Infosys Science Foundation 5Th Anniversary
Encouraging the spirit of research
Infosys Science Foundation
“There is evidence to suggest that young Indian scientists from Cambridge, Harvard, MIT, Caltech and similar reputed institutions are returning to India. One is sensing a movement from brain drain to brain gain, to brain circulation, helped again by the attractive National Fellowships that have been set up to bring back our brightest scientists. But, I must say, one of the best news for Indian science has been the Infosys Prize.”
Science is an endless frontier. It is a human activity without limits. pedagogy of science teaching methods, creating exciting science Advancing this frontier requires intensive and extensive fundamental curricula, attracting the best talent for teaching science with special research. India's contribution to this endeavor in recent times has been incentives for the most inspiring science teachers. a matter of much concern. With around 16% of the global population, Second, the best minds that study science should stay in science. At the India's share in the world output of scientific research publications is school‑learning level, there is a great enthusiasm for science. Indian only 2%. Of course, some might say, that this 2% share is achieved with students out‑perform those from advanced nations in international only 0.5% of global spend on R&D. But that is not of much comfort, science olympiads, winning several gold medals. Unfortunately, these since other countries have moved ahead much faster. R. A. Mashelkar gold medalists do not stay in science. We have to do everything National Research Professor; Chancellor, Let us consider, for instance, India and China. In 1980, the research possible to see that they continue to love science, live science and live Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research; papers from China were one‑fifteenth of the research papers produced for science. President, Global Research Alliance, in India. By 2005, research papers from China had almost tripled! During CSIR‑National Chemical Laboratory Third, in science, technology and innovation, India has built physical as 1995 – 2005, the papers from India increased by 2.5 times, China's had well as intellectual infrastructure but it needs to be made world‑class. Read more... gone up ten‑fold. The R&D spending by China had increased from We need to create an environment which provides for flexibility 0.8% to 2% of GDP by 2011. India has continued to spend around and freedom to think and act. This means complete eradication of 0.9% of GDP on R&D, over the past two decades. bureaucracy, elimination of mediocrity, worship of excellence and India needs to recreate the magic of the 1920s and 1930s in Indian rewards for performance with world‑class benchmarks. science, where we saw the likes of Srinivasa Ramanujan, C. V. Raman, Fourth, we should remind ourselves always that teaching without Meghnath Saha, S. N. Bose, J. C. Bose, etc., scale new heights, which research is sterile. Education disseminates known knowledge, research surpassed the best in the world. For this, we need to move on multiple converts money into knowledge and innovation converts knowledge fronts with speed and determination. into money. In the Indian context, this connect between Saraswati First, the future of science in India will depend on getting the best minds (Hindu goddess of learning) and Lakshmi (Hindu goddess of wealth) is in India to opt for science. We have to place a very heavy emphasis missing. Every effort should be made to create that connect by linking on radical reforms in school science education, while changing the education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship. “There is evidence to suggest that young Indian scientists from Cambridge, Harvard, MIT, Caltech and similar reputed institutions are returning to India. One is sensing a movement from brain drain to brain gain, to brain circulation, helped again by the attractive National Fellowships that have been set up to bring back our brightest scientists. But, I must say, one of the best news for Indian science has been the Infosys Prize.”
This would mean some cultural shifts, where wealth creation through I have been privileged to be a jury member for the Infosys Prize since knowledge is valued and supported through instruments such as the past four years. I have watched with pride this Prize grow and attain incubators, technology parks, ‘ad’venture capital, innovation clusters, the status of a mini‑Nobel prize. The selection is done by a selection etc. These need to be provided on a scale and with a quality that will committee comprising global leaders in science. With ` 55 lakh as a cash prove game‑changing. prize, not only is this the highest prize in rupee value, but it is now the ‘most valued prize’ in India today. What is more, when there is an Although there are many concerns, there is plenty of good news outcry that the corporate world does not do enough for science in India, too. The INSPIRE program launched by the Department of Science & Infosys as an iconic corporate leader, has been able to send a strong Technology in India now draws close to a million bright young people R. A. Mashelkar signal that Indian science matters to us and that we want to matter into science, with schemes and very attractive incentives to ensure that National Research Professor; Chancellor, more to Indian science. Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research; they stay in science. For the first time, funding fundamental scientific President, Global Research Alliance, research exclusively, a National Science and Engineering Research Board This book is valuable for several reasons. It provides us with the essence CSIR‑National Chemical Laboratory was created and it has begun functioning. Five new Indian Institutes of the great work of the Infosys Prize laureates, in a language that is Read more... of Science, Education and Research have been set up, with the hope simple. It serves as a great inspiration for budding scientists, while of these becoming world‑class centers of research. There is evidence giving them a feel about the very best in Indian science. Finally, it also to suggest that young Indian scientists from Cambridge, Harvard, MIT, projects before the rest of the world the best of Indian science done by Caltech and similar reputed institutions are returning to India. One is its stars. sensing a movement from brain drain to brain gain, to brain circulation, I congratulate all those who are responsible for this elegant and helped again by the attractive National Fellowships that have been set impressive creation. When the history of Indian science is written, up to bring back our brightest scientists. But, I must say, one of the best one can look at this book as one with supreme archival and news for Indian science has been the Infosys Prize. inspirational value. Of origins and journeys
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
A Prize is set up
Infosys and the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) awarded the first Infosys Mathematics Prize to Prof. Manindra Agrawal from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. On February 18, 2009, before the Prize ceremony commenced at NIAS, the Prize purse was increased from ` 10 lakh to ` 50 lakh. Of origins and journeys
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Infosys Science Foundation is born
The Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) was established as a trust with six trustees and N. R. Narayana Murthy as its President. The Prize corpus fund which stands at ` 100 crore today was just ` 20 crore. What started as a Prize for Mathematics expanded to include the larger field of sciences : Engineering and Computer Science, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences and Social Sciences. Of origins and journeys
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Eminent experts appointed as Jury Chairs
The founding Jury Chairs of the Infosys Prize, some of the best minds in academia, committed to extend their tenure to five years. The Jury Chairs comprise Prof. Amartya Sen, Dr. Inder Verma, Prof. Subra Suresh, Prof. Shrinivas Kulkarni and Prof. Srinivasa Varadhan. Prof. Subra Suresh left the jury to join as the Director of the National Science Foundation in the U.S. Prof. Pradeep Khosla, Chancellor, University of California, San Diego, U.S. was then appointed as the Jury Chair for Engineering and Computer Science. Of origins and journeys
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Lecture Series begins
ISF instituted the Infosys Science Foundation Lecture Series to inform and inspire the youth to consider careers in research. The laureates and jurors through their lectures demystify the world of academia and research. This intervention provides insights for the student community especially about the advances in their respective fields. Of origins and journeys
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
The Year of Mathematics
The Government of India declared 2012 as the Year of Mathematics. ISF organized lectures, contests and events to observe this special year.
Humanities category added
The Humanities was added as a new category and the Infosys Prize in 2012 for Humanities was awarded in the areas of History and Literary Studies. Prof. Kaushik Basu, Chief Economist at the World Bank and former Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India was appointed as the Jury Chair for the Social Sciences category and Prof. Amartya Sen became the Jury Chair for Humanities. Of origins and journeys
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Prize grows bigger
ISF celebrates its fifth year anniversary announcing an increase in the Prize purse from ` 50 lakh to ` 55 lakh and a study on research careers in India. Quest for beautiful minds Infosys Prize @InfosysPrize Human enterprise and intellect has been celebrated by the Infosys Science Foundation through the Infosys Prize (the Prize), since 2009. The Prize has grown in stature and is fast becoming the most coveted award for researchers.
Bangalore, Karnataka Unwavering support from ISF trustees has helped the Prize reach its fifth year milestone. www.infosys‑science‑foundation.com
Infosys Prize @InfosysPrize
We honor those who've made the quest for knowledge their life's calling and scientific excellence their pursuit. N. R. Narayana Murthy, Trustee of ISF and Executive Chairman, Infosys Limited #InfosysPrize2013
Trustees of ISF
Find out what Prof. Raghuram G. Rajan, winner of the Infosys Prize 2011 and Governor, Reserve Bank of India, has to say about the need for prizes that can help foster innovation.
Infosys Prize @InfosysPrize
Exploring the world of ideas furthers our understanding of the Prof. Raghuram G. Rajan universe. We endeavor to honor such remarkable minds. Srinath Batni, President, Board of Trustees, ISF and Member of the Board, Infosys Limited #InfosysPrize2013 Quest for beautiful minds Infosys Prize @InfosysPrize Human enterprise and intellect has been celebrated by the Infosys Science Foundation through the Infosys Prize (the Prize), since 2009. The Prize has grown in stature and is fast becoming the most coveted award for researchers.
Bangalore, Karnataka Awardees receive a gold medallion, a citation and a prize purse of ` 55 lakh (increased this year from the previous, ` 50 lakh). Watch www.infosys‑science‑foundation.com Prof. Aninhalli R. Vasavi talk about the impact the prize money can have on research.
Infosys Prize @InfosysPrize
We want winners to benefit from the prize money. Indian government Prof. Aninhalli R. Vasavi supported the Prize, making the sum, tax exempt. V. Balakrishnan, Trustee of ISF #InfosysPrize2013
Jury Chairs with Infosys Prize 2012 winners. The Jury Chairs for the Prize includes stalwarts from various fields – Prof. Amartya Sen, Dr. Inder Verma, Prof. Pradeep Khosla, Prof. Kaushik Basu, Prof. Shrinivas Kulkarni, Prof. Srinivasa Varadhan and Prof. Subra Suresh (who stepped down after being nominated as Director of the National Science Foundation by U.S. President, Barack Obama).
