Sanskrit for IIT's

   At the outset I would like to clarify that I do not endorse or condemn any political party through this post.

   Recently, the HRD Ministry instructed the IIT's to introduce Sanskrit as an elective language, causing a huge online furore. Some cry foul and say, "Hindutva propaganda.... Why not Urdu, Arabic,  etc...?" Quite a few others, who voice the Government's most probable logic, say, "IITians will learn about the technological progress of ancient Indians through Sanskrit literature." It sparked off a massive row on Twitter.

   Then a video was circulated on whatsapp. It basically said that Sanskrit is useless for IITians.
   As students we can't waste time debating or protesting the decision. We have to accept whatever is thrown at us and make the most of it. That made me think, "Now I have to express myself."

  Now, irrespective of where you stand on the issue, as an IIT aspirant and a person who has a little knowledge and fascination for Sanskrit, I would like to put forth a few points that add a new dimension to the debate. I do not know whether the lawmakers have thought of these, but they are certainly worth consideration.

   Firstly, Sanskrit is a highly structured language. There isn't a trace of ambiguity in grammatical constructions. All forms of verbs, nouns, adjectives, etc. follow definite rules. Getting the right form to use is just like solving a Math problem. This is where Sanskrit as a language begins to resemble computer programming. It involves nothing but a rigorous application of pre-determined, well-defined rules. Sanskrit language can be an excellent model for Computer Science students.

   Secondly, Sanskrit is the only natural language that offers such unambiguity. Another advantage is, it has several synonyms for the same idea. All these can be used by a programmer in different contexts and applications. Although it is an ancient language, Sanskrit is very flexible because one can easily form compound words.

   This is very essential in programming, artificial intelligence and so on. Thoughts that Sanskrit is potentially the best base language for software developers have been put forth. A whole code in Sanskrit has to be developed. After that, operating systems must be updated to support the code. The initial task is cumbersome, but it will make programming MUCH easier.

   The idea didn't work originally. But that was a solitary effort a whole generation ago. Maybe we can have a breakthrough if THOUSANDS with technical know how are also equipped with in depth knowledge of Sanskrit. This is how we can create a revolution instead of arguing!

   Moreover, India is the birthplace of Sanskrit. Hence it is our DUTY to pioneer a revolution if that's possible. Equipping the best engineers with knowledge is therefore essential. The decision to introduce Sanskrit has tremendous potential, but it should ideally be analysed scientifically to create glory rather than used to gloat over our past glory.
 
  A tweet read: Write a Hello World program in Sanskrit.
   Challenge accepted.
 ।संगणक, अन्तर्जाले स्थानं निर्माय एतेषाम् आदेशानां पालनं करोतु ।
।आदेशानां प्रारम्भ: ।
।। शीर्षम्।।
नमो नम:
।।इति शीर्षम् ।।
।।शरीरम् ।।
संरचनं समाप्य दर्शयतु "नमो नम:" इति कथयमान: वेधक:
।।इति शरीरम् ।।
।।लेखनम्।।
आनन्दम् अनुभवतु ।
।।इति लेखनम् ।।
।इति आदेशा:।
It is very clear when expressed in Sanskrit. An argument could be,"Why not English or the standard JavaScript or C++?" The reason is, as the programs become more complex, English becomes ambiguous, the scripts become too technical, but if you are fluent enough, Sanskrit retains its simplicity. The translation of what I have written above is:
O computer, open a tab on the Internet and follow these instructions.
Instructions begin:
Head: greetings! . That's the head.
Body: on loading, show an alert that says, "greetings" . That's the body.
Text: May you experience happiness. That's the text.
That's it.

Thanks for reading!!

We are stardust!

   Have we ever thought from where all the elements come from? We don't really ask why elements like gold and platinum are rare, do we? The Big Bang tells us how the Universe was born, but how did specific elements come into existence from the mighty chaos?

   The answer is, Atomic Bombs. How? Read on to find out!

   When we think of an atomic bomb, the first thing that comes to our mind is destruction and annihilation of civilization. However, the creation of life itself was possible due to billions of atomic explosions that took place in billions of stars... life is sustained due to a giant atomic reactor - the Sun!

   When elements were first synthesized after the Big Bang, Hydrogen was predominant. The early Universe contained Helium too. As the energy of particles steadily decreased, gravity became strong enough to attract matter together to form stars.

