2.6 - Science and Spirituality - Std 10 - Kumarbharati

Aug 6
5 min read

Updated: Aug 9

Author: Adapted from What Can I Give? by Srijan Pal Singh

Genre: Biographical Sketch / Reflective Essay

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Std X

Board: Maharashtra State Board

Summary:

The lesson explores how science and spirituality can coexist to build a better society, using episodes from the life of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Though Dr. Kalam was a renowned scientist, he deeply believed that faith and science must go hand in hand. He learned spiritual values from his father, his mentors, and leaders like Professor Sarabhai, Father Pereira, and Swamiji. The story of how the church at Thumba was given up for ISRO’s space centre shows the harmony between science and faith.

Later, inspired by spiritual leaders and thinkers, Dr. Kalam launched the “What Can I Give?” movement, urging people to give back to society selflessly. Through these examples, the lesson teaches that intellectual brilliance should be balanced with ethical living and that the real strength of a nation lies in the spirit of giving.

Theme / Central Idea:

The lesson highlights the need for harmony between science and spirituality. Scientific advancement must be rooted in ethical and spiritual values to create a just, compassionate, and sustainable society.

Character Sketches

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Great Indian scientist and former President of India
Deeply spiritual and humble despite fame
Believed science and faith should work together
Inspired by multiple religious and ethical leaders
Initiated the “What Can I Give?” movement to promote service
Lived a life of simplicity, compassion, and vision

Father Peter Bernard Pereira

Reverend and spiritual leader in Thumba
Selfless and wise; gave up his church land for ISRO’s research center
Believed science and spirituality serve the same purpose
Delivered a powerful speech linking scientific and spiritual service

Dr. Vikram Sarabhai

Pioneer of India’s space program
Visionary scientist with deep respect for people and faith
Worked closely with Dr. Kalam in the early ISRO years
Sought support from spiritual leaders to achieve scientific goals

Word Meanings

Word / Phrase	Meaning
Perspective	Viewpoint; way of looking at something
Curbs	Controls; keeps in limits
Fledgling	New and inexperienced
Reverberated	Echoed loudly
Munificence	Generosity
Circumspectly	Cautiously
Ethos	Core values and spirit of a culture
Inquisitive	Eager to know or learn more
Obscuring	Blocking or making unclear
Tranquility	Peacefulness; calm

Grammar Questions

Q1. Identify the infinitive and explain its function:

“Science provides focus - focus helps us solve questions.”

→ Infinitive: to solve

→ Function: Shows the purpose of the noun focus.

Q2. Change to indirect speech:

Dr. Kalam said, “What can I give?”

→ Dr. Kalam asked what he could give.

→ Explanation: The reporting verb is asked, and the question is turned into a statement in indirect form.

Q3. Identify the modal and its function:

We must replace the attitude of ‘what can I take’.

→ Modal: must

→ Function: Expresses necessity or strong obligation.

Q4. Rewrite in present perfect tense:

He gathered the sands of conscience.

→ He has gathered the sands of conscience.

→ Explanation: Present perfect tense shows action completed recently with relevance to the present.

Q5. Frame a Wh-question:

Dr. Kalam joined ISRO in 1960.

→ When did Dr. Kalam join ISRO?

→ Explanation: Asks for the time of an action.

Personal Response Questions

Q1. What lesson do you learn from Father Pereira’s act of giving up the church land?→ Father Pereira’s act of giving up the church land for scientific progress teaches us that spirituality is about service and sacrifice. It shows that true religion supports human welfare and can coexist with scientific development for a greater cause.

Q2. What is the meaning of ‘What can I give’ according to Dr. Kalam?

→ The phrase ‘What can I give’ represents a mindset of selfless service. According to Dr. Kalam, this attitude leads to a better society and helps eliminate corruption, selfishness, and injustice. It inspires people to contribute instead of just taking from the world.

Q3. What inspired Dr. Kalam to live a spiritually balanced life despite being a scientist?

→ Dr. Kalam was inspired by his father’s simplicity, his interactions with religious leaders, and mentors like Dr. Sarabhai and Father Pereira. These influences taught him that spiritual values could guide science in the right direction and keep a person grounded.

Q4. What qualities made Swamiji stand tall even at the age of 102?

→ Swamiji’s strength came from his spirit of giving, disciplined life, and dedication to service. His work for humanity, especially free education for thousands of children, kept him physically and mentally fit, even in old age.

True or False (One-word answers)

Dr. Kalam joined ISRO in 1960. → True
Father Pereira refused to support the scientific mission. → False
Dr. Kalam believed science and spirituality are separate. → False

Probable Board Questions

Q1. What made Dr. Kalam believe in the coexistence of science and spirituality?

→ Dr. Kalam believed that science gives us tools and inventions, while spirituality provides direction and values. His experiences with people of faith who supported scientific missions convinced him that both can work together for human welfare.

Q2. Why did Father Pereira agree to give up the church for the space research centre?

→ Father Pereira understood the importance of scientific progress and believed it aligned with the mission of serving humanity. By allowing the church to be used for ISRO, he demonstrated that spirituality supports human advancement.

Q3. How did Professor Dhawan define academic brilliance?

→ Professor Dhawan compared academic brilliance to a mirror, which shines only when dust is removed. He said brilliance must be supported by purity, ethical living, and a spirit of service to truly reflect greatness.

Q4. What was the purpose of the “What Can I Give?” movement started by Dr. Kalam?

→ The “What Can I Give?” movement aimed to inspire citizens to give back to society. It focused on eliminating corruption, promoting environmental care, and encouraging youth to adopt values of contribution and kindness.

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

The lesson Science and Spirituality beautifully shows that science and religion are not enemies, but partners. Through Dr. Kalam’s life, we see how spiritual values like humility, service, and simplicity can guide scientific growth. The lesson is filled with moving real-life events and personalities who supported humanity selflessly. I liked how the story ends with the message “What can I give”, which stays in the reader’s mind as a powerful life philosophy. The lesson teaches us that a balance of intellect and ethics is essential for true national and personal progress.

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