Why is the coordination of science, spirituality, and human consciousness necessary in education?

 Why is the coordination of science, spirituality, and human consciousness necessary in education?

We have a rich Eastern knowledge tradition, but the ability to communicate with modern science is also developing.

Why is the coordination of science, spirituality, and human consciousness necessary in education?

It is essential to include the human and psychological aspects in health education, including palliative care and the experience of the last stages of life.

Nepal's education system is currently at a critical juncture of change. Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, neuroscience, mental health, and global social change have changed the situation. Education can no longer be just a means of passing exams, getting jobs, or teaching technical skills.

Today's generation needs not only knowledge, but also the ability to understand life, mental strength, moral decision-making ability, compassion, self-discipline, and the skill of remaining balanced in uncertain situations.

Many countries around the world have begun to recognize this need. Mindfulness, stress management, socio-emotional learning, palliative care, positive psychology, end-of-life care, and consciousness-related studies are gradually expanding in schools and universities. Modern science is also studying the relationship between the body, brain, emotions, and behavior in greater depth than ever before.

In such a situation, an important question arises—can Nepal develop an education system that establishes a balanced dialogue between its own knowledge tradition and modern science?

Nepal is not only a country of mountains and natural beauty; it is also an important center of Vedic, Upanishadic, Yogic, and Buddhist knowledge traditions. Thousands of years ago, sages and sages deeply pondered on the fundamental questions of human life, nature, consciousness, health, ethics, and the universe.

The ideas developed in the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Ayurveda, and other ancient texts about the body, mind, breath, self-discipline, meditation, compassion, life, and death have enriched the knowledge tradition. These texts are still studied today as important sources for understanding the development of philosophy, history, culture, and human thought.

Similarly, yoga is not just a method of physical exercise; it has traditionally been interpreted as a holistic way of life that disciplines the body, mind, and behavior. Practices such as pranayama, meditation, introspection, restraint, and compassion emphasize the inner development of the individual. Modern science has begun to study some aspects of these practices—especially meditation, mindfulness, and controlled breathing exercises—and the potential health effects of these practices. While positive evidence has been found in some areas, many questions are still the subject of research.

Therefore, the need today is not to accept ancient knowledge as superstition or to completely reject it in the name of modern science. What is needed is to conduct critical and evidence-based studies of these knowledge traditions in dialogue with history, philosophy, culture, and contemporary scientific research. It is necessary to creatively connect the wealth of knowledge developed by the sages and sages with modern research, neuroscience, psychology, medical science, and pedagogy. If this can be done, it will give a new direction to the national education system and create the possibility of establishing Nepal's unique identity in the global knowledge community.

This does not mean making religious/religious education mandatory in the curriculum. Nor does it mean presenting any religious or spiritual belief as scientific truth. Rather, it is about creating an environment where the various perspectives that human civilization has developed on life, health, consciousness, and death are studied based on evidence, history, philosophy, and critical thinking.

For example, thousands of scientific studies have been published on meditation and controlled breathing exercises in the last three decades. Some studies have shown that regular meditation practice can help reduce stress, anxiety, and emotional imbalance. There is also increasing evidence that controlled breathing exercises can have a positive effect on the autonomic nervous system, heart rate variability, and physical responses to stress. However, not all claims of all types of yoga or pranayama have been scientifically confirmed.

Therefore, where the evidence is strong, it should be taught based on evidence; where research is ongoing, it should be presented as a subject of open research.

Another important aspect is health education. Today, most students studying medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, physiotherapy, etc. receive education focused on the diagnosis, treatment and life-saving skills of disease. This is very necessary. But not every treatment is successful, and every human life ends in death one day. Therefore, future health workers need to understand death not only as a biological event, but also as a deeply human, psychological, social and cultural experience for the patient and his family.

In many universities around the world, subjects such as palliative care, grief management, sensitive communication with patients, end-of-life decisions and death studies are gradually being made an important part of health education. It is time for Nepal to think about including such subjects according to its own cultural context.

Similarly, the body is not only a biological structure that can get sick It is not enough to understand only the brain. Science has proven that thousands of biochemical reactions are taking place inside the body every moment. Chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins, cortisol, melatonin affect our emotions, thinking, memory, sleep, immune system and behavior.

Nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, social relationships and lifestyle also affect these biochemical processes. This is why the concept of ‘holistic health’ is becoming important again in health science today.

Eastern yoga and meditation traditions have also emphasized breathing, self-discipline, diet, meditation and mental balance for thousands of years. The relationship between modern science and these traditions is not yet fully established, but the field of dialogue and research is expanding rapidly. Nepalese students should have the opportunity to study both sides from a critical, evidence-based and open perspective.

