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)