Scientists criticise UGC for endorsing ‘cow science’

In a statement, scientists nationwide decry Kamdhenu Gau-Vigyan Prachar-Prasar Exam that seeks to cultivate and promote pseudoscience

Scientists nationwide have criticised the University Grants Commission (UGC) for endorsing the ‘cow science’ examination. The statutory body's involvement in such pseudo-science raises major concerns as it is responsible for maintaining standards of higher education in the country, they said.

Breakthrough Science Society (BSS) - a collective of scientists - issued a statement on Sunday against the UGC's endorsement of Kamdhenu Gau-Vigyan Prachar-Prasar Exam. The voluntary, online exam aims to test students’ knowledge on ‘cow science’.

Last week, the UGC issued a circular asking higher educational institutions to encourage students to take the exam. The test, which was scheduled on February 25, has been postponed, according to the official website of Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog. 

The Aayog claims the exam will give information on the economic, scientific, environmental, health, agriculture and spiritual relevance of India's indigenous cows.

“The Aayog has labelled this event 'vigyan prachar' - dissemination of science. Clearly, the who’s who of this organisation find it difficult or choose not to differentiate science from quackery. But why must the UGC overlook this vital distinction?” asks the BSS in a statement. The exam "reeks of cultivation and promotion of pseudoscience,” it added.

BSS General Secretary Soumitro Banerjee said that the UGC, instead of promoting scientific temper among students, is asking institutions under it "to embrace pseudoscience.” The statement read, “Education is the silver bullet against superstition and myths. Education should give people knowledge and awareness to be able to question tall tales like Indian cows have 'special powers to absorb the sun’s energy...leading to more nourishing milk'." 

For an educational agency like the UGC, "it is a dangerous sin to prostrate before blatant attempts at promoting specific ideology...and does not bode well for education and science in the country.”

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