Blind adoption of Western lifestyle harming society: Kerala Governor Arlekar

Kasaragod: Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Wednesday called for embracing a swadeshi scientific lifestyle rooted in India’s own traditions, warning that uncritical adoption of Western models has contributed to several contemporary social and health challenges.

Addressing the 32nd Swadeshi Science Congress and a national seminar on “Transformative Science and Technology Education for Viksit Bharat” at the Periya campus of the Central University of Kerala (CUK) in Kasaragod, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar emphasised that India’s traditional way of life was deeply scientific and balanced, nurturing both physical and mental well-being.

He said many modern-day issues, including the growing burden of lifestyle-related diseases, have emerged due to the abandonment of indigenous practices, particularly changes in food habits and daily routines. According to the Governor, reviving India’s own scientific traditions is essential for long-term societal sustainability, as merely imitating foreign lifestyles cannot address the country’s unique challenges.

The Governor underlined that a scientific lifestyle does not only relate to technological advancement but also to holistic living, ethical conduct, and harmony with nature. He stressed that India’s civilisational wisdom offers practical solutions for contemporary problems when combined thoughtfully with modern science.

The programme was presided over by CUK Vice Chancellor Prof. Siddu P. Algur, who said universities have a crucial role in addressing regional and national challenges by extending education and research beyond classrooms and laboratories. He observed that higher education institutions must produce not only technically competent graduates but also socially responsible citizens with a strong sense of national commitment. The Swadeshi Science Congress, he added, highlights the importance of integrating Indian Knowledge Systems with modern scientific approaches to support India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.

During the event, Governor Arlekar presented the Swadeshi Sastra Puraskar to Dr Chandrabhas Narayana, former Director of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, and Dr T.M. Balakrishnan Nair, Director of the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services. The Swadeshi Puraskar was awarded to Dr V.P.N. Nampoori, former Professor of the Cochin University of Science and Technology. Research project awards were also given to faculty members of the Central University of Kerala for multidisciplinary projects with significant social impact.

Vivekananda Pai, Secretary General of Vijnana Bharati, delivered the keynote address as chief guest. Other dignitaries present included Dr R. Jayaprakash, Registrar (in charge); Prof. Rajendra Pilankatta, Finance Officer (in charge); Sivakumar Venugopal, President of Swadeshi Science Movement–Kerala; and Dr Jasmine M. Shah, Congress Secretary.

The conference also featured the C.V. Raman Memorial Lecture by Dr C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director of the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, and the Parameshwarji Memorial Lecture by Prof. Mohanan Kunnummal, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kerala. Prof. U. Krishnakumar of Amrita School of Arts and Sciences delivered a special address on integrating Indian Knowledge Systems into academic and research curricula. The Swadeshi Science Congress is scheduled to conclude on Friday.