109th Edition of the Indian Science Congress (ISC)

Context: This article is based on an Editorial “Opportune pause: On an opportunity to consider the relevance of the Indian Science Congress” which was published in the Hindu. The Indian Science Congress (ISC) 109th edition, originally to be held in Lucknow University in 2024, has been cast in doubt after the University pulled out citing an ongoing dispute between the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the ISC Association. 

• Later, the Lovely Professional University (LPU) also withdrew from hosting this ISC, which is raising a concern about the event’s viability.

About the Indian Science Congress (ISC)

• An Annual Event: Here country’s scientific community gathers to present and discuss research and communicate science. 
• Prestige: It is inaugurated either by the Prime Minister and, often, a Nobel Laureate/s. 
• Organizing Body: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is a significant source of funds and the ISC Association, the autonomous body under the DST organizes it. 
• Arising Concern: In the past few years, the ISC’s reputation has been downgraded after it offered itself as a platform for a few members of the scientific community to advance pseudoscientific claims. 
  • The Indian Science Congress is itself flawed, with its oracular choice of speakers, disjointed agenda, and hectic schedule not facilitating meaningful engagement.
• Significance: The ISC also hosts thousands of school and college students every year as well as some talks by researchers that contribute to learning and awareness. 

Need To Do

This hold in the ISC’s schedule is an opportunity to consider the relevance of the ISC and the ISC should become an independent, more frequent, and more coherent event.