Indians achieving respectable things abroad is not all that uncommon, as almost all the organizations that matter, right from Google to Microsoft, have an Indian at the helm. NASA is one such organization that commands a great deal of respect. We as a nation, still derive a sense of success through the achievements of our young ones, irrespective of how major or minor they may be. 

via GIPHY

Naturally, when Pratima Roy, an Indian-American, was featured on the Twitter handle of NASA Internships, a conversation started with people congratulating her for the impressive feat.

Today's the day: applications for fall NASA internships are due!

Are you ready? Visit @NASAInterns and apply at: https://t.co/s69uwyR1LJ pic.twitter.com/CVwFJGYbms

— NASA (@NASA) July 9, 2021

प्रतिमा राय को बहुत बहुत बधाई

— Buta Singh Josan (@josanbutasingh) July 13, 2021

Great to see that Indian kids having bright future. You name any field and Indian boys and especially girls perform excellent. Goddess Saraswati has blessed them with knowledge. Can't wait to see their bright future

— Jani Amit (@Deshpremi_Amit) July 13, 2021

भारत को, हर भारतीय को आप पर गर्व है बहन। माँ शारदा, माँ दुर्गा की असीम अनुकम्पा सदैव आप पर बनी रहे और आप यूं ही भारत-भारतीयों को गौरवान्वित करती रहें, देवी माँ से यही प्रार्थना। अनन्त शुभकामनाएं

— Nagendra Pratap Singh सोनू (@deoriawale_) July 13, 2021 

However, the fact that she had the idols of Goddesses Maa Durga, Maa Lakshmi, and Maa Saraswati in the background, along with pictures of multiple Hindu Gods and Goddesses, gave rise to a parallel, and not so pleasant conversation, bordering on trolling her for her religious beliefs. 

In Pic4 you completely ignored Scientific Temperament..

— Bahujan Raj (@RajBahujan) July 13, 2021

After seeing this we said;
Science ka Naash kar diya NASA ne. https://t.co/Wx0fy7D1BC

— Mission Ambedkar (@MissionAmbedkar) July 11, 2021

NASA is this some joke??? https://t.co/pmYAJYddzp

— Ayyuuusssshhhhh (@Saguraocacti) July 10, 2021

The 4th intern will send an email saying "rama built a bridge" and sanghis will use that email to say "nasa accepted rama as real and the blue guy built that bridge". https://t.co/kBuVvd5NeZ

— NastikMan (@ManNastik) July 11, 2021

Thought I will completely stay away from posting anything.
But then I saw Ashok Swain still tweeting
What a character. pic.twitter.com/n5BJeWbaBc

— Pratyasha Rath (@pratyasharath) July 11, 2021

Right after that, there was an outpouring of support for Pratima, and the trolling took a backseat. Many came forward to congratulate her on the amazing feat and urged her to ignore the trolls.

The lady in the 4th picture has all my respect and appreciation , she has the confidence and dedication every hindu needs to have in order to succeed and make it big with the blessings of our holy GODS , you go girl! may goddess Saraswati bless you with all the wisdom you'd need

— Saurav Singh Parihar (@sspgrows) July 13, 2021

Interning at NASA is no easy feat, can we take a moment to admire all these talented young minds. Pratima Roy, don't let the haters get you down! Be proud of your culture, your heritage, your beliefs, and most of all, that you will always have been an intern at NASA. #respect

— KC Hulsman (@kchulsmanphotos) July 13, 2021

Accepting one's faith proudly while having qualification is amazing. Those who do not have qualification resort to mock others.

— ANUPAM TIWARI (@AnupamTiwariDTW) July 13, 2021

What's the wrong if she believes in her religion and have faith in it and practices hindu religion. That doesn't make her a subject of mockery. And that's her talent, hardwork and dedication that she is part of NASA. And this should be appreciated.

— Anish kumar (@Anishku00441113) July 12, 2021

Well done all interns! Kudos Pratima Roy - Keep going - Ma Saraswati's blessings are with you. Ignore the people who are attacking you. There are millions behind you to support you.

— d parmar (@dparmar94527626) July 12, 2021

If you don't like 4th photo.
Then don't waste your time, study hard apply for NASA internship, clear the exam and replace the 4th photo with you... pic.twitter.com/iNhB0PQQMV

— Yogesh Mandaokar (@mandaokaryogesh) July 12, 2021

All we can say is that one's religious beliefs are absolutely personal, and as long as they are not hurting anyone else, everyone should be allowed to practice and adhere to their religious beliefs. Interning at NASA is no small feat, and Pratima clearly has earned it through merit and her hard work, and deserves all the support from us. Congratulations, Pratima. Way to go!

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