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February 2013 Vol. 15 No. 5 Rs. 5.00 Ramanujan's legacy: Another cryptic clue of Ramanujan solved

Editorial: Renewed impetus for 31 Science and Technology Initiative in

Anna Modayil Mani: A Visionary 30 Scientist with Boundless Energy

Ramanujan's legacy: Another 27 cryptic clue of Ramanujan solved

Water and Biodiversity: 25 Two sides of the same coin

Ways to Win Over 23 Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia

Recent developments 21 in science and technology

VP News 18 Editorial

Renewed impetus for Science and Technology Initiative in India Dr. R. Gopichandran he hallmark of success of the 100th Indian Science scientific progress voiced by other leaders too, from TCongress was the inclusive approach announced across the country. The latter was evident through the through India’s most recent Science Technology and interactions organised by the Indian Science Congress Innovation Policy. Importantly, it appears to have Association at more than a score of locations across generated significant enthusiasm in the hearts of India. A special publication on 21 women scientists, researchers in our country. Innovation receives a specific released at the inaugural of the conference, highlighted highlight, aligned with India’s efforts to consolidate the convergence and mainstreaming of equity and her position through a strategic knowledge niche that gender balance considerations, central to sustainable will enable locally relevant and feasible action with development. implications for quality of life; much as she marches The Science, Technology and Innovation Policy ahead through the present decade and onwards. of our country has therefore set the context for The policy statement reflects renewed rigour inclusive action so that the science and technology for technical and institutional support in the form of fraternity can deliver value added and strategically additional institutions for focussed research that will be in important services for the benefit of her people. response to the felt needs for scientific and technological The Indian Science Congress also saw an attractive, support in various sections in our country. The fact educative and focussed display of all institutions of that a 100 years of scientific pursuit has progressed the Department of Science and Technology through through various phases of knowledge consolidation and a snapshot exhibition. This was truly inspiring. The leadership in traditional, and emerging areas of research way forward should actually see synergies and targeted and development, signifies India’s spread and depth of human resources and institutional development preparedness to suitably adapt and evolve in the present initiatives with awareness as a forerunner to appropriate milieu. capacity building and applications. There is space for Hundreds of scientists including six Nobel all institutions to deliver through mutually reinforcing laureates, decisions makers from governments and cooperation. This coming together has to be guided by students converged at the 100th Indian Science a logical framework that suitably integrates empirical Congress. The fact that the President and the Prime evidences of needs and impacts. minister launched the deliberations, amply resonated with the spirit of the call for value added research and Email: [email protected] n

Editor : Subodh Mahanti Vigyan Prasar is not responsible for the statements/opinions Associate editor : Rintu Nath expressed and photographs used by the authors in their articles/ write-ups published in “Dream 2047” Production : Manish Mohan Gore and Pradeep Kumar Articles, excerpts from articles published in “Dream 2047” may Distribution : Harish Goyal be freely reproduced with due acknowledgement/credit, provided Expert member : Biman Basu periodicals in which they are reproduced are distributed free. Address for Vigyan Prasar, C-24, Published and Printed by Dr. Subodh Mahanti on behalf of correspondence : Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi-110 016 Vigyan Prasar, C-24, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi - Tel : 011-26967532; Fax : 0120-2404437 110 016 and Printed at Aravali Printers & Publishers Pvt. Ltd., e-mail : [email protected] W-30, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-II, New Delhi-110 020 website : http://www.vigyanprasar.gov.in Phone: 011-26388830-32.

31 Dream 2047, February 2013, Vol. 15 No. 5 Anna Modayil Mani A Visionary Scientist with Dr. Subodh Mahanti Boundless Energy E-mail: [email protected]

“It was to her (Anna Mani’s) credit that India was among the five countries in the world to have its ozonesondes. The data collected by the Indian ozonesonde over two decades enabled a clear picture of the seasonal and geographical variation of ozone in the upper atmosphere over the tropics. She helped to publish a number of papers on the ozone climatology over the tropics in reputed journals.” C. R. Sreedharan in Resonance, November 2008 “Her (Anna Mani’s) formative years were spent engrossed in books. By the age of eight, she had read almost all the books in Malayalam and, by the time she was twelve, all the books in English at the public library. On her eighth birthday, she declined to accept her family’s customary gift of a set of diamond earrings, opting instead for a set of Encyclopedia Britannica. The world of books opened her mind to new ideas and imbued in her a deep sense of social justice.” Abha Sur in Resonance, November 2008 “In the 1950’s when Homi Bhabha was setting up the infrastructure for atomic energy Anna Mani’s feminist sensibilities were searching for solar and wind energy. Mani made sterling contributions to the development of meteorology in Independent India. Arvind Gupta in Bright Sparks: Inspiring Indian Scientists from the Past, 2009

