India is a country with a rich and diverse heritage of traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homeopathy. These systems are collectively known as Ayush, an acronym derived from their names. The Ministry of Ayush, a ministry of the Government of India, is responsible for developing education, research and propagation of these systems in India.
However, not everyone is convinced of the validity and efficacy of these systems. Many critics have accused the Ministry of Ayush of promoting pseudoscience, which is defined as "a collection of beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded as being based on scientific method" They argue that the Ayush systems lack empirical evidence, rigorous testing, and logical consistency, and that they are based on outdated and unscientific concepts, such as the five elements, the humors, the vital force, and the meridians. They also claim that the Ministry of Ayush is violating the constitutional duty of scientific temper, which is enshrined in Article 51A (h) of the Indian Constitution. This article states that "It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform"
What is scientific temper and why is it important?

According to Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India and the popularizer of the term, scientific temper is

"a way of life (defined in this context as an individual and social process of thinking and acting) which uses the scientific method and which may, consequently, include questioning, observing physical reality, testing, hypothesizing, analyzing, and communicating (not necessarily in that order)"

He also wrote that

"The scientific approach, the adventurous and yet critical temper of science, the search for truth and new knowledge, the refusal to accept anything without testing and trial, the capacity to change previous conclusions in the face of new evidence, the reliance on observed fact and not on pre-conceived theory, the hard discipline of the mind—all this is necessary, not merely for the application of science but for life itself and the solution of its many problems"

Scientific temper is important because it fosters a rational and open-minded attitude, which is essential for the progress and development of a nation. It also helps to combat superstition, prejudice, dogmatism, and fanaticism, which are detrimental to the social harmony and well-being of a society. Scientific temper is also a fundamental duty of every citizen of India, as per the Constitution, which means that it is a moral obligation and a civic responsibility.
How does the Ministry of Ayush violate the constitutional duty of scientific temper?

The Ministry of Ayush violates the constitutional duty of scientific temper in several ways, such as:
- By endorsing and funding unproven and dubious claims, such as the efficacy of cow urine, cow dung, and cow products for various diseases, the use of astrology and palmistry for diagnosis and treatment, the existence of miraculous cures and supernatural powers, and the superiority of Ayush systems over modern medicine.
- By ignoring and suppressing the scientific criticism and evidence against the Ayush systems, such as the lack of standardization, quality control, safety, and efficacy, the presence of harmful and toxic substances, the occurrence of adverse effects and interactions, and the ethical and legal issues involved.
- By influencing and interfering with the education, research, and policy-making of modern medicine, such as by introducing Ayush courses and subjects in medical colleges, by conducting unethical and unscientific trials and studies, by promoting Ayush products and practices in public health programs, and by creating a parallel and conflicting regulatory framework.
The Ministry of Ayush, by promoting pseudoscience, is not only violating the constitutional duty of scientific temper, but also endangering the health and lives of millions of people, who may be misled, exploited, or harmed by the Ayush systems and those profiting from it. It is also undermining the scientific culture and ethos of the country, which is vital for its growth and advancement. Therefore, many believe that it is imperative that the Ministry of Ayush is reformed or abolished, and that the Ayush systems are subjected to the same scientific scrutiny and standards as modern medicine. Only then can India, that is Bharat, shall truly achieve the vision of scientific temper that Nehru envisaged.