‘Science welcomes all without hierarchy, makes us see the possibilities of the beyond,’ writes IIT Guwahati professor

What originated from questions of curious human minds is indeed a beacon of hope for a better and prosperous future for all. Understanding the microscopic and macroscopic elements of nature, agriculture, health, travels in land, water, air and space, communication, advanced machines, automation, potable water, energy and the environment are some of the areas where science has made notable impacts in the last few hundred years.

In fact, for the last five hundred years or so, beginning with the evidence-based development of scientific methods, distinct progress has been made with the help of science in all fields of human endeavours. It can roughly be stated that the prosperity of a nation depends on the adoption of scientific means in all spheres of life.

For example, traditionally, curses were considered a reason for disease. However, scientists provided evidence for germ-based infection. Now the idea has moved from disease to health, where the molecular parameters in the body decide the conditions. Scientists have worked hard for years to make the tests for health conditions available for large populations at affordable costs. An evidence in favour of such important contributions is the development of vaccines at a rapid pace against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 disease.

Science is a friend of humanity. It brings hope for a better and more equal future for people at large. Science welcomes all practitioners irrespective of status at birth, social or economic hierarchy. The universal appeal makes it an inclusive human activity that stretches from home to the greater world and beyond. The admiration and active promotion of diversity of thoughts and practices enrich the repertoire of achievements. Science offers a great upward movement opportunity as a profession. Science is a horizon that is accessible to all and as more and more people across the globe join practicing science as a career, the horizon keeps on expanding. Science broadens the mind and expands the scope of creative pursuits.

We are at the best time to pursue science. Young and ambitious minds can bring a sea of change in diverse fields if their creativity can be unfolded. It has been more than fifty years since a human set foot on moon and scientists are currently pursuing understanding of the red planet by sending instruments there. This has been possible only because of dedication and determination of a large number of individuals from across the globe.

Space travel is an attractive opportunity where human civilisation is expected to witness great many achievements. Our future generations will have opportunity to travel to other planets and moons just as we have the opportunity to travel to other continents.

As the horizon of the quantum world expands, we will have enormous leap in ability to calculate – from climatic conditions to molecule-level functioning of living body – that is currently difficult to perform and we can expect to witness new mode of superfast communications.

Scientists are getting closer and closer to understanding the human brain and we may be able to unfold the mystery of consciousness of human and animals. A large number of scientists will be needed to save the environment from reaching catastrophic consequences due to human activities in the last few hundred years. We will need to create opportunity for abundant source of energy for all without damaging the planet. We need to understand the behaviours of animals and plants better and make sure that they live healthy lives.

Future achievements will be possible only if a large number of young minds come forward and pursue science and bring changes beyond current level of imagination. We can look forward to a new and different world where science will be the guiding spirit of action in the home and the world.

(The author is professor in the department of Chemistry at IIT Guwahati)

(A Lesson from IIT is a weekly column by an IIT faculty member on learning, science and technology on campus and beyond. The column appears every Friday)