Uttar Pradesh governor Ram Naik piled on to the ancient-India-knew-it-all controversy which sprang up during the course of the Indian Science Congress by announcing that astrology was a science.

During the event's closing ceremony, he said that astrology was an advanced science and even though he did not believe in it, he had no doubt that it was, indeed, a science.

The 102nd edition of the Indian Science Congress, inaugurated by prime minister Narendra Modi last Saturday, came to an end on Wednesday.

Ram Naik was the chief guest of the valedictorian function, while union minister for railways Suresh Prabhu and state minister for education, sports and culture Vinod Tawde were the guests of honour.

General president of the the congress Dr S B Nimse, Mumbai University vice-chancellor Dr Rajan Velukar, and president-elect for next year's science congress A K Saxena were present at the event.

Speaking to media persons after the valedictory function, Naik reiterated that astrology was a science. In the same breath he said, "I don't believe in astrology and I did not go for matching horoscopes while marrying, but I don't have any doubt: astrology is a science. If not, why do all the leading newspapers publish weekly columns of fortune-telling? I don't have any doubt in my mind about it since this is the science which attracts the curiosity of the masses, and it needs to be studied."

During the event, Naik backed arguments that ancient India had made strides in the advancement of astronomy, mathematics, medical sciences and engineering.

Railway Minister Prabhu expressed the need for exploring science and technology for solving people's problems and national issues of food, water and energy security. Tawde announced that recommendations of the science congress would be implemented by the state government.

CP was concerned about security at ISCState education minister Vinod Tawde, who was the chief advisor for the science congress, revealed that Mumbai Commissioner of Police Rakesh Maria had expressed security concerns while organizing the event which was to involve six Nobel laureates and the country's prime minister. Tawde lauded the efforts made by the police department so that the event could occur without any worrying incident.