By:Dr. Avnish Jolly,17 June:A new study says that scientists of India believe firmly that there is a supernatural power up there guiding their destiny, the first of its kind to be undertaken in India. The scientists also religiously follow holy practices and rituals for academic, professional, material and spiritual excellence.
A joint survey by the Hyderabad-based Centre for Inquiry and the US-based Institute for the Study of Secularism, Society and Culture of Trinity College, revealed interesting facts on the beliefs and religious practices of Indian scientists. As many as 1,100 scientists from 130 research institutions and universities participated in the survey. Out of four scientists, one believes in God. The survey took about six months and the report was released earlier this week in New York.
50 per cent of the scientists surveyed believe in the effectiveness of prayers, as against just 10 per cent of scientists in the United States..
According to Mr. N. Innaiah, Centre for Inquiry, from the considerable number of surveyed scientists, 29 per cent believe in the theory of Karma, predestination, 26 per cent felt that there will be life after death while Seven per cent believe in ghosts and evil spirits too.
Barry Kosmin, Institute for the Study of Secularism in Society and Culture expressed surprise that Indian scientists do not hesitate in research on Cows and Pigs despite religious taboos.
Study points out that ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) scientist usually offered prayers to Lord Balaji in Tirumala to seek his blessings for the successful launch of space vehicles. Due to their religious awakening, 60 per cent of scientists surveyed made it clear that they would refuse to design biological weapons and eight per cent said they had reservations about genetic engineering and research on stem cells.