The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mumbai recently hosted an event titled “Garbhavigyan”, which translates to “the science of begetting a good progeny”. The event, organized by the institute’s Sanskrit Cell, featured an Ayurveda expert from Sanskruti Arya Gurukulam. It aimed to discuss various aspects of pregnancy, including factors influencing the internal and external qualities of a child, maternal and fetal health, and practices for a healthy pregnancy known as “garbhasanskar”.

Controversy and Criticism

The event sparked controversy among students, with some claiming that it promoted pseudoscience. Critics argued that holding such an event at a prestigious engineering institute could lend undue legitimacy to unscientific practices. They pointed out that the institute had recently canceled a panel discussion on women’s workplace struggles, only to replace it with this event.

Institute’s Response

An official from IIT Mumbai defended the seminar, stating that it was not a politically sensitive issue and did not require review by the institute’s committee. The official emphasized that Garbhavigyan is a systematic study of pregnancy based on Ayurvedic practices and should be open for discussion. They also clarified that the gender cell’s event was not canceled but rescheduled with a new set of speakers.

Student Reactions

While some students viewed the seminar as promoting pseudoscience, others criticized the lack of opposition to its organization. One student remarked, “The institute seems to discourage discussions on women’s struggles in the workplace while allowing events that teach pseudo-science about pregnancy.”

Conclusion

The Garbhavigyan event at IIT Mumbai has highlighted a divide within the campus community regarding the role of traditional knowledge in modern education. While the institute maintains that such discussions are valuable, some students argue that they should align with the scientific rigor expected at a premier institution.

Broader Implications

This event at IIT Mumbai is part of a larger debate occurring in educational institutions across the country. As India seeks to balance its rich traditional knowledge with modern scientific inquiry, events like Garbhavigyan serve as focal points for discussions on how best to integrate these perspectives. It raises important questions about academic freedom, the role of cultural heritage in education, and the boundaries of scientific discourse.