A child begins to learn about the world by asking questions. Why does the sun rise? Why does it rain? Why do some plants grow faster than others? Why do people fall ill? These questions may appear simple, but they are the beginning of knowledge. Almost every great discovery in human history started with someone asking a question that others had perhaps never thought about.

As children grow older, however, many of them gradually stop asking questions. Sometimes they are discouraged at home, sometimes in schools, and sometimes by society. They are told to accept things as they are, because they have been followed for generations. They may even hesitate to question an opinion because it comes from an elder, a teacher or a person in authority. Respect is important, but respect should never mean giving up the ability to think.

This is where scientific thinking becomes important. The future of Jammu and Kashmir will not depend only on better roads, modern buildings, new technology or educated people. It will also depend on how we think, how we make decisions and how willing we are to examine the truth.Scientific temper is not something meant only for scientists working in laboratories. It is a way of looking at life. It teaches us to observe carefully, ask questions, examine evidence and remain willing to correct our mistakes. A person with scientific temper does not believe every rumour, but neither does he reject every new idea without examining it. He tries to understand before reaching a conclusion.This habit is especially important in our society today. We hear many claims about health, education, weather, agriculture and almost every aspect of life. Some are based on facts, some on personal experience, some on beliefs and others on rumours. Unfortunately, we often treat all of them as if they carry the same value.

Suppose someone claims that a particular medicine can cure every disease. Should we accept it simply because the claim is made confidently? Or should we ask whether there is reliable medical evidence? If a message spreads on social media about an approaching natural disaster, should we immediately forward it to others? Or should we first check whether the information comes from a recognised scientific agency?These are not difficult questions. Yet they can make a great difference to the way we live.

Jammu and Kashmir provides us with countless opportunities to develop this habit of observation and........

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