ALTAR OF SPACE SCIENCE

(How a small Catholic Church in a coastal village helped India’s Space Programme to take off)

 

On 21st November 1962, the FIRST Rocket, blasted off from TERLS (Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station) signalling the beginning of India’s Space Programme.

 

The rocket systems were assembled and integrated inside the St. Mary Magdalene Church, in Thumba. This Church was literally the Birth Place of India’s Space Programme. 

 

ISRO Website mentions that the scientists worked inside the Church, which served as the “First Laboratory for Indian Space Research” 

 

Thumba was a small fishing village near Trivandrum. The village had a small Church in the name of Saint Mary Magdalene. This church was originally established by Saint Francis Xavier four centuries ago in 1544 in a thatched shed. (The permanent structure was built much later. The Church was under the Catholic Diocese of Trivandrum). 

 

It was destined to play an important role in the early days of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) 

 

In early nineties, inspired by the Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, two leading scientists of India Dr. Homi Bhaba, and Dr. Vikram Sarabhai were looking for a suitable area for establishing the Rocket Launching Station and they had zeroed in the sleepy fishing village of Thumba. 

 

The total area was more than 600 acres, in which, the Church Land was 90 acres. That included the St. Mary Magdalene Church, Bishop’s residence, a Primary School and the Cemetery. The entire land has to be acquired, and they could not avoid the church land including the church. 

Moreover, there were 183 families of fishermen (who also happened to be the parishioners of the church). They have to be displaced and rehabilitated somewhere else without disrupting their way of living. It could involve a massive exodus.

 

Dr. Vikram Sarabhai believed Thumba was the most appropriate location and wanted to acquire the land at any cost. But everything depended upon the Catholic Church, Head of the Diocese (the Bishop) and most importantly the simple Parishioners. 

 

Dr. Sarabhai discussed the matter with his scientific team (which included Dr. A.P.J Abdula Kalam) and they had decided to meet the Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Bernard Pereira. On a Saturday they met the bishop and he advised the team to attend, next day, the Sunday Mass (Church Service), and they could talk to the parishioners, about this matter.

 

What happened on that historic Sunday is written in detail by Dr. Kalam in his well-known book “Ignited Minds: Unleashing the Power within India” 

 

The bishop addressed the people “My Children, I have a famous scientist, Vikram, with me who wants our Church for the work of Space science and research. Science seeks truth that enriches human life. Both science and spirituality seek prosperity in mind and body of humanity”. 

 

He explained in detail the requirement of the scientists and asked his parishioners, “Can we give them, God’s Abode for a scientific Mission?”.

 

The implications were: The villagers need to be relocated, the heritage church built by Saint Francis Xavier had to be given up, they needed to build another Church, their children’s schooling might disrupt, etc. 

 

But in spite of all these problems, the congregation agreed.

 

It was almost a sacrificial decision by a religious institution to provide the ALTAR for the scientific research in the interest of the humanity and the Nation.

 

Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and his team were emotionally moved by the decision of the bishop, Rev. Peter Bernard Pereira and his flock. The scientists took a firm decision that they would Never Demolish the Church even though worship might not take place there.

 

Once they could cease using the Church for scientific purposes, they had decided to convert it into a MUSEUM in 1985 dedicated to the History and Achievements of Space Research in India.

CONQUERING ANTARCTICA

Indira Gandhi-100 birth anniversary

 

Remembering a vision, followed by a secret mission and an achievement scientifically and politically. 

 

Project "Dhakshin Gangothri" was a special mission conceived by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to set up research stations in Antarctica. Apart from scientic development this secret mission had other goals also. After India's successful nuclear test, Indiraji wanted to show the world, India as a growing power in Science and technology.

After the world war, the industrialised nations had a significant interest in Antarctica on three major fronts, political, economic and military. These countries had signed an exclusive treaty with US, Russia, Japan,and other industrialized nations as members. They had also decided not to allow any more members in this club. India tried to join the Antartctic treaty but could not succeed in the UN general assembly.

Indira Gandhi took a defiant stand and had decided that the immense possibility of scientific advantage and potential of mining in Antarctica were something India could not afford to miss out. Showing scant regard for this exclusive treaty by the politically powerful nations, India started its own effort to stamp its authority in the continent of Antarctica.

