Vijayawada, Sep 24: Eminent scientist and Founder-Director of Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) Dr P M Bhargava today said Charles Darwin's theory of evolution had given a new direction to the scientific research. Delivering a special lecture on the Significance and Relevance of Charles Darwin in connection with the Bi-Centenary of birth of Darwin at Atheist Centre, Dr Bhargava said Darwin was Newton of Biology and developed theory of evolution on scientific evidence to the origin of life and debunked the theory of creation which was propagated by the religions.

Dr Bhargava, who was also former Vice-Chairman of the National Knowledge Commission, said ''scientific discoveries after Darwin reconfirmed his theory with unimpeachable evidence.'' The 'Padma Bhushan' awardee said Darwin theory was further substantiated by subsequent research in Chemistry and Bio-Chemistry and other branches of science. ''Man and Chimpanzees have 99.9 per cent similarities, but that 0.1 per cent difference has great significance in evolution,'' he said, adding it was important to note that same kind of chemicals and proteins and same kind of chemical reaction were found in all living beings.

Dr Bhargava also said, Darwin found out some gaps in evolution and they would be found out some day by further research in the field. Speaking on occasion, Scientist Dr Chandana Chakravarthi highlighted the social implications of Darwin's theory of evolution and knocked out the basis of religions claims with his scientific investigations. Indian Medical Association (IMC) National President-elect and noted medical science writer Dr G Samaram said by spreading scientific knowledge and education and adopting scientific temper, a real tribute could be given to Darwin. Atheist Centre Executive Director Dr Vijayam said the whole world was moving towards a post religious society. He said, ''Without science and scientific outlook no society of a nation can progress.''