satisan from Kochi
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