26 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

5 min

Science & TechnologySocial IssuesEDITORIAL

Decolonising and de-Nobelising Science: Reimagining India's Scientific Identity

India needs to broaden its understanding of science beyond Nobel prestige.

Editorial Analysis

India's understanding and valorization of science should not be solely based on external prestige like the Nobel Prize. The state needs to expand the cast of legitimate scientific actors and sites, valuing the work of technicians, field staff, nurses, and others whose labor is essential to make new knowledge.

Main Arguments:

National Science Day rituals legitimize what the state considers as science, often prioritizing 'world-class discoveries' over other forms of scientific contributions.
Decolonizing science in India requires de-Nobelising the state's understanding of science, moving away from treating external prestige as the main proof of scientific worth.
Keywords like 'jugaad,' 'poromboke,' and 'laboratory' reveal how recognition works through institutional infrastructures and how certain forms of knowledge are valued over others.
Innovation in the context of National Science Day tends to be stage-managed for elite consumption, often packaged for global management culture and award narratives.
The state often glosses over 'poromboke' as wasteland, ignoring its essential role for marginalized communities, highlighting how state accounting decides which landscapes and people's uses count as legitimate.
The recognizability of scientific achievements is manufactured, with elite 'mega labs' overshadowing the 'minor labs' ubiquitous in towns and villages, where most Indians encounter scientific authority.

Conclusion

National Science Day should not simply reproduce a Nobel-shaped story about genius and external validation. It should become an annual day of discussion of what counts as science, including the work of technicians, field staff, nurses, lab attendants, data collectors, and others whose labor is essential to make new knowledge but is rarely commemorated.

The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, the top decision-making body of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), will convene for three days starting March 13 in Samalkha, Haryana. The meeting will be chaired by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and attended by the organization's top leadership, including the heads of its 40+ affiliates. Bharatiya Janata Party chief Nitin Nabin will present at the meeting with the Sangh leaders for the first time since taking over in January.

The Sangh is expected to discuss ideological concerns, including identifying and deporting undocumented immigrants, a cause the RSS has long advocated due to claims of demographic changes in border areas. The meeting will also review the activities planned at the previous year’s meeting and the work mapped as part of the ongoing centenary celebrations. Resolutions on relevant issues will be passed.

While the RSS maintains a distance from electoral politics, its cadre is expected to campaign for the BJP and help shape the party’s narrative in upcoming assembly polls in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Demographic challenges will be a key theme in Assam and West Bengal, while the administration and control of Hindu temples will be underlined in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Other issues to be discussed include “decolonising education” and reviving ancient Indian techniques for farming and agriculture. The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, an RSS offshoot, will raise the issue of pushing for more resilient crops and better farming and irrigation techniques. The RSS chief reiterated earlier this month that Hindu families should have at least three children to ensure that demographic decline doesn’t weaken the community in the future.

This meeting is relevant to understanding the ideological underpinnings of certain socio-political narratives in India and their potential impact on policy, making it relevant for UPSC exams, particularly in sections related to polity, social issues, and governance (GS Paper II).

Key Facts

India celebrates National Science Day every February 28.

The day commemorates C.V. Raman's announcement of the Raman effect in 1928.

The Raman effect discovery won C.V. Raman the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.

The article suggests decolonising and de-Nobelising science in India.

The article emphasizes valuing the work of technicians, field staff, and nurses.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Role of non-governmental organizations in shaping public discourse and influencing policy decisions.

GS Paper I: Social issues related to demographic changes and cultural preservation.

GS Paper IV: Ethical considerations related to immigration and cultural identity.

In Simple Words

National Science Day is celebrated to remember when C.V. Raman discovered the Raman Effect. The author thinks we focus too much on big awards like the Nobel Prize. Instead, we should also value the everyday work of people like lab technicians and nurses who help make science happen.

India Angle

In India, we often celebrate scientists who win international awards. This article suggests we should also recognize the contributions of people working in local labs and those using practical knowledge like 'jugaad' to solve problems in their communities.

