Scientific knowledge is the most valuable treasure of mankind. It is the
sum total of human enquiry, endeavor and experience. Different
civilizations in various ages have contributed towards it. Science is
thus common heritage of man. Laws of science are also universal in their
character. The moral of the scientific approach is that there is no
finality in knowledge and that we can push back its frontiers for ever
and ever. An important attribute of science is its transcendental
nature, it knows no geographical boundaries and thus promotes global
contact and understanding. It encourages cooperation and exchange of
ideas and thus tends to broaden the horizons. Scientists are thus used
to truth which is universal and their community is thus, in general
averse to the barriers that can sometimes be imposed by vested interest
in the way of free diffusion and sharing of knowledge.
Science
is not the monopoly of any single country or region and none should be
discouraged from having an access to it. Assistance in promoting the
learning of science has always played a key role in the development of
science throughout history. No country can claim to have managed its
scientific research without external inputs. Science knows no
boundaries; indeed it derives its intellectual vitality from interaction
and exchange of ideas. It is expansive by nature and any attempt to
restrict it results in stultifying its growth. Progress in any
scientific field depends upon pooling the experience of scientists.
Research, unlike other human activities, is a highly collective
undertaking.
For the
growth and advancement of knowledge, the importance of scientific
seminars, meetings and conferences can hardly be overemphasized. These
help scientists to share knowledge and learn from each others
experiences. Learning of science essentially requires communication of
scientific activities. A scientist must have the opportunity to learn
from the work of the others and benefit from it instead of duplicating
the effort.
For
science to flourish in any culture, its usefulness must be widely
understood and appreciated. Science and Scientists should therefore
speak up and be widely heard. Scientific manpower must be strengthened
and upgraded. For this, a long term strategy of information exchange and
education must be chalked out. The need of the day is far more effective
and prompt communication. Conferences and meetings go a long way in
establishing reciprocal channels of communication.