Scientists are religious, too

Scientists at six defence labs at Kanchanbagh join the Durga Puja celebrations.

While scientists go after reason, empiricism and evidence in their jobs, during Durga Puja, scientists and their families of six defence laboratories - DRDL, RCI, ASL, DLRL, DMRL, ANURAG and two public sector units BDL and MIDHANI take part full heartedly in the celebrations every year.

The Durga Puja at Krishti Gosthi, one of the oldest Bengali societies in the city is in its 32nd year of celebrations. Like other Bengali associations in the city, the society brings professional artistes from West Bengal. The staff of defence laboratories organise dance, drama, music and sing songs during the celebrations.

Children are given opportunity to perform and local talent is encouraged. Pulkit Halder, scientist, RCI, DRDO says, “It is a time for people from different parts to meet and more importantly, to keep the rituals and traditions alive. It is wrong to think that scientists are not religious.” Another scientist says, “Before every satellite launch, the ISRO chairman makes a visit to the hill shrine of Lord Venkateshwara near Tirupati.” The celebrations at Kanchanbagh would go on till October 14.