 

The project for Antarctic Expedition code named by Indiraji herself as "Dakshin Gangotri" was started with a top secret study. The project was stopped by the opposition government

after her defeat in 1977. She restarted it when she came back to power in 1980. She kept this project under her own direct control. She directed the scientists to make a blueprint for establishing a permanent station in Antarctica. Only three people other than her knew the entire secret plan of Operation Dakshin Gangotri.

India launched its first Antarctic expedition in December 1981 from Goa, with a stop in Mauritius to pick up equipment and supplies (under the guise of a commercial cruise). The team consisted of 21 scientists from 7 research institutions. After 77 days India reached Antarctica to the total surprise of USA and other members of the treaty.

The New Scientist magazine wrote "Indians quietly invade Antarctica", (as India was not a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty of 1959).

New York Times reported "A scientific expedition from India has landed on the coast of East Antarctica. Its stated purpose was to perform oceanographic, seismic, climate and other scientific research. But the full details are not yet known"

All countries including the most powerful CIA were caught by surprise.

After 35 years and 30 expeditions, now India has two permanent Stations in Antarctica doing active research. India has become one of the members of the treaty and a stakeholder in Antarctica. Indira Gandhi's dream was successfully realised.

We can see some parallels with Nuclear test in the case of Antarctica project also. Both were executed secretly skillfully and successfully. Both the cases India was boldly acting against major political and economic powers. India could prove India's capability in Science and Technology and also its will and determination to do it against all global political odds.

This remain as one of the lasting contributions to modern India by India Gandhi.

 

MEMORY OF AN ACCIDENT

 

 

Friday, 13th October 2000, Twenty Years ago:

On that day, the Bypass Road from Trivandrum Technopark was not complete. Railway bridge work was indefinitely pending. The traffic was not yet formally opened. Street lights were not lit up. 

 

The time was nearly 8:00PM. It was pitch dark.

 

I was returning from my office in Technopark, after a long, tiring and disturbing day’s work.

I was driving my car slowly with maximum care, because it was very dark and the road was not fully traffic-ready and the terrain was not yet familiar. My car-stereo was softly playing Mehdi Hassan.

 

When I was nearing the junction before Venpalavattom, I suddenly heard a male voice desperately wailing loudly “അയ്യോ രക്ഷിക്കണേ!”.

 

Then I saw an Ambassador car with the headlights on and the bonnet was seriously damaged by hitting the road divider. I knew there was an accident. I stopped my car and I saw a young man running towards me with full of blood on his dress. He was in extreme state of shock and he could not coherently answer my questions. 

 

With him I went to the car and I was shocked to see two more persons. Another young man profusely bleeding on the upper part of his body. Then I heard a woman crying feebly from the back seat. Immediately I knew both of them were in a serious condition. The lady was a senior, with some head injury. The young man who approached me was in a comparatively better position.

 

One moment I thought what to do? I could call for ambulance or police. But I realized the Cell phone signal was very weak (almost nil being that area was newly developing and deserted, and the absence of mobile towers, and being early days of Mobile phones).

Then I realised, “It is an emergency. Time is critical, I have to take them to a hospital as soon as possible”.

 

With the help of the young man, with great difficulty we both somehow carried the woman to my car and the other man staggeringly followed behind.

 

The young man was crying “Please Sir, take us to a hospital Our mother is dying”.

He got into the front seat with me and the other two were accommodated in the rear seat. Then I got into the driving seat and gave the youngster my water bottle and asked him to give his mother, if needed.

 

Then I started the car, switched on all emergency lights, and stepped on the pedal, fully blowing the horn, and driving with maximum speed, as never before in my life, in the darkness.

 

After I reached the regular traffic zone, my job had become more difficult because of the busy traffic and driving through it. Once in a while I was also advising the sons to take care of their mother and don’t allow her to faint. She was continuously wailing because of the pain and the trauma.

 

They were from Murukkumpuzha and they were on their return journey from Trivandrum city. Their father was a business man.

 

On the way the young man requested (if possible) to take them to SUT Hospital.

I could heave a sigh of relief, when I reached the main entrance of SUT hospital. Seeing the speeding car some hospital staff ran to us with stretchers and within seconds they carried the two persons Mother and Elder son inside the Casualty of the hospital. Other person had only minor external injuries and he followed them.

 

The hospital staff and the security staff enquired me what happened. I explained to them.

