Resist efforts to revive unscientific practices: Kerala CM

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan urges society to resist unscientific practices and promote rational thinking at the 38th Kerala Science Congress.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday (January 31, 2026) warned against attempts to glorify superstition and regressive practices by projecting irrational stories from myths and legends as ancient scientific discoveries.

He said such tendencies posed a serious threat to scientific temper and rational thinking in society. The Chief Minister was inaugurating the 38th Kerala Science Congress in Kochi. He added society must actively resist efforts to revive blind beliefs and unscientific practices, and stressed the need to openly expose narratives that project non-rational mythological claims as historical inventions. Industries Minister P. Rajeeve delivered the introductory address.

Delivering the keynote address, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V. Narayanan said Kerala has played a decisive role in India’s national growth. Recalling the situation at the time of Independence in 1947, he said the country faced severe challenges, including widespread poverty, low life expectancy, high mortality rates, limited industrialisation, and weak technological infrastructure. From those conditions, India has achieved remarkable progress, he said.

“Kerala is home to several institutions of national importance, including research centres in science and technology, life sciences, biotechnology, climate studies, and public health. High literacy levels and social inclusion have transformed the State into a laboratory for human development models,” he added.

During the inaugural function, the Chief Minister presented the 2024 Kerala Science Award to Dr. Tessy Thomas. He also distributed the State government’s science and technology awards, including the Kerala State Young Scientist Award, the Best Scientist Award, and awards for science literature and media.