PMO snubs RSS-linked outfit, denies award at ISC

Vijnana Bharati lashed out at the Prime Minister's Office for the 'last minute denial of award' to it at the Indian Science Congress

The Vijnana Bharati or Vibha, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-affiliated organisation, on Sunday lashed out at the Prime Minister’s Office for the “last minute denial of award” to it at the Indian Science Congress (ISC) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Furious at the denial, Vibha sought the Prime Minister’s personal intervention into the matter and called upon him to constitute Scientific Advisory Committee to PM “on an urgent basis”.

The Vibha had become the first Indian organisation to receive Guinness Book of World Records for conducting “the largest practical science lesson” on December 7, 2015 at IIT-Delhi with the support of the ministry of science & technology and earth sciences. “Even though the department of science and technology and other concerned committees had already ratified and confirmed the award to Vibha, the PMO rejected the recognition at the last minute without citing any logical reason,” said A Jayakumar, secretary-general, Vijnana Bharati.

“I find serious fault with PMO in the denial of the award to a Guinness Book World Records holder from India. This matter again highlights the urgent need to constitute a Scientific Advisory Committee to PM, which is pending even 18 months after the new government coming into force,” he added.