Jury Chairs with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Infosys Prize @InfosysPrize
The wisdom, guidance and experience of our jury multiplies the inspirational power of the Infosys Prize. T. V. Mohandas Pai, Trustee of ISF #InfosysPrize2013 Quest for beautiful minds Infosys Prize @InfosysPrize Human enterprise and intellect has been celebrated by the Infosys Science Foundation through the Infosys Prize (the Prize), since 2009. The Prize has grown in stature and is fast becoming the most coveted award for researchers.
Bangalore, Karnataka ISF also hosts insightful lectures and exciting events through the year. In her lecture, Good to eat, good to think : Why we should study India's www.infosys‑science‑foundation.com changing food culture, Prof. Amita Baviskar, Associate Professor, Institute of Economic Growth, discusses the state of changing agrarian economies and the transformation of food into commodity forms.
Infosys Prize @InfosysPrize
Prof. Amita Baviskar We engage with educational institutions,to involve the youth in an ongoing dialog about research. K. Dinesh, Trustee of ISF #InfosysPrize2013
ISF works with academicians, researchers and students globally, to promote the spirit of enquiry. Michael J. Sandel, Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Government, Harvard University in his Justice Lecture Series, held in India spoke about multiple aspects related to justice and its significance in our daily lives.
Infosys Prize @InfosysPrize
Prof. Michael J. Sandel Aspiring scholars need encouragement. The ISF Lecture Series lets them interact with laureates and learn more. S. D. Shibulal, Trustee of ISF, CEO and Managing Director, Infosys Limited #InfosysPrize2013 Quest for beautiful minds Infosys Prize @InfosysPrize Human enterprise and intellect has been celebrated by the Infosys Science Foundation through the Infosys Prize (the Prize), since 2009. The Prize has grown in stature and is fast becoming the most coveted award for researchers.
Bangalore, Karnataka The Prize celebrates those who storm new frontiers, be it to create novel materials, find solutions, invent cures for deadly diseases or further www.infosys‑science‑foundation.com discourse that enriches the standard of life and living. Know what the impact of winning the Infosys Prize has been with Prof. Ashish Lele, Scientist at the National Chemical Laboratories, Pune and Infosys 2012 winner.
Prof. Ashish Lele Infosys Prize @InfosysPrize Click to play
The Prize can inspire the next generation of thinkers. Support from academia, media and the public will make this possible. K. Gopalakrishnan, Trustee of ISF and Executive Co‑Chairman, Infosys Limited #InfosysPrize2013 Engineering and Computer Science “Our future relies directly on how people who are young today are going to mature and become adults. How they are going to behave and what is it that they are going to do. We have to motivate them and to motivate them we need to have examples of people who have accomplished something.”
Pradeep K. Khosla Jury Chair, Engineering and Computer Science, and Chancellor, University of California, San Diego, U.S.
Click to play Engineering and Computer Science 2010
Ashutosh Sharma • B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur Institute Chair Professor and C. V. Seshadri Chair Professor and Coordinator, DST Unit on • M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University Nanoscience & Center for Environmental Science and Engineering, • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from State University of New York, Buffalo Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur Prof. Ashutosh Sharma has made scholarly scientific contributions in the broad areas of nanoscale surface pattern evolution, instability, and the dynamics of thin liquid and solid films and soft matter. These scientific studies have provided fundamental contributions to the fields of surfaces and interfaces, adhesion, structure evolution, nanocomposites, and hydrodynamics. Read more...
Nanotech chronicles
Another practical application of his work is in understanding Today, nanotechnology is used some of the surface‑chemical in everything from consumer Working with other aspects of the dry eye syndrome Sharma's nanofabrication work in collaboration with goods such as water‑repellent Sharma's research finds scientists, he created which affects millions of people What do the Rose Window other scientists has also clothing and cosmetics, A major focus of Sharma's work new interfaces between the smart adhesive tapes that worldwide. A rapid breakup in the Notre Dame led to novel carbon based computing, space exploration, has been in probing how and why disciplines of mechanics, could be reused and was of the tear film on the cornea cathedral and anti‑wrinkle composite materials with the wider areas of health, nano‑thin films and coatings of materials and manufacturing non‑fouling. The sticky in the inter‑blink period is creams have in common? hierarchical micro and environment and energy. soft materials, such as polymers, with direct applications in pads of climbing animals often indicative of dry eyes. Nanotechnology! Nano has nano elements that could Prof. Ashutosh Sharma's work become unstable and self‑organize inexpensive fabrication of such as tree frogs Sharma's research into wetting been around for centuries have enormous benefits in nanotechnology combines spontaneously into a variety of micro nanostructures on large areas, and geckos were the of bio‑surfaces has led to some but its understanding, for the environment elements of engineering, and nano‑structures, patterns and flow of liquids in small spaces inspiration in creating the clues about the mechanism manipulation, control and (filtration systems), energy surface chemistry and soft textures. Controlling the self‑assembly (micro and nano‑fluidics used special adhesive. and control of the tear film industrial applications have storage (micro‑batteries) matter physics with a sprinkling of these small structures leads to in the lab‑on‑a‑chip devices), breakup. Unlike most of the come of age in a big way and health (platforms of biology and biomimetics. futuristic manufacturing techniques novel adhesives, and patterning other studies, he used Interfacial only recently. for cells). for creation of materials with special for polymer based electronics Science for validating and testing properties of wetting, adhesion, friction and sensors including solar cells. his research instead of using and color. animal models. Engineering and Computer Science 2011
Kalyanmoy Deb • B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur Professor and Koenig Endowed Chair, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan State University • M.S. in Engineering Mechanics from the University of Alabama • Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics from the University of Alabama
Prof. Kalyanmoy Deb has made fundamental contributions to the emerging field of Evolutionary Multi‑objective Optimization (EMO), where his work has led to significant advances in the areas of non‑linear constraints, decision uncertainty, programming and numerical methods, computational efficiency of large‑scale problems and optimization algorithms. Read more...
Resolving the problem of conflicting goals
Evolutionary Multi‑objective Suppose you want to buy the How would the phone Optimization (EMO) is the best smart phone available. This has in turn helped manufacturer resolve those same process of simultaneously You consider battery life versus academic and industrial problems on a larger scale and for Prof. Kalyanmoy Deb has Deb's solution known as optimizing two or more screen size versus weight of practitioners to come up with maximum commercial rewards? worked out a concept known as NSGA‑II Implementation conflicting objectives subject the phone versus the cost and multiple trade‑off solutions and Is there a way of objectively ‘innovization’. This approach allows was commercialized by to certain constraints. of course how the piece looks analyze them before choosing coming to the optimum you to come up with innovative various software companies. But what does this mean? before settling on the best a single solution. phone based on your needs. conclusion factoring in every solutions while taking into account criteria even if they are in conflict different criteria. It helps you learn with each other? This is where more about the problem being the process of multi‑objective solved, the factors that affect the optimization comes in. solution and arrive at optimized ways to solve the problem. Engineering and Computer Science 2012
Ashish Lele • B.Chem. Eng. from the Department of Chemical Technology, University of Bombay Senior Principal Scientist, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware
Prof. Ashish Lele has made many novel and impactful contributions to polymer science and engineering. These include molecular tailoring of stimuli responsive smart hydrogels, new insights into the anomalous rheological behavior of complex fluids and the coupling of macromolecular dynamics and polymer processing. Read more...
Exploring the many uses of hydrogels
Prof. Lele's body of work has Imagine being able to wear eye profound implications in the glasses made of material that use of hydrogels as sensors Smart hydrogels are a type of can self‑repair scratches on their and soft actuators, which are hydrogel that have water swollen surface in response to light. a type of motor for moving or networks of cross‑linked polymers Imagine being able to use a controlling a mechanism or that respond to stimuli such as self‑healing sticky substance to system. Soft actuators or organic temperature and electrical fields hold surgical implants in place Gels are materials composed actuators are made of organic that leads to volume phase instead of stitches. If you think of both a solid and a liquid materials such as hydrogels. transitions. Prof. Lele's work this is science fiction, think again. component. When the liquid Prof. Ashish Lele has worked These actuators are able to act revealed that under the influence Such substances are already component is water, the gel is Over the years hydrogels have extensively with hydrogels on their external environment of these stimuli, the cylindrical found in nature and over the called a hydrogel. A hydrogel is found many uses in several areas and has been probing the by changing input energy into shape of the hydrogel changes years, scientists have been trying usually composed of a polymer especially in medical science. microstructures in polymeric mechanical work. These are spontaneously into a coconut‑like extremely important in medical to create them in laboratories. network. Polymers are large They are commonly used in cell materials at the molecular and structure, which is also reversible. devices such as prosthetic limbs, chain‑like molecules made up culture, tissue engineering, and mesoscopic (the intermediate as they improve their strength of monomers which are smaller sustained release drug delivery length between microscopic and and performance. molecules. Hydrogels have super systems. They are also used in macroscopic) length scales. absorption capabilities, and are everyday items such as disposable also highly flexible. They are diapers to soak in more fluid. similar to natural tissue. Engineering and Computer Science 2013
V. Ramgopal Rao • B.Tech. from Kakatiya University, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh Institute Chair Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering; and Chief Investigator, • M.Tech. from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay Centre of Excellence in Nanoelectronics, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay • Dr. Ingenieur from Universitaet der Bundeswehr, Munich • Post‑doctoral Fellow at the University of California, Los Angeles
Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao has made substantial contributions in the science and engineering of nanoscale electronic devices and their use in semiconductor integrated circuits, which has led to significant performance improvements and industrial impact. His leadership in nanoelectronics at the national level has enabled industry‑academia partnerships that have led to growth of this industry in India. Read more...
