We are deeply pained to read a statement released by “300” scientists describing the Surya Tilak at the Ram Temple, Ayodhya as “badly designed”, “resource heavy”, “trivial” and “foolhardy pursuit”, “criminal waste”. Though the statement has an undertone of a political view, we respond here purely on a logical level.
As one of us (SM) maintained in responding to similar criticisms by a section of scientists in the recent past, the apparent failure of the scientific community to rise above narrow viewpoints is deeply concerning. The Surya Tilak project is best thought of as an astronomy outreach to explain scientific principles through an appeal to the imagination of the general public. Media as well as the temple authorities have stressed that this is a technical achievement and in the background are simple explanations of the different calendars involved – Gregorian and lunisolar. This is made possible through simple mechanisms not involving electronics and controls, so as to enhance its outreach potential.
As an outreach program, it appeals to the masses because it is done in a location that is of cultural significance to them. Many religious and cultural sites in the world have executed alignment with the Sun on specific tropical calendar dates and times from the ancient to the modern period, showcasing its cultural significance. Reflecting sunlight on a specific lunisolar calendar date is implemented in the current project.
Also read: Ram temple Surya Tilak was spectacular but the puffery around ‘science behind it’ wasn’t
The fact that the lunar and the solar cycles are in sync with each other with a frequency of 19 years is not well known. Moreover, the engineering behind this to manage the synchrony should fascinate the general public. The engineering is as simple as possible and has avoided electronic controls presumed by the signatories of the letter. The first mirror is positioned to the desired angle by rotating a knob manually by one step for each consecutive year in the Metonic cycle. This would reduce requirements for maintenance in the future.
Increasingly in recent times, outreach programs have gained importance because it is not enough to do research and publish results only for those who understand it, but also to explain to those who are not mainstream scientists. Activities that capture the attention of the general population and explain in simple terms the underlying Science are in our contention good methods of promoting public interest in science and technology.
Science and Engineering must be made relevant not only through offering a better quality of life but also by capturing public attention in areas that they would normally not associate with Science if we are to prepare the public for a better tomorrow.
Shekhar Mande and Tushar Prabhu
Shekhar Mande is the retired Director General of CSIR and is currently affiliated with Savitribai Phule University, Pune.
Tushar Prabhu is a retired Professor, at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru.
जौ कह झूँठ मसखरी जाना। कलिजुग सोइ गुनवंत बखाना।।
निराचार जो श्रुति पथ त्यागी। कलिजुग सोइ ग्यानी सो बिरागी।।
जाकें नख अरु जटा बिसाला। सोइ तापस प्रसिद्ध कलिकाला।।
In SriRamcharitmanas Uttarakand. This is wht our scientists are doing here.
Go through the Vedic texts before commenting anything. I understand that scientists have achieved a lot in their field of studies, but rather than criticising, please try to understand the concept and provide your views in improvising, if required. I am sure, the religious texts and ancient sanatan texts have immeasurable knowledge, which can be a boon for Indian scientific research, if studied in detail with an expert in sanskrit which you can find in varanasi, ayodhya and Maharashtra.
These so called scientists are not that much educated enough to relate themselves with science. They are limited to explored-science only.
What ever you said to justify, it is understandable that you used science to show “some miracle, “at the behest of your “Master ”
The signatories must be surviving on funding to propagate views by their Masters. Hence they fails to understand basic science and if they were so intelligent they could have implemented this or such projects at smaller level with less involvement of resources for populism of Science and could have served masses to overcome ignorance..
It is indeed a marvelous way to waste state limited resources keeping in view how India’s larger population is struggling to make both ends meet (a larger chunk is still below poverty line) one more GLARING example is chandryaan , space station and gagan-nauts missions. India is, was and never will be recognised as a “superpower” nor it should aspire to be so.
What you don’t understand is the government could have contracted some company which specialises in doing such architecture related design to create the mirror systems. Our scientists are trying hard to advance India in their respective field of expertise. This project which might have cost them inevitably a lot of time could have been easily undertaken by good engineers with Bachelor’s degrees. Moreover, many of these scientists have extremely important administrative positions in important government institutions. Think of how much this would distract them from their responsibilities. Let me give you an analogy. Imagine if a BJP member organised a birthday party for his child and Modiji has been roped in as the organiser. Do you think that it is efficient or worthwhile for the Prime Minister of India who has to lead the country being forced to organise a birthday party. Or would you rather have a party event organiser do it?
Fully agree with the scientific community. God is everywhere and even a small temple with a symbol of God is sufficient to express bakthi. The same applies to other religions. We are a poor country with most of the population needing healthcare, food and education apart from development. Why waste money on extravaganza.
Secondly , the whole temple issue is more for political reasons than true belief in God.
Excellent response to arrogant intelligent people
The so called scientists seem to be more political and slaves to some leaders. They should be more open minded and inform the public the nuances of science and engineering . There are always people who want to find fault with everything they come across.