BETHEL BIBLE COLLEGE

SUBJECT: Science and Religion

PRESENTERS: Sulochana Royal, Devanand.G, Walton.N, Solomon.S, [Link],
Jackson Durairaj, Rabeen Singh
RESPONDENTS: Isaac Woodney, Lalrinhlua, Beirathie Chozah , Kiruba Singh,
Nazary, Sunil Kumar
SUBMITTED TO: Mr. Koteshwara Rao and Ms. Daisy Solomon Kumari Pallikonda

Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Indian Contribution to Science and Technology

1.1 Medical Science

1.2 Spatial Science

1.3 Mathematical Science

1.4 Metallurgy

1.5 Architecture

1.6 Environmental Science

2. Vedic Science
2.1 What is Vedic Science?
2.2 Vedic Science in Modern Day
2.3 Contradictions of Vedic Science to Modern Day Science
2.4 Maharshi Mahesh Yogi's Use of Vedic Science
3. Saffron Science
3.1 Comic Claims
3.2 National Phantasm
3.3 Fascist Stratagem
4. Indian Contribution to Science and Religion: Dialogue in Indian Context
4.1 Kuruvilla Pandikkattu
4.2 Job Kohzhamthadam
5. Indian Theological Contribution Towards Science and Technology: Science and Religion
5.1 Dr. S. Christopher

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 5.2 Rev. Dr. Matthew Pothen Thekaekara
5.3 Dr. Priya Abraham
5.4 Dr. Jose Chacko Periappur
Conclusion

Introduction
Advancements in science and technology have been the major reason for the development of
human civilization. India has been contributing to the fields of science and technology since
ancient times.1 Many theories and techniques discovered by the ancient Indians have created
and strengthened the fundamentals of modern science. This paper deals with Indian
Contribution to Science and Technology, Vedic Science, Saffron Science, Dialogue in Indian
Context and Indian Theological Contribution Towards Science and Technology.
1. INDIAN CONTRIBUTION TO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
India’s contribution in the field of science draws from the whole cultural and technological
history of India, during which architecture, astronomy, metallurgy, logic, mathematics.

1.1 Medical science

1.1.1 Yoga: Modern-day science confirms that the practice of yoga has tangible
physical health benefits that include improved brain function and denser bones, as well as
immune health, improved nervous system functioning and strength. India is the origin of
yoga. It is developed by the Indus Sarasvati civilization in northern India over 5000 years
ago. In the field of yoga the concept of International Yoga day was first proposed by the
current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, during his speech at the United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA), on 27th September 2014 so that people on the globe get aware
about its benefit and make their life easy and healthy and result is that over millions of people
in all over the world enjoy the benefits of a stronger body, calm mind, increased happiness
and reduced stress. Yoga is supreme science it is known as heritage of India and in this regard
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) also listed
yoga as an intangible cultural heritage.

1.1.2 Ayurveda: Ayurveda is India’s invaluable contribution to the field of Medicine.

The Father of Indian Medicine, Charaka laid the foundation of modern-day Ayurveda. He
was the first physician to present and elaborate the concepts of digestion, metabolism and
immunity system. He talks about three element which the body contains i.e., Vata
(movement), Pitta (transformation) and Kapha (lubrication and stability). this is a very big
contribution in this

1
Vijnana Bharati, Indian Contribution to Science (New Delhi: Vigyan Bharti, 2019), 1. (Here after cited as
Bharati, Indian Contribution to Science)

2
field because a human suffers from the different diseases when the balance among these three
elements gets disturbed.1
1.1.3 Plastic surgery & Cataract Surgery: The concept of surgery given by Sushruta
who was an Indian Physician. In the field of medical science, it’s gave a revolutionary change
and for his remarkable contribution, today he known as the father of Surgery and Father of
Plastic Surgery.2

