Drawing attention to ancient Indian sciences, he said, “Our scientists discovered the Pythagoras theorem but we very sophisticatedly gave its credit to the Greeks. We all know we knew ‘beej ganit’ much before the Arabs, but very selflessly allowed it to be called algebra.”
READ ALSO: Shadow of controversies looms over Science Congress
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Congress, hosted by Mumbai University at its Kalina Campus, on Saturday. Themed ‘Science and Technology for Human Development,’ the Congress will host sessions by Nobel laureates, eminent scientists and academicians.
Mathematics experts said they were not very convinced by Vardhan’s view. “We know Indians have contributed to mathematics to a great extent. However, I was surprised to hear what he said. Maybe the way he thinks about mathematics is different than what we academicians do,” said a mathematics professor from Mumbai University, who was present at the inaugural function.
But Vardhan’s contention also had its backers; with many saying India’s contribution cannot be ignored. “We gave the world zero. For everything in mathematics, be it algebra or anything else, we have to start with zero. So we cannot ignore what we have contributed to mathematics,” said another professor. Vardhan also inaugurated the Pride of India expo, a science and technology exhibition showcasing technologies, products, R&D initiatives and researches.
Harsh Vardhan said our scientists discovered the Pythagoras theorem, but we very sophisticatedly gave its credit to the Greeks.
A symposium titled ‘Ancient Indian sciences through Sanskrit’ is already under the scanner for a paper presentation on “Ancient Indian Aviation Technology”.
READ ALSO: After vedic aeronautics, vedic surgery
Modi spoke of the need to rekindle love for science and technology and relax excessive regulations and cumbersome procedures for our universities to give a boost to research.
“Our scientists should be able to explore the mysteries of science and not get stuck in government procedures,” said Modi. He added that our research is restricted to central agencies, but it must be made broad-based. “We have to place the university system at the cutting edge of the research and development activities in the country,” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) with Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis during the 102nd Indian Science Congress 2015 at University of Mumbai, on January 3, 2014.
Speaking about the great work of Indian scientists, Modi said, “Just as children see sportsmen as role models, scientists should also be the same. Parents should feel pride in their children becoming scientists.” He lauded Isro for putting Mangalayan in the Mars orbit on the first attempt.
He linked a nation’s progress and development to science and called for efforts to make sure science and technology reached the poorest, remotest and most vulnerable person. The PM felicitated Nobel laureates and Indian scientists.
Read this story in Hindi — पाइथागोरस प्रमेय भारत ने खोजा थाः हर्ष वर्धन
January 4, 2015 at 12:26 pm
India is a country where People required to become persons of scientific temperment to get its due place in the Globe.Claiming that this is our scientists work and it is there scientist work itself is against the basis of Science since Science is based on facts and truth.There was egoistic and temperamental inducements from Rulers or certain Politicians of this country clubing all confused theories like Astronomy as science and developed a habit of creating false pride among Indians.Science and its advancement is a Global asset and it is for the whole humanity and claiming that we were superior and some one inferior is not a good practice.Recently in everything ancient histroy,or histroy written by some Historians with their bias are being imposed on student community and efforts are going on in India to suppress scientific temperment.
Recently Dr.Subramaniya Swamy came with an opinon that the hostroical “Ravana”was not King of Lanka but he is a Dalith and he and his wife were from UP and now many people started bringing out many new ideas and want to make history.We can not understand why these people waste human energy on unnecessary issues and make the common people mad ,instead of allowing to grow the world in the right direction.102 Science Congress needs to do its historic work and there why big leaders create feelings of partisan thinking and vitiate the atmosphere.Alas! India ,Our Nation!