Stanford (California), April 17 (NationPress) Dattatreya Hosabale, the General Secretary of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, addressed a gathering in Silicon Valley on Friday, emphasizing that ethical principles and equality should steer scientific advancements. He cautioned that unregulated technological progress could exacerbate social inequalities.

During his speech at the Thrive 2026 conference held at Stanford University, Hosabale remarked that India's ancient knowledge systems perceive science and spirituality as intertwined.

He expressed his intent to “share insights from my civilization and also gain knowledge from around the globe.”

He characterized Indian traditions as deeply rooted in both empirical and transcendental exploration.

“Our roots are both sensory and super sensory, with culture, perception, and reasoning in mind, but we also aspire to transcend the limitations of human understanding,” he stated.

“In spiritual knowledge, there is no division between the spiritual and the secular.”

He explained that ancient practices like yoga showcased a scientific examination of human anatomy, psychology, and actions, asserting that “everything is science” within that context.

He noted that India's scientific heritage has faced significant disruptions over centuries. “Due to persistent invasions, our traditions were undermined,” he remarked, highlighting that the legacy of foreign dominance led to a diminished awareness of indigenous knowledge. He acknowledged ongoing policy initiatives aimed at reviving these traditions, stating, “the Indian knowledge system is being rejuvenated.”

Hosabale described early Indian inquiry as profoundly cosmological, filled with universal exploration, referring to traditions that investigated “the relationship between the microcosm and the macrocosm.”

He pointed to early achievements in “urban planning, university frameworks, and significant civil engineering.”

He warned that rapid technological advancements could lead to greater inequality if not managed with care. “Where technology progresses, society tends to become increasingly unequal,” he indicated. He connected disparities in access to education with broader gaps in “economic development, educational attainment, and overall quality of life.”

He insisted that governments must adopt a balanced approach. “Current governance must consider these urban areas,” he urged policymakers to address both innovation and its societal implications.

Hosabale underscored the importance of education in upholding a scientific mindset. If traditional knowledge is misinterpreted, he cautioned, “all past scientific inquiries may be dismissed as mere superstitions.”

He labeled the challenge as “finding true scientific concepts” within inherited traditions and incorporating them into educational curricula.

He also proposed a philosophical perspective on nature and technology. “We all emanate from the same source of energy,” he argued, asserting that this understanding fosters respect for nature rather than its exploitation.

He introduced a three-part evaluation criteria for technology: economy, equality, and ethics. Technologies that disrupt social harmony, exploit the environment, or lack ethical foundations should be reconsidered, he urged.

This session, organized by the Global Science Innovation Forum, convened scholars and technologists to engage in discussions surrounding the intersection of science, ethics, and civilizational knowledge systems.