Referring to the ‘glorious achievements of ancient India’, Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik said here on Wednesday that he “pitied all those who initiated a debate that there were no achievements in the past.”
He was speaking at the valedictory function of the Indian Science Congress here on Wednesday.
“The challenge in front of us today is to find the Paninis and Aryabhattas and Sushrutas of the present period. We should be proud of our past achievements, while looking at the challenges of the present,” Mr. Naik said.
“Look at India's history. There are great achievements in the fields of mathematics, civil engineering, architecture, ayurveda and astrology too. We had made great progress in astrology. It is all mentioned in our history,” he said, adding that the country also needs to study Yoga properly before the West comes and teaches its importance.
He drew attention to the exploding population and said the biggest challenge was to address the question of increasing agricultural production to feed it.
He also said that people were sceptical about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s English-speaking ability, before he delivered his inaugural speech at the Indian Science Congress. “But his speech inspired the country for technological innovation,” he said.
The session at the end of the five-day controversial event was attended by over 1000 people. Union Minister Suresh Prabhu and Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Vinod Tawde also addressed the valedictory function.
At the start of the session, a few visually challenged students gave an enthralling demonstration of the Indian sport, mallakhamba, which involves acrobatics on a rope and a pole.