Behind the magic of nanoscale electronics
The devices and techniques that Prof. Rao's research has Prof. Rao's research has brought come up with have had a major Nanoelectronics is responsible for new insights into the chemistry of impact in the areas of security making our devices smaller and selective binding between organic and health. This technology is Prof. Rao's work has had more efficient and is a field that and organometallic molecules. Over the years, our devices Prof. Ramgopal Rao has made used in effective drug delivery a major impact especially is getting increasing attention. Organic compounds are composed have become more handy and major contributions to the systems and in medical imaging on the semi‑conductor Nanoelectronics is responsible of carbon while organometallic portable. Gone are the days development of nanoscale technologies. Nanoscale industry. His work has for the display screens on devices compounds have a metal bound when a computer needed a electronics. His work integrates devices could also detect toxic helped in manufacturing getting better by reducing their with carbon. Organometallic whole room to hold it. Tablets the disciplines of chemistry, substances in the environment significantly more efficient weight and thickness and improving compounds containing lead, and laptops have become mechanics and electronics and in food. Nanostructures semi‑conductor devices. their power consumption, for tin and mercury are commercially ubiquitous. Our telephones to invent smarter and better can be used to vastly improve The technologies and improving the density of memory important. Prof. Rao has found have gotten smaller. Have you functional devices. existing sensor technologies products that have been chips, and reducing the size of ways of integrating these molecules ever wondered about the such as radiation sensors. This created using Prof. Rao's transistors in integrated circuits. with highly sensitive mechanical technology responsible for could also be used in various research are of tremendous and electronic transduction in making the devices around security applications. value to society. us smaller? This is just one micro / nanodevices. This in turn has instance where the discipline of led to a new platform for chemical nanoelectronics comes in. sensing. Humanities “The Humanities as a subject, a cluster of subjects complements the sciences. The sciences add to our knowledge in a more direct way and often translate into immediately realizable benefits in the long run. Humanities work rather more slowly. On the other hand, they also have a huge impact. First, to place science in the context of society and also to make people think about themselves and think about others in the context of themselves, and think about their country in the context of the world. And, in all these respects humanities have a very important role in broadening human life in a way that science has, but working in a somewhat different channel.”
Amartya Sen Jury Chair, Humanities, Thomas W. Lamont University Professor and Professor of Economics and Philosophy, Harvard University, U.S.
Click to play Humanities – Literary Studies 2012
Amit Chaudhuri • B.A. in English from the University College London Professor of Contemporary Literature, University of East Anglia, Norfolk • Ph.D. in Critical Theory and the poetry of D. H. Lawrence from Balliol College, Oxford
Prof. Amit Chaudhuri is one of India’s foremost novelists and among its most widely‑admired literary and cultural critics, and theorists. His literary research ranges from an early book on D. H. Lawrence to a recent book on Rabindranath Tagore, and a large number of critical essays on Indian and English Literature. Read more...
Explorations in literary criticism
Prof. Chaudhuri takes In his attempt to shed new light particular interest in the on Indian writing, Prof. Chaudhuri Since the days of Plato, the field pleasures of writing about explored, among many other of literary criticism has seen the world we live in, whether things, Rabindranath Tagore's the pleasure of language, he is writing a story, or poetry. Although Tagore's work form, content and style being writing about a story. A widely‑read essayist, had been studied and interpreted studied and analyzed to better An internationally acclaimed Prof. Chaudhuri is persuasive in his several times through the years, understand literature and the novelist and literary critic, writings, while using the creative Prof. Chaudhuri helped us towards times we live in. Literary criticism Prof. Amit Chaudhuri has been able medium to provide a scholarly a new understanding of how the goes to the heart of the question to provide a deeper understanding understanding of what makes any great poet remains imaginatively of what makes a piece of writing of Indian and English literature to form of literature engaging and challenging today. beautiful and allows us to global readers. His literary criticism effective. Prof. Chaudhuri began his appreciate that beauty better. has been able to tease out the endeavor as an original critic with a nuances, cultural contexts and masterful exploration of the poetry complex literary sensibilities in of the English poet and writer works of literature. D. H. Lawrence. Humanities – History 2012
Sanjay Subrahmanyam • M.A. Economics from the University of Delhi Distinguished Professor of History, and Navin and Pratima Doshi Endowed Chair, • Ph.D. in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi Pre‑Modern Indian History, University of California, Los Angeles Prof. Sanjay Subrahmanyam has transformed the field of early modern history for South Asia, and for much of the rest of the world. His geographical reach extends from South Asia to Southeast Asia, West Asia, Europe and Latin America. He has also contributed to a wide array of historical sub‑disciplines (economic, social, intellectual and literary history).
Read more...
Framing the concept of connected histories
Prof. Sanjay Subrahmanyam has While Prof. Subrahmanyam's proposed and developed a genre of primary focus is the history of History as a discipline history called ‘connected histories’. early modern South Asia, he teaches us about our past. The concept of connected histories has not confined himself to this We often tend to think of our tells us that cultures all over the However, even a cursory region. He has transformed the collective past in terms of only globe were interconnected. Different In his work, Explorations reading of history teaches study of history for the rest of certain regions or particular contemporary cultures have had in Connected History, us that no human culture the world including Southeast In addition to his experiences of particular enormous impact on each other Prof. Subrahmanyam shows the has developed in isolation. Asia, Latin America, West Asia contributions to history, groups of people. through trade and other interactions. links that have connected the Different cultures and groups and Europe. Prof. Subrahmanyam Indian history for instance has been countries of Eurasia in times of people have influenced has also contributed shaped by trade and interaction with past, helping us transcend the each other. enormously to many cultures including the Persian, walls that have traditionally sub‑disciplines within French, Portuguese, English and confined the histories of Asian history such as economic, many more. nations for the past century. social, intellectual and literary history. Humanities – Linguistics 2013
Ayesha Kidwai • M.A. in Linguistics from the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi Professor, Centre for Linguistics, School of Language, Literature and • Ph.D. in Linguistics from the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi Culture Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi Prof. Ayesha Kidwai is an outstanding theoretical linguist. Her work has earned recognition from leading international experts, as it relates the general theoretical framework of the principles of Universal Grammar to some of the particular syntactic features of Indian languages like Hindi‑Urdu, Santali, Meiteilon, Bangla and Malayalam, analyzing these within the structures of human cognitive systems and their general properties. Read more...
Discovering the intricacies of Indian languages
Prof. Ayesha Kidwai is a Prof. Kidwai has made tremendous theoretical linguist. She studies contributions to the study of a the scientific hypotheses Our ability to vocalize phenomenon called scrambling. that must underlie humans' our thoughts through a Prof. Kidwai analyzes these Scrambling in its simplest knowledge of language, and the language sets us apart from languages within the structures sense is the study of the word abstract principles that connect Along with making other living beings and of the human cognitive orders that a language can the structure of one language theoretical linguistics a has evolved over the years. systems. This analysis helps in have. Some languages have a Linguistics is the study of the to another. Her work deals with significant field in Indian Each human language is a understanding how language much greater range of possible structure of language, how it these principles, within the academia, Prof. Kidwai complex entity that allows structures are perceived word orders than others, and is acquired, how it changes framework of Universal Grammar, has also emphasized us to communicate ideas, within the human brain and these are known as languages over time, and how it is used and how they relate to the the political and cultural emotions and desires. its influence on cognition and with scrambling languages. The to convey messages and characteristics and construction importance of studying psychology. structure of scrambling languages meaning. The discipline of of sentences in Indian languages India's phenomenal has been a much debated one, linguistics also attempts to such as Hindi‑Urdu, Bengali, diversity in languages. and Prof. Kidwai has proposed answer questions about what Malayalam, Meiteilon and an innovative account of connects human languages Santali. The theory of Universal scrambling through her analysis of and what makes each of Grammar is a model of the way the Hindi‑Urdu language. them different. in which these abstract principles interact to yield individual human languages. Humanities – Archaeology 2013
Nayanjot Lahiri • M.A. in History from the University of Delhi Professor, Department of History, University of Delhi • M.Phil. in History from the University of Delhi • Ph.D. in History from the University of Delhi
Prof. Nayanjot Lahiri is an exceptional scholar of proto‑historic and early India, and her wide‑ranging work on the past and present illuminates many aspects even of contemporary Indian life. Her work on resource mobilization and routes of access in proto‑historic and early historic India (1992) deals with archaeological and historical data, and their geological dimensions and integration into the ethnographic aspects of their distribution. Read more...
Unearthing the mysteries of ancient India
Prof. Lahiri's archival research into the study of archaeology in India ranges from how Prof. Nayanjot Lahiri is a scholar Prof. Lahiri made a significant India's first cities — Harappa of proto‑historic and historic contribution to the study of and Mohenjodaro — were India. Proto‑history usually ancient India by highlighting discovered to the policies denotes cultures which have not Prof. Lahiri's work includes a the interface between the use regarding monuments in yet developed a writing system historical analysis of the ancient of copper and its alloys as British and independent India. but which sometimes figure Archaeology is the study of the inscriptions of Assam. Her extensive reflected in the archaeological Through this archival research, India has a historic and in the written sources of other material remains of the past research of the movement of record, and ancient texts as she has also highlighted how prehistoric past that goes back civilizations. In India, though, in order to understand the people and goods and trade also modern ethnographic multi‑cultural historic places many centuries. The knowledge it is used to designate cultures character and changes in human routes in proto‑historic and early literature. Ancient cultural of worship like Bodh Gaya, as we have accumulated so far only that coincide with and follow the cultures over time. It is through historic India has led to rich preferences, through this reflected in the archaeology begins to scratch the surface of beginning of food production till the knowledge and scientific descriptions of cultures from these approach, are shown as of worship there, came to be what we know of the past. the advent of historic India around examination of these remains that eras based on the metallurgical being an important factor in transformed into sites that the sixth century BCE. Proto‑history we are able to understand the traditions of India. This has in turn understanding the minutiae of were merely rooted in one is also used for describing the lives of our ancestors and also helped in connecting not only the metallurgical data. religious tradition. Harappan Civilization, a specific perhaps the reasons why we are archaeological and historical data focus of Prof. Lahiri's work, because what we are today. but also the geological dimensions even while it had its own script, that of these mobilizations. still remains undeciphered. Life Sciences “My experience as the jury chair for the life sciences has been the exposure that I gained into the wide variety of different sciences in biological sciences that is being carried out in India. It ranges from medical sciences to plant sciences to basic sciences to nanobiology and nanotechnology. And, I was very pleasantly surprised on the wide breadth of it.”