They immediately told me that “Sir, you have done a great thing. You have saved the lives of them. Many people won’t do this”

 

“How could I leave them on the road in this condition without any assistance? This was the only thing I could do. I had no choice. If I had not done this it would haunt me all my life”

I telephoned their father and informed the details. Then I gave the young guy some money for any emergency and gave my business card, and advised him to call me if he needs any further help.

 

When I walked back to my car, I saw the rear seat was full of blood. My, fairly new Jacket, which was lying there on the seat, was soaked in blood.

 

Later I came to know from SUT hospital that the woman had to undergo a major surgery for head injury. Her elder son had some serious ribcage injuries and he was treated. Both of them survived.

 

I was exhausted when I reached home. That night before going to bed I thanked God for giving me that opportunity to save two lives.

 

 

Canopy walk and an endangered monkey

It was an exhilarating feeling to walk on the forest canopy and the view was breathtaking.  I felt like floating on the treetops experiencing the nature in its imposing magnificence.  I was walking on the canopy walkway of the Kakum National Park of Ghana. Kakum, located in the central region of Ghana, is one of the best preserved Rainforest reserves in the world.

The walkway composed of 360 meters of seven swinging bridges and six connecting wooden platforms reaching heights of around 40 meters. The walking above the treetops offered a spectacular view of the rain forest ecosystem. Though I found it incredible, it was a slightly unsettling experience to walk along the swaying suspended walkway connected to the platforms built around the tall trees by thick ropes.

Several hundreds of species including plants, animals, insects and birds live in the level of the forest canopy. These species could not be seen on the forest floor. Kakum forest has around 300 identified kinds of birds living above the canopy. The sight of these colourful birds gliding through the forest canopy was really fascinating. 

Photographs by the author

In a rainforest most of the plant and animal life exist in the forest canopy and not in the forest floor. Typically the canopy of tree tops will be at least 30 meters above ground. According to the biologists 60 to 90 percent of the flora and fauna of the forest live in the canopy.  In addition to the plants, insects and birds, larger animals such as frogs, sloths, monkeys and lizards also are found in the canopies. 

The greatest diversity of living organisms are seen in the tropical rain forests. In fact more than 50% of all biological species on the earth are endemic to the tropical rain forests. As the name conveys the rain forests have very high rainfall, with an annual rainfall from 250 to 450 centimeters. World’s rainforests   are seen in the geographical regions of Amazon river basin of Central America, Africa, Malaysia, Australia, and India. Assam and Western Ghats of Southern India have rainforests with ecosystems of large biodiversity.  

More than 20% of world’s Oxygen, comes from these rainforests. Poet Pablo Neruda describes them as the “Lungs of the world”. Recently I read in an article that “Rainforests are world’s largest pharmacies”. The reason is more than a quarter of natural medicines are discovered in rainforests.

My nervous and slow progress on the swaying rope-bound walkway was interrupted by a monkey sitting on the wooden platform and staring at me. It was small, dark grayish and with a long tail. Throat, front side and upper part of its forehead were while.   Both my hands were holding the rope-railings on both the sides of the hanging bridge. I tried to free one hand to retrieve my camera from its case and in the process, the bridge started swaying wildly and I gave the effort. The monkey with a contemptuous look jumped to the nearest tree and by the time I reached the platform, it disappeared from my sight.  

Photo courtesy Wikipedia

Later I came to know that it was an extremely rare sighting and the monkey was called “Diana Monkey”, which was classified as one of the most endangered monkey species. I remembered another endangered primate specie called “Lion tailed macaque” in Silent Valley rainforest of Western Ghats of Southern India. 

Destroying the Rainforests

Globalization and market based economic planning pose the biggest threat for our forest wealth. Deforestation is taking place all over the world at a very fast pace and this will have a catastrophic impact on the ecological balance.Destruction of rainforests is the result of various factors, such as political, social and economic compulsions. The reason for deforestation may vary from place to place. In a globalized market there are demands for timber and other forest products. Need for farming and agricultural products are also increasing. Farmers cut down forests for creating farming land. Another major factor is the requirement of additional land for new infrastructure development.  The so called drivers of the economic development are also responsible for initiating the process for the destruction of our rain forests. Apart from the impact on ecology, deforestation displaces indigenous people and deprives of their livelihood. It also destroys the wild-life.According to the UN environment program, animal populations of earth, now, are 30% lesser than in 1970. This is an alarming situation.