Another interesting topic is consciousness. Modern neuroscience is studying the brain processes related to consciousness, while philosophy, psychology, Vedanta, and Buddhist thought offer different explanations about the nature of consciousness. So far, a complete scientific explanation of consciousness is not available. For this reason, consciousness studies are developing as an interdisciplinary research field in prestigious universities around the world. Nepal can also explore the possibilities of research, dialogue, and educational development in this area.

Some may understand such a proposal as an attempt to expand religious education. But that is not the real purpose. The basis of the education system should always be the scientific method, critical thinking, evaluation of evidence, and intellectual freedom. No philosophical or spiritual concept should be studied as the ultimate truth, but as ideas developed by human civilization. Similarly, claims that are not confirmed by science should not be presented as scientific facts. This balance makes the education system credible.

Nepal has a rare opportunity. We have a rich Eastern knowledge tradition, but the ability to communicate with modern science is also developing. If these two can be connected on the basis of research, evidence, philosophy and critical thinking, Nepal can present a new educational model not only for its students, but also for the world.

The education of the future should not be just a means of producing good engineers, doctors, teachers or administrators. It should produce citizens who are scientifically minded, culturally aware, mentally strong, compassionate and able to maturely engage with the complex questions of life.

Education should teach technology, but also self-discipline. It should teach science, but also ethics. It should teach research, but also compassion. And along with preparation for life, it should also develop the ability to understand the final journey of life with dignity.

Where the ultimate goal of education is not just to produce successful professionals, but to produce holistically developed, responsible and humane citizens.

Why is genetic testing necessary during pregnancy? Who should get it done, when?

 Why is genetic testing necessary during pregnancy? Who should get it done, when?

Genetic testing is not something to be afraid of. Its purpose is to identify whether the child has any genetic problems in a timely manner.

According to pediatrician and genetic specialist Dr. Surbhi Aryal, although genetic testing is not necessary for everyone during pregnancy, it is considered very important in special situations.

It is natural for parents to have many questions and concerns about the health of the baby during pregnancy. In particular, whether the child has any congenital or hereditary problems has become a matter of interest for many.

In recent years, access to genetic testing has been expanding in Nepal as well, which has made it possible to identify some serious diseases in the womb. Who needs genetic testing? How much does family history affect? ​​When and which tests are performed? Is the test safe or not? And what options are available to parents if a problem is found in the test?

Pediatrician and genetic specialist Dr. A detailed conversation with Surbhi Aryal:

Should all women undergo genetic testing during pregnancy or is it only recommended for special situations?

Not all pregnant women need genetic testing. But in some special cases, it may be necessary if the doctor recommends it. For example, if the pregnant woman is over 35 years old, has had a genetic disease in a previous child, has a history of hereditary diseases in family members, or is suspected of having a genetic problem, then testing may be necessary.

Similarly, if a dual marker or quadruple marker test shows a risk, further confirmatory testing is required. In some cases, even if both parents are ‘carriers’ of a disease, testing of the unborn child is necessary. For example, if both husband and wife are carriers of thalassemia, special testing is done because there is a possibility of passing the disease on to the child.

How much does family history increase the risk of a genetic disease in an unborn child?

Family history is considered very important in genetics. Many genetic diseases are hereditary, so if someone in the family has the condition, the baby may also be at risk.

For example, some diseases, such as hemophilia or Duchenne muscular dystrophy, are X-linked, which means they are usually passed down from the mother's side. If a pregnant woman has a history of these diseases in her siblings or maternal grandparents, she should definitely tell her doctor.

Thalassemia, spinal muscular atrophy, and many other diseases can also cause the disease in her child if the parents are carriers. Therefore, it is important to be open about your family health history with your doctor during your prenatal check-up.

When is the best time to have genetic testing?

Different tests have different times.

NT scan: Between 11-13 weeks

Dual marker test: In the first trimester

Quadruple test: Up to about 20 weeks

NIPT: After 10 weeks

Chorionic villus sampling: At 12-13 weeks

Amniocentesis: After 14-15 weeks

When is the most appropriate test to perform?

Which tests are done depends on the age of the fetus, risk factors, and medical needs.

Which diseases can be detected through genetic testing?

Genetic testing helps identify many types of hereditary and chromosomal diseases. Down syndrome is one of the most commonly tested diseases. In addition, trisomy 13, trisomy 18, and other chromosomal problems can also be detected.

If there is a history of a specific genetic disease in the family or if the parents are carriers, monogenic diseases can also be identified through gene testing. Current technology has developed the ability to detect many types of genetic diseases during pregnancy.

How safe are these tests during pregnancy?

Many parents worry about whether genetic testing will affect the baby or the mother. But most tests are safe. Ultrasound and screening tests using maternal blood do not harm the mother or the baby. They are considered completely safe.

Invasive tests such as CVS or amniocentesis may have a small risk because they use needles. However, the risk is very low when performed by an experienced specialist. If the doctor recommends it, there is no need to be afraid.

