Inspired by Kalam, UP scientists take a shot at politics

LUCKNOW: In a remote corner of east UP, a group of scientists from premium institutions are conducting a crucial experiment. But there are no test tubes, beakers, chemicals or other laboratory apparatus here.

For, this is a “social laboratory”, and on test is the basic essence and spirit of Indian democracy. The source of inspiration for this experiment is President Abdul Kalam.

“We are here by choice and not by chance,” says Rajavashisth Tripathi, professor of cardio-vascular genetics at the University of California (Los Angeles), who is one of the activists on a mission to halt the rapid criminalisation of politics and elections in UP. 

Professor Vashisth is one of the 150-odd scientists who have formed the “Vigyan Jagrookta Samiti” to spread awareness about scientific methods in daily life. The activists include several scientists teaching in foreign universities and some heading prestigious scientific institutions back home. What began as a simple mass awareness programme some years ago, is now being used as a potent weapon against criminals contesting elections in UP.

“We have made a humble beginning with Chillupar constituency of Gorakhpur. For this election, this is our social laboratory,” says Prof Vashisth. The constituency is being represented for the past 25 years by Hari Shankar Tiwari, who has an impressive criminal record. 

The experiment, he says, would be taken to other constituencies notorious for their criminal nominees “when we have enough resources”. Scientists against criminals may seem an uneven contest. But the commitment is intact.

“I have settled down in the US. But I want to make a difference here. I owe it to my country,” he says. The samiti has even put up a candidate, Rajesh Tripathi, an environmental activist, in this constituency. Prof Vashisth says he started the mission after Kalam appreciated the concept during a meeting in 2004.

The samiti is using simple means to get its message across. Activists of the samiti travel from village to village with a band of local musicians, using folk music and dance to gather people. The speeches are also Bhojpuri.

“Our message is simple. We ask the people: ‘How would you feel if your MLA shoots another elected MLA?’ It’s coming to that in UP. Why wait for the worst to happen. Let’s make a beginning now,” says Prof Vashisth. He ends his dissertation with Na goli, na gaali, sirf khush-haali ki baat (Neither bullet, nor abuse. Let’s talk of prosperity.)