SCIENCE AND SOCIAL CHANGES
India is the only nation which is the source of social culture, social behavior, social instincts and other social activities and that is why we are all well aware of the social status of our Bharat from Ramayana to update. But since the development of science, great changes not only in India, but all over the world. Science has brought a tremendous change in all spheres of life. We depend so much upon it that it has almost become impossible to conceive of the modern civilized life. It has added to our power to such an extent that it has become possible for us to triumph over and shape our physical environments. The inexhaustible material gifts of science have already added much to our health, resources and power.
On account of science many changes have occurred in society. It has made fairy tales sound real. All the wonders of older days pale into insignificance before the wonders of modern science. In the beginning of 19Th century a letter took weeks, in favourable circumstances, to reach America and its arrival was uncertain. Today we can speak to a friend in London within 15 minutes and be with him in 12 hours. The means of communication have not only become swifter but also safer and more comfortable. In fact, science has abolished distance and the five continents have become adjacent countries. Not to speak of only linking the different parts of the globe, scientists are marking effort to bring our earth in communication with other planets. Recently, India has waved its flag on the moon. It is the greatest achievement in space science. ISRO (Indian Space Research organization) has touched its “height of glory”. Medical science has added much to our relief. There was a time when most of diseases proved fatal, but now there is remedy for every disease. Surgery has helped in saving millions of human lives. The discovery of anesthetics has enabled us to undergo even major operation without feeling any pain. The discovery of X-Ray has facilitated the diagnosis.
The modern age totally depends on electricity which is the boon of science. Electricity is used, today in households, factories, industries and everywhere in colleges, schools etc. there is hardly anything in life which does not need the help of electricity. The invention of machines has greatly reduced manual labour. Machines have industrialized most countries, improved the economic condition of the people and have raised the standard of living. Science through telegraph, telephone, telex, fax etc. Radio, business dealings can be easily done through internet services. People get fast services through internet and e-mail.
Science has changed our outlook. It has dispelled ignorance. The invention of the printing press has enabled us to have an easy access to the books which help us in broadening our outlook and shaping our intellect. Now we have grown more logical and methodical.
But all this progress becomes zero if we will not take care of the dangers of pollution, the danger of misuse of resources, global warming, and dangers of increasing terrorism in the whole world. We cannot forget the destruction of Second World War in Japan. No doubt, every country is busy in making more and more dangerous weapons. Scientific progress has made it possible to have larger armies. War instinct among people has increased. No doubt, science has changed our status, but it has also increased destruction possibility. Moreover, the use of scientific products leads to global-warming. Due to scientific progress, the bond of love between husband and wife, the bond of love between brother and sister and between mother and son has become week. Our social system has broken. The culture of joint families has become to an end. Life, an account of science has become very materialistic and mechanical, devoid of leisure and peace. Science has brought a great negative impact on our patriotic values and spiritual values. What a fun! We have to teach moral education in the class-rooms which was automatic and natural. So, science has made progress in the materialistic world. But science has left a stigma on our patriotic value, spiritual value and intellectual value.
The artificial shortage of goods, hoarding, and profiteering are the features of the present age. Pilotless rockets, atom bombs, hydrogen bombs, nitrogen bombs etc. have been prepared and nobody is safe. Indeed science is more a curse than a blessing. It will continue to be a greater curse unless man’s conscience and moral growth keeps pace with scientific advancement. In order to get rid of terrorism, Pollution and global warming, the whole world should try to make combined efforts to establish peace. Only then our scientific progress will be fruitful.
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