If you want better genes, arranged marriage is the answer
traditionalists scored a major point over their more radical counterparts when Nobel laureate and co-discoverer of dioxyribosenucleic acid ( dna ) James Watson explained that gene pools can get better only through arranged marriages. Watson was addressing the recently-concluded 86th Indian Science Congress Association ( isca), which was held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, from January 3-7.
Watson, commonly referred to as the "father of genetics", said he supported the caste-based dna research that has been going on in India. "Genetics is not the root of racism. Racism existed long before casteism," he said, thwarting all accusations that biotechnology is racism in a more modern, scientific disguise. Watson was speaking of the recent researches in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, and in West Bengal that highlighted patterns of diseases and similar dna patterns in the various Indian caste groups.
"I am excited about the history of India and the study of people with biotechnology," he said. Watson reminded geneticists that while comparing genes and dna to caste groups, "we must recognise that humans are different. It is interesting to study how similar groups adapt to diseases, how isolated groups have greater probability of similar diseases and what is so unique about these groups".
"There has been so much discrimination against the so-called 'untouchables', but genetics shows that they have differing genes. Let's not have opposition to human diversity in any form," Watson told the scientists attending the conference. He also said that only time and further research would reveal how each group tackled its particular problems. "Genes are wonderful things. Let's make them work positively for us," Watson added.
Addressing the problem of developing a scientific attitude among the masses, Watson said, "Your new government wants highways. What is needed is a similar commitment to biology and physics. Just as you can build the bomb, we must also do something for agriculture and spend money on attainable objectives." Watson also felt that India should invest in better universities. "If you do not have world-class universities, you will not have world-class ideas," he said.
India has to decide where it should be a quarter of a century from now, Watson told the scientists at the congress, "and not two years from now". "India should have high aspirations. Try to be the best," he encouraged Indian scientists.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.