   What are stars? They are huge collections of Hydrogen bombs. Our Sun is no exception. Due to tremendous pressure and extremely high temperatures, hydrogen nuclei undergo fusion to form helium nuclei. Here, the mass of the resultant nucleus is less than that of the fusing hydrogen nuclei. We all know that E =  mc^2. That is, Energy and mass are interchangeable. Hence, the mass lost is converted into tremendous amounts of energy! This energy that comes from the Sun sustains life on Earth.

   The above description is valid for stable, middle aged stars. On one hand, gravity creates inward pressure at the core, necessary for reactions. On the other hand, the nuclear explosions create an outward pressure. Thus, the star is in equilibrium. The process of synthesizing heavier elements is very complex, but it can be simplified thus:

   Towards the end of its life, the star runs out of hydrogen. Hence, gravity overpowers the outward pressure caused due to nuclear reactions. The star begins to collapse... Suddenly, the pressure and temperature at the core increase dramatically, making a new reaction possible: helium nuclei fuse to form beryllium. This beryllium fuses with another helium nucleus, giving rise to a form of Carbon. The star now shines with renewed vigour.

   But this stage is short-lived. The cycle is repeated yet again - this time at higher temperature and pressure, heavier elements are formed. Each element needs unique conditions for its synthesis. Each cycle in the stars' death involve varying temperatures and pressures. In this way, stars form helium in their life and then form Carbon, Neon, Silicon and Iron in their dying stages. These are key elements - nuclear reactions among these can form all the other elements and their isotopes. 

   When the star finally dies, the elements are scattered. The matter then forms new stars. The second generation can carry out a wider range of nuclear reactions. Over several generations, higher and higher elements can be prepared. Hence, over billions of years, in billions of stars, the elements are cooked in the abundances we observe them in. 

   Sometimes, the star dies, exploding in a supernova. At such times, the temperature is extraordinarily high. Hence, exotic elements with very heavy nuclei such as gold, platinum and uranium are formed.

  In this manner, the Carbon that we are based on, the Nitrogen that makes our proteins, the Oxygen we breathe, the iron in our blood, the calcium in our bones, all come from the reactions in stars that took place long before the Earth was born. Thus, aren't we stardust? 

ICT in Science

   In the 21st Century, Science is progressing by leaps and bounds. It is constantly innovating and altering the way we live our lives. Modern day technology serves as the best evidence for this. With so many inventions and noteworthy discoveries, it is necessary to spread the message of Science to the masses as well.

   The masses include people from all walks of life, more specifically, people who may not have a formal scientific background. It may not be possible to promote Science through textbooks and journals written in highly technical language. Here's where Information and Communication Technology enters the scene. The beauty of it is that an application of Science carries it forward! ICT makes audio-visual and interactive learning possible. The greatest advantage is that unlike written text, it can adapt itself to the requirements of the learner.

   First of all, Science involves projects; projects imply research. Research of known facts, or known constants is much faster if done through the Internet. Time otherwise spent in traditionally looking up a library book is saved. Hence the first important application of ICT is the simple collection of Scientific Data.

   Science is basically a study of Nature, and Scientific concepts are best understood when we relate them to nature, or what we observe. Hence, a 3D representation of an atom on an LCD screen stands a better chance of making an impact than a simple diagram. This is because it helps in actual visualization. An atom is so small that it cannot be observed or demonstrated. ICT makes this possible!

Atomic Structure 

   Lastly, Science puts itself to the test by making predictions. ICT, with its innovations and mechanical precision can be used to make predictions more accurately. One may also go a step further and verify with the help of a simulator!

   Indeed, ICT has tremendous scope in the scientific arena and we must be imaginative and think of ways to make it more potent.

Social Sciences decoded!

   It is absolutely pointless to deny the following observation: whenever a 'discussion' among school friends veers towards social sciences (history, geography, civics, economics, et al), the tone depicts a sense of disgust. We all (myself included) abhor studying these subjects for some apparent reason. Even those of us who claim to 'love' science have a condescending attitude towards 'social sciences' and wish it could be struck off from the school syllabus. 

