Exciting news in the field of space research has recently made headlines across the world. A space telescope has detected specific organic molecules in the atmosphere of K2-18b, a water-covered planet orbiting a red dwarf star.
On Earth, these molecules are known to be produced exclusively by living organisms. While this groundbreaking astronomical study has been carried out in the Western world, it's noteworthy that the head of the research team is of Indian origin. Before we explore the details of the discovery, let’s take a moment to learn about the distinguished scholar leading this initiative, Dr Nikku Madhusudhan. A graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Dr Madhusudhan went on to complete his postgraduate studies and PhD in Planetary Science at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA. Following years of valuable research and experience at MIT, he now holds the position of Professor at the University of Cambridge, UK.
Let’s now look at Dr Madhusudhan’s exciting discovery!
The telescope has detected high levels of dimethyl sulphide and dimethyl disulphide, molecules that, on Earth, are produced solely by living organisms, particularly marine phytoplankton. He has found signs from a planet that is 124 light years away from Earth, suggesting that life might exist there too. These signals and elements have amazed scientists around the world. Now, what is one light year? It’s the distance light travels in a year, about 5.88 trillion miles or 9.46 trillion kilometres. So, 124 light years means an almost unimaginable distance. Even though the planet is so far away, this discovery has caught global attention and brought new hope to the search for life beyond Earth. The Cambridge team is conducting further research to determine whether anything other than living organisms could be responsible for the presence of these gases.
To be honest, I too am quite thrilled by Dr Madhusudhan’s research. Why, you may ask?
Dr Madhusudhan’s research is even more special because it connects with ideas found in our ancient Sanatan scriptures and tradition. His findings suggest there could be a planet far away that is very similar to Earth, with an atmosphere and conditions like ours. As we know, about 200 miles above the Earth, we have a layer filled with life-supporting gases like nitrogen and oxygen. Beyond that begins outer space, vast and full of mysteries. And friends, if you are still curious and want to learn more, why not ask our very own ‘sister’ in America? She’s just come back to Earth after spending nine months on a space mission!
We often say, “the Earth is round,” without thinking much about it. Sometimes we even say it jokingly when we go in circles and end up where we started! But long before modern science proved it, India’s ancient sages and scholars had already said it in the Vedas, Puranas and Upanishads that the Earth is round and moves around the Sun.
What we see as a basic scientific fact today, that the earth is round, was actually known in India centuries ago. While the Western world only recognised this about 500 years ago, our ancient scriptures had already described it much earlier. It was Galileo who observed the skies through a telescope and shared this truth with the world. But his discovery wasn’t accepted right away. In fact, the Pope of the time sentenced Galileo to death because his findings went against what was written in the Bible.
The same goes for the law of gravity. While Sir Isaac Newton is known for discovering it in Europe, our ancient Puranas and scriptures had already mentioned the concept of gravitational force centuries earlier.
Today, there’s global concern about the environment, talks of global warming and slogans like "Save Trees, Save Earth." But these values have been part of our Sanatan culture for thousands of years. Isn’t that something we can all be proud of?
For instance, let's talk about our peace mantra. The sentiment expressed is truly heart-touching. In one of our most cherished texts, the Yajurveda, there is a verse that encapsulates this thought beautifully.
The verse reads:
ॐ दयौ: शान्तिरन्तरिक्षं शान्ति: पृथ्वी शान्तिराप:
शान्तिरोषधय: शान्ति: वनस्पतय: शान्तिर्विश्वे देवाः
शान्तिब्रह्म शान्ति: सर्वं शान्ति: शान्तिरेव शान्ति:
सा मा शान्तिरेधि ॐ शान्ति: शान्ति: शान्ति:
This verse is a beautiful prayer asking for peace everywhere, on earth, in water, in the sky, in fire, wind, plants and all of nature. It asks for peace in the universe and in our minds and bodies. In short, it’s a heartfelt wish for peace to fill every corner of the world.
Centuries ago, our sages prayed for peace in nature, in the sky, mountains, sun, moon, water, air and plants. The deep knowledge they had is now being recognised by the Western world. For example, our ancestors knew that plants have life. Modern science confirmed this only in 1932 when Dr Jagadish Chandra Bose proved it in Kolkata. His work earned him great honour, including the Nobel Prize.
Similarly, today, Dr Nikku Madhusudan, working in Cambridge, has discovered the atmosphere of a planet located millions, billions or even trillions of miles away from Earth. Well, don't ask me further whether there is gas on that planet or if it has a smell. These are news reports that have been published in newspapers worldwide.
As we are discussing our ancient knowledge heritage, I am reminded of a conversation I had with a knowledge-seeker on a similar topic. In this prayer, Adi Shankaracharya described the locations of the twelve Jyotirlingas across India.