1.2 Spatial Science

In this field there are lots of contribution but some of them are extraordinary contribution in
itself like as:
1.2.1 Mangalyaan-1: The mars Orbiter Mission made India the only nation in the
world to reach Mars in its first attempt. It was launched on 5 th November, 2013 and has been
in the Martian orbit since 24th September 2014.
1.2.2 Chandrayaan 2: Is an Indian lunar mission that will boldly go where no country
has ever gone before the Moon's south polar region. It was launched on 22 nd October
[Link] this effort, the aim is to improve our understanding of the Moon discoveries
that will benefit India and humanity as a whole. These insights and experiences aim at a
paradigm shift in how lunar expeditions are approached for years to come propelling further
voyages into the farthest frontiers. Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) is an
independent satellite navigation system. It has freed India from its dependence on navigation
satellite systems operated by other countries. It serves as home grown GPS system as a
strategic asset of Indian military for its tremendous significance. Indian National Satellite
System (INSAT) is a series of multipurpose Geo-stationary satellites is one of the largest
domestic communication satellite systems owned by any country in the Asia-Pacific region. It
initiated a major revolution in India’s communications sector. At present, it is serving several
crucial sectors of our economy, including telecommunication, education, and meteorology.3

1.3 Mathematical science

1.3.1 Zero: Zero is the one of the most important inventions in India. Mathematician
Aryabhata was the First person to create a symbol for zero and it was through his efforts that
mathematical operations like addition and subtraction started using the digit, zero.
1.3.2 Decimal System: India gave the ingenious method of expressing all numbers by
means of ten symbols – the decimal system. In this system, each symbol received a value of
position as well as an absolute value and it facilitated calculation.
1.3.3 Fibonacci Numbers & Binary Number: The Fibonacci numbers and their
sequence first appear in Indian mathematics and Binary numbers is the basic language in
which computer programs are written. Binary basically refers to a set of two numbers, 1 and
0, the

1 Bharati, Indian Contribution to Science, 85-86.

2 Bharati, Indian Contribution to Science, 32.
3 Meenu Katariya, “15 Indian Achievements That Helped Push Technological Boundaries The World Over,”
2018, [Link] (15 Feb 2023).

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combinations of which are called bits and bytes. The concept of Fibonacci and binary firstly
given by Indian Mathematician Acharya Pingala.

1.4 Metallurgy
1.4.1 Seamless Metal Globe: Considered one of the most remarkable feats in
metallurgy, the first seamless celestial globe was made in Kashmir by Ali Kashmiri ibn
Luqman in the reign of the emperor Akbar.
1.4.2 Smelting of Zinc: India was the First to smelt zinc by the distillation process, an
advanced technique derived from a long experience of ancient alchemy. It is an important
contribution of India to the world of science. Iron Cased Rocket was another contribution in
the field of metallurgy science it was developed by Tipu Sultan in the year 1780s.5

1.5. Architecture
India has a huge unbelievable contribution in the field of architecture. Iron Pillars in Delhi is
itself the example of India’s extraordinary work in this field even after a long time this pillar
remain as same as before. Drainage system of Harappan civilization is another example of the
architectural science. The most striking India’s contribution in the field of Architecture India
have a huge unbelievable contribution in the field of architecture. Iron Pillars in Delhi is itself
the example of India’s extraordinary work in this field even after a long time this pillar
remain as same as before. Drainage system of Harappan civilization is another example of the
architectural science. The most striking feature of this Harappan civilization (Indus Valley
Civilization) is that the Indus Valley people had constructed. Their drainage system on very
scientific lines. The drainage system of Mohen-jo-daro is so elaborate that “the like of which
has not yet been found anywhere in the world in any other city of the same antiquity.”