Two Major segments of industry responsible for the destruction of rainforests are identified as the “Oil production” companies of two different categories. They are – the oil industries involved in the exploration and refining of fossil fuel and the second are the oil companies that produce normal plant-based cooking oils.  

Rainforest ecosystems are being destroyed for the oil exploration. The exponential growth in global demand for the fossil fuels is the result of the industrial development. Moreover, the burning of Petrol and other such fuels result in the emission of Carbon Dioxide, which in turn contributes to global warming. The exploration for fossil fuel in Africa and the Amazon region of Latin America is being aggressively pursued by several multinational companies from the industrialized countries. Almost one-third of the rainforests are in danger of getting destroyed once large scale production starts taking place. In Congo the Virunga national park is almost on the verge of destruction. Virunga region being the last habitat of Mountain Gorilla, an endangered ape, the destruction of forests will seriously imperil their existence.

Palm oil is a key ingredient used in processed food and other food products including chocolates. Palm oil is used as the primary cooking oil in most part of the world. Palm oil is also used for making cosmetics, detergents etc. Oil palms need a rainforest climate with a high humidity and temperature. Mass production of palm oil resulted in the devastation of rainforests. Several multinational companies are waiting for setting up new oil palm plantations in various parts of Africa, Asia and South America. In Congo alone 275 million acres of rainforest land is identified for palm oil industries. 

Recently, Ecuador Government approved the oil drilling in the Yasuni National Park in Amazon rainforest. This region contains more biological species in one hectare area than all the wild life in whole of North America. This decision came as a rude shock for the ecology activists all over the world who were fighting against such a move. The debt and the poverty of the nation had forced to take this step. This implies that the big oil companies of China and USA may be given opportunity to destroy millions of acres of the pristine rainforests of the amazon basin. The Wauroni tribes, who live in the forests of Ecuador are challenging this decision of the government. They look towards the rich countries for help.

But the support promised by the developed countries never materialized. The President of Ecuador expressed his helplessness saying “The world has failed us”. He blamed the lack of foreign support.  He added “We don’t ask for charity. It is also the responsibility of the international community in the face of climate change”

 “Rainforest Alliance”, an international NGO functioning from more than 100 locations all over the world, is working hard spreading the message and creating consensus among the concerned countries to take steps for protecting the remaining rainforests. All rich countries must come forward to support this initiative, since this is not for any particular region but for the whole of humanity.

MURGI LUNCH AT NAIR’S RESTAURANT

George Bernard Shaw once said “I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad”.  That is one of the reasons why I never visit an Indian restaurant when I travel out of the country. But I always make an exception to visit “Nair’s Restaurant” whenever I go to Tokyo.

Nair’s restaurant in Tokyo is a place of historical significance. It was established by the legendary freedom fighter Madhavan Nair (known as Nair-san), who closely worked with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in Indian Independence League and Indian National Army.

Last time I visited Nair’s restaurant was six months ago, when I took a Japanese friend for lunch. “Nair’s Restaurant” is near the Kabuki Theatre in Higashi Ginza. In fact, Ginza is considered to be the most expensive place on earth. It is also the costliest shopping district. Almost every well-known brand in the world has a showroom there.

When we reached “Nair’s Restaurant” at around 11:30 AM, a small queue had already been formed to get into the restaurant. The place normally opens at 11:30 AM with offerings of lunch. Nair’s Restaurant also sold variety of Indian spices, Nair’s Ghee, Indira Curry Powder made by Nair & Co, and Maharaja Beer. Once we get inside, the Indian fragrance and décor welcome us. But the Indianness ends there. The cuisine and curry powder are made with a taste that suited Japanese palette. 

Manager of the place came to us with the menu card. Before we scan through the items, he asked me, “As usual, shall I take a “Murgi Lunch” for you?”

I meekly accepted his offer. My friend selected a combination of rice with “Curd Curry”. I had additionally ordered for a big bottle of Maharaja Beer. (I have never seen this brand in India (or anywhere else).

I owe some explanation regarding the Murgi Lunch and Curd Curry in the Nair’s restaurant. Murgi Lunch consisted of a yellow coloured ball of cooked rice, a bland side dish of cabbage, and two large pieces of chicken in spicy gravy. As soon as the dish is served, the waiter himself, with the help of a fork and knife removes the bones from the chicken pieces and offers us with the boneless chicken. “Murgi Lunch” is one of the most popular dishes for lunch, among their dedicated Japanese customers. 

