Library & Information Science

India: Science, Politics, Geostrategy-Science and Citizenship

Scientists are ordinary men and women who do science, either through teaching, research or both. Before they are scientists, they are citizens of a country and have as much of a say as any other citizen in thinking about, talking about or doing something about what they feel is in the better interest of the country in which they live and work. Scientists vote like other citizens and in this sense they say something about national and local issues, although in anonymity. All this is in accordance with Article 14 of our constitution and is as it should be. 

Scientists are not special folk who do something that is esoteric and totally beyond the understanding of common people and are therefore ‘different’ from others. Thinking on these lines has led to a common perception that because scientists are not like ordinary people, they should not comment on national issues that affect everyone. Many have asked me why I comment on national issues and why I do not ‘stick to my science’ almost implying that I am not qualified to speak about matters that are felt to be outside of my science. 

The Ashtavakra Gita illuminates an ancient conversation between the sage Ashtavakra and Janaka, a king with both worldly responsibilities and deep spiritual questioning about the nature of reality. “What is real?” Janaka asks. So begins one of the most unique conversations to ever take place on this planet, as Ashtavakra takes Janaka by the hand and leads him step by step into deeper levels of understanding until enlightenment dawns.