The Role of Scientists

The phenomenal progress of Science has brought about a revolution of development and prosperity in the modern age. Mankind is today living an entirely different life to what our forefathers used to live. The outlook of humanity has changed. Science has proved to be a great achievement for humanity and it has come to relieve mankind from all sufferings, pains, poverty, and diseases. It has transformed the lives of each individual. It is serving humanity in all walks of life. However, Science has also done a great disservice to mankind in the field of armaments and the destructive effects of war.

Science has helped man to increase production in various ways. Science has helped in growing textile and paper industries, sugar and fertilizer industries, iron and steel industries. Countries which are industrially advanced are most powerful and rich today. The rapid industrialization of a country is the slogan of humanity. Without Science, we cannot grow enough for feeding the increasing population. Extensive and intensive agriculture has been made possible by Science as a boon to the entire humanity. New agricultural machines and disease-resistant varieties of seeds are some of the contributions to the agricultural sector. The deserts of yesterday have been converted into major granaries of the world today by Science.

For humanity, time and distance have no sense today. Science has made man to cancer distances within seconds and minutes. The world has got narrowed down to a global. A highly advanced industrial economy has replaced the self-sufficient village economy thus making a change in every walk of life. If the scientists provide the technical know-how to underdeveloped countries of the world in respect of development in various fields, then definitely it will be a great service to the entire mankind.

Science has made human beings reach other planets and conduct research work there. Various satellites made by man are moving around the earth. Man has landed on the moon. Science has given humanity a very effective means of propaganda. Powerful means of communication like television, radio, the cinema, and the internet have made the entire world aware of the latest technology information and news. It is possible to create public opinion at the same time through video conferencing. Man has begun to use his knowledge of Science for peaceful purposes. It is wished that science will enable man to remove horrors of war completely from the mind of humanity.

In spite of all contributions of Science towards the welfare of mankind, there are various disadvantages of Science. In many industries, human labor has been replaced by advanced machines, thereby leading to unemployment. Often there are instances of leakage of poisonous gases from factories either due to technical snags or human error. But it is mankind that is affected. Science has given atom bombs which make the entire mankind live in constant fear of destruction and misery. Limitation of Science does not teach when to use the atom for curing purposes or when to kill with it. The threat of universal destruction always hangs over human beings.

Another losing aspect of humanity due to Science is its spirit. Science has made man forget the spirit. It is the root cause of all evils. With its breath-taking discoveries and inventions day-by-day, and with a promise of nothing for the spirit, man no longer cares for the development and upliftment of his spirit. Man has lost faith in religion because it is decaying along with the sad plight of our art and culture. Science has made the man of modern humanity a moral dwarf. Science has no power to uplift man and inspires him with noble ideals. Truly Science has given power but not wisdom.

Scientists all over the world should be encouraged to carry on such research programs through which they can promote the welfare and prosperity of mankind and save it from complete extinction due to the adverse impact of nuclear energy etc. Modern scientists should take it as their responsibility to divert the use of nuclear energy into channels which would make this world a safer place and better life for human beings to live.