AKSHIT SANGOMLA
THE AUTHOR FAILS TO EVEN PROVIDE RUDIMENTARY EVIDENCE FOR HIS EXTRAORDINARY CLAIMS
PEDDLING INACCURATE information in the garb of scientific evidence has become increasingly common in recent times. This is even more dangerous for the pursuit of scientific development and the general scientific temperament among people than the random statements about ancient Indian science made at events like the Indian Science Congress. Vir Singh’s book
fits into this category.
The book uses Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and other entirely new hypotheses to build a new philosophy about propagation of life in the universe. He makes a daring attempt of putting the evolution of life on Earth, especially that of humans, at the centre of the story of the Universe. From the vantage point of humanity being the climax of evolution on the planet, it explains how life in other star systems and galaxies will exit Earth’s life.
INTELLIGENCE AND EVOLUTION
But the book falls far short of providing scientific evidence for this proposed hypothesis. How does one decide that a species that is only 300,000 years old—a bare speck in the geological timeline of Earth and even smaller in the life of the Universe—is at the peak of evolution? How does one decide that having intelligence is the peak of evolution when there is enough evidence that humans have caused more harm than good for the planet in the past few centuries?
Even if intelligence is the epitome of evolution, there could be other species that may evolve after humans and acquire far more advanced intelligence. After making the case that evolution is far bigger in scope than Darwin proposed, Singh delves into ancient Indian philosophical texts and creates a confused narrative interweaving science, philosophy and religion.
Scientific terminology is sometimes used to propound such ideas, but they are unmarketable because of lack of evidence of their validity or a limitation in understanding of the scope of the idea. The ideas are also portrayed as new philosophies giving the view that philosophy is unhinged from logic and objectivity.
SPECULATIONS IN THE PAST It is not that there is no room for speculation in science and philosophy. In fact, some of the biggest leaps in science have been made through such speculations. Darwin’s theory of origin and evolution of species was a prime example of such a leap wherein it overturned centuries old popular belief that all life on Earth was created as it is by a creator, God. Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity is another instance. His theory challenged Newton’s theory of gravity and gave us new ways of thinking about space and time. These speculations though were based on real science that could be proven and were logically consistent with what has been observed by scientists in the past few hundred years. Both these theories have been proven again and again in the past century and have stood the test of time and human curiosity.
On the other hand, Singh, in the prologue of the book, makes the claim that “the
HOW DOES ONE DECIDE THAT A SPECIES THAT IS ONLY 300,000 YEARS OLD—A BARE SPECK IN THE GEOLOGICAL TIMELINE OF EARTH—IS AT THE PEAK OF EVOLUTION?
coming of life on Earth was the first-ever event of the fertilizing of the Universe”. This is when there is no proof as yet that intelligent life did not originate elsewhere in the universe. Singh also seems to give the universe and light, which is an electromagnetic radiation, a direction and a purpose. It says that human experience is the ultimate expression of this purpose.
These ideas do not fit in with the mounting evidence we have of an indifferent universe where the existence of human life does not hold any meaning. Once the original assumptions of a new philosophy are incorrect, the rest falls apart instantly. Extraordinary claims need extraordinary evidence, Carl Sagan had once said. Singh fails to even provide basic evidence for his extraordinary claims.
IF YOU visit any typical south Indian shop, you will find this lovely looking vegetables called Despite the mud sticking in it, the looks beautiful—small potato-shaped delicious tubers in dark brown colour. Despite the cumbersome process to peel it, they taste very good. But it is not a favourite of many people given that the vegetable causes a lot of flatulence or gas. It is known by a host of names; the scientific one being
or
It is also called Chinese potato, country potato, in Tamil and in Kannada.
Its flowers are deep blue in colour. The tubers in bunches have a beautiful shade of pink and purple. The cropping season is July to October, and it is seen in the markets during the winter season.
“This potato is harvested in south Tamil Nadu during the month of JanuaryMarch. This potato is also found to be a rich source of carbohydrates, protein, fat and fiber content. This potato almost gives 400 calories/100g dry sample in the form of boiling and frying,” says a study published in the
Research says it has antiseptic properties and is said to cure eye ailments. It is also high in antioxidants
Pharmaceutical Research in 2013.
It is rich in carbohydrates. Maximum use of pulp used for cooking purpose yield 392 calories per 100 g. It is a seasonal and traditional crop made during farmer festivals, says the study. The crop grows well in loose or sandy soil in direct sunlight. It is harvested four to five months after planting.
INGREDIENTS Koorka: 250 g
Oil: 4-5 tbsp Mustard: ½ tsp Whole red chilli: ½ Turmeric powder: ½ tsp Salt to taste
METHOD
Wash the koorka well. It won’t be easy as it is very muddy.After washing, steam it lightly in a pressure cooker for 20 minutes. Let the koorka cool. Remove the skin. If required cut into smaller pieces.
Heat oil in a wok, then add mustard seeds and wait for it to splutter. Now add red chilli, turmeric powder and steamed yam.Now fry the koorka in oil,till it is crisp.Add salt. The stir fry is ready.It goes very well with dal, sambar and rasam.