Krishna innagurates a new science gallery

Mumbai, Oct 9 (UNI) Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna inagurated a permanent science gallery 'Our Technology Heritage' displaying Indian civilisation vis-a-vis technology at the Nehru Science Centre here today.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor reminded the people that they should be proud of their ancient technological heritage, adding that people should go back to history and discover the great civilisation, for which India stood.

''The new gallery is worth for the benefit of the society as it tells the story of an India and its technological prowness of 4,500 years ago. This speaks of the unique techonological insight our forefathers had.'' Stressing that science&technology is inextricably linked with the growth of any nation, he emphasised that the country has managed to overcome its problems in the last one or two decades and has created its own niche in the world scenario. All this has happened due to the progress that India has acheived in its science and technology particularly in the areas of space, communication, nuclear energy etc.

Calling upon the architects of the gallery, Krishna suggested that interest must be invoked among the younger generation particularly school children to tide over their ancient heritage. He said it is vital for children to know history, hence education planners should urgently modify the present system of education and leave some time and energy for creative thinking among students.

This is essential to maintain our primacy in science and technology, the Governor added.

An elated Adi Godrej, noted Industralist and guest of the function, said that he was glad to learn how technology oriented the country was in its old days and how the same technique travelled to other parts of the world in different forms.

He said that it is remarkable on the part of the Science Centre to develop such a great ancient heritage at a time when the country is undergoing through a renaissance in its economy and technology.

Godrej also appreciated that in ancient times the country developed technology without scientific support and for a modern India, sky is the limit as its progressing in every aspect of modern technology with a strong scientifc base putting the economy of the country in the world map.

I K Mukherjee, Director General of the Centre said that the new gallery was made in a span of 15 months with the help of around 50 excperts, historians and Indian and foreign academicians at a cost of 30 lakh.

He called upon students, the people in general and particularly parents to seize the great oppurtunity in inculating their wards as well as near and dear ones with the great heritage of the country.

The gallery will remain open for 363 days except for Holi and Diwali, asserted Mukherjee.

He maintained that the new gallery covers important ancient Indian technological contributions starting with the Indus Valley civilizaion to the mining&metallurgy techniques. Other notable Indian contributions such as Zinc smelting and Damascus swords are also in display, Mukherjee added.

In addition, a huge working model of a multi barrel gun cannon cleaner caleld the 'Yarghu' an important technological inventions made by an engineer Fatullah Shiraji during Akbar's period is another attraction in the gallery.

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