What is a curd curry? It is nothing but “Pulissery” (well-known Kerala dish). (Arguably similar to “More Kuzhambu” in Tamil Nadu)

When Nair-san had established “Nair’s Restaurant” in the year 1949, it was the first authentic Indian eatery to open in Japan. At present there are more than 800 Indian restaurants all over the country.

After Nair’s Restaurant, it took many years for others to start Indian restaurants. But once started, those eateries proved to be big hits among the Japanese people. In spite of its huge success, there is still only one “Nair’s Restaurant” whereas several other Indian restaurants have grown as chains all over Japan.

Because, basically Nair-san was never an hotelier and the profit was not his primary motive. Being a patriot to the core, the main reason for setting up an Indian restaurant in Tokyo was to propagate Indian cuisine among the Japanese.

Nair-san, the patriot

Ayyappan Pillai Madhavan Nair, a native of Trivandrum, popularly known in Japan as Nair-san came to Japan as an Engineering student. Thereafter he made Japan his home and lived there for more than fifty years. He married a Japanese lady. He was quite nostalgic about his roots in Kerala, and had even changed the name of his Japanese wife to Janaki Amma.

During his studies in Japan he got involved in Indian freedom struggle. He had joined Indian Independence League in Japan under the leadership of Rash Behari Bose the legendary Indian freedom fighter in exile. Bose, a fugitive from the British government of India, found shelter in Japan and continued his activities against the British. He married a Japanese woman, who was the daughter of the owner of Nakamuraya restaurant in Tokyo.  Bose had become a Japanese citizen in 1923, living as a journalist and writer. It is also significant that he was instrumental in introducing Indian-style curry to Japan through his Nakamuraya Restaurant in Tokyo.

Rash Behari Bose along with Nair-san worked hard to persuade the Japanese government to support actively the Indian freedom struggle abroad. In the year 1942, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose joined India Independence league and became its President. After that, in 1943, he decided to revive and strengthen the fledgling Indian National Army to fight along with the Japanese imperialistic army against the British forces. Netaji also declared the formation of Azad e Hind, the government of India in exile.

Nair-san joined hands with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in the INA. Nair-san’s life had changed forever when he came into contact with Netaji. He worked for Netaji as his interpreter and his life in the INA was quite eventful and adventurous. He travelled with Netaji all over Japan and other destinations in Southeast Asia.

With Netaji’s mysterious death in a plane crash, Nair-san wanted to return to India to serve his motherland. But, he felt that in the changed political scene of independent India Netaji and his contributions were not properly recognized and he realized that he would not get a proper role to play in the new government. So he had decided to remain in his adopted country of Japan.

Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister had offered him the position of Consul General of India in Kobe city, Japan. But nothing lesser than the position of Ambassador was acceptable to him and he had politely turned down the offer. But he continued to maintain a good personal relationship with Pandit Nehru and his family. That was the main reason why he named his popular curry powder as “Indira Curry Powder”.

His restaurant in Ginza was a way of maintaining his close link with India and also to meet and develop relationship with the Indians who visited Japan. Every year he used to visit Trivandrum and spent a few weeks in his house in Pujapura.

In recognition of his contribution to the strengthening of friendship between India and Japan Nair-san was awarded the highly respected decoration of the “Order of Merit of the Sacred Treasure” by Japanese emperor Hirohito in November 1984.

My encounter with Nair-san

I had the fortune to meet Nair-san in 1985 when I was in Tokyo undergoing a technical training under Japanese scholarship. Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was on a state visit to Japan. During his visit, there was a reception organized by Indian community in Tokyo in honour of the Prime Minister. During the same function Nair-san also was felicitated for receiving the highest honour in Japan.

I was introduced to Nair-san in that function. When he came to know that I was from his own hometown he was very happy.

I also know the second generation Nair-san Mr.Gopalan Nair. He is the second son of Nair-san. The Nair’s Restaurant is now run by him. He is also addressed as Nair-san. Gopalan Nair is basically a very soft person interested in Japanese traditional performing art of Kabuki. He is part of an amateur group that provides musical accompaniment to the Kabuki play. 

