It’s okay to be proud of ancient wisdom: Minister

Drawing flak for making scientifically regressive comments, Union Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday asserted that the BJP dispensation is forward looking and “not stuck” in ancient wisdom.

“It’s okay to be proud of ancient wisdom,” the Minister said amidst criticism that his party has been facing recently by the scientific fraternity and others for “anti-science” statements made by some BJP leaders.

“There is nothing wrong in feeling proud about ancient wisdom. Ancient wisdom gives us energy and inspiration. We aren’t stuck in that. We are forward looking. We want to make India a top scientific nation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Vardhan said at a press conference, organised to highlight the achievements of the Modi Government.

“I can tell you with certainty that our ancient wisdom in the field of science, technology, medicine, commerce, industry, health....If you study it without any preconceived notion, you will be proud of our country’s rich history,” the Minister said.

He said he had read books in which not just Indians but also foreigners had written India’s supremacy in these fields.

On a question on the delay in taking a decision on environmental clearance on GM Mustard for commercial use, Vardhan, who is also the Minister for Environment and Forests, said his Ministry is studying the issue closely.