For Instance

Think about a local clinic. While doctors get the most recognition, nurses, lab technicians, and support staff are crucial for patient care and diagnosis. Their contributions are often overlooked but are essential for the clinic's success.

It's important to value all kinds of knowledge and contributions to science. This ensures that everyone's efforts are recognized and that science benefits all members of society, not just a select few.

Real science includes everyone, not just Nobel winners.

The article discusses the need to decolonize and de-Nobelise science in India, arguing that the state's understanding and valorization of science should not be solely based on external prestige. It suggests expanding the cast of legitimate scientific actors and sites, drawing on keywords like 'jugaad,' 'poromboke,' and 'laboratory' to illustrate how recognition works through institutional infrastructures. The author emphasizes the importance of valuing the work of technicians, field staff, nurses, lab attendants, data collectors, and others whose labor is essential to making new knowledge but is rarely commemorated.

Expert Analysis

The upcoming meeting of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha of the RSS involves several key concepts that are crucial to understanding its significance. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), founded in 1925, is a Hindu nationalist organization that aims to unite the Hindu community and promote Indian culture and values. Its ideology, known as Hindutva, emphasizes the cultural and civilizational aspects of Hindu identity. The RSS influences various aspects of Indian society through its network of affiliated organizations.

The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha is the highest decision-making body of the RSS. It convenes annually to review the organization's activities, discuss important issues, and set future directions. The Sabha brings together top leaders of the RSS and heads of its various affiliated organizations, allowing for coordinated action across different sectors. The meeting in Samalkha, Haryana, from March 13, will focus on issues such as illegal immigration, demographic changes, and the promotion of Indian culture.

The concept of Hindutva, central to the RSS ideology, plays a significant role in shaping the organization's views on issues like illegal immigration and cultural preservation. The RSS believes that illegal immigration leads to demographic changes that threaten the Hindu identity of India. This concern is reflected in the Sabha's agenda, which includes discussions on identifying and deporting undocumented immigrants. The RSS also advocates for the revival of ancient Indian techniques for farming and agriculture, as part of its broader effort to promote Indian culture and values.

The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, an affiliate of the RSS, focuses on issues related to farmers and agriculture. It advocates for policies that promote the interests of Indian farmers, such as the use of resilient crops and better farming techniques. The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh's participation in the Sabha reflects the RSS's broader engagement with various sectors of Indian society. The Sangh will raise the issue of pushing for more resilient crops and better farming and irrigation techniques during the meeting.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding the RSS, its affiliated organizations, and its ideology is essential for the Polity and Governance sections (GS Paper II). Questions may arise regarding the role of non-governmental organizations in shaping public discourse and influencing policy decisions. Additionally, the RSS's views on issues like illegal immigration and cultural preservation can be relevant to essays and answer writing in the Ethics and Social Issues sections (GS Paper IV and GS Paper I).

More Information

Background

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar with the aim of uniting the Hindu community and promoting Indian culture and values. The organization's ideology, known as Hindutva, emphasizes the cultural and civilizational aspects of Hindu identity. Over the years, the RSS has grown into a large and influential organization with a network of affiliated organizations that operate in various sectors of Indian society. The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha is the highest decision-making body of the RSS. It convenes annually to review the organization's activities, discuss important issues, and set future directions. The Sabha brings together top leaders of the RSS and heads of its various affiliated organizations, allowing for coordinated action across different sectors. The meeting in Samalkha, Haryana, from March 13, will focus on issues such as illegal immigration, demographic changes, and the promotion of Indian culture. The RSS's focus on issues like illegal immigration and cultural preservation is rooted in its ideology of Hindutva. The organization believes that illegal immigration leads to demographic changes that threaten the Hindu identity of India. This concern is reflected in the Sabha's agenda, which includes discussions on identifying and deporting undocumented immigrants. The RSS also advocates for the revival of ancient Indian techniques for farming and agriculture, as part of its broader effort to promote Indian culture and values.

