Mangalore: Experts Debate on Science and Spirituality at SAC Conference

Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VM)

Mangalore, Dec 18: A national-level conference on ‘Science and Spirituality' was held at Eric Mathias hall, St Aloysius College here on Tuesday December 18.

The conference was inaugurated by Dr Alex Hankey, professor of yoga and physical science in Bangalore by lighting lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais.

Fr Swebert D'Silva, principal, Fr Dr Leo D'Souza, director laboratory of applied biology, Professor ML Sureshnath, convener, Dr Ivan Pinto, organizing secretary, Dr Narayan Bhat, organizing secretary shared the dias.

Dr Alex Hankey who obtained his PhD in theoretical physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technolgy, USA in his address said that the subject ‘Science and Spirituality' has been close to his heart since years. After persuing his graduation from Cambridge, he decided to spend his life to know the conflict between science and spirituality.

"Physics likes to discuss things which are stable. Science cannot prove the existence of god. Science decides by observation and experiment, constructs theories and assumes that its theories are final and universally applicable," said Hankey. "The present situation of science is that scientists tend to assume that they have final knowledge of how the world works," he said.

"I am sure this conference will help you to strengthen your personal life," he added.

In his presidential address, Fr Swebert D'Silva said that the conference was apt for present times as our society is a multi-cultural and multi-religious society. "The topic is relevant to the society as we find much intolerance in the society because of religion. Our main concern is to live in peace and harmony. The conference will give a clear cut idea on the topic," he said.

"We tend to think that science and spirituality are contradictory elements, but in fact, they somehow complement each other. Spirituality must lead to certain amount of action, that is, it should help in the development of self and of others. Only then spirituality makes sense," said Fr Swebert.

Resource persons like Dr Willy R D'Souza, professor S Abdul Rahiman, Dr Job Kozhanthadam, Dr Shanthala Priyadarshini spoke on various aspects of science and spirituality.

Representatives of different religious organizations, college lecturers, general public, and students participated in the conference.

Vice-principals Fr Francis Almeida, Dr Judith Pinto, Ronald Pinto among others were present.