Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh

An Indian pundit know more about lunar and solar eclipses than any US observatory, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh told Lucknow University students on Monday, while praised ancient Indian contribution to astrology, science and mathematics.

"Many times our media is confused. They say that US observatory has informed about lunar and solar eclipse on a particular date...Don't look at an observatory, ask any Pandit next to you. They will open the 'Panchang' (Hindu calendar) and tell you the dates of eclipse 100 year ago and also 100 years hence," Rajnath Singh said while addressing the convocation of Lucknow University here, reported PTI.

"Our saints had said that earth existed 1.96 arab (billion) years ago. Earlier, science did not accept this but later it had to. What they tell is run by our channels. They should have asked Pandits," he said praising ancient Indian knowledge.

Stating that no other country possesses the knowledge, which India has, Rajnath Singh said be it theorems of trigonometry, algebra or others no other country could match our knowledge.

Indian cosmological calculations are in tune with modern scientific calculations, the minister said while emphasising on spiritual development of students and inculcating traditional values in them.

Citing example of highly-educated youth involved in terror activities, Singh said here that knowledge devoid of values is disastrous for society.

"When knowledge is cut-off from traditional values, it becomes disastrous. Civilizations which get cut-off from their traditions and values do not survive for long. It was India which showed a big heart and gave message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family)," he said.

Objecting to "hi and bye culture", the minister asked students not to indulge in it and instead follow traditions and touch feet of their parents and elders.

"Today, youths say 'hi and bye' even to their parents. Instead, they should touch parents' feet as a mark of respect," Singh said, adding that "Jo jhukna nahi jaante, woh toot jaate hain".

In his address, Singh also highlighted difference between positive and negative thinking with mathematical formula and advised students to work for their self-development and that of others around them.