Inder Verma Jury Chair, Life Sciences, American Cancer Society Professor and the first incumbent of the Irwin Mark Jacobs Chair in Exemplary Life Sciences, Laboratory of Genetics, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, U.S. Life Sciences 2009
K. VijayRaghavan • B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur Professor, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore and Secretary, • M.Tech. in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, New Delhi • Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai • Research Fellow and Senior Research Fellow at the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
Professor VijayRaghavan is being recognized for his many contributions as an outstanding developmental geneticist and neurobiologist. His elegant work with Drosophila has revealed important principles and mechanisms that control the assembly and wiring of nerves and muscles during development, and he has recently begun to define how these neuromuscular circuits direct specific locomotor behaviors. Read more...
Unlocking the secrets of Hox genes
Prof. VijayRaghavan’s work defines how these powerful Most animals begin life as a Hox genes function to create mass of undifferentiated cells Once an embryo has differentiated connections between the nerves called embryos that then into discrete segments, the Hox and muscles and direct simple undergo specialization to form genes determine the structures motor behaviors. He has used the Using the tools and concepts various organs and appendages. Hox genes are genetic materials that formed at each segment. fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, from the fields of genetics, But what determines which determine the specialization of an For example, antennae, wings, as the model for his study. molecular biology, microscopy, section of the embryo forms embryo along the antero‑posterior legs, vertebrae, etc., are formed developmental biology which body part? What is it that or the head‑tail axis. These genes at the direction of the Hox genes. and behavioral biology, determines if a fly becomes a fly are in a sense the master code that These genes are so powerful Prof. VijayRaghavan and his or a mouse becomes a mouse? unlocks the potential of the embryo. that even small differences could team are trying to unlock the They implement the ‘body plan’ of bring about dramatic evolutionary secrets of this powerful genetic an animal. changes. material.
Through his work on the development of sensory and motor organs in the fruit fly, Prof. VijayRaghavan sheds new light on the way target muscles develop their specific biomechanical connections through cell differentiation and division. Life Sciences 2010
Chetan E. Chitnis • M.Sc. in Physics from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay Principal Investigator, Malaria Research Group, International Centre for • M.A. in Physics from Rice University, Houston, Texas Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi • Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of California, Berkeley
Dr. Chetan E. Chitnis is credited for the identification of the erythrocyte binding protein on malarial parasite that binds to the Duffy protein on the host blood cell. His work helped in narrowing the region of association and development of antibodies to prevent this association and infection. Clinical trials with vaccines that target malaria parasites are underway and offer hope for the development of a viable malaria vaccine. Read more...
Winning the battle against malaria
In 1898, a Scottish physician, Dr. Chetan Chitnis has been Sir Ronald Ross, working at the working on understanding the Presidency General Hospital in molecular basis of how the malarial Calcutta discovered the complete Today, 3.3 billion people, around parasite invades red blood cells lifecycle of the malarial parasite half the world’s population, are by using the malarial parasite in mosquitoes and since then at risk of contracting malaria. Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) and a researchers across the globe have In spite of the best efforts of closely related malarial parasite been working relentlessly to combat researchers, a vaccine against in monkeys called Plasmodium this disease. malaria has proved elusive. knowlesi (P. knowlesi). In 1880, a French army doctor, Charles Louis Alphonse Laveran Dr. Chitnis studied Duffy found a parasite in the red blood antigen binding proteins cells of people sick with malaria. from P. vivax and P. knowlesi to understand the interaction between the host and parasite. His research could Both parasites, P. vivax and lead to the development of P. knowlesi, invade the red an effective vaccine against blood cells by binding with a this dreaded disease and save protein called Duffy antigen, millions of lives. found on the surface of these cells. Life Sciences 2011
Imran Siddiqi • M.Sc. in Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay Chief Scientist, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad • Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Oregon
Dr. Imran Siddiqi made breakthrough contributions to the basic understanding of clonal seed formation in plants. Apomixis (asexual reproduction) could revolutionize agriculture for poor farmers in developing countries. Read more...
Revolutionizing agriculture through clonal seed formation
Mendel’s subsequent experiments with Hawkweed In the beginning of the 20th did not follow the rules he century, Mendel’s work was saw in the pea plant because re‑discovered and a phenomenon Hawkweed reproduced Siddiqi’s work could potentially known as apomixis was recognized In the mid‑1800s Gregor Mendel asexually. He concluded that Dr. Imran Siddiqi worked revolutionize agriculture, and acknowledged. Apomixis is conducted experiments by cross perhaps his discoveries did with the plant Arabidopsis allowing farmers to be more breeding the common pea plant. a type of asexual reproduction thaliana to identify and not apply universally. The process of apomixis self‑sufficient and clone their Through these experiments, propagated through seeds and is isolate the genes responsible ensured the continuance own high yielding food crop he discovered that one could found in a very small number of for apomixes. This discovery of hardy genes and healthy seeds instead of buying them accurately predict which genetic plant species. could be used to identify crops. Now the question was for each planting. traits parents would pass on the apomixes genes in how to bring apomixis into to their offspring. food crops. crop plants. Life Sciences 2012
Satyajit Mayor • M.Sc. in Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay Director of the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore • Ph.D. in Life Sciences from the Rockefeller University, New York
Prof. Satyajit Mayor defined the nanoscale organization of GPI‑linked proteins using fluorescence anisotropy, showing that these proteins exist in small (tens of nanometers) clusters. He showed that these microdomains are organized by actin and are endocytosed by a novel pathway that is clathrin‑ and dynamin‑independent and regulated by CDC42 — a newly discovered pathway that is also responsible for a significant fraction of the micropinocytosis (fluid‑phase uptake) by cells. Read more...
Exploring the secrets of living cells
Prof. Satyajit Mayor’s work has provided deep insights into Membrane receptors situated at how cells organize molecules the outer membrane of the cell in the living cell membrane. His require a special environment Mayor’s work has also shown that the research delves into the process consisting of lipids and proteins specialized domains within the cell, of molecular organization and organized by the protein actin, are then in order to function. From what Mayor’s research has transport within the cell in order to absorbed by the cell, in a process known we know of biological cells so far, enormous implications for carry out the different tasks they as endocytosis. This process takes place the cell membrane is organized the process of immune Proteins embedded in the have been assigned. Mayor has along a route where like motorists, little as a fluid bilayer. Given the system regulators and the membrane of the cell called proposed a mechanism that could packets or vesicles try to find their way complexity and fluidity of this modulation of signaling membrane receptors help cells generate specialized domains to a destination through traffic inside environment, it is difficult to responses. Understanding the sense the external environment around membrane receptors and the cell. The molecules that enter the cell Have you ever wondered how understand how such a special pathways of endocytosis may and respond to it. These receptors at the same time provide local need to find the correct pathways to their the cell senses and responds environment may be created for lead to a means to combat send messages to the inside of control on membrane protein and destinations within the cell just as the to its environment? How a these receptors to function. viruses such as HIV and other the cell. Each second, several lipid composition. The mechanism motorists in a traffic jam try to find roads virus such as HIV that enters pathogens that attack the molecules and, inadvertently, utilizes short filaments of the that are easy to negotiate. How do they the human body, knows where body’s immune system by a virus, may enter and exit the cell protein called actin that pairs up do this? The cell has many proteins that to go and how to get there? piggy backing on these routes by homing in on these receptors. with motor proteins to engage could be compared to maps or GPS that How is it able to beat the that the cells have created for with molecules on the cytoplasmic a motorist would use to find the easiest body’s defense systems? their own survival. side of the cell surface. routes to their destination. Life Sciences 2013
Rajesh S. Gokhale • M.Sc. in Biotechnology from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay Director, CSIR – Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi • Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale is a leader in the study of the enzymology of polyketide synthases in tubercle bacilli. He discovered fatty acyl AMP ligases in tubercle bacillus, their role in the generation of the lipid components of its cell wall and of their existence in other organisms, where they play a role in biosynthesis of complex molecules. Read more...
Battling the tuberculosis menace
This intelligent bug has developed thick lipid cell walls that protect it from the sentinels The current treatment regime Through the ages, scientists of the host. This strong wall is includes a combination of have tried to combat this impermeable to several drugs drugs that makes the patient deadly army of mycobacteria Dr. Gokhale’s studies discovered A deadly killer is on the prowl! thereby enabling its survival. The only way out in this weak due to its multiple side by understanding its properties. a large cluster of multifunctional It strikes and kills one person So the key is to penetrate these TB warfare is to completely effects. ‘Single drug – multi These tiny organisms are capable enzymes called Polyketide every minute! Mycobacteria – fortress‑like walls. decode and understand target’ approach is the driving of generating a novel set of cell synthases (PKS) and Fatty acyl‑AMP the menace that inflicts the biochemical pathways force behind Dr. Gokhale’s wall lipids which is encoded by its ligases (FAAL) which assist in the tuberculosis (TB) is spread that help in the formation research which will help unique set of genes. Dr. Gokhale’s formation of unique lipids that through air and infects the of lipid cell walls. Disrupting expedite the treatment pioneering research is aimed at construct these cell barriers. patient’s lungs. this barricade will help us against this life threatening decoding these genetic clusters. vanquish this pathogen. disease. Mathematical Sciences “Mathematics is a bit different from other sciences in the sense that most of the work done tends to be abstract. They have a huge impact, but the impact is in several layers. Mathematics impacts physics, physics impacts engineering and engineering impacts other things. So the ideas in mathematics may not be immediately useful, but over the long run they do exert an influence and are very useful to society.”
