Chandrayaan, space programmes India's modern expressions of ancient scientific heritage: Rajnath Singh

Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu): India's space missions like Chandrayaan and Aditya-L1 are not just technological achievements but a modern expression that ancient scientific spirit has always been a part of our cultural identity, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said.

At the inauguration of the Maha Shivaratri celebrations organised at the Isha Yoga Center, headed by Sadhguru, here on Sunday, he said Sun and the Moon are not just celestial bodies, but form the basis of our calendar and festivals.

"Our fasts, festivals and auspicious timings are determined through precise scientific calculations. Today, missions like Chandrayaan and other space programmes are modern expressions of our ancient scientific heritage, where tradition and technology move forward together," he said.

"When India launches missions like Chandrayaan (Moon mission), Mangalyaan (Mars) and Aditya-L1 (Sun), it is not just a technological achievement, it is also modern expression of that ancient spirit which has always been part of our cultural identity," he said.

"As we send satellites into space, we are simultaneously advancing our scientific culture," he added.

Observing that national security is usually associated with weapons, technology and physical strength of India's soldiers, he said, "All of these are important, without a doubt."

"But, if you look closely, real security does not come from external power alone. True security comes from a strong national consciousness. A fear based society can never be truly secure in the long-term. Only a fearless society can build a strong nation. This fearlessness does not come from physical strength, it comes from spiritual core," he said.

On one hand, soldiers provide humanitarian assistance with the spirit of Shiva during times of crisis, on the other hand, when necessary, they execute operations like Operation Sindoor with the intensity of 'Rudra', he said.

"The spirit within our soldiers comes from our culture, from the inspiration of Lord Shiva," he said.

He referred to the "Bhavya Bharat Bhushan" awards instituted by Isha Foundation for the first time to recognise the exceptional individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society in fields like science and technology, arts, history and culture.

"Today, alongside the distinguished stalwarts from these domains who were conferred this honour, three institutions of our Armed Forces were also facilitated in recognition of the remarkable success of Operation Sindoor. These are Western Air Command, Army's Southern Command and Western Naval Command. Personally, this filled me with great joy and a deep sense of pride," he said.

Noting that culture and science are often seen as separate from one another, he said in India they have always been complementary. "Culture is not merely a set of rituals, it is our way of life," he said.

Maintaining that the connection between Kashi and Tamil Nadu is very ancient, he said, "On one hand, Kashi is among the oldest living cities in the world; on the other hand, Tamil culture is counted among the most ancient cultures of the world."

"In language, culture and cuisine, Tamil Nadu is deeply rich and rooted in history. For me, coming to the sacred land of Tamil Nadu feels like a blessing. I have not come here as a guest, but as a seeker, as a spiritual person," he said.

Maharashtra Chief Minster Devendra Fadnavis was among those who attended the event.