"Thinking Deficiency in Science a Major Concern": Prof. Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan

Pune: “Why don’t we appreciate thinking? Imagination is the most important and difficult task,” remarked Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan, National Research Professor - Ayush, Distinguished Professor at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), and author of ‘Genome to Om’, during an interactive session organised by the Department of Communication and Journalism, SPPU on Thursday.

DoCJ Students and teachers with Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan.

Department of Communication and Journalism organised a special interaction session with Prof. Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan on 'Science and Spirituality' where Prof. Yogesh Borate interviewed him.

Dr. Patwardhan emphasized that science today suffers from a deficiency of deep thinking, urging scholars and researchers to go beyond rigid methodologies and embrace intuition and imagination in their pursuit of knowledge. He argued that the aim of science is the search for truth, and this pursuit is incomplete without critical thinking and questioning.

Discussing his book 'Genome to Om', he described it as agnostic, blending history, philosophy, and spirituality. Sharing his personal evolution, he said, “I transitioned from atheism to agnosticism.” He stressed that intuition often leads to invention and lamented the decline of traditional learning methods, stating, “Our Gurukul system changed into a Kul Guru-centric education model due to British influence. Now, we need to embrace Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”

Education System

He criticized the lack of innovation in modern India, asserting, “We glorify our ancestors but fail to address present realities. We need to extend ourselves.” He also highlighted the difference between Anubhav (experience) and Anubhuti (realization) and discussed thinking versus existential questions like birth and death.

Dr. Patwardhan addressed the challenges Indian writers face, noting that Indian readers do not take their own writers seriously, making it difficult for them to gain acceptance. He also urged modern scientists to study ancient sciences and develop a habit of questioning.

Reflecting on the writing process of 'Genome to Om', he recalled meeting with Gururaj Mohali, who said, “Good should not become the enemy of excellence.” He credited Indu Ram Chandrani as the core writer of the book, stating, “I am just a medium; this book emerged from discussions.”

Speaking on narratives and their impact, he stressed that education is the only way to reshape perspectives, but lamented that the National Education Policy (NEP) is not being implemented effectively.

Fourth Explosion?

Dr. Patwardhan concluded by warning that the world stands on the brink of a “fourth explosion”,

1. The Big Bang
2. Invention of Dynamite
3. Open-Heimer
4. ?

He predicted that the next explosion would be a due fusion of the following:

• AI
• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology.

The session left attendees with a thought-provoking message: True scientific progress begins with deep thinking and imagination.