Science, Spirituality Converge in Pursuit of Truth: Mohan Bhagwat
Addressing the Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan 2025 at the National Sanskrit University, Bhagwat said the confusion largely stemmed from a limited understanding of dharma
TIRUPATI: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat has said the commonly perceived divide between science and spirituality is misplaced.
Both disciplines are ultimately directed towards understanding truth, even though they follow different paths and perspectives in their pursuit of knowledge, he asserted here on Friday.
Addressing the Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan 2025 at the National Sanskrit University, Bhagwat said the confusion largely stemmed from a limited understanding of dharma. “Dharma is often mistaken for religion, whereas it actually refers to the natural law that governs the functioning of creation. No individual or society can exist outside this framework,” he said, warning that disturbance of this balance inevitably led to decline and destruction.
Questioning the division being drawn between science and spirituality, Bhagwat said modern science began only recently to discuss consciousness, a subject that Indian thinkers had highlighted long ago. Science looks outward at the material world, while spirituality looks inward, but both ultimately seek the same truth, he said.
Bhagwat said India would continue to develop, but stressed that progress should not come at the cost of nature or human happiness. Science should not be confined to improving material comfort alone, but should also help people reflect on the true meaning of happiness and well-being.
Material prosperity by itself cannot ensure happiness. “Unlike animals, which focus only on basic needs such as food and safety, humans think beyond survival. Despite our access to modern facilities, many people continue to experience deep dissatisfaction and distress, showing that happiness cannot be measured purely in physical terms,” he noted.
The RSS chief noted that science was once closely integrated with everyday life here, but research weakened when survival became the primary concern. Organisations such as Vijnana Bharati, he said, are now working to revive traditional knowledge systems and apply them in practical ways.
He called for science education in local languages to make knowledge more accessible. Cautioning society against misuse of science, he cited harmful agricultural practices as examples of development pursued without wisdom. “Science guided by dharma can lead to balanced development and a harmonious society,” he stated.