   Friends, there is nothing to fear! I guess the reason why we do not have an affinity towards these subjects is because of the way they are presented and taught. Honestly speaking, hardly anyone would willingly mug up dates with seemingly no connection at all, or stuff raw facts in his memory. Unfortunately, this is what we have to do to 'earn' marks. But we are not completely faultless. What needs a change is not only the system but also our approach to these subjects.

   There is a reason why they are called Social Sciences. Like Science, these subjects involve a logical study of past events, physical, cultural, social and economical factors. The trouble with us is that we do not give ourselves a chance to decipher this logic, rather, we instantly associate Social Sciences with mugging up. Frankly, even I was guilty of this earlier. 

   History is indeed a beautiful subject. The name itself suggests that it is a story. A story is easy to assimilate and hence if we put our minds to it and enjoy studying, we will have the outline and the application of the principles of the great revolution mastered in no time. Also, a bit of imagination and putting oneself in that civilisation helps in learning about the cultural and social structure. As per the examination point of view, a little attention to detail is all that's required. 

   Geography, if studied properly, is as good as Science. If the concept is clear, the flow of points in an answer is so rhythmic... Like poetry! Just as in science, an impeccable logic and understanding of cause and reason is required. And oh yes, regular revision of trivia will keep trouble at bay. Give economics a chance, and it will introduce itself as mathematics' long lost cousin!

   Why then, do we find these subjects boring? Maybe because we are just too worked up about the examinations to enjoy studying. Mugging up, delivering, and deleting has become a sort of ritual. Unfortunately, it is the concept that is deleted.

   Another reason is that the Board demands a strict adherence to the text. It can't be faulted for that! We may complain that it may be impossible, but it is achievable through religious reading (preferably aloud) of the textbook. It does work! We don't have to forcibly mug up the lyrics of our favourite song, do we? It just comes to us naturally, because we listen to it (and enjoy it) over and over again.

   Give my suggestion a try, friends! It will reduce your stress during preparation. After all Social Sciences were not invented to put us under pressure, were they? They are here for the betterment of mankind! 

Science Religion duality

 It's a great pleasure to be blogging again after such a long break. This time my post is a bit philosophical as the title suggests. I hope it keeps you intrigued. A disclaimer: your opinion may differ, and you can comment about it. But please, let's be polite about it.
 
   Reading the words and viewpoints of a great mind is always enjoyable. Moreso if they are laced with the wit of Stephen William Hawking. Sure, his ideas and theories will make your head spin, but the real fascination comes from admiring his approach to Science. He makes it abundantly clear that Science tries to disprove a Creator, Divine Intervention, et al. I had a thought about it. Here's what I think:
 
   What is the study of science? Great men tell us that it is a quest to understand the Universe. True. But as Albert Einstein said, "The Universe is not only queerer than we suppose, but queerer than we can suppose!" So how do we go about it? We observe. We observe and we confirm it several times. And then, we make a theory. A theory that can predict future observations. So what is a theory? It is but a mathematical model. Our concrete interpretation of a truth that cannot be defined. Theories have done great things. But sooner or later its shortcomings are discovered. And it takes just one observation to do that.

   They say that everything is governed by the laws of Science. They are right. But a Scientific theory of everything  may be the ultimate answer. However there is a hitch.The mathematics behind it will be too deep to comprehend. How would one be able to manipulate all the equations of all the atoms of all the 100000000000000 odd cells of a single human body? Even predicting the outcome of a coin  toss seems a Herculean task.
How would one be able to guarantee it's absolutely right?
 
 Even Science admits that it cannot predict anything beyond a certain level, through the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. So where does that leave us? Praying for a miracle! Have science explain a miracle if it can! Science may do it. Just give it time. Maybe a few thousand trillion years would suffice.

  Thus for all practical purposes, Religion enters the scene to propitiate the Almighty, whose knowledge, wisdom, power, forgiveness (just name the virtue) are infinite. Now here the fun of my thoughts starts: what does religion normally do? It makes theories about the Almighty and how to serve him. These are models to help us visualise and get the concept. But the concept of the Almighty itself cannot be defined. Many theories have come up. Each of them has its merits and drawbacks. And each can be disproved by a single wrong prediction.

   Behold! Religion does for the Amighty what Science does for the Law of Nature! So, can we conclude that God and the fundamental law of Science refer to the same idea? For example, Brahma could refer to the law that caused the development of the Universe into its present state. Vishnu could mean the forces that keep it from collapsing. Shiva maybe that part of the law that governs the end of the Universe. They refer to the same Almighty, the same Law of nature. All the holy men who walked the earth are prophets of the spiritual realm. The scientists can also be termed prophets, albeit in a different way.