What options do parents have if a problem is found in the test?

If the test shows a genetic problem in the baby, the first thing to do is to consult a geneticist, genetic counselor or pediatrician to understand the nature, severity and future of the disease.

Every disease is different. In some cases, special monitoring, additional tests or a plan to deliver in a special health facility may be made.

In some serious diseases, the baby's life expectancy may be very low. In such cases, a decision can be made about the available options with the advice of a specialist.

Is treatment possible after genetic diseases are detected in the womb?

Most genetic diseases are not curable by taking medicines like other diseases. In such cases, the main focus is on supportive therapy, rehabilitation services, regular monitoring and long-term management. Therefore, early detection of the disease is the most important aspect.

What is the access and cost of genetic testing in Nepal?

Until a few years ago, samples had to be sent abroad for many genetic tests. It was a situation where there was no such thing as a genetic test. Now, dual marker, quadruple test, NIPT and many invasive tests are available in Nepal.

However, these services are mainly concentrated in urban areas. They are yet to be expanded to rural areas. When it comes to cost, not all tests are very expensive. Some screening tests start at around Rs. 5,000, while some complex tests may cost more. Therefore, the idea that ‘genetic testing is very expensive’ is not entirely correct.

Does the risk of genetic diseases increase as the mother ages?

As a woman ages, the chances of changes in the chromosomes in the egg increase. This may also increase the risk of chromosomal problems in the child.

Especially when pregnant at the age of 35 or above, the chances of Down syndrome, trisomy and other chromosomal abnormalities are relatively high, so doctors recommend additional tests in such cases.

What are the common misconceptions or misconceptions about genetic testing?

There are still some misconceptions in society about genetic testing. First, the idea that ‘if no one in the family has a genetic disease, the child will not have it either’. In fact, not all genetic diseases are hereditary. Some can even appear in new forms.

Second, the misconception that ‘genetic testing is a test to distinguish between sons and daughters’. Its main purpose is to identify whether a baby has a genetic disease, not to determine gender.

Third, the idea that ‘this test is too expensive for ordinary people to get it done’. Not all tests are expensive and are recommended only according to medical necessity.

How do you see the future of genetic services in Nepal?

The future of genetic services in Nepal is very promising. The services currently available need to be expanded to rural areas, not limited to urban areas.

This requires skilled manpower, infrastructure, and government investment. Over time, this service is likely to become an important part of basic health care.

Finally, what is your message to parents?

Genetic testing is not something to be afraid of. The aim is to identify the child early if there is a genetic problem. If the doctor has advised screening or confirmatory testing, then you should do it with confidence.

If the disease is identified early, it is easier to provide the necessary counseling, planning, and management. Therefore, it is wise to prioritize the doctor's advice without getting confused.

Why is a postmortem necessary in unnatural deaths?

 Why is a postmortem necessary in unnatural deaths?

A postmortem is an examination of a body after death and is mandatory according to law in unnatural deaths.

A postmortem helps in finding the cause of death and helps in justice and helps in protecting the future from accidents and diseases.

A postmortem is an examination of a body after death. There are many misconceptions and misconceptions about postmortem in Nepali society. Due to such misconceptions and misconceptions in our society regarding postmortem, most of the relatives of the deceased do not want to perform a postmortem on the body of their loved one after death.

During a postmortem, the body has to be cut open and the internal organs examined. For this reason, people in Nepali society do not want to perform postmortems as much as possible due to religious and cultural issues.

However, if the death occurred in an unnatural manner, then a postmortem of such a body is necessary. For example: if someone finds a body in a murder, suicide, suspicious death, accidental death, sudden death, or a dead body, the police must be notified and a postmortem must be performed according to law. Since such deaths are suspicious, the cause of death must be found for the police investigation, for which a postmortem must be performed.

History of Postmortem

When digging into the history of postmortem, we have to go back to the beginning of the 14th century. In 1302, a postmortem of a body was performed for the purpose of investigating a death in Bologna, Italy. Similarly, since centuries ago, postmortems have also been performed in France, Egypt, and China to assist the law.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, postmortems gradually developed after the traditions of China and Babylon and the advanced use of European medical science. It was born separately in medicine, which was named ‘forensic medicine’. This field includes postmortems of bodies and medico-legal cases.

This branch of medicine is also known and understood as forensic pathology or legal medicine in some countries. In Nepal, the practice of performing postmortems in suspicious deaths seems to have started since 1960. The government doctor of Kathmandu's Prison Hospital officially started postmortems for the first time at Bir Hospital.

Why do postmortems?

Section 20 of the Criminal Procedure (Code) Act 2074 BS states that in the Nepali Constitution, in case of an accident, suicide or suspicious death within the territory of Nepal, the postmortem of the deceased must be paid by the government at all costs. Postmortems are performed at the request of the legal authorities responsible for investigating accidental and unnatural deaths, and the Nepal Police has the legal authority in Nepal.

