(Dr. N. Khaleel)
Four years ago, Corona shook the world. Corona and other diseases are spreading as humans destroy nature with their selfishness. As the ruling classes around the world fail to provide the fruits of scientific research to the common man, religion is maintaining its existence with new interpretations. As a result, medicine is becoming more and more of a burden for the common man.
Famous physicist Albert Einstein said, “Science should be used for human development, not for human destruction.” During the Second World War between 1939-45, the United States dropped atomic bombs on Japan. As a result, many people died. Many were injured. The United Nations was formed in 1945 with the aim of preventing another world war.
The United Nations wants different countries to work together to protect the environment. Air pollution is the biggest problem we are facing today. Resolutions are being made in various conferences, but they are not being implemented. Due to increasing global warming, various types of viruses are causing irreparable damage to humanity. The corona pandemic that has shaken the world was caused by global warming. As vaccines did not reach poor countries in time, those countries suffered a lot due to corona. Even after corona, many viruses continue to attack humanity.
Science provides solutions to many problems faced by man. Due to excessive interference by man in nature, the extent of pollution is increasing day by day. As a result, changes are occurring in biodiversity. Science and technology are different.
Technology is a part of scientific research. Its results depend on the nature of the people who use it. For example, a doctor diagnoses a pregnant woman that she needs a scan and performs the test. If this same technology is used to find out whether the unborn child is a girl or a boy, it will definitely be a human error. These mistakes should not be attributed to science.
That is why scientists should choose new ways to fight against superstitions. They should oppose superstitions and show solutions to the harm caused by them. During the first and second wave of Corona, many scientific treatments became popular. Some tried to arouse emotions in the people by linking them to religion. But science activists have patiently made people aware of Corona through various media. This is a good development.
The ruling classes always keep people with some kind of emotion. Religion, which is a personal matter, serves as a vote bank for them. That is why they do not promote science much. Currently, even top countries like America are reducing the financial assistance they give to other countries for research. In our country, too, the awards given to scientific research every year are gradually being reduced.
Countries like Cuba and New Zealand, which have given importance to education, medicine, etc., have overcome the Corona epidemic and become an example for the countries of the world.
Pseudo-scientists are more dangerous than those who believe in superstitions. They talk about religion and science. YouTube videos are also increasingly coming up on such things. In this context, scientists and rationalists should go to the people more skillfully. New changes should be explored for the promotion of science. We cannot get close to the minds of the people through ridicule and mockery. Politicians and religious teachers have made religion a sensitive issue. At such a time, scientists are facing many setbacks. They are being attacked.
People follow certain customs in different regions. There is a lot of science hidden in them. For example, turmeric has some medicinal properties. While recognizing such things, we should patiently explain the harms caused by superstitions. Various religious teachers tell the people what they say with confidence and love. They meet people constantly. They speak words of comfort. Such actions bring them closer to the devotees. Science propagandists should use such methods to make people aware of science in innovative ways. Science topics are also in very complex language. The common man may not understand them quickly. The necessary technology should be used to explain science easily. Science topics should be translated into regional languages so that they are simple.
In modern times, education and medicine have become expensive. Therefore, the poor do not get quality education and medicine. Pressure should be put on the ruling classes to provide education and medicine free of cost. Only then will the fruits of science reach the common man.
(Author is a pharmacist based at Hyderabad)
