"Unseen Souls: Emotional Connections with Machines" by Aditya Singh

The emotional connection humans have with their tools and machines is a deeply ingrained cultural phenomenon. Across different societies, we see acts of care and respect for the instruments that make our lives easier.  During my Community Immersion I have seen that Farmers, for instance, meticulously wash and maintain their tools before heading to the fields for harvesting. Upon returning, they clean them again with the same dedication. Similarly, woodcutters sharpen their axes and often perform a small puja before beginning their work. These practices signify more than utility they reveal an emotional bond and gratitude toward these objects, which are seen as silent partners in livelihood and survival.

While science may assert that machines and objects lack life or a soul, I feel otherwise. There is something profoundly human about attributing emotions and consciousness to the things we use daily. This belief stems from experiences that defy pure logic, strengthening our perception that these objects are more than lifeless tools.

Take my own story, for example. During my college days, I owned a Pleasure 100cc scooty. It was not the most reliable vehicle, often refusing to start with the self-start function. I had to kick it repeatedly sometimes for 5-10 minutes to get it going. Yet, I noticed something remarkable. Whenever I was in a hurry or had an urgent task, the scooty would start on the first try, even with the self-start. This happened almost 90% of the time, leaving me amazed every single time.

It felt as though the scooty understood my needs and supported me in moments of urgency. These experiences reinforced my belief that machines are more than lifeless objects. They have a soul and can connect with us in ways that transcend logic. Such connections, while not scientifically verifiable, are deeply personal and emotional, rooted in gratitude and respect for the objects that assist us.

This sentiment is reflected in various cultural practices. In Hindu traditions, the Shastra Puja during Vijayadashami involves expressing respect and gratitude toward swords, guns, and other tools. These instruments once played a vital role in survival and protection. Similarly, in Ranchi, I have seen that Vishwakarma Puja is an occasion to honor vehicles and tools, acknowledging their contributions to daily life. These rituals symbolize the recognition of a silent partnership between humans and their tools a partnership based on care, respect, and gratitude.

Such practices transcend the boundaries of logic and science, representing a deeply human connection. This relationship is not merely functional; it is spiritual, emotional, and profoundly humane. It teaches us to value and respect the objects that silently make our lives easier, fostering mindfulness in a fast-paced, consumption-driven world.

Our tools and machines, though seemingly lifeless, become extensions of ourselves. When we care for them, they seem to reciprocate by functioning better, aligning with our needs in ways that feel almost magical. This bond reminds us of the importance of gratitude and respect, encouraging a more thoughtful and appreciative approach to the objects that support us in our daily lives.