Interviewer:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Gurudev:
Pranam, child. Yes, tell me.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, today we see that in your ashram, two very distinguished and talented individuals are present. We are very glad to see them here. If you permit, I would like to speak with them.
Gurudev:
Yes, go ahead. There is no problem. If they want to speak, they will.
Interviewer:
Sir, could you please tell us your name?
Dr. Subhadeep:
My name is Dr. Subhadeep Karanjay. I am an Assistant Professor in the ENT department at PG Hospital.
Interviewer:
Are you associated anywhere else?
Dr. Subhadeep:
Yes, at Netaji Subhash Cancer Hospital.
Interviewer:
Friends, you can see a doctor sitting beside Gurudev; he just introduced himself. Now, let's go to the other doctor. Sir, please tell us your name.
Dr. Sandipan:
My name is Dr. Sandipan Purkait. I am associated with Netaji Subhash Cancer Hospital. I studied at PG and am currently posted at Canning Hospital.
Interviewer:
Thank you, sir. Gurudev, with your permission, I would like to ask them a few questions.
Gurudev:
Yes, please. If they are willing to speak, I have no objection.
Interviewer:
Sir, both of you are doctors and you are here today. I am curious—this is a temple, a spiritual place. Why did you, as men of science, suddenly enter the world of spirituality? What are your thoughts on this?
Dr. Subhadeep:
Well, first of all, it is by the grace of the Mother and Gurudev that I am here. It wasn't exactly sudden; I have been watching Gurudev's YouTube channel for quite some time. By the Mother's grace, the connection was finally made. Regarding the perceived conflict between science and spirituality—it may seem like a clash on the surface, but I believe it is superficial. There is no actual conflict. As mentioned in the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, one cannot understand all of God's works. How much can we really comprehend? A small pot cannot hold a large quantity of milk. I was a student of the Ramakrishna Mission, so I grew up in an environment of spirituality. Today, I finally got the opportunity to be in Gurudev's presence and receive his blessings.
Dr. Sandipan:
My visit here today happened quite suddenly, without any prior preparation. My brother asked if I wanted to go somewhere, and I said sure. He brought me here. Personally, science and spirituality have always coexisted in my mind. Sometimes science is more prominent, and at other times, spirituality takes over. I don't know if it's a conflict or a search for something deeper. However, after speaking with Gurudev today, I witnessed a convergence between spirituality and science. His words gave me a sense of peace and courage, and perhaps my internal conflict has lessened. I am a seeker, searching for that ultimate truth. I am very grateful to be here today, and I'm taking the warmth of this Homa (ritual fire) back home with me.
Interviewer:
From what I understand, you are trying to find a center point where science and spirituality meet.
Dr. Sandipan:
Exactly. I didn't know I would come here like this, but perhaps it was God's grace.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, how do you feel having these two talented individuals sitting beside you?
Gurudev:
It is nothing special. They had wanted to meet me for a long time, and I told them they were welcome whenever they liked. They are doctors; we consider them to be like gods. It would be wrong of me to say I "allowed" them to come. We are in the spiritual field, and they are in the field of science, helping so many people and healing them. Seeing them is like seeing a manifestation of God. God cannot be seen; He must be realized. What they do for society is incredible. After God, they are the ones who can truly do something for us. Sometimes, when we can't do anything more through spirituality, we tell people to go to the hospital. One cannot deny or belittle their contribution. They are like angels, doing good for every person in society. If we have a physical problem, we don't just pray; we go to the doctor.
Gurudev:
Spirituality and science are deeply connected. In fact, our spirituality is science of a higher order. They prove things with evidence and pens, which we might not always be able to do. But there is no difference between the two; it is a distinction we have created. God looks after everyone—those who call upon Him and those who don't. The Mother is manifested in everything.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, what you said is absolutely true. We often see comments where people ask why scientists or doctors would turn to spirituality. But today it is proven that a true spiritual leader like you values the role of science. I also noticed that they wanted to bow and touch your feet, but you declined.
Gurudev:
Yes, because I consider them to be the primary "gods" or angels. I haven't reached a level where I can accept their salutations. I cannot belittle them. They can offer a pranam with folded hands, that is fine, but I won't let them bow to my feet. They are the most respected members of our society. Why should they bow their heads? Only those who lack understanding would think it's a great thing for a doctor to bow to them. I have no such ego. I believe it is my good fortune that they came here and sought the Mother's blessings. Respect should be mutual. They are students of the Ramakrishna Mission and they are doctors; they understand many things better than we do.
Interviewer:
Gurudev, it feels like a gathering of great minds today. We have a scientist performing the Homa, and two doctors sitting here. It is a wonderful sight.
Gurudev:
Yes, talented people and saints visit often. I respect them just as they respect me. It is a two-way street. If someone like a doctor offers respect, I must return it. They are respectable individuals.
Interviewer:
Doctors, our respect to you. Gurudev, pranam to you.
Gurudev:
Blessings to you, child.
Spiritual Insight
This remarkable meeting between medical science and spirituality features two distinguished doctors—Dr. Subhadeep Karanjay (ENT, PG Hospital) and Dr. Sandipan Purkait (Netaji Subhash Cancer Hospital)—seeking the presence of Gurudev Shyama Khyapa. Dr. Subhadeep, having watched Gurudev's YouTube channel for some time, quotes the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna: "One cannot understand all of God's works. How much can we really comprehend? A small pot cannot hold a large quantity of milk." Dr. Sandipan describes his journey as a search for the convergence point between science and spirituality, finding "peace and courage" in Gurudev's words. In a profound display of humility, Gurudev refuses to let the doctors bow at his feet, declaring, "I consider them to be the primary 'gods' or angels... They are the most respected members of our society." He emphasizes that spirituality is "science of a higher order" and that doctors serve as manifestations of God in society—after God, they are the ones who can truly heal humanity. This mutual respect demonstrates that the apparent conflict between science and spirituality is merely superficial; both paths ultimately lead to the same truth.