India marches for science: Students, researchers and scientists to rally in support of science

Students, researchers and scientists will take out a rally tomorrow in Pune as a part of the 'March for Science' movement. The rally is being organised to put a stop to the propagation of "unscientific", "obscurantist" ideas and increase the funding for science and promote scientific research, a media release issued here said.

"It is, however, a matter of deep concern for all of us to note that cultivation of rational thinking and scientific temper in India is heading towards a crisis. There have been alarmingly frequent instances of obscurantism and religious fundamentalism in our society, which mark a departure from the vision of a nation guided by a rational outlook, scientific temper and humanity," it added. As per the release, the funding for higher education, and science and technology research has continued to remain "sub-optimal."

Immunologist Vineeta Bal, who is one of the organisers, said the march will start from the Mahatma Gandhi statue near Pune Railway station and will conclude at Ambedkar statue. "Large number of researchers, scientists, teachers and students are expected to participate in the march tomorrow," she said. Bal also claimed that eminent scientist Jayant Narlikar has supported the cause.