It is important to talk to the common man instead of talking to the media and mobile phones : Dr Venkateshwaran
A youth convention on the topic of scientific thinking, eradication of superstition and a drug-free society was organized by the Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti in the conference hall of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department in Solan. Students from DIET, All India Lawyers Union, Shades College, and HP University, along with youth from Solan, Sirmaur, Shimla, and Kinnaur, academicians, social workers, and scientists participated in the program.
Speaking on the topic “Indian Knowledge Systems: Propaganda, Myths, and Truth,” Dr. T.V. Venkateswaran, the convention’s keynote speaker and retired from Vigyan Prasar, said that we should learn from ancient knowledge traditions, but accept them only after testing them on the basis of evidence and facts. He added that to understand the true state of society today, it is more important to communicate with the common people rather than relying solely on media and mobile phones.
State Secretary Satyawan Pundir said that this program was organized under the Yuva Bachao Abhiyan, which aims to promote scientific outlook among the youth, spread awareness against superstition and motivate the youth to stay away from social evils like drug addiction.
Presiding over the session, retired Engineer-in-Chief J.S. Chauhan appreciated the efforts of Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti and inspired the youth to take up the responsibility of spreading scientific awareness in the society.
Retired college principal Prof. Vipin Rathore, while delivering a lecture on the topic of scientific approach, beliefs, myths and their impact, said that scientific thinking is essential to free the society from superstitions and evils.
Dr. B.S. Panwar, President of Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti and an expert in mass communication, while concluding the session, citing the examples of Saint Kabir and Guru Nanak Dev, said that to adopt a scientific approach, it is not necessary to be a science student only, but logical and conscious thinking can also bring about change in the society.
Committee Vice President Gianand Sharma and Dr. R.K. Sharma, Joint Secretary Sita Ram Thakur, retired senior scientist Prof. T.D. Verma, psychologist Dr. Ravi Bhushan, retired Principal Dr. O.P. Kaistha and Manuj Gupta, District Secretary D.C. Rawat and various other resource persons expressed their views in the convention.
On this occasion, the song “Gyan Ka Diya” was presented by the cultural group of Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti and Shades College also presented the street play “Zimmedar Kaun” prepared by the Samiti on drug addiction.
