National Seminar at Patna Women’s College Explores the Interplay Between Science and Society
Patna: A national seminar on the theme “Science for Society; Society for Science” was jointly organised by St Teresa’s College (Autonomous), Ernakulam, and Patna Women’s College on Monday. The event, held in a hybrid mode, saw participation from students and faculty members of the Department of Sociology and the Department of Chemistry, underscoring an interdisciplinary approach to academic discourse.
The keynote speaker, Dr Raghava Reddy Chandri, Head of the Department of Sociology at the University of Hyderabad, delivered a lecture exploring the symbiotic relationship between science and social sciences. He emphasised that science, as a structured discipline, emerged only in the last two centuries, whereas societal knowledge predates it. “Science is a social product,” Dr Reddy stated, highlighting how empirical study and scientific advancements are rooted in societal evolution.
Dr Reddy also examined the historical dominance of Western perspectives in science, arguing that this hegemonic influence has often misrepresented Indian cultural traditions. He asserted that sociology, while engaging with scientific methods, does not depend on science for its origins and functions independently as a discipline.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where students posed critical questions, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. The seminar successfully encouraged participants to rethink the interconnections between scientific inquiry and social structures, reinforcing the importance of multidisciplinary learning.
