Science and Spirituality
Part I: Introduction to Science and Spirituality
1. Conflict Between Groups: Some people believe only in science, while others believe only in religion. This creates disagreements.
2. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s Belief: Dr. Kalam, a famous scientist, believed science and faith can work together to make the world better.
- Science: Helps solve problems, find truth, and create inventions. It gives focus.
- Faith: Gives perspective, helping us understand how our actions affect society. It controls progress to stay within limits.
- Together, they improve humanity.
3. Dr. Kalam’s Life:
- His father was a boatman and an imam at a mosque.
- He had two close friends: one Hindu (Pakshi Lakshmana Shastrigal, a priest) and one Christian (Reverend Father Bodal, a church builder).
- These three men, from different religions, worked together to solve community problems, showing the importance of unity.
4. Dr. Kalam’s Humility: He learned simplicity and spirituality from his father. Even as India’s President, he shared the same values of leading a spiritual life to overcome confusion, misery, or failure.
5. Need for Dialogue: Dr. Kalam believed people from different cultures, religions, and civilizations should talk openly to create peace.
Part II: Dr. Kalam at ISRO
1. Joining ISRO (1960s): Dr. Kalam joined the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) when it was new.
2.Influential People:
- Professor Vikram Sarabhai: A great scientist who shaped Dr. Kalam’s thoughts.
- Reverend Peter Bernard Pereira: A bishop who taught him the meaning of religious service.
3. Thumba Space Research Centre:
- Why Chosen: Thumba, Kerala, was selected because it was near the magnetic equator, ideal for space research.
- Problem: The site was used by fishermen and had a church (St. Mary Magdalene), a bishop’s house, and a school.
- Challenge: Relocating people and removing religious buildings seemed impossible.
4. Solution by Father Pereira:
- Dr. Sarabhai and Dr. Kalam met Father Pereira, the bishop, to ask for help.
- Father Pereira initially questioned giving up homes and God’s place for science.
- He invited them to his church on Sunday.
- During the service, he explained how science (like lights, microphones, and medical tools) and spirituality (praying for well-being) both serve people.
- He asked the people if they could give up their homes for a great scientific mission.
- The crowd agreed with a loud “amen,” supporting the plan.
5. Outcome: The research centre was built after providing new homes for fishermen and the church.
Part III: Later Lessons and Inspiration
1. Professor Satish Dhawan’s Wisdom (1970s-1980s):
- Dr. Kalam worked under Professor Dhawan at ISRO.
- Dhawan taught that academic success is like a mirror-it shines only when clean. Impurities (like dishonesty) cloud the soul.
- To shine, one must live purely, ethically, and serve humanity.
- In 2009, Dr. Kalam advised the narrator (Srijan) to use his education to improve society, echoing Dhawan’s beliefs.
2. Meeting Mahaswamiji (2009):
- Dr. Kalam attended the 102nd birthday of His Holiness Dr. Sri Sri Shivakumara Mahaswamiji in Tumkur, Karnataka.
- Mahaswamiji’s Work: He ran a free school for over 9,000 children, serving humanity.
- Remarkable Trait: At 102, he stood without support, looking strong and alert, surprising everyone.
- Discussion: The narrator wondered why Mahaswamiji was so fit-due to diet, lifestyle, or genetics?
- Dr. Kalam’s Answer: Mahaswamiji’s strength came from his spirit of “What Can I Give.” By giving education and food, he stayed strong.
3. Philosophy of Giving:
Dr. Kalam reflected on many people who influenced him:
- His father’s simplicity.
- Pramukh Swamiji’s goodness of action.
- Mahapragyaji’s idea of conscience as a guide.
- Professor Brahma Prakash’s focus on ethical living.
- Father Pereira and Dr. Sarabhai’s selflessness.
- Swami Sivananda’s calmness.
He concluded that giving (not taking) leads to a happy life and peaceful society.
4.”What Can I Take” vs. “What Can I Give”:
- Taking: Leads to corruption, environmental harm, and unfairness. It destroys families and society.
- Giving: Keeps the planet livable and humanity thriving.
- Example: Mahaswamiji gave generously, which fueled his strength.
5. What Can I Give Movement (2012):
- Dr. Kalam started this movement to fight corruption, protect the environment, and solve social problems by encouraging people to give.
Key Themes:
- Science and spirituality together create balance.
- Giving, not taking, leads to personal strength and a better world.
- Unity among religions and cultures is essential for progress.
- Living purely and serving others brings clarity and happiness.
Important People in Dr. Kalam’s Life:
- His father: Taught simplicity and spirituality.
- Pakshi Lakshmana Shastrigal and Father Bodal: Showed unity across religions.
- Professor Vikram Sarabhai: Guided his scientific journey.
- Father Pereira: Demonstrated service through sacrifice.
- Professor Satish Dhawan: Emphasized purity and service.
- Mahaswamiji: Inspired through selfless giving.
Key Years:
- 1960: Dr. Kalam joined ISRO.
- 1970: His first unsuccessful rocket launch under Professor Dhawan.
- 1980: His first successful rocket launch.
- 2009: Met Mahaswamiji and advised the narrator after his graduation.
- 2012: Started the “What Can I Give” movement.
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