द्वादशज्योतिर्लिंगस्मरणम्
सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाथं च श्रीशैले मल्लिकार्जुनम्।
उज्जयिन्यां महाकालं ओंकारं अमलेश्वरम्॥ १॥
परल्यां वैद्यनाथं च डाकिन्यां भीमशंकरम्।
सेतुबन्धे तु रामेशं नागेशं दारुकावने॥ २॥
वाराणस्यां तु विश्वेशं त्र्यंबकं गौतमीतटे।
हिमालये तु केदारं घुश्मेशं च शिवालये॥ ३॥
एतानि ज्योतिर्लिङ्गानि सायं प्रातः पठेन्नर:।
सप्तजन्मकृतं पापं स्मरणेनेन विनश्यति॥ ४॥
।। इति द्वादशज्योतिर्लिङ्गस्मरणं सम्पूर्णम्।।
The wise elder was in a questioning mood. As soon as I mentioned the prayer, he asked, "CB, do you really believe Shankaracharya visited all those places 1000–1100 years ago? How could he travel so far back then?" His questions kept coming. How could I explain that when someone has true knowledge, deep spiritual practice, and strong faith in the Divine, what they see with their inner vision can become a reality? A yogi’s physical body may be in one place, but their awareness can reach far distances, understanding things beyond time and space. Instead of explaining all this, I simply told the wise elder that when you have some time, you should turn to an encyclopaedia and check the latitudes and longitudes of places like the Somnath temple, Ujjain temple and Kedarnath.
As we explore the beliefs and traditions of our Sanatan Hindu religion, it’s clear they are based on the deep knowledge of our Rishis and Munis. While I am not a scholar, I can say from my readings and conversations with experts in various fields that many aspects of our scriptures, whether in astronomy or worship of the Supreme, have been scientifically validated. What once seemed unbelievable is now recognised as truth by the world over time.
Take the example of the Ramayana, which mentions that Lord Shri Ram travelled to Ayodhya in a Pushpak aircraft. Many, especially in the Western world, once laughed at the idea of flying machines, dismissing it as fantasy. But when the Wright brothers invented the airplane in the last century, those sceptics were proven wrong. Centuries ago, we didn’t just imagine aircraft; we even described their designs and gave them names. Our scriptures talk about people from heavenly realms arriving from distant places. It’s possible that the planet discovered by Dr Nikku Madhusudhan, thought to support life, could be such a place.
The scriptures of Sanatan Dharma are not just stories of imagination. They hold facts and truths that have been gradually proven over time. While our religious texts do outline actions that humans should or should not perform, the consequences of virtuous deeds, and the punishment for sinful actions, they never promise any temptation or bribe to the reader or devotee. They do not claim that by following certain practices, one will gain joy or pleasure, nor do they suggest that surrendering to the Supreme will bring physical or material rewards after death.
I encourage you to read this article and share it with your family members, particularly those who were born and raised here. The knowledge imparted by our sages and scholars dates back to a time long before advanced technologies like telescopes or machines existed. They didn’t have computers or similar tools. Yet, through their intellectual brilliance and mathematical expertise, they gained knowledge that embodies the true essence of our Sanatan culture.
One more amazing example is their understanding of medicine. Thousands of years ago, texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita introduced Ayurveda, a system that focused on natural healing, balanced living and even surgical techniques. Sushruta was one of the first to perform surgeries like cataract removal and skin grafts. This shows how their ancient wisdom still supports modern well-being in powerful ways.
I don't want to discuss labels of any religion or sect here, but before concluding, I would like to mention three messages that are central to our Sanatan Dharma culture:
- The first is ‘वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् - Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which means "the entire world is my family." The unrest we see in the world today often stems from the idea of "mine", my property, my share, which leads to the desire to dominate others and causes conflict. In contrast, our spiritual tradition teaches us to view the world as one family. This noble sentiment encourages unity, cooperation and helps us move away from greed, conflict and strife.
- Another valuable verse that reflects the unique identity of our Sanatan Hindu tradition is:
- ईशावास्यमिदं सर्वं यत्किंच जगत्यां जगत्,
- तेन त्यक्तेन भुञ्जीत मा ग्रिहं कस्यस्विद्धनम्।
- The essence of the first verse from the Isha Upanishad can be summarised as follows: The supreme controller of the universe has determined the creation of this cosmos. Therefore, live life with detachment and do not covet others' wealth. God has not only created the universe but also pervades it entirely.
- This is another valuable verse from our Sanatan culture.
ॐ सहनाववतु सह नौ भुनक्तु सह वीर्यं करवावहै
तेजस्विनावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः
This popular Shanti Mantra is from the Taittiriya Upanishad. The central message is noble: O Lord, protect and nourish us together, grant us the strength to work in harmony, let our knowledge make us both brilliant and may we never have animosity towards each other. Only then will peace prevail in our lives.
Dear friends, this is our culture, our spiritual and religious heritage. The timeless message of Sanatan values has been deeply embedded in every aspect of every Indian for centuries. It is this knowledge and strength that, despite enduring centuries of oppression, has allowed India to rise once again, emerging as stronger, healthier and more radiant than ever.