Of Modi's spirituality and the intrigue of Quantum Physics!

Raju Korti
For all the vilification he endures in different fora all the time, one thing that always stands out for me about Prime Minister Narendra Modi is his uncanny ability to get people from other walks into his fold that is often dubbed as an exercise in PR. Those with jaundiced political eye might believe this to be a political blog, simply because it involves a political leader, but far from it. The point I am trying to labour over here is the connect between Spirituality and Quantum Physics. 

Is consciousness the bottom line?

In his visit to Vienna, Austria, Modi found it opportune to meet, among other people, Nobel Laureate Austrian physicist Anton Zeilinger. After the two met, Zeilinger said: "We had a very pleasant discussion. We discussed about spiritual things, we talked about possibilities of quantum information, quantum technology, and about the basic fundamental ideas of Quantum Physics." For the record, my understanding about Quantum Physics is marginally better than Spirituality, which is why the interaction drew my attention. 

I do not know how much can Modi hold forth on something like Quantum Physics, but I have little doubts about the man's penchant to veer Zeilinger around his viewpoint. He found Modi to be a deeply spiritual person and wished leaders across the world should imbibe that feature that he brings to his demeanour and discussions. "I think this is a feature which more leaders in the world should have today...The point is that you support the gifted young people to follow their own ideas and from them the really new ideas come. That is something which can happen in every country, certainly in India, the Austrian physicist said. Zeilinger's whose work in Quantum Physics is considered path-breaking, made no secret of his admiration for India's efforts in the National Quantum Mission and how the ecosystem for technology and innovation is being gainfully nurtured.

I believe that the connect between Spirituality and Quantum Physics has intrigued thinkers from both realms for decades, offering a fascinating intersection where science and metaphysics meet. Though there are some who abstain studiously from being too vocal about it, Quantum Physics, with its Principle of Uncertainty, non-locality, and the role of the observer, challenges traditional notions of reality and suggests a universe that is more fluid and interconnected than previously thought.

Spirituality across various traditions and beliefs, often posits a fundamental unity underlying existence, where consciousness plays a central role in shaping reality. This parallels with Quantum Physics' assertion that observation influences the outcome of quantum events, suggesting a deeper link between consciousness and the physical world. Concepts such as the interconnectedness of all things, as found in spiritual teachings, find resonance in quantum entanglement, where particles are believed to instantaneously influence each other regardless of distance.  

Skepticism and apprehensions obtain because these connections remain largely speculative and philosophical. However, they provide a fertile ground for exploring the nature of reality beyond the confines of traditional scientific and spiritual boundaries, inviting a deeper inquiry into the mysteries that underpin this universe.  

The National Quantum Mission in India was launched with the ambitious goal of advancing quantum science and technology to propel the country into a leadership position in this cutting-edge field. The mission has made significant strides in fostering research collaborations through state-of-the-art infrastructure and skilled workforce. It has catalyzed research projects across domains, including quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum materials. While challenges remain, the National Quantum Mission can set the stage for future advancements in pivotal areas of science and technology.

As Modi leads India, his vision seems to intertwine threads of  tradition and innovation, creating a tapestry where Spirituality and Quantum Physics can meet in a dance of progress and possibility. The first step should be begin with breaking the Mann Ki Baat mode to to Walk the Talk one. Quantum Physics might delve into the bizarre and counterintuitive world where particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously but Spirituality provides -- or is supposed to provide -- the anchor for inner stability amidst life's turbulence.

Parallel lines have so much in common.  It is a shame they will never meet unless you bend the rules a bit. The same might go for Spirituality and Quantum Physics. Spirituality and science can converge when both seek to understand the mysteries of existence through different yet complementary lenses. Modi and Zeilinger can do their bidding, but to me, intrigue carries bigger charm than the finding, if any.