Why in news?

The 107th edition of the Indian Science Congress (ISC) was recently held in Bengaluru.

What does the ISC aim at?

• The formation of the congress pre-dates the Indian republic.
• However, it was the intellectual nursery of modern science in the country.
• Early ideas of how science and technology could aid the development of the new nation were initiated at this gathering of scientists.
• It is for this reason that the congress is inaugurated by the Prime Minister.
• It is normally held in the first week of January.

What is the change in trend?

• The nature of the congress where scientists congregated to exchange scientific ideas has changed.
• It is today becoming a ‘science mela’.
• The prime purpose of the ISC now is to draw school and science college students to hear Nobel Laureates and Indian-origin scientists from abroad.
• It lectures about their work and the future prospects of science.
• The other draws are science projects and innovations by schoolchildren and stalls showcasing scientific work being done in key national laboratories and institutions.

What is the recent concern?

• In recent years, the congress often makes news for becoming a forum for pseudoscience and less for interesting scientific ideas or demonstrations.
• Speakers have tended to mix mythology and science and publicise far-fetched assertions.
• E.g. the Kauravas were born from stem-cell technology and the Vedas discussed avionics
• This has eroded the congress’s public image.
• The exhibits at several scientific laboratories too are re-runs from old congresses, or from similar and past science fairs.
• Many laboratories showcase their work as ‘posters’ rather than actually showing demonstrations or working inventions.
• Several top personalities of India’s science establishments who have represented or at least had their organisation present a dedicated talk or session, were absent this year.

What is the way forward?

• It is inevitable that traditions change over time and the relative importance accorded to institutions wax and wane.
• However, this must make way for inspiring new ideas, or new models of taking science to the public.
• A rising trend in science displays, at museums or exhibitions in many places, is to mix science and art.
• Making interactive displays that encourage audience engagement is also the trend.
• In this light, the Indian Science Congress too needs new ideas, and not a mix of myth and pseudoscience.