Sign of infinity derived from Sheshnag, says ICCR chief Lokesh Chandra

GANDHINAGAR: Ancient India’s “scientific prowess” came to impress upon another audience on Wednesday, this time the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the country’s flagship event for diaspora.

Lokesh Chandra, whom the Narendra Modi government had recently appointed as the head of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), told an audience of NRI youths that the mathematical sign for infinity was originally derived from Sheshnag — the mythical snake whose coiled body forms the throne on which Lord Vishnu reclines. Hours later, addressing another session, Science & Technology minister Harsh Vardhan echoed Chandra by saying the sign for infinity was derived from ancient India. Addressing a session on ‘Bharat Ko Jano’, Chandra said Europeans would not have learnt mathematics if not for India. Chandra also described PM Modi as a “miracle man”.

“Vedas and Upanishads have made tremendous contribution to development of science and technology and time has come for India to regain that glory,” noted Chandra, known for his expertise on Tibetan and Russian history.

It was only recently that Indian Science Congress at Mumbai evoked controversy when Captain AJ Bodas claimed existence of aeroplanes in India 7,000 years ago. The Congress also spoke on advanced instruments of surgery in ancient India. Similar claims on surgical instruments were also made by speakers at the two sessions on youth in PBD.

DK Hari and his wife Hema, founders of Bharath Gyan who also addressed ‘Bharat Ko Jano’ session, claimed nursery rhymes and classical music too were India’s contribution.

Inaugurating the day one of the mega event, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told a packed audience, comprising largely Indian-origin youth, that “Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is not just about match-making, it is also about discovering your roots, and learning about and appreciating your heritage”