Science and Spirituality Class 10 SSC Notes, Summary & Questions

This chapter is an adaptive biographical extract based on 'What Can I Give' by Srijan Pal Singh. It highlights how science and spirituality complement each other to foster human progress, ethical living, and selfless service.

About the author

Srijan Pal Singh is an author and social worker who closely worked with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam as an advisor and collaborator in various nation-building initiatives.

Summary

Dr. Kalam's early life was deeply influenced by multiple faiths through his father, a boatman and imam, and his close friends who were Hindu and Christian priests.

Setting up the facility posed a major roadblock as the land belonged to fishermen and included a church, bishop's house, and school. Through persistence, they approached Father Peter Bernard Pereira, the bishop of the region.

It also describes Dr. Kalam's attendance at the 102nd birthday celebrations of Dr. Sri Sri Shivakumara Mahaswamiji, whose endless service and munificence inspired the 'What Can I Give' movement...

Mind map

Sequence of Events and Ideas

Characters

Themes and message

Science and Spirituality Working Together

Science and faith are not contradictory; rather, science provides technical acceleration while faith provides moral boundaries and perspective.

The Joy of Giving

True happiness and societal peace come from asking 'What can I give?' instead of the greedy attitude of 'What can I take?'

Key points to remember

• Science gives focus and faith gives perspective.
• Dr. Kalam's humility was inspired by his father, a boatman and imam.
• The Thumba space center was successfully established through cooperation with the local church community.
• Academic brilliance must be accompanied by pure and ethical living.
• The 'What Can I Give' movement aims to combat corruption and environmental destruction.

Word meanings

Important questions and answers

Q1. Why did Dr. Kalam believe that science and faith must coexist?

According to Dr. Kalam, science provides focus to solve questions and discover truth, while faith provides perspective on how discoveries impact society. Science accelerates progress, and faith curbs it within reasonable limitations for the betterment of humanity.

Q2. What major roadblock did ISRO face while setting up the space research facility in Thumba?

The major roadblock was that the selected site was the fishing grounds of Thumba's fishermen, and had an old church of St Mary Magdalene, a bishop's house, and a school under the administration of the church.

Q3. How did Father Peter Bernard Pereira help Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Dr. Kalam?

Father Pereira invited Dr. Sarabhai and his team to visit the church on a Sunday morning after Dr. Sarabhai and Dr. Kalam approached him on a Saturday evening.

Q4. What lesson did Professor Satish Dhawan teach regarding academic brilliance?

Professor Dhawan explained that academic brilliance is like a mirror whose reflection can be dimmed by a coating of dust. The impurities obscuring our souls can be removed by living pure, ethical lives and serving humanity, allowing God to shine through us.

Q5. What was the secret behind the immense strength and fitness of the 102-year-old Mahaswamiji?

The secret behind Mahaswamiji's strength was his spirit of constant giving and munificence. By dedicating his life to serving humanity through a free residential education system and feeding children, his active generosity kept him standing tall.

Q6. What is the core message of the 'What Can I Give' movement?

The core message is to replace the selfish attitude of 'What can I take?'—which leads to corruption, environmental degradation, and social evil—with the noble goodness of 'What can I give?' in order to keep the planet liveable and thriving.

Q7. Complete the statement: The essence of a happy life and a peaceful society lies in one sentence...

The essence of a happy life and a peaceful society lies in one sentence: 'What can I give?'

Q8. State whether you agree or disagree: The Space Research set up facility was planned at Allapi, Kerala.

Disagree. (It was planned at Thumba, Kerala).

Exam tips

• Memorize the key contributions and roles of mentors who influenced Dr. Kalam, such as Prof. Vikram Sarabhai, Father Pereira, Prof. Satish Dhawan, and Mahaswamiji.
• Understand the exact definitions of key vocabulary words like 'munificence', 'curbs', and 'tenet' for board-level objective questions.
• Be prepared to explain the contrast between 'What can I take?' and 'What can I give?' in short answer questions.

FAQs

Who wrote the chapter 'Science and Spirituality'?

The chapter is adapted from 'What Can I Give' written by Srijan Pal Singh, recounting his experiences and interactions with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

What was Dr. Kalam's view on science versus religion?

Dr. Kalam did not see them as conflicting forces. He believed they complement each other, where science brings technical progress and faith provides moral perspective.

What inspired the 'What Can I Give' movement?

The movement was inspired by the selfless life and service of Dr. Sri Sri Shivakumara Mahaswamiji and the mentoring wisdom Dr. Kalam received throughout his life.

These notes were prepared with AI help from the Balbharati English Kumarbharati textbook (2026-27) and fact-checked against it.