Srinivasa S. R. Varadhan Jury Chair, Mathematical Sciences, Professor of Mathematics and Frank J. Gould Professor of Science at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, U.S. Mathematical Sciences 2009
Ashoke Sen • B.Sc. in Physics from Calcutta University Professor, Harish‑Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad • M.Sc. in Physics from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur • Ph.D. in Physics from the State University of New York, Stonybrook • Post doctoral research at Fermilab, Batavia, and at SLAC, Stanford
Prof. Ashoke Sen is being recognized for his important contributions to String Theory, which is a vital part of Mathematical Physics. Among his contributions is his work on S‑duality that established links between weak and strong coupling regimes of certain String Theories. This made it possible to make inferences concerning the behavior of the system in the strong coupling regime by a perturbative analysis of the system in the weak coupling regime. Read more...
Unifying gravity and quantum mechanics
The theory suggested that these strings vibrate (known as ‘excitations’) and depending on how they vibrate they form different particles. Many advances have been made in proving String Theory. Prof. Ashoke Sen's landmark Prof. Sen's research attempts to unify For many years now, scientists The string theories have been classified contribution to string theory has the theories of gravity and quantum have been trying to work out according to whether the strings are been his work on dualities. Sen has mechanics and to complete the task that Einstein had begun. His work the composition of our universe. So, what was the nature of particles open or closed and are further classified worked out a surprising connection on entropy function formalism They first discovered that the world and forces? Several theories came up, according to the allowed modes of between weak and strong coupling has helped provide a statistical around us was made up of atoms including String Theory. According to vibration of the string. At one time, string regimes of a String Theory. Coupling interpretation of Bekenstein‑Hawking and these in turn were made up this theory all particles and forms of theorists believed that each of the string regimes refer to the strength of entropy of black holes. He has also of even tinier particles such as energy are arranged in the form of theories were distinct and could exist interaction in string theories. The made other important contributions electrons, protons, neutrons, quarks strings. These hypothetical strings had without the other. Soon they realized coupling constants in the string to String Theory, including the and others. These particles interact only the dimension of length. that these theories are connected to each theories are controlled by particular via four different types of forces. other and these connections came to be oscillation modes of the string called construction and study of time These are gravity, electromagnetism, known as ‘dualities’. dilatons and they exhibit symmetry, dependent solutions that has led to weak nuclear forces and strong which is called S‑duality. cosmological models. nuclear forces. Mathematical Sciences 2010
Chandrashekhar Khare • B.A. in Mathematics from the University of Cambridge Professor, Department of Mathematics, University of California, Los Angeles • M.A. in Mathematics from the University of Cambridge • Ph.D. in Mathematics from the California Institute of Technology
In collaboration with J. P. Wintenberger, Prof. Chandrashekhar B. Khare settled the Serre conjecture, formulated by mathematician, Jean‑Pierre Serre, in the affirmative. Prof. Khare’s work is a major breakthrough in the field with many spectacular consequences, and many new ideas introduced in it are expected to dominate the field for years to come. Read more...
Unlocking puzzles in number theory
Number theory is widely considered to be one The Serre conjecture is named after The Serre conjecture implies the of the most challenging The connection between solutions the French mathematician Jean‑Pierre truth of Fermat's last theorem, a and exciting fields of of polynomial equations and Serre who formulated it in the 1970s. Mathematicians spent the notoriously puzzling conundrum Though number theory and mathematics. Among the symmetry was first discovered in The conjecture essentially postulated a next couple of decades that had mathematicians the idea of groups may seem many challenging puzzles the 19th century by Evariste Galois surprising connection between solutions grappling with the solution flummoxed until it was solved very abstract, it is these in number theory, a long who interestingly enough died in of some polynomial equations and analytic to the conjecture. In 2009, by A. Wiles in 1993, more than theories that were used to standing one has been the a duel at the age of 21 and wrote functions with symmetry properties. Prof. Khare along with three hundred years after it was invent things like public key Serre conjecture. down his ideas the night before he Put simply, the former are equations his French colleague first formulated. The conjecture cryptography which is used died. He developed the idea of the that contain positive integers with J. P. Wintenberger solved the builds a bridge between algebra to ensure information security symmetry group of a polynomial. operations such as addition, subtraction Serre conjecture. and geometry on one hand and when you use credit cards on Groups are a technical term which and multiplication but not division while analysis on the other. the internet. analytic functions are functions that are represents a group of permutations. given by a convergent power series and Groups are one of the central can be thought of as bridges between objects of current mathematics. polynomials and general functions. Mathematical Sciences 2011
Kannan Soundararajan • B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Michigan Professor of Mathematics, and Director, Mathematics Research Center, Stanford University • Ph.D. in Mathematics from Princeton University
Prof. Kannan Soundararajan has made fundamental contributions to analytic number theory. His recent development of new unexpected techniques to study the critical values of general zeta functions has led to the proof of the Quantum Unique Ergodicity Conjecture for classical holomorphic modular forms. Read more...
Finding order in chaos with number theory
At the microscopic or the quantum We assume that chaos means QUE comes from the area of level, the associated path of objects disorder but each seemingly physics known as Quantum is also affected by waves known as Hecke Eigenforms. This complicates The turbulent flow of a disordered phenomenon is closely Chaos. Quantum Chaos tries matters. Prof. Soundararajan uses river in spate, the flapping governed by natural laws that Understanding and interpreting to understand the relationship The outcome of the example of a billiard ball on of a butterfly's wings, and determine the initial conditions. chaos helps us understand our between the chaotic motion Prof. Soundararajan's research a frictionless table to explain this the trajectory of a falling These initial conditions in turn environment and ourselves better. of macroscopic objects like can potentially be used in phenomenon. If a ball is hit in a object are phenomena that determine multiple paths and Prof. Soundararajan's research has people and planets to the rules disciplines as diverse as certain direction, it will move along seem to have unpredictable patterns which taken together helped us understand the physics of that govern the microscopic computer science, medicine on one path around the billiards outcomes. The chaos theory seem chaotic. chaos in a mathematical framework. world or the quantum world. and meteorology. Trying table. Hitting it in other directions, in physics attempts to explain He has made headway in solving a to work out the seemingly however, will cause the ball to these seemingly random long standing problem in number chaotic workings of the human bounce in a more chaotic manner, outcomes. theory called Quantum Unique brain or heart or atmospheric Ergoditicy Conjecture or QUE. covering paths around the table. disturbances could potentially help predict medical conditions or weather changes. Mathematical Sciences 2012
Manjul Bhargava • A.B. in Mathematics from Harvard University Professor of Mathematics, Princeton University • Ph.D. in Mathematics from Princeton University
Prof. Manjul Bhargava has proved a series of beautiful theorems that greatly enhance our understanding of number fields and algebraic curves, two of the most studied topics in number theory. In particular, he showed how to count quartic and quintic number fields, and proved that the average rank of elliptic curves over the rational numbers is less than 1. Read more...
The beauty in numbers
Among Prof. Bhargava's contributions is the answer to a problem that had Many fascinating and puzzling eluded the legendary Carl Friedrich problems are encountered in number Gauss (1777 – 1855). One of Gauss' theory. The following is one such discoveries was a law of composition Number theory is one of the Prof. Manjul Bhargava is a Along with his student, example : Say you have two 200 digit on binary quadratic forms, i.e. oldest branches of mathematics passionate mathematician Prof. Bhargava also worked on prime numbers and you feed these expressions of the type ax2 + bxy + cy2, that involves the study of who has been trying to solve a problem called the Birch and numbers into a computer which with a, b and c being whole numbers whole numbers and how they such mysteries. He thinks Swinnerton‑Dyer conjecture, multiplies these numbers and gives that are fixed, and x and y being the The real world implications relate to one another. It deals of mathematics as art. which is basically a problem a 400 digit number. If this 400 digit variables. It was an open question as to of the problems that with finding patterns in whole Prof. Bhargava's research in in advanced calculus but number is then fed into a computer in whether this was isolated or part of a Prof. Bhargava works numbers such as prime numbers number theory deals specifically which has deep implications order to work backwards to arrive at bigger theory. Prof. Bhargava showed on are not immediately and squares. Number theory with the development of novel in number theory as well. the original two 200 digit numbers, it that quadratic forms were not the only evident. However, they helps in developing theories that techniques to count objects The conjecture involved elliptic would take billions of years for even forms with such composition, but that have profound implications allow one to find whole number that were previously considered curves or equations of the the most advanced computer to come other forms such as cubic forms 2 3 in areas such as encryption solutions to equations such as inaccessible. form y = x + ax + b. up with the solution. However, no one also have such composition. He was schemes, credit card y2 = x3 + 2x + 3. knows why this is so. Therefore, this also able to show that the Gauss security and internet property is used in security related composition is in fact only one of at applications. measures such as encryption schemes least 14 such laws. on the internet. Mathematical Sciences 2013
Rahul Vijay Pandharipande • A.B. in Mathematics from Princeton University Professor, Department of Mathematics, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH), Zurich • Ph.D. in Mathematics from Harvard University
Prof. Rahul Pandharipande is a leader in the field of algebraic geometry. During the last 15 years, he has made profound contributions to the Gromov‑Witten theory. This theory introduced in the 1990s has forged deep connections between many areas of mathematics including algebraic geometry, symplectic geometry, representation theory, etc. He excels in doing explicit computations and in finding beautiful formulae and rich structures within these theories. Read more...
