An evening of Sufi poetry and folk songs. Photo: Kumar Parthasarathy

NCBS is well known for its science. We address questions at the leading edge of biology. Given the quality of scientific research here, a person who has never been to NCBS might imagine it as as place with minimal focus on non-scientific interactions and activities. But the reality is just the contrary. We have a socio-cultural environment that is harmonious and vibrant.

Sometimes it feels inappropriate to talk about the ¨social¨ environment of NCBS, as the whole of NCBS seems to be one big family. The three things that most newcomers notice about NCBS are: Everyone greets everyone else, no one tells you ¨no¨, and the most frequently asked question is ¨How is the work going?". These three simple observations tell us a lot about the social environment of NCBS - how closely-knitted we are, and the levels of co-operation and dedication to science. In fact, NCBS acts as a sink where people of different backgrounds, languages, beliefs and practices intermix and, surprisingly to some, become citizens of an unbordered scientific realm. It may seem idealistic. One may occasionally find some exceptions too. But this is the kind of atmosphere that predominantly prevails.

A gathering on the event of solar eclipse. In the background, a view of construction site of the new laboratory building. Photo: Subhasis Ray.

The cultural environment of NCBS is equally vibrant. Here arts and artists are revered. Cultural programmes often occur as part of conferences and workshops, and sometimes.....just because. At NCBS we have been able to spend many unforgettable evenings with world famous musicians like Hari Prasad Chaurasia and Ustad Asad Ali Khan.

I imagine that such an environment could only have evolved with conscious effort by many people and reflects a way of thinking that was introduced during NCBS's development. And that much continuing work must have been put into keeping it alive in the face of the hierarchical systems present almost everywhere.

NCBS is currently witnessing a major expansion. The number of people here will probably double. Will the extent of interaction decrease accordingly? Hopefully the spirit that has prevailed in the past will help us to resist this dilution, and to identify the steps that will have to be taken to prevent it.

A basketball match. A typical team comprises of students, faculty and non-academic staff. Photo: Subhasis Ray.