1.6 Environmental science

1.6.1 Green concept of sustainable development: Sunita Narain is an Indian
environmentalist proponent of the Green concept of sustainable development. Here
sustainable development itself mean that economic development that is conducted without
depletion of natural resources and from this concept of sustainable development make us
aware how to use our valuable resources and make our development smoothly without any
cost.
1.6.2 International solar alliance: International solar alliance is a remarkable
contribution in this field. This alliance is initiated by India on 30th November 2015 with the
objective to reduce cost of power using natural resources and, in this way, also contribute for
enhancement of the Indian economy.6

5
“India: Science and Technology,” (n.d.), retrieved August 15, 2019, from Topper Classes,
[Link]
(15 Feb 2023).
6
“ISA Prospective Member Countries,” (2016, November 15), Retrieved August 17, 2019, from IAS

4
International Solar Alliance,
[Link] (15 Feb 2023).

2. VEDIC SCIENCE
2.1 What is Vedic Science?
Vedic science is a term used to depict the old information and shrewdness of India, which
was first kept in quite a while, the most seasoned and most holy texts of Hinduism. The
Vedas are a tremendous assortment of texts that cover a scope of subjects, including
reasoning, philosophy, ceremonial practices, space science, crystal gazing, math, and
medication. They are accepted to have been made over a period out of a few centuries,
beginning from around 1500 BCE.
Vedic science depends on the possibility that the universe is a sign of a solitary, sweeping
cognizance, known as Brahman. This cognizance is viewed as the wellspring of all presence,
and it is trusted that everything in the universe, including people, is interconnected and
reliant. Vedic science refers to the ancient knowledge system that originated in the Indian
subcontinent more than 5000 years ago. The term "Vedic" comes from the Sanskrit word
"Veda," which means knowledge or wisdom. The Vedas are the primary texts of this system
of knowledge, and they are considered to be the oldest sacred scriptures in the world.
Vedic science covers a broad range of subjects, including astronomy, astrology, mathematics,
medicine, philosophy, spirituality, and yoga. It is believed to be a holistic science that
emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of living in harmony with
nature.4

2.2 Vedic Science in Modern Day

Vedic science offers an all-encompassing way to deal with grasping the universe, the human
body, and the brain. The information and practices of Vedic science can be utilized to
advance physical, mental, close to home, and profound prosperity. Here are a portion of the
purposes and advantages of Vedic science:
2.2.1 Wellbeing and wellbeing: Ayurveda, the old arrangement of medication that is
essential for Vedic science, offers a characteristic and all-encompassing way to deal with
wellbeing and health. It utilizes diet, way of life changes, spices, and other normal solutions
for treat and forestall infections.
2.2.2 Otherworldly development: Vedic science offers a way for profound
development and self-acknowledgment through practices like yoga, reflection, and reciting.
These practices can assist people with associating with their internal identities and higher
awareness.
2.2.3 Self-awareness: Vedic science offers standards and practices for
selfimprovement and advancement. It stresses the significance of living together as one with

4 “What is Vedic Science?,” [Link]

science/ (10 Feb 2023).

5
nature, following one's real essence or dharma, and creating positive characteristics like
sympathy, appreciation, and mindfulness.

2.2.4 Crystal gazing: Vedic soothsaying is a part of Vedic science that offers bits of
knowledge into one's character, life reason, and fate. It very well may be utilized as an
instrument for mindfulness, figuring out connections, and going with life choices.
2.2.5 Maintainability: Vedic science advances the idea of living together as one with nature
and stresses the significance of supportability. It offers useful answers for ecological
preservation and practical living.
In outline, Vedic science has numerous pragmatic applications for advancing wellbeing,
selfawareness, and supportability. Its all-encompassing way to deal with understanding the
universe and the human experience offers important bits of knowledge and practices that can
improve our lives in numerous ways.5