Uncovering the relationships between invariants
The objects in Prof. Rahul Pandharipande's Invariants help in identifying A circle can be drawn on a sheet work are Calabi‑Yau ‘3‑folds’ that are similar objects or even the same of paper and is a geometric geometric shapes of keen interest in Recently, Prof. Pandharipande As the degree of the polynomials object that appears in a different object. But a circle of radius r mathematics and theoretical physics. They are and his student Aaron Pixton In mathematics, an invariant that define the equations increase, disguise. A circle is determined by can be described as those points determined by algebraic equations, typically proved this conjecture. is a quantity which remains the curve or the surface tends to be its radius. An ellipse by its major (x,y) on the plane that satisfy the of degree equal to the number of variables. The results are important unchanged under certain more twisted. For example x + y = 1 and minor axes. There could be quadratic equation x2 + y2 = r2. There are two sets of invariants associated because of their connection classes of transformations. is a straight line while x2 + y2 = 1 is a more than one set of invariants for Similarly, polynomial equations with them. The Gromov‑Witten invariants to string theory which is Invariants are extremely useful circle. In mathematics, often spaces of the same set of objects. A triangle are algebraic objects but their ‘count’ the number of different maps of supposed to be the theory of for classifying mathematical dimensions larger than three have to can be determined by either the solutions represent geometric standard curves of varying types into a everything! objects because they usually be studied. For a seven dimensional lengths of its three sides or by one objects. So, a curve in a plane is Calabi‑Yau ‘3‑fold’. The Donaldson‑Thomas reflect the intrinsic properties space, four equations define a surface side and the three angles that add described by one equation but invariants are intrinsically defined through an of the object being studied. of three dimensions. Each equation up to 180 degrees. Trigonometry in space, a surface is defined by algebraic construction on the same ‘3‑fold’ reduces the dimension by one. provides a relation between the solutions of one equation and and provide a different set of ‘counts’. The The geometry of the resultant object two sets of data. a curve is defined by solutions of MNOP conjecture of Maulik-Nekrasov- has to be understood in terms of the two simultaneous equations. Okounkov-Pandharipande predicted a deep algebraic structure of the equations and unexpected relation between the two, that define it. Two surfaces that are providing in particular an explicit recipe for presented differently can be very computing one set from the other. similar. Physical Sciences “The joy of doing research is very clear, especially in the sort of research which I do, to discover new kinds of cosmic or celestial sources. The rush one feels on discovering something new is incomparable; there are no words to describe that experience. In order to make these discoveries you have to go through a very long process of modest failures, tries, repeated tries, then hopefully with some luck one makes a discovery.”
Shrinivas Kulkarni Jury Chair, Physical Sciences, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Professor of Astronomy and Planetary Science, California Institute of Technology, U.S. Physical Sciences 2009
Thanu Padmanabhan • B.Sc. in Physics from Kerala University Professor and Dean of Core Academic Programs of Inter‑University Center for Astronomy and • M.Sc. in Physics from Kerala University Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune • Ph.D. in Physics from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai • Post doctoral research at the Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge
Professor Padmanabhan has distinguished himself with fundamental contributions to several areas of theoretical astrophysics. Through a series of papers, he has shown that the link between Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity and thermodynamics is far deeper than suggested by the early work done in the 1970s. This work opens a new perspective on gravity as an emergent phenomenon and is expected to provide fresh insights into the nature of dark energy in the universe. Read more...
Tackling the origins of the universe
The problem was that there were mathematical inconsistencies between these two theories. Prof. Thanu Padmanabhan has A few hundred years later, Albert Around the same time, In order to have a unified theory made major contributions to this Einstein came up with the theory the theory of quantum that explains our universe, it is endeavor. His work has provided of relativity that explained mechanics showed necessary to align the theories deeper insights into Einstein’s theory Sir Isaac Newton’s theory gravity as being more than a phenomena on the explaining the macroscopic and of gravity using the language of This leads to an important of gravitation stated that all force that attracts objects at microscopic level of atoms the microscopic. One of the thermodynamics, specifically in consequence : Scientists have bodies attract each other and a distance. It defined gravity’s and elementary particles challenges in physics has been terms of entropy and temperature hypothesized that ‘dark energy’ the attraction depends on the relationship to space and time. such as electrons, protons to combine the two theories and which can be attributed to is what has led to the accelerated mass of the bodies. The general theory of relativity and neutrons. come up with a quantum theory space‑time itself, and shows that expansion of the universe, as describes the force of gravity and of gravity. This is essential to our the physics of gravity is similar determined from observations. the large‑scale (macroscopic) understanding of the universe to physics of a fluid or elastic Prof. Padmanabhan’s research structure of the universe. around us. solid. It is emergent from deeper has contributed to a better structures rather than a fundamental understanding of the nature of description by itself. dark energy and holds the promise for solving the key problem in theoretical physics today. Physical Sciences 2010
Sandip Trivedi • M.Sc. in Integrated Physics from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur Professor, Theoretical Physics Department, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai • Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena • Post Doctoral Research Associate at the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, New Jersey
In recent years, physicists have pursued the possibility of achieving a unified account of all the known forces of physics using concepts of Superstring Theory. It was difficult to construct solutions of the equations of Superstring Theory that did not contain massless particles of a kind not observed in nature, and that describes an accelerating or inflating universe, which seem to be required by cosmological observations. Through an ingenious construction that introduced several theoretical innovations, Prof. Sandip Trivedi showed that these difficulties are connected, and can be overcome simultaneously. Read more...
Tackling the mysteries of Superstring Theory
How did our universe begin? How Superstring Theory is different does it work? Over the years, from other versions of String scientists have put forward many Theory because it includes However, this has proved difficult to Trivedi's work helps to make theories that attempt to answer Through his work, Trivedi has also fermions and the concept of In recent years, physicists do and so far the only solutions to important links between the fields these questions. In recent years, been able to find a way of solving supersymmetry. Fermions include around the world have been the equations of Superstring Theory of Superstring Theory, cosmology String Theory has been a much an outstanding puzzle in Superstring particles such as quarks and pursuing the possibility of that physicists have constructed and particle physics. His research studied field and is a promising Theory regarding the origin of dark leptons. Bosons are another achieving a unified theory involve massless particles of the kind has made important contributions attempt in this direction. Superstring energy in the universe. In cosmology kind of particle which include of all the known forces of not seen in nature. Prof. Trivedi, with to the study of superstring Theory or Supersymmetric String and astronomy there is increasing the photon and the recently nature including gravity, collaborators, has shown a way of cosmology, flux compactifications Theory is an attempt to define evidence that the universe is discovered Higgs Boson. strong forces, weak forces and overcoming this problem by using an (a particular way to deal with the all the particles and fundamental dominated by a form of dark energy Supersymmetry is a symmetry electromagnetic interactions. ingenious construction that introduced additional dimensions required by forces in nature as the vibrations of which is thought to contribute to its that relates fermions and bosons. They have been trying to several theoretical innovations. string theory), black hole physics microscopic supersymmetric strings. expansion. achieve this using the concepts and supersymmetry breaking. of Superstring Theory. Physical Sciences 2011
Sriram Ramaswamy • B.S. in Physics from the University of Maryland Senior Professor and Centre Director, TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Hyderabad • Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Chicago
Prof. Sriram Ramaswamy’s work on the mechanics and statistics of active matter has given birth and shape to this rapidly growing field. He used simple yet powerful arguments based on symmetry and conservation principles to uncover the strange laws governing the collective behavior of active particles in a medium, which could be motor proteins walking on cytoskeletal filaments, or schools of fish swimming in an ocean and forming a pattern. Read more...
Studying the mechanics and statistics of Active Matter
Prof. Sriram Ramaswamy has Remarkably, the mechanism been studying how groups of he proposed for bacteria living things move together. moving through fluids Ramaswamy’s research is Ramaswamy’s research not Specifically, he wanted to applied on even smaller important to understand how only explores the movement In our everyday lives we often understand how groups of living scales, to the filaments Ramaswamy offers new insights the collections of living cells on a macroscopic scale as in encounter natural phenomena that things move together in a fluid. in a single living cell. into the collective movements of and tissues develop and grow. the case of schools of fish but are symmetrical and follow interesting When groups of living matter In addition, he showed how these self‑propelled organisms using It could also potentially help us also microscopic movements patterns. Flocks of migratory birds, move in a liquid medium, a to create artificial flocks in a Active Matter physics. His research understand how bacteria form as in the case of bacteria. In the schools of fish, tessellations in a disturbance is created, which layer of bits of metal wire. elucidates how Active Matter takes colonies. If we understood these latter, he discovered that the honeycomb, and the wildebeest then affects the movement of in free energy and is consumed at movements fully, we could even movement of bacteria created migration – all follow set patterns. others in the group. the level of each particle, leading to manufacture small objects that These patterns are subject to a certain subtle ripples in the fluid in systematic movements. His research can move by themselves, such order that we often do not understand. which they moved, which in is attempting to uncover the laws that as little gadgets that follow turn led to the colony arranging govern the collective movements of chemical traces or scents. itself in complex patterns. living creatures that seem to follow some sort of order. Physical Sciences 2012
A. Ajayaghosh • M.Sc. in Chemistry from Calicut University CSIR Outstanding Scientist, National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, • Ph.D. in Chemistry from Calicut University Thiruvananthapuram Dr. Ajayaghosh’s landmark research in advanced supramolecular chemistry, most specifically in investigations that have led to the design and synthesis of molecular assemblies called organogels (pi‑gels), a new class of materials with great potential for photonic and electronic applications. He has demonstrated that these self‑assembled nano materials can be used to control the electronic energy transfer processes, paving the way for the development of superior light harvesting devices. Read more...
