The Need to Become Science-Friendly

28th February is celebrated in India as the National Science Day (NSD) as a tribute to science. The date itself pays tribute to the discovery of Raman Effect which brought a Nobel Prize to C. V. Raman. Apart from speeches and films highlighting the role of science and its importance to the common citizen, the various programmes on the NSD also highlight the scientific temper. The scientific temper owes its origin to the way science proceeds to expand its role in understanding nature. But it has a wider role to play, which takes it well beyond the highways and byways of science. It is an attitude of mind which we should all cultivate that aims at being rational in our action and overall behaviour. Science progressed over the years by admitting new facts and ideas to its fold by demanding their critical appraisal. Do not accept a statement as factual until you have evidence to support it…even if it comes from a distinguished or important personage. So says the scientific temper.