2.3 Contradictions of Vedic Science to Modern Day Science

Vedic science alludes to the logical and philosophical information and practices that began in
antiquated India and are tracked down in the Vedas, the most seasoned sacred writings of
Hinduism. While Vedic science has contributed numerous important bits of knowledge into
the idea of the real world, a portion of its cases and lessons go against those of current
science. The following are a couple of models:
Age of the universe: Vedic science attests that the universe is timeless, without starting or
end. Interestingly, current science has shown that the universe started with the enormous
detonation around 13.8 billion years, a long time back.
2.3.1 Geo-centrism: Vedic science proposes that the earth is the focal point of the
universe, and that the sun, moon, and planets rotate around it. This geocentric model has been
disproven by present day stargazing.
2.3.2 Development: While Vedic texts depict the variety of life on the planet, they
don't give a clarification to the course of advancement, which is a focal idea in present day
science.
2.3.3 Causality: Vedic science instructs that all occasions and peculiarities are the
consequence of karma, or the law of circumstances and logical results. While this thought has
a few equals with current physical science and the idea of causality, the two are not same, and
karma has not been experimentally demonstrated.
2.3.4 Medication: Vedic science has contributed numerous important bits of
knowledge into the act of medication, like the utilization of spices and other normal cures.
Nonetheless, a few Vedic clinical practices, like phlebotomy and the utilization of creature

5 Rakesh Joshi, Vedic science and modern science: a comparative study, International Journal of
Multidisciplinary Research and Modern Education 1.1 (2016):16-21.

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parts for recuperating, have been demonstrated to be ineffectual or even hurtful by present
day clinical science.6

2.4 Maharshi Mahesh Yogi's Use of Vedic Science

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was an Indian spiritual leader who founded the Transcendental
Meditation (TM) movement. He was a proponent of Vedic science, which is an ancient
Indian science that encompasses various aspects of life, including spirituality, philosophy,
and science. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi used Vedic science to promote the practice of TM and
its benefits for individuals and society.
One of the key ways Maharishi Mahesh Yogi used Vedic science was through the practice of
Transcendental Meditation. He believed that TM was a simple and effective way for people
to reduce stress, increase mental clarity, and promote overall well-being. TM is a form of
meditation that involves the use of a mantra, which is a specific sound or word that is
repeated silently. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi taught that the repetition of the mantra helps to
quiet the mind and access deeper levels of consciousness. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi also used
Vedic science to promote the concept of "unified field theory." This theory proposes that all
of nature, including human beings, are connected through a universal field of consciousness.
He believed that by accessing this universal consciousness through TM, individuals could
experience inner peace, and contribute to world peace. Furthermore, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
developed various programs based on Vedic science, including the Maharishi Ayurveda,
which is a system of natural healthcare that combines diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies to
promote health and wellbeing. He also developed the Maharishi Vedic Science program,
which is an educational program that integrates modern knowledge with the timeless wisdom
of the Vedic tradition.7

3. SAFFRON SCIENCE
The culture vultures belonging to the Sangh Parivar have long been preying on every kind of
lie and falsehood about the history of the subcontinent to establish their supremacist claim.
The roots of the current Hindutva project may be traced to the intellectually rich incipient
initiatives of the early stalwarts of the so-called Hindu Renaissance in Bengal – from Raja
Ram Mohan Roy and Bankim Chandra Chatterjee to Swami Vivekananda – towards Hindu
revivalism. But the palpable beginning of this supremacist project can only be traced to the
intellectual juvenility of the Chitpawan reconstruction in Maharashtra, provoked mainly by
the fall of Peshwai. It was articulated by Bal Gangadhar Tilak (The Arctic Home in the
Vedas), Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (Six Glorious Epochs of Indian History), the progenitor
of Hindutva, and the likes of Purushottam Nagesh Oak (claiming Taj Mahal as a Shiva
temple and a Rajput palace named Tejo Mahalaya, this in his book, Taj Mahal: The True
Story). Bordering on lunacy (or idiocy), Oak claimed that not only every medieval structure
but also the Kaaba in Mecca as an ancient Hindu monument.
6 J. K. Tiwari and J. P. Singh, “Vedic science and modern science: a comparative study,” International Journal
of Engineering Research and Applications 9/7 (2019): 80-85.