Discovering the secret language of molecules
In the natural world supramolecular architectures are created by non-covalent interaction of molecules. Prof. A. Ajayaghosh’s research When we hear of magical materials Non-covalent interactions on supramolecular structures There are many types of that repair or clean themselves or between molecules utilize is trying to create molecular highly sensitive materials spontaneously emit light, it may weak electronic forces such as An important and enormously architectures of different sizes such as fluorescent materials sound very like a Harry Potter novel, hydrogen bonding, pi‑stacking Prof. Ajayaghosh’s research is useful application of and shapes using a special which can be used for sensing but it turns out that scientists are like and electrostatic forces. When uncovering the process of how Prof. Ajayaghosh’s work class of molecules that are other molecules. Such ‘magic wizards who can create such magic different types of molecules of these connections could be would be for the early electronically and photonically material’ would be enormously material by harnessing the properties different sizes and shapes are converted to signals, which can detection of diseases such as active. He has been studying useful in electronic devices and of molecules. For example, organic put together, they are able to then be used for certain kinds of cancer. This could potentially how they interact in nature to in creating security labels which electronics has been used to invent ‘communicate’ with each other. applications. be used as an important novel devices after extensive research create these architectures and are made of substance selective diagnostic tool and help in supramolecular structures, which if these can be mimicked in the optical sensing materials for with providing treatment in a are made of large molecules formed laboratory. documents and currency. timely manner. by grouping or bonding smaller molecules together. Physical Sciences 2013
Shiraz Naval Minwalla • M.Sc. in Physics from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur Professor, Department of Theoretical Physics, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai and • Ph.D. in Physics from Princeton University IBM Einstein Fellow and Visiting Professor, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton Prof. Shiraz Naval Minwalla is a leader in quantum gravity research. He has made deep contributions in the field of string theory, in particular to the study of the AdS / CFT correspondence. Prof. Minwalla uncovered an unexpected connection between the equations of fluid and superfluid dynamics and Einstein’s equations of general relativity. Read more...
Understanding gravity within the framework of quantum mechanics
Prof. Shiraz Naval Minwalla The de Sitter space is the relativistic established that, in the long analog of Elliptical space and Anti-de wavelength hydrodynamic limit, There are four known fundamental Sitter space (AdS) is the hyperbolic space Several years ago, Prof. Juan Maldacena discovered a black hole in Anti‑de Sitter forces in nature : the gravitational that follows the tenets of the theory of the Anti‑de Sitter / Conformal Field Theory space is governed by exactly the force, electromagnetic force, strong relativity. A conformal field theory is a (AdS / CFT) correspondence which is a conjectured same equations as the nonlinear force and weak force. Physicists special kind of quantum field theory, one Prof. Minwalla’s work unifies two holographic relation between gravitational theory Navier‑Stokes equations of a fluid. have a satisfactory mathematical which has no dimensionful constants. of the best‑studied nonlinear in the bulk of Anti‑de Sitter space and a conformal This AdS / CFT‑like holographic description of the last three of these The conformal field theories of most partial differential equations in quantum field theory that resides on its boundary. view of fluid dynamics is called the within the framework of quantum relevance to string theory often also physics. Using the fluid / gravity Since then scientists have tried to understand the fluid / gravity map. field theory. The only theory currently enjoy invariance under supersymmetry, map, Prof. Minwalla established significance of this correspondence, which provides available for gravitational force, a symmetry that ensures that every a connection between the classical an in‑principle complete description of at least some however, is Einstein’s classical theory particle has a corresponding super area theorems of black hole physics quantum theories of gravity. of general relativity. A satisfactory particle partner with opposite statistics. and the positivity of the divergence quantum theory of gravitation is not of the entropy current in fluid currently available. dynamics. Social Sciences “Within the social sciences, and the range is very big, from the more technical ends of the social sciences to the non‑technical social sciences, there are different contributions you can make to the development of a society. It changes the way human beings think, the way human beings interact with one another, the way we participate in discourse and in the end, the ideas that fructify and take a nation further.”
Kaushik Basu Jury Chair, Social Sciences, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President, World Bank and Professor of Economics and the C. Marks Professor of International Studies, Cornell University, U.S. Social Sciences – Economics 2009
Abhijit Banerjee • B.Sc. in Economics from University of Calcutta Professor, Department of Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge • M.A. in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University • Ph.D. in Economics from Harvard University
Professor Abhijit Banerjee has long been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the economic theory of development, and for his pioneering work in the empirical evaluation of public policy. In widely cited contributions to the former, Banerjee has presented his novel departures in the understanding of herd behavior in financial markets, and also his analysis of occupational distribution in conditions when the poor find it difficult to raise credit. Read more...
Analyzing the economics of poverty alleviation
Prof. Banerjee has also provided unique insights into the workings of financial markets. His theories mark a major departure in understanding the herd Prof. Banerjee established the Abdul The core argument of this book is Economists have long struggled behavior in financial markets. The latter Latif Jameel Poverty Lab (J‑PAL) that anti‑poverty policy measures with solving the problems of is the imitative behavior that is often along with two other founders. have failed because of inadequate poverty and inequality. Questions exhibited by traders and investors. Researchers from the lab conduct understanding of poverty by the such as — What causes poverty In Prof. Banerjee's model of herd social experiments to find out what policy makers. Prof. Banerjee and and what are the most effective behavior, individuals prefer to act as actually works for poverty alleviation his co‑author argue that the battle ways of fighting it? Are state Prof. Abhijit Banerjee's work deals with others, even if they are in possession of in different scenarios across various against poverty can be won with policies effective in alleviating these questions. Over the course of unique information, which in turn leads countries of the world. well thought out policies especially poverty? Do the poor exhibit nearly two decades, along with his to an unbalanced system. those aimed at effective delivery different behaviors that create colleagues, he has collected a rich of state aid, essential health and the situations that they are in? body of evidence that shows why the education services. — are investigated for plausible poor end up with entirely different answers and implementable lives despite having the same desires solutions. and abilities as anyone else. This was collected into a widely‑acclaimed book, Poor Economics : A radical rethinking of the way to fight global poverty. Social Sciences – History 2009
Upinder Singh • M.A. in History from the University of Delhi Professor, Department of History, and Reader, University of Delhi • M.Phil. in History from the University of Delhi • Ph.D. in History from McGill University, Montreal
Professor Upinder Singh is being recognized for her contributions as an outstanding historian of ancient and early medieval India. She has been a pioneer in supplementing literary sources with an impressive array of archaeological, epigraphic and numismatic evidence to reconstruct early Indian history brilliantly. The vast chronological span of her scholarship stretches across millennia from the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic ages to 1200 CE. Read more...
Rediscovering ancient Indian history
History is about keeping records Prof. Singh's work has covered different about our past. It is also about Working meticulously, Prof. Singh regions in India and looked at the roles putting events in the past in a has attempted a modern people have played in shaping the context that's relevant to our rediscovery of ancient India. country's history. She has used sources This liberal historian also contributed present. From the Stone Age to Her intense study, connecting such as texts, currency, inscriptions to the study of ancient cities in India a modern day India, the nation's elements in archaeology and and other objects from various periods with a detailed study of the city of history has often been studied and history, while also drawing on Prof. Upinder Singh's work is an unearthed by archaeologists to build Delhi through the ages. interpreted by scholars from various relevant literary sources, has exciting and challenging exploration a strong account of ancient India. schools of thought. These analyses made her works commendable. of ancient Indian history. Her work were often colored or shaped by not only attempts at giving us a several factors — be they political, deeper understanding of Indian cultural, religious or economic. history, but also evokes intellectual inquiry and debate that form a standard part of learning history for university students and general readers. Social Sciences – Sociology 2010
Amita Baviskar • B.A. in Economics from the University of Delhi Associate Professor, Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi • M.A. in Sociology from the University of Delhi • Ph.D. in Development Sociology from Cornell University
Prof. Amita Baviskar is widely recognized as the premier sociologist of social movements involving environment and development in contemporary India. Her studies have shown how major government interventions for rural and urban development in India often adversely affect the ability of socially disadvantaged groups to secure access to natural resources, livelihoods and democratic rights. Read more...
Working for environmental and social justice
Have you paused to think how our fetish for instant food and an easy lifestyle is altering the Prof. Baviskar is a premier Mining for coal, iron and bauxite, An important part of Prof. Baviskar's ecological balance? Have you sociologist of current social building large dams and other work has been to analyze how poor wondered where the water and India's economic growth has Prof. Amita Baviskar has been movements in India. Her work projects has displaced more people in rural and urban India electricity in your city comes from benefited some of us at the examining the social and has highlighted many social than 50 million people in India come together to protect their and where your sewage goes? expense of others. This injustice ecological impacts of unequal inequality and resource since independence. Many of lives and livelihoods. Her research The true cost of our comfortable has often been worsened by economic growth in India. conflict issues that need to them who come to cities in has shown that poor people lives is being paid by others, government policies that have She has focused on the ill be resolved. Her work has search of work are forced to live overcome their lack of power by usually poor villagers and the displaced or deprived indigenous effects of industrial and urban exposed the critical need in slums, without clean water or building alliances with other social land, rivers and forests that they and other poor people of their development and has analyzed to mobilize civil society, toilets. Denied legal rights, they groups. She also shows how social depend upon. rights. The same policies have also how poor people are fighting to especially in a democratic struggle to survive in a hostile movements fight for justice by depleted our natural resources, defend their rights and resources. country like ours. environment. mobilizing their cultural heritage affecting other species and the fate to win support from the media and of future generations. the judicial systems. Social Sciences – Social Anthropology 2010
Nandini Sundar • B.A. in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University Professor, Department of Sociology, Delhi School of Economics • M.A. in Anthropology from Columbia University • M.Phil. in Anthropology from Columbia University • Ph.D. in Anthropology from Columbia University
Prof. Nandini Sundar is an outstanding social anthropologist of South Asia, who has made major and original contributions to our understanding of environmental struggles, of the impact of central and state policies on tribal politics, and of the moral ambiguities associated with subaltern political movements in contemporary India. Prof. Sundar has placed her detailed studies of tribal politics in Central India in the broader frame of studies of the law, bureaucracy and morality in modern India. Read more...