Latest Developments

In recent years, the RSS has been actively involved in various social and political issues in India. The organization has been vocal on issues such as illegal immigration, religious conversion, and cultural preservation. The RSS has also been involved in promoting Indian culture and values through its network of affiliated organizations.

The current government has expressed support for some of the RSS's goals, such as promoting Indian culture and values. However, there have also been disagreements between the government and the RSS on certain issues. For example, the RSS has criticized the government's handling of the economy and its policies on religious conversion.

Looking ahead, the RSS is expected to continue to play a significant role in Indian society and politics. The organization is likely to focus on issues such as illegal immigration, cultural preservation, and the promotion of Indian values. The RSS's influence on Indian society and politics is likely to continue to grow in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the RSS discussing 'decolonising science' now? What's the trigger?

The discussion is likely triggered by a desire to promote indigenous knowledge systems and challenge the dominance of Western perspectives in science, coinciding with efforts to emphasize Indian culture and values.

2. What's the core idea behind 'de-Nobelising' science, and how does it connect to India's interests?

The core idea is to broaden the definition of scientific achievement beyond just winning Nobel Prizes. It connects to India's interests by encouraging the recognition and valuing of contributions from technicians, field staff, and nurses, whose work is crucial but often unacknowledged.

3. How might this emphasis on 'decolonising science' affect India's approach to international collaborations in science and technology?

It could lead to a greater emphasis on collaborations that value and incorporate indigenous knowledge, potentially shifting the focus from simply adopting Western technologies to co-developing solutions that are relevant to India's specific needs and context.

4. If UPSC asks a question about 'decolonising science,' what specific angle should I focus on in my Mains answer?

Focus on the socio-cultural implications, the potential for inclusive innovation, and the challenges of integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific practices. Critically examine the potential benefits and drawbacks of such an approach.

5. What's the difference between 'decolonising science' and simply promoting scientific research in India?

Promoting scientific research focuses on increasing funding and infrastructure for scientific activities. 'Decolonising science' goes further by questioning the dominance of Western frameworks and promoting indigenous knowledge systems within scientific inquiry.

6. How does the RSS's focus on cultural preservation connect with the idea of 'decolonising science'?

The RSS's emphasis on cultural preservation provides a foundation for promoting indigenous knowledge systems as a valid and valuable part of scientific inquiry, challenging the perceived superiority of Western scientific traditions.

7. What are the potential drawbacks of prioritizing 'decolonised science' in India?

Potential drawbacks include the risk of neglecting advancements made within Western scientific frameworks, hindering progress in certain fields, and potentially leading to a rejection of evidence-based practices in favor of unproven traditional methods.

8. In Prelims, what's a likely 'trap' question related to C.V. Raman and the Nobel Prize?

A common trap is to confuse the year of the Raman Effect announcement (1928) with the year C.V. Raman received the Nobel Prize (1930). Examiners might test if you know the two-year gap.

Exam Tip

Remember: Announcement (1928) -> Award (1930). Think 'A before W'.

9. Will this topic be more relevant to GS Paper I (Culture) or GS Paper III (Science & Tech)?

It has elements relevant to both. GS Paper I because it involves cultural values influencing science. GS Paper III because it concerns the direction of scientific development in India. Expect a question that bridges both.

10. How does this discussion about science relate to the RSS's broader ideological goals?

It aligns with the RSS's goal of promoting Hindutva and Indian culture by seeking to re-evaluate and potentially prioritize indigenous knowledge systems within the realm of science, thereby reinforcing a sense of national identity and pride.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)? 1. The RSS was founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. 2. The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha is the highest decision-making body of the RSS. 3. The RSS advocates for the revival of ancient Indian techniques for farming and agriculture. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All the statements are correct. The RSS was indeed founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha is the highest decision-making body of the RSS, and the organization does advocate for the revival of ancient Indian techniques for farming and agriculture as part of its broader effort to promote Indian culture and values.