7 Hiranand Sharma, Vedic science: a perspective, Journal of Hindu-Christian Studies 20 (2007): 3-12.

7
These claims implicitly included Hindu supremacy in the sphere of science and technology,
but they were never voiced aloud in specific terms, and in such an august forum as the 102 nd
Indian Science Congress (ISC), held recently in Mumbai under the aegis of the University of
Mumbai. The shrillness of these claims was particularly discomfiting in the wake of a series
of
Hindutva overtures such as “love jihad”, “ramzade – haramzade”, “Bhagavad Gita as
national scripture”, “Madarsas as dens of terror training”, “Godse as a patriot”, etc, that have
been played out by the saffron brigade accompanied by the deafening silence of the state.

3.1 Comic Claims

The ISC was formed on the lines of the British Association for the Advancement of Science,
with the initiative of two British chemists, [Link] and [Link] Mahon, to stimulate
scientific research in India through an annual meeting of research workers. Right from its first
meeting that took place from 15 to 17 January 1914 at the premises of the Asiatic Society,
Calcutta, with Asutosh Mukherjee, the then Vice-Chancellor of the Calcutta University, as
president, it has been conducted rationally, discussing actual research in the sciences
supported by empirical evidence. The ISC has never provided a platform to anyone unrelated
to science. Given this convention, it is symptomatic that the ISC in Mumbai, the homeland of
Hindutva, has given a platform to Hindutva ideologues to present their bizarre wares before
the scientific community. On the second day of the Congress, a symposium on the “Ancient
Sciences through Sanskrit” had been scheduled, inviting eight speakers to speak on ancient
Indian botany and topics like the “Neuroscience of Yoga”, “Scientific Principles of Ancient
Indian
Architecture and Civil Engineering”, ancient Indian aviation technology, and ancient Indian
surgery.
On ancient Indian aviation technology, one captain Anand Bodas, a retired principal of a pilot
training facility, delivered a 30-minute speech based on a paper he co-authored with a lecturer
at Mumbai’s Swami Vivekanand International School and Junior College. He claimed that
the sages Agastya and Bharadwaja had invented jumbo aeroplanes in the Vedic age, 7,000
years ago. These planes flew not only from country to country but also to other planets; not
just forward, but backwards and even sideways. They used various types of metal alloys in
their construction and were piloted by men wearing “virus-proof, water-proof, and shock-
proof” jackets made of fabric from underwater vegetation.
3.2 National Phantasm
Some scientists did publicly protest against the inclusion of such a pseudo-science in the ISC
programme. The online petition initiated by an Indian scientist working for the US
government agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, was signed by about
1,500 scientists. But there were obviously many in the ISC and outside who condescended.
None asked such simple questions to those comedians as to how and when this ancient
treasure trove of knowledge had vanished to leave historical India pitiable on every
conceivable count. All people are endowed with the capacity of generating and possessing
knowledge which comes about in face of challenges. Indians, because of the rich natural
endowment of the country, perhaps did not face as big challenges as others did and hence,

8
they did not have to use their capacity to invent/discover things. Moreover, this complacent
state was fossilized by the contrivance of the caste system which permanently blocked the
majority of people from access to knowledge.
India did contribute to the pool of scientific knowledge in certain branches that were
monopolized by the parasitic class of Brahmins who maintained an exclusive dominance over
knowledge. For instance, they wove intricate philosophies and developed cognitive constructs
and systems which covered astronomy, astrology, mathematics, and alchemy. The zero –
largely acknowledged as India’s contribution – necessarily falls in this class. It is in the
abstract sphere that India seems to have made a significant contribution but in spheres that
interface with labor, she had little contribution to make.
3.3 Fascist Stratagem
All these things, including External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj’s shocking proposition
for making Bhagavad Gita the “national scripture” or Human Resource Development
Minister Smriti Irani’s outrageous move to impose Sanskrit on the school curriculum are
actually part of a well-thought-out strategy of the Sangh Parivar. This is to transform India
into a fascist state as fast as possible. Jingoistic cultural nationalism is a proven vehicle to
create a national community required to realize the fascist motto of “one people, one culture,
one leader”. Projecting a development focus, promoting super power discourse, posturing
with rhetorical bravado, picturing a glorious past, shadow-boxing an enemy, all this with
massive inputs of lies and falsehoods, and with a deliberate anti-intellectual stance, are also
established characteristics of the fascist modus operandi.
If this is understood, there may not be any more surprises about the raw antics of certain
constituents of the Sangh Parivar and silence of the so-called saner people within it. The
process necessarily involves “othering”, which is served well by these antics. They are meant
to communally polarize people so as to consolidate and expand the Parivar’s Hindu
constituency. Adivasis and Dalits, a potential threat to the Hindutva project, having been
Hinduized and Brahminized, respectively, the other minorities would be terrorized into
submission.
The project of speedy saffronzation of all institutions is in full swing. Space to pseudoscience
presentation in the ISC is just a gauge to assess it. A minor protest of a thousand odd
scientists in an online petition in a country that boasts of the second largest pool of scientists
and engineers in the world reveals that the danger of fascism is close upon us.8

