Ancient Indian science theories based on logic, says Javadekar

Ancient Indian scientific theories were based on minute understanding of observations of centuries and based on experience and logic, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said here on Sunday.

"The theories, without much tools and machines, were based on minute understanding of observations of centuries and based on experience and logic. That wisdom must be recognised. That wisdom has a relevance today," Javadekar said.

He was speaking at a symposium on Ancient Indian Sciences through Sanskrit, on the second day of the ongoing 102nd Indian Science Congress at suburban Kalina.

"If Germans and others can, on the basis of our language (Sanskrit) and our ancient science, produce new equipment, why can't we?" the Minister said.

"The issue of today's symposium, Ancient Indian Sciences through Sanskrit, is a good topic to be discussed because knowledge is supreme. The objective of the symposium is very secular and purely academic," he said. "Those who want to pursue the path of knowledge don't see how old it is. Everything old may not be gold, but not everything old is a waste," Javadekar said.

"We must be very clear as to what science means," he said.

"I can't deliver a speech in Sanskrit, but I begin my day by listening to the 6.55 am Sanskrit news," the ,minister said. "Once you know Sanskrit, it is easy to pick up other languages," he said.

"The scientific community gathered here should pay attention to the Sanskrit knowledge fund and use it for human development," he said.