On the one hand, scientists at ISRO are striving to dock two satellites in space, while on the other, central and state governments are ensuring millions of sinners worldwide take a holy dip during the Kumbh Mela to purify themselves.

Our country is unique, navigating a labyrinth of contradictions for a golden future. Doctors often place more faith in divine blessings than in their own education and skills. You might have seen stickers at clinics saying, "I treat, He cures." Credit is given to blessings from spiritual leaders, even when medicines or surgeries save lives. Advocates of natural remedies and herbs also end up in ICUs during emergencies. If bitten by a dog or snake, relying on spiritual rituals often leads to painful outcomes, though there are exceptions where no harm occurs.

Perhaps no other civilized society in the world has such a widespread and effective ‘charlatan industry’ that thrives on people's emotions, vulnerabilities, and circumstances. Take the media, for instance; they start your day with horoscopes to ensure it is auspicious and free of troubles. One day, Rohit Bhai's horoscope predicted a romantic encounter. Eagerly, he exchanged smiles with every beautiful woman he met, only to narrowly escape a beating by evening!

Millions of users rely on astrology apps. Priests use computers to create birth charts, and weddings are scheduled based on auspicious timings, with results being just as unpredictable. Our country is peculiar; science and technology are extensively used to promote superstitions and illogical beliefs. Social media platforms heavily market elements that oppose modernity and egalitarian thinking, supporting a regressive mindset.

Faith, belief, and devotion may have their roles, but diverting the majority from finding paths of progress through logical and scientific thinking seems like a conspiracy. When an astrologer predicts your future using a laptop and suggests remedies for your troubles through artificial intelligence, it truly becomes a unique blend of science and foolishness! And in this contradiction, nothing seems odd or mismatched to us, as we've long been accustomed to rituals like warding off the evil eye. If someone sneezes or a cat crosses your path, plans are changed, and sometimes, it even works out well.

Our intellectuals acknowledge that India is a land of diversity, living in multiple eras simultaneously, and beautifully embracing contradictions within its society. Here, both science and superstition are given equal respect, making this paradox a unique identity of Indian society.

India is among the world's leading scientific and technological nations. In a country that sends missions like Chandrayaan into space, people also believe in superstitions, breaking coconuts and performing rituals before launches. While students from IITs and IIMs bring global recognition to India, millions spend fortunes consulting astrologers out of fear of planetary positions and Vastu defects.

This technological paradox is astonishing. Modern social media platforms, which could aid in spreading scientific awareness, are also used to propagate superstitions. Those opposing science often share false and misleading information on these platforms. For instance, scientifically baseless rules like ‘not eating during an eclipse’ are promoted using technology.

Contradictions in Indian society are not limited to the technological realm. Events like feeding milk to snakes and idols are as enthusiastically believed as scientific discoveries are celebrated. Both the promotion of superstition and funding for scientific research thrive equally. Who knows which might bring miraculous benefits?

The root cause of this contradictory culture lies in the gap in education and lack of awareness. India needs to embrace science while developing a critical perspective toward superstitions. Until this balance is achieved, Indian society will continue to oscillate between science and superstition.

This dual identity of Indian society symbolizes both its rich tradition and its challenges. Until we find answers to questions like what the ultimate truth is, whether a soul becomes a ghost, reincarnates, or ascends to heaven after death, let's enjoy this virtual, contradictory, real, or illusory life!