Science in service of man

The inventions of science have revolutionised the world of transport. The distance is
meaningless today. We have aeroplanes, cars, bullet trains, ships, etc. Within a short
time, we can cover a very long distance. The world has turned smaller due to these fast
means of transport. Man has succeeded in landing on the moon. The means of
transport have enabled us to explore the possibility of life on another planet. Space
travel is a reality today.

One of the greatest boons of science to mankind is electricity. Electricity has brought a
lot to change our lives. It has removed darkness. It runs our machines and has lessened
human toil. It has increased industrial productivity and efficiency. Electricity has made
the life of a housewife easy. Now she has the refrigerator, washing machine, microwave
oven, mixer-grinder, electric kettle, etc. Electricity has lessened the severity of the
weather. We can use the air conditioner, room heater, fan, etc. It runs trains and metro
trains. We can only think of life with electricity. A power cut of a few minutes causes a
great inconvenience.

Today, we have a variety of means of entertainment and information. Radio, cinema,

television, etc. are popular means of mass communication. They both educate and
entertain us. Science has enabled us to conquer nature. With the help of science, man
can cause artificial rain. Science has helped us to fathom the sea. Rivers have been
tamed and dams have been built. It has done much good for mankind. On the one
hand, it has contributed to power generation, on the other it has provided irrigation
facilities to the farmers leading to increased productivity. Science has given us
computers and the Internet. We can have access to any sort of information at the press
of the key. A man sitting in America can have information about India within a few
seconds.

Science has helped us to conquer many deadly diseases. Diseases like tuberculosis
and cancer are no longer considered dangerous and incurable. Operations are
performed painlessly. The discovery of X-ray has helped in the diagnosis of a disease
and in locating an injury or fracture. Electric shocks are a great boon to surgery. In
addition, new ultra-scanning and plastic surgery are the wonders of science in the field
of medicine.

But every silver cloud has a dark lining. Science is both constructive and destructive. It
has given nuclear bombs, hydrogen bombs, fighter planes, sophisticated assault guns,
pistols and rifles. Laser bombs, missiles and rockets can cause destruction and damage
at a distant place.