I look forward to my next trip to Tokyo in March. I would love to have my “Murgi Lunch” and Maharaja Beer.

THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE

According to a very conservative estimate there are one billion known galaxies in this seemingly infinite universe. “Milky way” our galaxy is one of the very small galaxies in the universe. Every galaxy has billions of stars. Our Sun is just one of those billions of stars in a corner of the Milky Way with a bunch of insignificant rocks orbiting around it.

It is scientifically untenable to assume that our earth is the only place in this infinite universe with life forms. We do not have any reason to believe that only our earth has some special qualities to evolve life. If favorable conditions exist and enough time was given, the universe would be teeming with life.

Well-known scientist and nuclear physicist, Enrico Fermi, famously asked in the year 1950 in a scientific gathering in Los Alamos “So where is everybody?”

Mankind was always obsessed scientifically and philosophically with the question whether we are alone in this vast universe. This question was addressed and popularized by some leading modern-day astronomers including Dr.Carl Sagan, who had contributed significantly to the research of extra-terrestrial life. He has also written some great books on the subject. I firmly believe “We are not alone”.

  

The Fact, Fiction and Fantasies

The stories of visitors coming from their heavenly abodes to earth could be seen in abundance in ancient traditions and mythologies of various countries. In ancient civilizations like India, Egypt, China and Latin America there are mythological references about the heavenly visitors landing in our earth using flying machines and performing many miracles. In the year 1968, Erich von Daniken, a Swiss, wrote a hugely successful book called “Chariots of Gods”. In that book he had proposed a theory that the earth was visited several times by ancient astronauts from other galaxies. He had cited many ancient structures like pyramids of Egypt and Mayan temples, astronaut-like figures and flying machines in the ancient paintings, stone carvings and other artifacts as proof of his theory. The book was quite entertaining and an instant hit. The fact that it was a bestseller for many months was a clear indication of people’s interest in the topic of alien visitors. In the wake of the success of this book many others followed suit with many crackpot theories of ancient astronauts.

Another phenomenon connected to the mankind’s obsession with extraterrestrial intelligence, was the UFO and Flying Saucers. In the year 1953, George Adamski, a self-proclaimed “ufologist” published a book called “Flying saucers have landed”. He claimed that he had witnessed the landing of a spacecraft with the shape of a flying saucer. According to Adamski an alien visitor from the planet Venus had emerged from the spacecraft, wearing a golden space suit, and communicated telepathically with him. Suddenly he became a very popular figure with a huge cult following. He had published a few more books, in which he claimed the he had been taken for space travel to other planets by the alien visitors. With these wild claims he had started loosing his credibility.

The subject of UFO (Unidentified Flying Objects) still continues to excite people all over the world. Hardly a day is passed without a report on UFO citing or abduction of people by the extraterrestrial visitors. The Web is full of stories about UFO visits, photographs of mysterious flying objects and alleged crashing of alien spacecrafts on earth etc. The word UFO is one of the most popular search keywords in Web search engines.

Even though most of the UFO citing could be explained as optical illusions or having natural causes, we cannot deny the fact that some of the UFO events remain mysterious without any possible scientific explanations. Some serious investigations have started taking place in many parts of the world about the UFO phenomena and the reported cases of abduction of people by aliens.

In addition to the popular books, there is some serious writing also on the topic of extraterrestrial intelligence. The list of authors includes eminent intellectuals like Carl Sagan, Arthur C.Clarke, Arthur Koestler and Colin Wilson. Dr.Carl Sagan was instrumental in setting up an institution called SETI (Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence). Sir Arthur C.Clarke had theorized a strong possibility of presence of life in two places in our immediate neighborhood - in Europa, one of the moons of Jupiter and Titan, one of the moons of Saturn.

One of the all-time great movies “2001, a space odyssey” written by Sir Clarke, presented a scientific and philosophical approach to the theme of alien intelligence.  Other important movies with this theme are “The War of the Worlds” (based on the classic novel written by H.G.Wells), “ET, the Extraterrestrial” and “Close Encounters of the third kind” by the Oscar winning director Steven Spielberg. Of the above four movies “The War of the Worlds” provided a frightening scenario of Martians invading and attacking Earth. This novel had four movie versions (the latest one was made by Spielberg). The “Star wars” movies made by George Lucas approached this theme as scientific fantasy in the backdrop of a futuristic fictional universe.

