Science and Superstitions
When we talk of Science and Superstition together it appears as though we are trying to put two opposites together, and, in doing so putting forth an obviously awkward act. In order to see whether the twosome sounds awkward together and if so how awkward we have to analyze the basic content of both Science and Superstition.
On the one hand when Science appeals to reason, logic and can be explained, Superstition relates to none of these three qualities. The latter in essence is basically a show of the fear of God or the supernatural. It appears very illogical to believe in any superstition because it cannot be explained to any reasoning. Thus both Science and Superstition are obviously two opposites. However, the irony of facts is that, even today when Science is taking such giant leaps ahead, Superstition has also not got lost in the maze of technical and scientific advancement.
No matter how modern and scientifically bent we may be, even today, there are a few examples of superstition which still persist the Indian psyche. For an obvious example it is still considered auspicious to take a dip in the Ganges. Even the most advanced modern educated Indians still seem to believe that we can get rid of the effect of our sins by taking a dip in the Ganges. True, many people do believe it but, does it stand to any reason, can it be explained by any logic, NO. It is just a matter of faith and just does not stand to any reasoning at all.
When our children go for an examination we serve them with sweet curd. Though we all know that children will steer clear in their exams only by the dint of their hard work and not by consuming sweet curd we still serve them curd and observe the superstition. Let us ask ourselves as to how many of us are willing to give up this apparently foolish superstition an obviously meaningless belief. A black cat cutting across our way when we are going for some important work sets us to believe that the work will not be done. Now, is there any logic in believing in this omen. We also often see a black thread tied round a neck with a talisman hanging on the chest. Now, what is this, a pure belief.
Do any of these examples of superstitions very commonly believed even now, stand to any reason of scientific explanation? On the one hand while there is a phenomenal growth in the technical and scientific areas, these superstitions keep haunting us all the while. The most outstanding example of belief in superstition is to be seen in the planning of the most modern town of Chandigarh. This town is without a doubt the most modern town planned in this age of India’s scientific growth. This town has forty seven Sectors and, in these forty seven Sectors, the so called unlucky thirteen number Sector is missing. This goes to prove that even the most modern planners architects and technicians do believe that number thirteen is an unlucky number. Thus, believe it or not, we, still, in the subconscious mind at least, give plenty of weightage to superstitions.
With all these commonly prevalent superstitions we can conclude that even though we are on the path of modernization, superstitions have still a hold on our mental attitudes and our thinking processes. This leads us to believe that these superstitions must be having some bearing on our work, our thinking and spirit. Though we do not understand their basis, we still continue to follow them and believe in them blindly. We are being continuously held hostage to these superstitions, may be much against our leanings. In this age of science and technology we should not believe in any of this but, how do we leave it? This is a proof of there being some reason for their existence, some reason that defies any explanation, some reason which Science cannot defy nor disprove.
