Bengaluru, Oct 14 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Tuesday that in a society entrenched in caste hierarchy, genuine progress is unattainable, emphasizing that a scientific mindset is crucial for advancement.

"Education and talent are not confined to any specific family; they merely require access to opportunities," he remarked.

These comments were made during the inauguration of a new academic building built under the RUSA initiative at Nrupatunga University.

Reflecting on history, he pointed out that Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana, hailed from the Beedar caste, while Vyasa, who penned the Mahabharata, belonged to the Besta community. This serves as a testament that education and talent are not limited to any one group; rather, opportunities are what truly matter. By fostering rational and scientific thinking, both individual and societal advancement becomes achievable. He urged students of science to guide society in this critical pursuit.

He expressed concern over the dwindling number of students pursuing science, describing the trend as alarming. A scientific mindset and education in science are vital for the development of both society and the nation.

CM Siddaramaiah also highlighted the troubling issue of science students succumbing to superstition and blind beliefs. He questioned the value of a scientific education if individuals studying science still hold beliefs in astrology and karmic principles.

He reminisced that in the past, Basavadi Sharanas advocated for the dismissal of superstition and blind practices. "However, even today, superstition remains prevalent. The underlying cause is the caste hierarchy within our society, which the elites fortify, thus perpetuating these beliefs," he asserted.

Siddaramaiah mentioned that when he initially took office as Chief Minister, he sought to implement a "Superstition Prohibition Act", but faced substantial resistance from the deeply rooted societal structures and elite influences.

He stressed that it is catastrophic when science students lack a scientific approach. If those studying science still embrace beliefs in superstition, astrology, and karma, he stated, then their educational efforts are essentially squandered.

The CM underscored that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru envisioned a future where the youth of the country would cultivate a scientific mindset, necessitating vital educational accomplishments.

The newly opened seven-story building was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 52 crore, with a proposal approved for an eighth floor at an additional cost of Rs eight crore.