Analyzing indigenous identity and inequality
Prof. Sundar has also written Nandini Sundar also studies Prof. Sundar has placed her on the politics of knowledge Prof. Nandini Sundar's work deals with violence by both state and detailed studies of tribal politics ranging from schooling the changing social identities and the Prof. Sundar has contributed to our Even as she has the ability to non‑state actors and the in Central India in the broader to the history of academic politics of knowledge in modern India. understanding of environmental speak to different audiences question of accountability for frame of studies of the law, disciplines. She has had Anthropologists are often accused struggles, the impact of central and in the public and policy crimes committed. She has bureaucracy and morality in a major impact on a new of wanting to keep tribal groups state policies on tribal politics, and sphere, Prof. Sundar has managed to bring impartiality modern India. In so doing, she has generation of scholars of or indigenous people as museum the moral ambiguities associated made invaluable scholarly to controversial subjects combined innovative empirical sociology and anthropology pieces, away from mainstream culture. with subaltern political movements contributions to social in which social scientists and ethnographic methods and all over the world. Prof. Nandini Sundar feels that in contemporary India. These scientific research at an encounter the conflicting cutting‑edge approaches to those these communities have never been contributions are anchored in international level. interests of policy‑makers, sociological debates which link outside the ‘mainstream’ of history. her deep grasp of the legacies of activists and political parties. the study of social change in Instead, the mainstream has been colonial rule for cultural politics modern India to central debates in built by using their resources and in contemporary India, and comparative social theory. She has appropriating their culture. in her theoretically innovative understanding of the relationship of also contributed significantly to major historical events to persistent international debates on theory and structural tensions in Indian society. research methodology. Social Sciences – Political Science and International Relations 2011
Pratap Bhanu Mehta • B.A. in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from St. John’s College, Oxford University President and Chief Executive, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi • Ph.D. in Politics from Princeton University
Dr. Pratap Bhanu Mehta has established himself as one of India’s finest scholars and public minds, who has inspired a new generation of intellectual enquiry. He has contributed to not only political philosophy and social theory in general, but has also addressed urgent issues of Indian politics and public policy. Read more...
Role of intellectual inquiry in a democracy
What is the nature of good governance? How can a In addition to his work in democratically elected government academia and in the public Dr. Mehta's work however is Ever since Plato's Republic and its institutions be made sphere, Dr. Mehta has not confined to the academic examined the nature of justice accountable and transparent? contributed to institution space. His insightful and critical and what makes a just society, How can these societies achieve the building with his leadership Dr. Mehta's research in analysis of India's politics and political theorists have delved idea of justice? These are some of of the Center for Policy political philosophy and policy has resulted in broadening into how democratic societies the questions that Dr. Pratap Bhanu Research (CPR) which has social theory has inspired the sphere of public debate. can approach an ideal of Mehta has been trying to answer A prolific writer, Dr. Mehta's scholarly become the foremost a new wave of intellectual Political discourse in the public justice so that their citizens over the years through his research. works cover a wide range of subjects such non‑partisan center for enquiry in political science sphere is an important part of can realize their full potential. as Indian political thought, constitutional research into public policy and theory in India. nation building and Dr. Mehta law, Indian society and India's role in and democratic institutions. has initiated many debates by international affairs. His non‑academic successfully challenging the many writing as a columnist captures the reigning orthodoxies. zeitgeist of the moment and encourages citizens to ask the right questions on the most urgent issues facing the nation. Social Sciences – Economics 2011
Raghuram G. Rajan • B.Tech. (Electrical) from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi Governor, Reserve Bank of India, and Eric J. Gleacher Distinguished Service • M.B.A. from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad Professor of Finance, Graduate School of Business, University of Chicago • Ph.D. in Finance from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Prof. Raghuram G. Rajan’s work has analyzed the contribution of financial development to economic growth, and its potentially harmful effects of dysfunctional incentives that lead to excessive risk‑taking. He presented convincing evidence of the possibility of a global financial crisis in 2005, well before the actual crisis occurred during 2008 – 09. Read more...
Predicting a financial meltdown
In the 1950s and 60s, the economies in the West enjoyed a tremendous growth buoyed As trade barriers came down, by the end of the war, the competition between companies reconstruction boom, and the increased. In order to perform Prof. Rajan has since resurgence of trade. By the better, they needed increased suggested several 1970s, this rate of growth slowed financing. This was provided As early as 2005, Prof. Rajan In 2008, a catastrophic safeguards to financial leading to a massive slump in the Prof. Raghuram Rajan's work mainly by banks which became the predicted a meltdown meltdown hit the global markets including a plan to western economies. To counter focused on financial institutions cornerstone of the economy. based on his extensive economy and most people create a form of financial this, in the 1980s and 1990s and their role in the growth stories Bankers went from being research of global financial were caught unawares. catastrophe insurance that deregulation of trade became of nations. He pointed out that boring and safe to taking on systems. banks could buy into. the norm. This led to a rise in the structure of financial sector increasingly risky ventures. new entrepreneurial ventures. compensation was such that bankers A so‑called ‘bonus culture’ were given huge cash incentives to where you were rewarded no take tremendous risks with other matter what, rewarded them for people's money, while imposing no actions that could destroy their penalties for any losses incurred. own institutions or even the entire system. Social Sciences – Economics 2012
Arunava Sen • Ph.D. in Economics from Princeton University Professor, Planning Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, New Delhi • M.Phil. in Economics from Oxford University • M.A. in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi
Prof. Arunava Sen’s research recognizes that information pertinent to economic policy design is held by individuals who may benefit by misrepresenting it, and that policy implementation is constrained by the freedom of individuals to act. Therefore, it has large implications on real‑world policy‑making. His main contribution (in joint work with Prof. Dilip Abreu) shows that any social choice rule can be approximated by one that is a Nash equilibrium of such individual interaction. Read more...
Examining individual strategic behavior
Mechanism design is a One of the areas in which sub‑field of game theory that Prof. Sen's work could be applied Prof. Sen's work can be used allows economists to analyze to is the issue of land acquisition The theory of mechanism design to design the best outcomes Have you ever wondered how and compare the way in Prof. Arunava Sen's research in the Special Economic Zones can be applied to practical or desirable outcomes, where individuals decide who to vote for which markets or institutions, centers around game theory, (SEZs) or for other industrial problems such as auctioning of individuals realize that they have in an election and how this effects such as a government, can mechanism design, social choice, developments. His findings resources such as oil, setting rules strategic power. His research the outcomes in a democracy? efficiently allocate goods and and auction design. His work has reveal that it may be impossible for voting in elections and even recognizes that information How does one understand and services always allowing for the been at the purely theoretical to achieve the kind of voluntary deciding the number of public applicable to designing analyze outcomes in events such possibility that the buyers and level. However, his work could participation, efficiency and goods that the government should economic policy is held by as the Indian Premier League sellers are privy to information have profound implications for incentive compatibility that is provide. Similarly, the area of social individuals who may benefit auctions? Economists use that the other is not aware of. the way policies are formulated required for government policies choice theory is the philosophical from misrepresenting it, and the game theory for this purpose. by the government. Prof. Sen has to work. He outlines other and mathematical study of the implementation of this policy Game theory is the formal analysis done extensive research in social alternatives that the government types of conclusions that can be is restricted by the ability of of strategic behavior. It considers choice theory and builds on could implement. drawn from studying individual individuals to act independently situations where several agents the work of Kenneth Arrow and preferences as a whole to produce based on their information. mutually affect each other and a social welfare function. Amartya Sen in this field. tries to predict outcomes. Social Sciences – Sociology and Anthropology 2013
Aninhalli R. Vasavi • M.A. in Sociology from the University of Delhi Senior Fellow, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi • M.Phil. in Sociology from the University of Delhi • Ph.D. in Social Anthropology from Michigan State University
Prof. Aninhalli R. Vasavi’s wide‑ranging, distinctive and pioneering research spans four fields : agrarian society as the intersection of economy, culture and environment; school education in varied regional contexts; moral economy of globalized, glamorized occupations like the IT industry, and interface between (western) social sciences and (vernacular) intellectuals in India. Her two most important contributions enrich our understanding of farmer suicides and rural schooling. Read more...
Studying the effects of globalization on agrarian societies
Globalization and industrialization Prof. Vasavi's approach to have also changed people's In addition to her work on social science research is aspirations. Prof. Aninhalli R. Vasavi agrarian societies, Prof. Vasavi notable for the various research has been conducting research in also examines school education methodologies she employs Traditional ways of life have a wide range of areas including Prof. Vasavi has also studied and its impact in various regional which include documentary been replaced by new social Mahatma Gandhi once said how globalization affects agrarian emerging new global contexts. Her work helps us film making and classical experiences. Burdens that were that India lives in her villages. societies. She has delved deeply into economies such as the understand the functioning and ethnography. She has also drawn earlier shared in a community India is still primarily an the phenomenon of farmer suicides Information Technology culture of schools as institutions on various Indian languages as are now increasingly borne by agrarian society. Over the past that has led to the unexpected industry and its significance. especially in rural areas. part of her research. She believes individuals. This has changed few decades, however, more revelation that it is not just debt and The concept of moral Her work could help decide how that the biggest incentive for the landscape of the country people have moved to cities other financial pressures that lead to economy looks at economics disadvantaged students can be young social science researchers in previously unimagined ways. and semi‑urban areas, and these suicides but it is also farmers' as tied to moral behavior and provided with better schooling is the opportunity that it society and the economy have experience of social and cultural its links to power, dominance options. provides to be deeply involved changed rapidly. change. This change in the social and cultural norms. and engaged with the societies order has forced farmers to manage that they themselves live in. their problems by themselves, without the traditional community support. Bibliography Banerjee, Abhijit. (1992). A Simple Model of Herd Behavior. The Quarterly Journal of Economics. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/2118364
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