BHOPAL: “Science is universal in nature, and modern science and technology are also giving rise to new challenges,” said J Nandakumar, Akhil Bharatiya Sanyojak of Prajna Pravah, at Bhopal on April 2, at a lecture on the theme “National Ownership in Science: The Struggles of Indian Scientists” organised at Barkatullah University.
The programme was held at Gyan Vigyan Bhavan on the university campus, with the support of Prajna Pravah, and was attended by academicians, researchers, and a large number of students.
The programme commenced with floral tributes to the murti of Maa Saraswati and the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Students of the National Service Scheme presented a collective rendition of the national song Vande Mataram.
Referring to Artificial Intelligence (AI), he noted that AI today can compose poetry, generate verses in the name of Kalidasa, and may even influence democratic processes such as voting in the future. He cautioned that AI could emerge as a serious challenge to democratic systems and that future wars may be fought through technological means, pushing human society towards a potentially dangerous phase.
He emphasised that science is not merely an academic discipline but also has cultural and civilisational dimensions, and that solutions to modern technological challenges lie within the Indian scientific perspective. He also highlighted the significant contributions of Indian scientists during the freedom movement.
Chief Guest Inder Singh Parmar remarked that during British rule, systematic efforts were made to undermine India and obscure its scientific achievements. He stressed the need to rediscover and re-establish India’s rich scientific heritage.
Presiding over the programme, Vice-Chancellor Prof Suresh Kumar Jain, in his welcome address, highlighted the theme’s relevance and contemporary significance.
At the conclusion of the programme, Registrar Dr S B Singh delivered the vote of thanks. The event ended with the collective singing of the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana.
In another programme, ‘Vimarsh evam Samvad’ on the theme “Indian Knowledge Tradition and the Resolve of Viksit Bharat @2047”, J. Nandakumar stated that without the restoration of and due respect for the Indian knowledge tradition, the vision of a developed India would remain incomplete. He emphasised that achieving this goal requires both cultural awakening and economic strength.
The programme was organised at Sarojini Naidu Government Girls Postgraduate (Autonomous) College, Bhopal. He also interacted with heads of Indian Knowledge Tradition cells from various colleges.
