Keralam launches scientific temper initiative named after Jawaharlal Nehru, plans sub-centres in 300 colleges

Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Wednesday (November 4) inaugurated the first Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Scientific Temper sub-centre at the Government College for Women (GCW), Thiruvananthapuram, marking the launch of the United Democratic Front (UDF) government’s initiative to promote scientific thinking and inquiry in college campuses across Keralam.

The government plans to establish 300 such sub-centres in colleges as part of the pre-poll promise. The initiative was also announced in the State Budget.

The inauguration also saw the launch of the Sidharthan Students Assistance App, a platform for students to report ragging and other grievances. Both initiatives are being coordinated by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC).

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Satheesan said the centres would encourage students to develop a scientific outlook, cultivate a spirit of inquiry and question existing assumptions. Emphasising the continuing relevance of scientific temper, a concept championed by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, he said students should be inspired to pursue knowledge and keep themselves updated with emerging technologies.

Scientific temper was not opposed to religious or personal beliefs, but was an approach to understanding life through reason, evidence and continuous inquiry, he said.

The Chief Minister also called for campuses to become spaces for creative thinking, constructive discussions and new ideas rather than violence and confrontation. He said the government wanted to introduce new academic programmes aligned with changing technological and employment requirements to make Keralam an education destination and create more opportunities for students within the State.

The Sidharthan Students Assistance App has been launched in memory of J.S. Sidharthan, a 20-year-old undergraduate student of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, whose death in a college hostel in Wayanad, had triggered a political controversy and widespread protests in Kerala two years ago.His mother, Sheeba Jayaprakash, was present on the occasion.

Mr. Satheesan said the identity of students submitting complaints would remain confidential and assured strict action against ragging. The app would also help students seek counselling and support when they experienced distress or isolation, he added.

Higher Education Minister Roji M. John, who presided over the function, said the two initiatives fulfilled promises made by the government before the Assembly election. The app is being introduced on a trial basis in selected institutions before its expansion across the state. The government also plans to bring in a separate anti-ragging legislation, he pointed out.

Principal Secretary of Higher Education, B. Ashok, KSHEC vice-chairperson Achuthsankar S. Nair, member secretary Abida Farooqui and GCW principal Umajyothi V. also spoke on the occasion.