Author: Dr Punit Kumar

In an increasingly interconnected and complex world, the boundaries of diplomacy have expanded beyond traditional politics and trade agreements. One of the most significant developments in the modern era is the rise of science diplomacy, the use of scientific cooperation and knowledge sharing as a tool for fostering international relations, solving global challenges, and enhancing a nation’s influence. India, with its rich scientific heritage and rapidly growing research capabilities, has embraced science diplomacy as a means to further its geopolitical ambitions, strengthen international partnerships, and address global challenges. Science diplomacy has become an essential instrument for India in its efforts…

Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons The history of shampoo’s ori­gin and evolution is a fasci­nating narrative that inter­twines ancient traditions, advancements in scientific knowledge, and modern innovations. Shampoo has deep roots in India, tracing back thousands of years and reflecting the country’s strong connection to natural remedies and hygiene practices. In the Indian subcontinent, various herbs and their extracts have long served as hair cleansers. The earliest forms of shampoo can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation. An effective ancient shampoo was created by boiling soap­berries (Sapindus) with dried Indian gooseberry (Amla) and other herbs, then straining the mixture.…

Sanskrit, an ancient language with a rich heritage, possesses substantial potential as a modern scientific language due to its inherent precision, structure, and historical contributions to various scientific disciplines. The renewed interest in Sanskrit stems from its unique characteristics, which align well with the demands of contemporary scientific discourse. Its phonetic precision, grammatical rigour, and extensive vocabulary make it an excellent medium for clear and unambiguous communication. A key factor in Sanskrit’s suitability for science is its highly structured and systematic grammar, exemplified in Panini’s Ashtadhyayi. This foundational work provides an algorithmic approach to language, making it particularly effective for…

Image Courtesy: Flickr/ mukerjichinmoy Editor’s Note: This is the concluding edition of the three-part series on science behind music presented by Science India. The first volume of the article laid the groundwork by exploring the nuanced characteristics of musical sound and providing a comprehensive classification of Indian musical instruments. It then delved into Tantu Vadya, or stringed instruments, elucidating their operation through a scientific lens, unraveling the physics behind their melodic expression. Building upon this foundation, the second volume expanded the discourse to include Sushir Vadya, or wind instruments, and Avanaddha Vadya, encompassing percussion instruments or drums. Readers were treated…

Editor’s Note: This is the second of the three-part series presented by Science India to explore the scientific basis of the rich heritage of Indian music The first volume of this article embarked on a comprehensive journey through the intricate world of music, beginning with a meticulous examination of the characteristics inherent in musical sound. These characteristics serve as the foundational pillars upon which the subsequent exploration unfolds. Following this insightful discussion, the article meticulously delved into the classification of Indian musical instruments, providing a structured framework to navigate the rich tapestry of traditional music. Transitioning seamlessly from this classification,…

Editor’s Note: Given the immense richness of musical traditions of the subcontinent, Science India presents a three-part series that takes an in-depth look at what gives Indian music its unparalleled strength The appreciation of art, particularly music and visual arts, relies heavily on the human senses of hearing and sight. These senses afford us the highest aesthetic pleasures derived from experiencing the beauty of sound and imagery. Our comprehension of the world is greatly enriched through these sensory organs, upon which our very existence depends. Sound and light are foundational elements in our daily lives. While light can traverse through vacuum, sound…

Image Courtesy: Sonam Singh Subhedar Within the sacred confines of temples, amidst the fragrance of incense and the murmurs of devotees, lie profound secrets waiting to be unearthed. These ancient sanctuaries, steeped in spirituality and adorned with architectural splendour, serve as repositories of scientific marvels that have captivated scholars and worshippers for centuries. Acoustics, the science of sound, and lightning, the powerful force of nature, both find resonance within the hallowed halls of temples. Through a blend of ancient wisdom and astute engineering, these sacred spaces are transformed into theatres of sensory wonder, where the celestial harmonies of light and…

Throughout history, the universe has remained an enigma, captivating the curiosity of humanity since time immemorial. The quest to understand its origin has spurred countless questions and inspired numerous discoveries. In a remarkable revelation, astronomers, akin to cosmic detectives, have unveiled a cosmic secret hidden within the depths of the Milky Way. Leveraging observations from the European Space Agency’s Gaia space telescope, they have identified two early streams of stars, named ‘Shakti’ and ‘Shiva’ after Hindu deities. These celestial formations offer a tantalizing glimpse into the galaxy’s primordial past, serving as ancient relics that illuminate its earliest epochs, billions of…