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Expert Comment

Developing national

scientific temper

SOMAK RAYCHAUDHURY

CIENTIFIC TEMPER REQUIRES A MINDSET that Higher education institutions have a
leads to people making rational choices, relying on
evidence-based thinking, and spirit of inquiry. It is social obligation to communicate sci-
Sa way of life that encourages individuals to ques- entific knowledge to the broader public.
tion, analyze, and seek solutions to problems through sci-
entific methodologies. The phrase was coined by Jawaharlal Universities need to actively engage with
Nehru in Discovery of India, published on the eve of Indian schools and local communities
independence, and it remains as relevant, if not more so,
at the present time. These achievements need to be widely disseminated to
The journey towards developing scientific temper begins inspire public confidence in science, and arouse the sci-
in the country’s classrooms where young minds should be entific temper of the younger generation. Simultaneously
shaped by encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and pas- our universities need to reduce their focus on textbook
sion for inquiry. Educators must embrace pedagogies that pedagogy and switch to research-based learning, manda-
stimulate students to question, explore, and experiment, tory research projects, internships, and collaboration with
and solve problems through knowledge application and in- industry and research organisations from earliest stage.
novation. Independent India’s education institutions should oreover, higher education institutions and academ-
have played a pivotal role in this mission through education, Mics have a social obligation to communicate scientific
research, public engagement, and policy advocacy. knowledge through science outreach programs, public
Science had to be brought out of the pages of textbooks. lectures, and workshops to the broader public. Universi-
Academics should have designed curricula that bring sci- ties and research institutions need to actively engage with
ence to life, emphasizing inquiry-based learning, problem- schools, local communities, and the media to demystify sci-
solving, hands-on experimentation, and designing projects ence and make it exciting for all. Initiatives such as science
that require students to apply scientific methodology to re- festivals, citizen science projects, and outreach events can
solve real-world problems. Interdisciplinary approaches to bridge the gap between scientists and the public. Even in
deal with issues such as climate change, public health, and the 21st century, prevalence of pseudoscience and supersti-
the ethics of technological choices, must now lead to a much tion is one of the biggest barriers to developing scientific
deeper understanding of scientific principles and complex temper. Academics in schools, colleges and universities
associated social issues. This model of education explains have a social obligation to take a proactive stance in de-
the global economic dominance of America, the West and bunking myths and promoting evidence-based thinking.
latterly neighbouring China. Their academic institutions Finally, academia and academics can play a seminal
were developed into fertile grounds of research and inno- role in shaping policies that promote scientific temper by
vation. This should be India’s path to building future-ready collaborating with government agencies, think-tanks, and
institutions of higher education. NGOs, to advocate evidence-based policy formulation. In-
Unfortunately for decades after independence, scientif- spiring and mentoring the next generation of scientists and
ic research in India was limited to a few elite institutions, thinkers, scholarships, awards, and recognition of young
while public universities mostly focused on textbook-based scientists will motivate them to pursue careers in science
pedagogy. However, it is noteworthy that some Indian sci- and technology. Science education has to become inclusive,
entists excelled despite a discouraging environment. The equitable and accessible to all, regardless of gender, socio-
late Dr. Govind Swarup and his team designed and built economic background, or geographic location.
a Giant Metrewave radio telescope at the Tata Institute However, developing a national scientific temper is not
of Fundamental Research (TIFR) near Pune, which for a only the responsibility of scientists and educators. It re-
while was the largest radio-telescope in the world. Several quires a collective effort and participation of a wide range of
other breakthrough innovations followed. Today, the In- stakeholders including government, parents and teachers.
dian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is at the forefront But academia, with its unique position as the creator and
of outer space exploration. India is also a key partner in disseminator of knowledge, has a central role to play in this
ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reac- essential national mission. Academics need to emerge from
tor), France which will soon demonstrate the production their ivory towers to play a leading role to power 21st cen-
of energy by nuclear fusion. Moreover, LIGO-India will tury India’s belated surge towards the goal of a $30 trillion
detect gravitational waves from merging stars billions of economy by 2047 when the nation will celebrate 100 years
light-years away, and the Square Kilometre array, in South of liberation from foreign rule.
Africa and Australia, will investigate processes that led to
the very existence of humankind, with key participation of (Dr. Somak Raychaudhury is Vice-Chancellor and professor of physics at
Indian scientists and engineers. Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana)

34 EDUCATIONWORLD FEBRUARY 2025