“Star Trek” and “X-Files” are the two most popular TV serials, which dealt with this subject - the first one being exclusively about inter-galactic adventure. Both of them were phenomenal hits and have left indelible mark in the history of Television entertainment.

“The Truth is out there” is a very famous and popular slogan shown with every episode of “X-Files”. This was selected as one of the 100 greatest TV catchphrases along with “Space, the Final Frontier”, the slogan of “Star Trek” series.

Are we from other planets?

Dr.Fred Hoyle and Dr.Chandra Wickramasinghe two great astronomers of modern times had proposed a revolutionary theory called “Panspermia”. The hypothesis of Panspermia says that the “seeds” of life is already present in the universe and they are carried by interstellar cloud, interstellar travelers such as comets, meteors etc and delivered to other destinations. Then the life had started thriving in favourable environment like our earth. One of the arguments, for this assumption, was based on the comparative study of the time of the appearance of earliest signs of life on the earth and the estimated time of origin of earth itself. The result has shown that only a very narrow window of time was available between these two events and the time was not sufficient for the complex life forms to evolve. They speculated that new life forms continue to enter our atmosphere and this may be the reason for epidemic outbreaks and new diseases caused by previously unknown causes. This theory still remains untested. Fred Hoyle had written a science fiction novel called “Life Cloud” based on this idea.

Nobel Laureate Francis Crick, who had discovered the structure of DNA, was the proponent of a much bolder theory of “Directed Panspermia”. Dr.Crick with Dr.Leslie Orgel, another eminent scientist had proposed that the fertilization of life on earth might have been done with deliberate seeding by a technologically advanced extraterrestrial civilization. They argued, “If life on earth sprang from some “primeval soup”, as many biologists believe, why various organisms with a number of different genetic codes don’t exist? Why there is only a single code for all terrestrial life?”

The Search 

The earnest and a systematic attempt to search, for extraterrestrial life and intelligence, were started with the establishment of SETI in 1960 at Cornell University. Later it was expanded in 1971 with the funding by NASA. In the year 1984 SETI institute was set up in California. “Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence” and “Life in the Universe” are the two areas of research undertaken in SETI institute.

Dr.Carl Sagan warns us about the possible gap in the level of intelligence and evolution between an advanced alien civilization and us. In the CETI conference of 1971 Dr.Sagan summed up this situation as follows: 

“Advanced extraterrestrial civilizations will be inconceivably in advance of our own. We have only to consider the changes in mankind in the last 10,000 years and the potential difficulties, which our Pleistocene ancestors would have in accommodating to our present society to realize what an unfathomable gap 100 million to 1 billion years represents. Such societies will have discovered laws of nature and invented technologies whose applications will appear to us indistinguishable from magic. There is a serious question about whether such societies are concerned with communicating with us, any more than we are concerned with communicating with our protozoan or bacterial forebears. We may study microorganisms, but we do not actually communicate with them”.

To design a foolproof experiment, we need to have a clear understanding about the nature of life and the definition of intelligence. What is life? How do we define life? How do we detect intelligence, even if we encounter an alien life form? - These are the important fundamental questions we have to address. Unfortunately we still do not have an absolute understanding about the concept of life and the signs of intelligence. Our understanding is quite inadequate and limited within the framework of earth. We try to detect life or intelligence in alien environments based on our limited earth-bound definitions. 

We tend to make a lot of assumptions when we plan our experiments to communicate with the extraterrestrial intelligence. We believe since mathematics is a direct reflection of the structure of the universe, it would be safe to assume that other advanced civilizations also would have the same understanding. We cannot be sure about this. We rely too much on mathematics as a means of communication with extraterrestrial intelligence. This belief may be misplaced. We perceive the world with our primary senses and locate objects in a three dimensional space. This need not be universally same.

In 1972, Carl Sagan together with Frank Drake had designed a plaque to be placed on the Pioneer 10 space-craft. The plaque was intended as a message for any extraterrestrial intelligence who might intercept the space-craft in future in a far off region of space. Pioneer spacecraft left the solar system in the year 1983. This year another spacecraft, the Voyager 1, had become the first manmade object to enter the interstellar space, continuing its journey into the unknown expanse of the inter-galactic frontiers.

Sir Arthur C. Clarke in one of his scientific articles raised this very pertinent question: “Is there intelligent life on earth?”