Joy of Discovery in the Modern Era : Some Reflections and Directions | By Prof. B. Ananthanarayan

In this talk, Prof. B. Ananthanarayan discusses the project of knowledge production as a profession and as a career, and what it means to view research as a calling. Using contemporary examples from different disciplines, he presents general arguments about how knowledge is created and sustained. At a popular level, he describes recent discoveries such as gravitational waves, which unite physics at the largest and smallest scales, and the discovery of the Higgs boson, which required a heroic, human-made machine. He also draws on examples from mathematics, computer science, biology, and climate science, among others, to highlight the scientific challenges of the present era. The talk touches upon questions related to the psychology of creativity, as well as broader issues concerning science and engineering in India as a developing country, including questions of representation, particularly of women. It also reflects on the role of the individual, working in teams, and the importance of communication in scientific work. Overall, the talk aims to provide a motivational framework and outline the mindset needed for young people entering the demanding field of research and discovery, and for those who wish to be part of the major discoveries that lie ahead. The talk is intended for a very broad audience and is accessible to students of Classes XI and XII, undergraduate and postgraduate students across science and engineering disciplines, as well as teachers and researchers in all areas of science.