4. INDIAN CONTRIBUTUION TO SCIENCE AND RELIGION: DIALOGUE IN

INDIAN CONTEXT
Science and Religion conflict, contrast and problems touch every people all over the world
which confront Indian people also. So, Indian Christian can no longer ignore the gravity of
the issues. A number of Catholic theologians are deeply and seriously involved in the
dialogue between Science and Religion. In some of their institution they have science and
religion studies, Jnana Deepa Vidyapeeth, JDV (Pontifical Institute of Philosophy and
Religion), Pune is one such institutes which gives effort to the study of the interaction

8 Anand Teltumbde, “Saffron Science,” [Link] -science/

(8 Feb 2023).

9
between science and religion.9 Let’s discuss the contributions to science and religion by
Indian philosophers of science.
4.1 Kuruvilla Pandikkattu
Kuruvilla Pandikkattu, a well-known scholar in the field of science and religion dialogue and
Professor of Philosophy, Science and Religion at JDV identifies few challenges faced by
science and religion in Indian context.

Three main challenges that face science and religion interaction.

• The first challenge is to insist that science and religion conflict is a foreign one and
there is no need of dialogue in India. Pandikartu asserts that dialogue is necessary, not
because there is a division between science and religion, but for the sake of an
enriching future for humans.
• The second challenge comes from those who claims that science has nothing to offer
which Indian religions have not discovered earlier.
• The third challenge comes from dualists who hold that science and religion are two
independent domain which cannot interact with one another.
Pandikattu is hopeful that dialogical interaction between science and religion will lead to a
renewed vision of God, world and humans. He sees the evil effects of the technological
revolution. But to condemn technological development will not help: with a spiritual vision
and openness we need to evaluate and befriend technology without demonizing it. According
to Pandikattu, neither the scientific nor the religious domain can claim to be absolute,
reducing the other to non-existence. Both can learn from each other to take each other
seriously, and respect both body and spirit. He suggests four important elements in science-
religion dialogue: admire, advise, admonish and advance, and he also underlines four vital
parts in the process of dialogue: acknowledgement, accommodation, acceptance and
affirmation of each other. Pandikattu is positive to see as the end product of creative
dialogue- religions that are purified and sciences with a human face. Scientific insights will
purify the religions of various superstitions and the insights from the spiritual traditions will
help scientists to be responsible towards humans. As a result of flourished religion and
advanced science we will have an open and vibrant society.10

4.2 Job Kohzhamthadam

One of the best known among Indian Christian in Science and Religion dialogues is Job
Kohzhamthadam, a Professor of Philosophy of Science in JDV. His whole idea in science and
religion dialogue can be summarized as “Constructive Collaboration”. He says Science and
Religion should not be adversaries attacking each other. But they can and should be comrades
collaborating in a common cause. A correct and unbiased understanding of the nature and the
ideals of science and religion will reveal that the relationship between the two should be one
9 Rodinmawia Ralte, The Interface of Science and Religion: An Introductory Study (New Delhi: Christian
World Imprints, 2017), 126. (Hereafter cited as Ralte, The Interface of Science and Religion: An Introductory
Study)
10 Ralte, The Interface of Science and Religion: An Introductory Study, 130-131.

