NSS to initiate legal action over 'science vs myth' controversy due to Govt inaction

Thiruvananthapuram: The Nair Service Society (NSS) has opted for a strategic shift in its approach regarding the recent 'science vs myth' controversy involving Kerala Assembly Speaker AN Shamseer.

During a crucial board meeting convened on Sunday, August 6, the organization resolved to discontinue their public protests, choosing instead to pursue legal avenues if the government persists in its lack of action on the matter.

G Sukumaran Nair, the NSS's general secretary, had vociferously objected to Speaker Shamseer's assertion that "faith is more important than science." Responding to the Speaker's remarks made during an event for school children on July 21 in Kunnathunad, Ernakulam, NSS organized a 'faith protection day' on August 2, marked by special ceremonies at Ganapathy shrines across the state.

However, a ‘nama japa yatra’ in the state capital allegedly took place without the necessary permissions, resulting in the booking of 1,000 individuals by Cantonment Police under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. Notably, M Sangeeth Kumar, NSS vice president and taluk union president, was named as the primary accused in the case.

After the decisive board meeting on Sunday, Sukumaran Nair, refrained from addressing the media directly, instead circulating notices outlining the organization's resolutions. The notices iterated that the Speaker should retract his statement, citing the organization's peaceful faith protection day initiative.

The NSS criticized the government's lack of response to the Speaker's controversial remarks and expressed strong objection to this. They emphasized the government's immediate obligation to address the situation and avoid exacerbating it further. In the event of government inaction, the NSS declared their intention to resort to legal recourse to safeguard the faith of believers.

The NSS's shift in strategy comes after Speaker Shamseer's remarks sparked a debate over the promotion of scientific thinking in education. In his speech, he advocated for prioritizing science within curricula and questioned the teaching of myths over scientific facts. Particularly contentious was his example of Ganapathy being portrayed as the earliest recipient of plastic surgery.