A question that comes to the police every time after a death is why do we perform postmortems? What is the benefit of performing postmortems? The dead person is already dead, so why should we cause more suffering?

First of all, what should we understand is that we perform postmortems for the living rather than for the dying person. Postmortems provide a basis for finding out the facts and the cause of death, punishing the guilty and saving the innocent.

It helps in justice. In addition, performing a postmortem reveals many details about the death, which not only helps in investigating the death but also helps in making the living aware of diseases and causes of death.

In the event of a vehicle accident, the nature of the internal injuries can be examined and the safety systems of vehicles can be made aware. Previously, it was through such research that helmets were worn while riding a motorcycle, seat belts were made mandatory while driving, and airbags were made mandatory in vehicles, as well as head rests in the event of an accident.

Reasons for performing a postmortem

1. In fatal accidents

A postmortem is mandatory in fatal accidents because it can be found out which part of the human body is most affected in an accident and which part is most affected and leads to death. This helps in knowing about the measures to be taken to avoid the accident, the methods to be adopted in treatment, and awareness. This helps in reducing the number of deaths caused by fatal accidents.

2. In case of sudden death

In case of sudden death, postmortem can be done to find out the disease that most people die from. Postmortem can be done to find out which part of the body is affected by such diseases. By finding out the nature and condition of the disease, society can be helped to save it from diseases. Similarly, this can also help to find out about hereditary diseases and alert other family members in time to save it from premature death.

3. Help the law

The police must conduct a postmortem when investigating a death. The cause of death is mentioned on the basis of the postmortem report, based on which further legal investigation is carried out.

In case of suspicious death, the family, relatives and eyewitnesses of the deceased also make various statements according to their interests. Preparing a postmortem report based on statements affects the police investigation, therefore, postmortem is also mandatory from a legal point of view to help in finding out the exact cause of death and conducting a fair investigation.

3. For scientific research

The nature of the wounds on the body may vary between a vehicle accident, a fall, and a beating, which will allow proper scientific research to examine the nature of the injuries on disputed bodies in the future and determine whether the injuries were caused by a vehicle accident, a duty-related death (beating), or a fall. There may be grounds for distinguishing between the two.

How is a postmortem performed?

A postmortem is performed in all district hospitals or large government hospitals in Nepal. After a police report, it should be performed by a forensic expert or a doctor registered with the Nepal Medical Council. During a postmortem, the body is completely naked, the outer covering is noted, and the body is completely dissected and examined.

Sometimes, pieces of various parts of the body are removed to provide additional evidence for the police to investigate and the doctor performing the postmortem to determine the cause of death. And it is also sent to the police forensic laboratory for further examination. After the postmortem, a report with the doctor's signature is submitted to the police.

Postmortem related mistakes

1. The body is not dismembered during a postmortem

During a postmortem, the body is dissected as needed, and after examining the vital organs, the body is re-stitched and handed over to the relatives in its original state.

2. The organs of the body are not removed during the postmortem

The main purpose of performing a postmortem is to find out the cause of death. Therefore, the body is dissected and examined for important organs. Then the organs are placed inside the body and sewn up and sent. In any suspicious situation, small pieces of organs can be removed for testing for poisons and other chemicals as needed. Then the organs are sewn up in their entirety. After death, no organ works for another person.

3. A postmortem cannot be done without dissecting the body

In Nepal, a postmortem cannot be done without dissecting the body. However, sometimes, since hospital reports reveal the cause of death based on CT scans and X-rays, a postmortem can be done even with minimal incisions. Therefore, the hospital report is important after death.

4. Is it known whether a person is dead or not after an autopsy?

A postmortem is basically to find out the cause of death. After the cause of death is determined, the investigation into whether the death was accidental, accidental, or suicide remains. After the doctor determines the cause of death, the police investigate based on that. The doctor who performs the autopsy does not reveal the exact cause.

But sometimes, based on the nature of the injuries on the body, the doctor can give an opinion to the court about accidental, accidental, or suicide.

Postmortem Neglected

Postmortem plays an important role in determining the cause of death and minimizing deaths due to potential disasters.

Due to the state's lack of importance in this field, the new methods introduced by medical science in this field have not yet been introduced in Nepal, which is why even today the postmortem space in government hospitals in Nepal is limited to a dark room.

In developed countries, postmortem examination rooms are equipped with postmortem X-rays and CT scans, as well as labs for DNA, drug and poison testing, to minimize the amount of dissection required during postmortems. However, ironically, in Nepal, state agencies are less knowledgeable about what constitutes a dead body and have neglected this area in every way.

Nepalese eat a lot of salt: how much is necessary for health?

If we don't have salt, our every bale will be salty. And, our tongue directly rejects this type of food. It simply means, salt has seduced our tongue.