For the outer I do science, for the inner I come to temples: ISRO chief

Bengaluru: ISRO chief S Somanath on Sunday said it is part of the journey of his life to explore both science and spirituality.

Somanath was responding to the raging social media debate surrounding scientists visiting temples, according to a report by NDTV.

The hero of India’s moon landing offered prayers at a temple in Kerala on Saturday, adding to the ongoing debate.

However, Somanath reportedly called himself an ‘explorer’ adding that ‘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.’

Ahead of Chandrayaan-3 mission in July, ISRO scientists visited Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh to offer prayers.

The visit quickly triggered a debate surrounding the question whether it is appropriate for scientists not to cultivate scientific temper.

ISRO chief made it clear with a riveting reply that exploring both inner and outer selves is part of Indian culture.

Endorsing PM Modi’s naming of lunar landing spot as ‘ Shiv Shakti point’, he said ‘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’.

As with the ongoing lunar exploration, Somanath said all five instruments onboard the rover are switched on.

He hoped that all experiments tasked with the rover will be complete 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.