Karan Thapar
The Hindu, 1 November 2014
Prime
Minister Narendra
Modi’s assumption that in prehistoric mythological times India had mastered
genetic science and plastic surgery is irrational.
What do we expect
of our prime ministers? This is not a rhetorical question and you’ll soon see
why. We expect integrity, commitment, dedication, administrative expertise and,
hopefully, a fair modicum of intelligence. But is that all?
As important as all
the other qualities, we also expect rationality. We may not always agree with
what our prime ministers say or are committed to do but we assume that their
thoughts and actions are rational, well-considered and credible. In other
words, even if their decisions turn out to be wrong — and that often happens —
they won’t offend against common sense.
It is here that I
have a bone to pick with Narendra Modi. Speaking at the inauguration of the Sir
H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre last Saturday, he
said: “Mahabharat ka kehna hai ki Karn maa ki godh se paida nahi hua
tha. Iska matlab yeh hai ki us samaye genetic science mojud tha … Hum Ganeshji
ki puja kiya karte hain, koi to plastic surgeon hoga us zamane main, jisne
manushye ke sharir par haathi ka sar rakh kar ke plastic surgery ka prarambh
kiya hoga.” [It is said in the Mahabharata that Karna was not born from his
mother’s womb. This means in the times in which the epic was written genetic
science was very much present. We all worship Lord Ganesha; for sure there must
have been some plastic surgeon at that time, to fit an elephant’s head on the
body of a human being.
No doubt many
Hindus share Mr. Modi’s assumption that in prehistoric mythological times India
had mastered genetic science and plastic surgery. As individuals they are free
to believe what they want. But for the Prime Minister of India to proclaim this
belief as fact — and that too at the inauguration of a hospital — is something
else.
Why? This is
because it’s not rational to use mythology as the basis for claiming scientific
achievements. First, there’s no proof other than the assumption the myth is
true and that’s an unwarranted assumption. Second, how do you account for the
fact the scientific knowledge and achievements you are boasting of have been
lost, if not also long forgotten, and there is no trace of any records to
substantiate they ever occurred?
Even worse, Mr.
Modi’s views echo those of Dinanath Batra. His books are now part of the
curriculum in 42,000 schools across Gujarat and carry messages from Mr. Modi
when he was Chief Minister. They claim stem cell research was known in the days
of Kunti and the Kauravas, television was invented at the time of the
Mahabharata and the motor car existed in the Vedic period. Few would deny this
is nonsense. Why wouldn’t you say the same for the claim India mastered genetic
science and plastic surgery in prehistoric times?
I have two further
points. First, Mr. Modi wants to build smart cities, stresses the need for
education and is proud of the successful mission to Mars. He believes in
digital India, wants to import bullet trains and ‘Make in India’ state-of-the-art
defence weaponry. These are 21st century ambitions. How does all of that
sit alongside this belief in unverified mythology? Are they not
contradictory?
Second, Greek
mythology has centaurs and minotaurs; the Persians have the griffin; the
British the unicorn; and fairy tales have mermaids and werewolves. Mr. Modi’s
position would also lead us to believe these creatures actually existed. But
does anyone believe they did? Surely only in our dreams? Or only whilst we were
children?
Ultimately, my problem
with the Prime Minister’s comment goes a step further, but it could be the most
critical of all. Under Article 51 A (h) of the Constitution it’s the
fundamental duty of every citizen to develop a scientific temper. I can’t see
how the Prime Minister is doing that by blatantly claiming medical advances on
the basis of unverified myths. His views clearly and undeniably contradict this
constitutional requirement. In fact, if he thinks about it I feel confident Mr.
Modi would not disagree!
These are troubling
doubts and for the Prime Minister to be the cause of them is even more
worrying. Finally, I’m dismayed this issue has not got greater attention in the
media. Nor, to my astonishment, has any Indian scientist refuted the Prime
Minister’s claims. Their silence is perplexing. The silence of the media is
deeply disturbing. It feels as though it’s been deliberately blanked out by
everyone.
(Karan Thapar is a
television commentator and anchor of the Headlines Today programme, To The
Point)
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