   Science Religion duality? Interesting! There was a furore some decades back about the nature of light: wave or particle. We all know it ended in an honourable draw: wave particle duality.

   Let's not be fanatics. Religion and Science could be headed for the same destination. But the approach is radically different. Both are for the good of society. It is important to balance them. A prime example is the life of Georges Lemaître the cosmologist who was also a priest.
   

A Book Report!

   I recently read a classic essay by the Mathematician G.H. Hardy titled, 'A Mathematician's Apology.' A word about the author: G.H. Hardy (1877-1947) was a prominent British mathematician, best known for his partnership with Ramanujan, the Indian genius and his contributions to number theory as well.
   The book has several profound aspects to it. The part that intrigued me the most was the discussion of the question,' Why do we study higher Math and Science?' An observation put forth is, 'None of the knowledge of higher mathematics or the deepest intricacies of quantum physics is going to be practically useful for human happiness.'
   The author puts forth a counter argument and I support him thus:
   True, only the 'dull and elementary parts' of Math and Science ever work to the good or evil of mankind. More than for good, Mathematics and Science (especially Nuclear Physics) is put to use for warfare, death, destruction, misery, unrest... Higher math is not tarnished with such 'barbarian' applications. This, along with its aesthetic beauty and representation of truth and depth, make it an enjoyable subject to study.
  True! By being mathematicians and maybe scientists at NASA and ISRO, we don't do mankind a practical favour. But the main reason why we are successful at a profession is that WE love what we do. Being humans, it is not the service to others that drives us, but our personal satisfaction. Frankly, that is the only reason for my blog too!!
   So any successful mathematician or scientist has an immense thirst for knowledge. The author has described the curiousity to know more as a noble ambition. And, to an appreciative, any Science is as beautiful as Art.
   Shakespeare entertained millions with his plays, but Ramanujan entertains a small section of society with his theorems. It is not the number that matters. What matters is both enjoyed their work. The central idea of the entire essay was that the study of mathematics and science is to be enjoyed. A mathematician in particular, always has a clear conscience.
    If we enjoy what we do and have a clear conscience, life will be beautiful. What more does one wish for??

Infinity...

      As soon as the concept of infinity comes up, the study of Math suddenly takes a mystical, spiritual turn. I may sound philosophical, but all discussion about infinity [including this one] is like discussion about the Almighty. No one can deny that the powers, wisdom and knowledge of the  Almighty is too great for us to imagine. Because it is endless, we never really define it. And discussion attempts the impossible task of defining the qualities of God.

   Infinity is very, very similar. What we are taught about infinity can invariably be summarised as 'that which cannot be defined'. But lo! We have just created a paradox! By saying so, we have given a definition for infinity! Behold the contradiction!

   Thus we have a real situation when it comes to dealing with infinity when studying Math and Science. Not all of us really think over it. Where do two parallel lines meet? Infinity! Have we thought about the answer? The more you think, it will become evident that infinity does not exist! It is merely a figment of our imagination! So why did we create the entire concept of infinity?

   Well, lets just say that Mathematicians and Scientists are the Peter Pans of the human race. They never grow up. They are very curious! They want answers. Everytime. It doesn't matter to them whether the question can be solved using the preexisting methods. Someone pondered, "1 divided by what gives 0?" Rationally speaking, such a magical number does not exist. But Peter Pan is inquisitive, isn't he? He divides 1 by increasingly bigger numbers. The answer steadily approaches 0... but never touches 0! Peter Pan concluded that somewhere down the number line, the answer does touch zero... but the divisor must be an incredibly big number... so big that it is beyond definition! We can only make futile attempts to imagine it! This idea is now known to us as the concept of infinity. Of course it is just as real as a bedtime fairy tale!

   We hear about infinite summation and other similar terms. Infinite implies that which goes on without a limit...it has no end! In terms of numbers or physical quantities, infinity is where (or when) an impossible event occurs. We just need to think of it that way. Defining it further or giving it a specific value is a sin in the world of Math and Science.

   The next time we see infinity, we shall think twice before committing a response, shan't we?