The debate around a sunbeam (‘surya tilak’)

Source: The post the debate around a sunbeam (‘surya tilak’) has been created, based on the article “The secularism of Indian science” published in “The Hindu” on 7th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 – Indian Society – Secularism

Context: The article discusses the debate around a sunbeam (‘surya tilak’) focused on the forehead of a Ram idol in the Ayodhya temple. Some scientists criticized the involvement of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), arguing it mixes science with religion and challenges scientific principles. The debate around a sunbeam (‘surya tilak’)

What debate has focused on a sunbeam (‘surya tilak’) around the forehead of a Ram idol in the Ayodhya temple?

The debate began when a focused sunbeam (‘surya tilak’) was engineered to fall on the forehead of a Ram idol in Ayodhya.

Abhay Karandikar of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) said the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) played a crucial role.

Critics objected to the IIA’s involvement, arguing that a college student could have designed the system, and said it mixed science and religion, undermining scientific thinking.

How has India approached the science-religion relationship?

Accommodative Science: India has historically embraced both science and religion. The 1956 Calendar Reform Committee (led by Meghnad Saha) adjusted local calendars to a national standard while accommodating religious practices.

DST Projects: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) funded SATYAM (Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation) and research on cow products, blending traditional knowledge and scientific investigation.

Temple Projects: The Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) helped in temple projects, like setting up the ‘surya tilak’, showing how scientific principles are incorporated into religious contexts.

Question for practice:

Examine how India has approached the relationship between science and religion.