10
of constructive collaboration aimed at satisfying the human quest for explanation and
understanding and at helping quest of human into total and integrated persons. Science and
religion are two living dynamic discipline. Therefore, they cannot remain the same. Science
and religion are subject to change. This change can happen through meaningful and. This
relationship or dialogical relationship can take these two disciplines into another level of new
experiment and producing new knowledge. Both Science and religion is brought for the
betterment of human being. While engaging the dialogue both Science and religion must be
aware of their limitation.
He maintains that the dialogue envisaged between science and religion is that of respectful
partnership founded on mutual understanding and acceptance. It is not a relationship of
domination by either party, but relations that aims at unity, a collaborative interaction where
the autonomy of each on the one hand and the complementary nature of both on the other
hand

are maintained. This collaborative and constructive relationship is to be brought about in the
spirit of mutual recognition, mutual understanding and mutual appreciation.11

At a closer looks, science and religion are nor incongruent as it has been proclaimed by
thinkers such as William Draper, Andrew Dickson White and a number of Atheistic
rationalists of the nineteenth century. The Historical instances of conflict between science and
religion were shallow and mainly due to incorrect or limited understanding of both science
and religion. A number of Scientists who had deep theological conviction were of the opinion
that science and religion are not enemies, this includes Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Newton,
etc.12

5. INDIAN THEOLOGICAL CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY: SCIENCE AND RELIGION
Several scientific and technological developments have touched the lives of common people
in the last seven decades. In modern times many Christian scientists have emerged and have
contributed to science and technology. Let us discuss about some of them and their
contributions to science and technology.
5.1 Dr. S. Christopher
Dr. S. Christopher is an Indian scientist who served as Chairman of the Defense Research and
Development Organization (DRDO). Formerly he was director of the Centre for Airborne
Systems. He is also the author of various research publications. Currently working as
professor in Electrical Science Department in India Institute Technology Madras (All India
Ranked number one institute by NIRF).13 He hails from Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu.

11 Ralte, The Interface of Science and Religion:An Introductory Study, 130-131.

12 Ralte, The Interface of Science and Religion:An Introductory Study, 131-132.

13 “S Christopher- IIT Madras Researcher Profile,” [Link]

christopher (21 Feb 2023).

11
5.2 Rev. Dr. Matthew Pothen Thekaekara
Rev. Dr. Matthew Pothen Thekaekara was born in Changanacherry, Kerala. He was a
scientist and author of many books and papers relating to spectrophotometry (a technique in
the electromagnetic spectrum for the measurement of relative energy emitted, transmitted, or
reflected) and the solar constant besides works on theology.
He was instrumental in publishing some of the earliest AMO (Atomic, Molecular and
Optical) spectra, which is a model spectrum of the sun in space. The historic 1973
Thekaekara spectrum was the basis for ASTM E490 (American Society for Testing and
Materials Standard Solar Constant and Zero Air Mass Solar Spectral Irradiance Table) from
1974 to 2000, when it was replaced by the most recent AMO upgrade, in ASTM E490-00.
Recent publications such as a 2007 paper authored by fellow Malayali scientist P. Shahmugan
made extensive reference to the Thekaekara spectrum. In 2008 a paper by authors from
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Admnistration) Goddard Space Flight Center and
UC Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics also made extensive application of the
Thekaekara spectrum.14

