ISRO Chief S Somanath Bridges Science and Spirituality Amid Chandrayaan-3 Success

New Delhi, August 28, 2023: S Somanath, the head of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has emphasized the importance of exploring both science and spirituality, amidst an ongoing debate over scientists visiting temples.

Somanath’s remarks come as he basks in the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, making India a part of the select group of nations to successfully land on the Moon.

Somanath, who led the Chandrayaan-3 mission, paid a visit to a temple in Kerala on Saturday to offer prayers following the mission’s triumph. “I am an explorer. I explore the Moon. I explore the inner space. It’s a part of the journey of my life to explore both science and spirituality. I visit many temples and I read many scriptures. I try to find the meaning of our existence and our journey in this cosmos,” he expressed.

The ISRO chief’s statement also addressed the recent debate sparked by a team of ISRO scientists visiting the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh before the Chandrayaan-3 mission. He underscored that exploring both inner and outer selves is inherent in Indian culture. “For the outer, I do science, for the inner I come to temples,” Somanath clarified.

In addition, Somanath endorsed the name “Shiv Shakti Point,” given to the Chandrayaan-3 touchdown site by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “The Prime Minister narrated the meaning of it in a manner that suits all of us. I think there is nothing wrong with that. He gave the next name to Tiranga and both are Indian-sounding names. He has a prerogative of naming it being the Prime Minister of the country,” Somanath noted.

Providing an update on the Chandrayaan-3 mission, Somanath confirmed the successful activation of all five instruments on the rover. “We hope to complete all experiments by September 3. There are different modes for which it has to be tested so we have the best picture ever of the Moon,” he added.

As Somanath bridges the realms of science and spirituality, he exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of both in India’s cultural fabric.