“Controversy at IIT-Bombay: Is Traditional Childbirth Science Valid

Controversy erupts at IIT-Bombay over a Garbhavigyan seminar on childbirth, raising concerns about science and traditional knowledge among students

iit bombay 2024

A talk about childbirth called “Garbhavigyan” is causing a stir among students at IIT-Bombay. The event is set for January 18 and is being organized by the school’s Sanskrit Cell with a speaker from Sanskruti Arya Gurukulam, who is an Ayurveda expert. Some students are worried about whether the information being shared is science-based and if it’s appropriate for a top engineering school.

What the Event is About

An email sent to the campus mentioned that the seminar will discuss many topics that affect the qualities of children. These include how ancestors influence children, the health of mothers and babies during pregnancy, and how to prepare for having a baby. The event aims to help young adults, parents, and teachers learn about healthy pregnancy practices known as ‘garbhasanskar.’

Students Voice Concerns

Many students are not happy about this event. They feel it could make the talk seem legitimate at a science school. One student expressed, “It’s not right for a science school to hold such an event.” They also mentioned that a different talk with important speakers had been shifted around, which raises questions about what topics the school focuses on.

What the School Says

An official from the school responded by saying that Ayurveda is an important traditional science and should be discussed. They mentioned, “Garbha Vigyan means the organized study of pregnancy and focuses on healthy practices during pregnancy.” The official also stated that another event about women’s issues did not get canceled as some believed.

Mixed Reactions from Students

While some students think the seminar promotes fake science, others are upset that no one is opposing it. One student said, “It seems like the school doesn’t want to talk about women’s issues in the workplace but is okay with hosting this event about pregnancy.” This situation has caused a split opinion among the students.

The Ongoing Discussion

The event has sparked a debate at IIT-Bombay about how traditional knowledge fits into modern education. The school believes these topics are important, but some students think they should stick to the strong science the school is known for.

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