Where ignorance is bliss, 'Tis folly to be wise?

It is time to ask why public figures and institutions are promoting unscientific beliefs at citizens' expense

Arguing against ignorance in his politically trenchant manner, the irrepressible Justice (Retd.) Markandeya Katju recently tweeted: “Children must be taken to the Zoo to ensure that when they grow up they don’t confuse a Donkey with a Lion.”

Growing up is the process of escaping ignorance. India, however, increasingly seems to be a nation where ignorance continues well past adulthood and is even celebrated. Too much education, it is being suggested, can blind one to recognising real social and economic change.

Selling the government’s ambitions to make India a 5-trillion dollar economy to participants at a Board of Trade, Union