5.3 Dr. Priya Abraham

Professor Priya Abraham was the former head of the department of Clinical Virology, at
Christian Medical College, Vellore. Her main area of research is with blood borne hepatitis
viruses.15And she was head of the department of Clinical Biology at CMC. While at CMC,
she has served on committees for different viral infections, and has served as a consultant for
the World Health Organization on various viral infections. She has also served on the
Scientific Advisory Committee of the Indian Council of Medical Research. Additionally,
Priya has been involved in national surveillance studies of viral infections.
In November 2019, just two months before the first coronavirus case was detected in India,
Dr. Priya Abraham (Batch ’81) was appointed as the Director of the National Institute of
Virology (NIV) in Pune, India. Since then, Dr. Abraham and her team have been actively
engaged in various aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including diagnostic and vaccine-
related efforts.16 Therefore, she is credited for making the biggest medical breakthrough in the
global COVID19 epidemic that hit India. Not only did she make a momentous medical
breakthrough by isolating the deadly Coronavirus, but she, along with her team, has also been
the guiding force of all the government and private labs that are testing the Coronavirus
samples. The NIV has succeeded in reducing the testing time of Covid-19 samples to just
four hours a sample from 12-14 hours, a significant feat that will increase the number of
testings. She hails from Kottayam, Kerala.

14 “Matthew Pothen Thekaekara,”

[Link] (21 Feb 2023).
15 “Dr. Priya Abraham,” [Link]
[Link] (21 Feb 2023).
16 Dr. Priya Abraham, clinical Virology,” [Link] -dr-priya-abraham-
clinical-virology/ (21 Feb 2023).

12
5.4 Dr. Jose Chacko Periappuram
Dr. Jose Chacko Periappuram (born 28 April 1958), is an Indian Cardiac Surgeon who
performed the first successful Heart Transplant in the state of Kerala, India as well as the first
ever successful Heart retransplant in the country. Other achievements include the first beating
heart, Awake Bypass and Total Arterial Revascularization surgeries in the state. Periappuram
is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Surgeons of
Glasgow and the Royal College of Surgeons of London. He is also the chairman of “Heart
Care Foundation”, a charitable trust that financially assists poor heart patients. The
Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, in
2011.17 Conclusion
After doing systematic study of India’s contribution from pre independent era to post
independent era using different secondary sources it can be said that all contribution is
extraordinary and our Indians is really brilliant minded. Their contribution is not rewarded in
the field of science only but each and every aspect of our life and in this way, it can be said
Indian have done phenomenal work.

It is essential to take note of that while there are logical inconsistencies between Vedic
science and present-day science, this doesn't be guaranteed to imply that one is better or
mediocre than the other. The two frameworks of information have their own assets and
constraints, and can complete one another in numerous ways. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi used
Vedic science to promote the practice of Transcendental Meditation and its benefits for
individuals and society. He also developed various programs based on Vedic science,
including Maharishi Ayurveda and Maharishi Vedic Science, to promote health, well-being,
and education. His teachings continue to influence many people around the world today.
The Science and Religion Dialogue in India has become creative, vibrant and a promising
field. We can notice that the movement of dialogue between Science and Religion has come a
long way in India. From here it can only grow and assist us to build peace and dialogue with
Religions as well as draw the deepest values and teachings of Religions to dialogue with the
latest findings of science so as to usher in a better India.
Christian scholars and scientists have made noted contributions to science and technology
fields, defense, spectrophotometry, solar constants, virology, surgery as well as medicine,
both historically and in modern times.

Bibliography
Katariya, Meenu. 15 Indian Achievements That Helped Push Technological Boundaries the
World Over, 2018.

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periappuram (21 Feb 2023).

13
Ralte, Rodinmawia. The Interface of Science and Religion: An Introductory Study. New
Delhi: Christian World Imprints, 2017.
Bharati, Vijnana. Indian Contribution to Science. New Delhi: Vigyan Bharti, 2017.

Journals

Sharma, Hiranand. Vedic science: a perspective. Journal of Hindu-Christian Studies 20

(2007): 3-12.

Tiwari, J. K and J.P. Singh. Vedic science and modern science: a comparative study.
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications 9/7 (2019): 80-85.

Joshi, Rakesh. Vedic science and modern science: a comparative study. International Journal
of Multidisciplinary Research and Modern Education 1/1 (2016): 16-21.

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15