RSS body plans global conference for paradigm shift in research

New Delhi: An RSS-affliated body is organising a 3-day international conference drawing inspiration from ancient Indian texts like Upanishads and aimed at effecting a "paradigm shift" in the way research is conducted in the country.

Among topics to be discussed are Bharatiya Knowledge Systems - Futuristic Approach, Civilisational Harmony (Vasudhaiv Kutmmbakam), education, environment and others.

The papers to be presented include ones on therapeutic effects of 'Vedic' chanting, Vedic mathematics, principles of sociology, mass communication in ancient times which even mentions mythological sage 'Narad Muni', office bearers of 'Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal' told reporters here.

The conference, to be held next month in Nagpur, aims to imbibe a 'Bharatiya' approach in research and will be inaugurated by HRD Minister Smriti Irani and attended by a host of Union Ministers.

National organising joint secretary of the body, Mukul Kanitkar, said the scope of papers being presented is quite wide, from agriculture to advances being made in nuclear science.

He said the organisation wants a focus shift to a 'Bharatiya' approach in research from the current emphasis on a western approach.

Citing the Upanishadic mantra 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah', he said, "In the 'Bharatiya' approach we talk about welfare of everyone while the western approach to science and rest is about survival of the fittest. In the latter approach, it is inherent that the unfit does not have the right to survive.

And if this is the approach, technology will be developed that will cause damage as well."

He was asked by reporters as to what the Bhartiya Shikshan Mandal has in mind as it talks of a Futuristic Approach towards Bhartiya Knowledge Systems as mythological references have often been confused with evidence of past scientific advancements by certain people.