nna Modayil Mani (commonly known developed an avid interest in reading in her Aas Anna Mani) is one of the most childhood. distinguished Indian scientists. She greatly In 1939, she obtained her BSc contributed to India’s self-sufficiency in (Honours) degree in Physics and Chemistry meteorological instruments. On realising the from the Madras Presidency College. She potential of solar energy as an alternate source got a scholarship for graduate studies in of energy for a tropical country like India she the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in took upon herself the task of generating data Bengaluru. Anna Mani started working on seasonal and geographical distribution for her PhD degree under the supervision of solar energy in India. She worked on a of C.V. Raman at the IISc. She worked on number of projects for harnessing wind the spectroscopy of diamonds and rubies. energy. Much before the role of ozone She conducted elaborate and painstaking in shielding all life forms on Earth was experiments and often spent long hours in understood, Anna Mani started working on the laboratory, stretching to late in the night. atmospheric ozone. In recognition of Anna Commenting on the work done in Raman’s Mani’s phenomenal contribution to ozone laboratory, Abha Sur, a science historian studies, she was made a member of the at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, International Ozone Commission. Anna Mani wrote: “Anna Mani recorded and analysed Anna Mani was greatly influenced fluorescence, absorption and Raman spectra by the ideals of who She had friends from all walks of life all over of 32 diamonds. She studied temperature led the India’s freedom struggle. She wore the world. She was a good communicator dependence and polarisation effects in khadi all her life. She is regarded an early and made conscious effort to keep with her these spectra…Between 1942 and 1945 she feminist. Describing her personal attributes friends.” She did not marry and devoted her published five single-authored papers on C.R. Sreedharan of India Meteorological to pursuit of scientific studies. luminescence of diamonds and ruby.” Department (IMD), , wrote: “Although Anna Mani was born on 23 August Anna Mani submitted her PhD she belonged to an ancient Christian 1918 in a wealthy family in Peermedu in dissertation to the Madras University, as Church, she was an agnostic. She never , then part of the state of Travancore. in those days it was the Madras University distinguished between people of different She was the seventh of eight children of her which formally granted degrees to the faiths. Nature was her passion. She loved parents. Her father was a successful civil research students working at the IISC. going to mountains, to the sea, enjoyed engineer and an owner of cardamom estates. However, she never got the PhD degree. bird-watching, reading, and listening to Unlike her other sisters, who got married The reason for not awarding her a PhD music. She was emotional and sensitive to early as it was the custom in those days, degree had nothing to do with the quality the sufferings of others. She loved dogs and Anna Mani decided to pursue higher studies. of her work. The university took a view that always used to keep one or two with her. In this respect she followed her brothers. She she did not qualify for PhD degree as she Dream 2047, February 2013, Vol. 15 No. 5 30 History of Science did not have an MSc degree. people were not to be found of Anna Mani’s notable contribution to Commenting on the Madras in the country. In those days radiation measurements in the tropics she University’s decision Abha even simple meteorological was made Chairperson of the CIMO (The Sur wrote: “They (the Madras instruments like barometers Commission for Instruments and Methods of University authorities) chose and thermometers were Observations) Working Group on radiation to overlook that Anna Mani imported. Not much could instruments. She also became a Member of had graduated with honours be expected from the private the International Radiation Commission. in physics and chemistry, and sector and almost everything In 1960, Anna Mani started studying had won a scholarship for had to be done in-house. So atmospheric ozone at a time when the graduate studies at the Indian Anna Mani’s first challenge danger of destruction of atmospheric Institute of Science on the was to train enough people to ozone by human-made activities was not basis of her undergraduate make them expert in design, yet appreciated. She undertook the task degree.” C.V. Raman manufacture, calibration, of developing ozonsonde in India. In this After working for three installation and observation. endeavour she got encouragement from K.R. years at Raman’s laboratory, Anna Mani won She also standardised and prepared detailed Ramanathan. Ozonesonde is an apparatus a scholarship for higher studies in England drawings and technical manuals for over 100 for measuring ozone. Because of Anna in 1945. She wanted to pursue her research different instruments. She helped the Indian Mani’s dedicated effort India became one of interest in physics but the scholarship was Standards Institution (ISI) to the five countries to have its meant for working in the area of development publish Indian standards for own ozonesondes. This made of meteorological instruments. In England, various weather instruments. possible for India to generate she first worked at the Harrow laboratories After making significant reliable data on atmospheric of the Instruments Division of the British contribution towards attaining ozone and the data generated Meteorological Office. Here she studied India’s self-reliance in over two decades helped to the evolution of weather instruments, their meteorological instruments she establish a clear picture of calibration and standardisation procedures. shifted her attention to solar seasonal and geographical She also got the opportunities to visit energy. She realised that India variation of upper atmospheric field observatories and manufacturers of being a tropical country solar ozone over the tropics. Anna meteorological instruments. She also worked energy can provide an alternate Mani published her research for some time at the National Physical source of energy provided it is findings on atmospheric ozone Laboratory at Teddington on standards properly harnessed. To achieve in reputed research journals. and standardisation for different weather proper harnessing of solar K.R. Ramanathan The World Meteorological parameters. energy the first requirement was a sufficient Organisation (WMO) took note of Anna Anna Mani returned to India in 1948 knowledge of seasonal and geographic Mani’s significant contribution to ozone after spending three years in England. She distribution of solar energy. Sufficient data studies and she was made a Member of the joined IMD, Pune as a meteorologist in the on this was not available. Fortunately there International Ozone Commission. Instruments Division at Pune. At the time was a network of stations in the country for At the request of Vikram Sarabhai, Anna Mani joined, the Division was headed measuring solar radiation. The network founder of India’s space programme, by S.P. Venkiteshwaran. Later in 1953 was the result of the growing interest in Anna Mani took up the task of setting Anna Mani became head of this division. atmospheric physics brought about by the up a meteorological observatory and an Venkiteshwaran had set up a workshop International Geophysical Year (IGY, 1957- instrumentation tower at the Thumba with the purpose of producing simple 58). K.R. Ramanathan played an important Rocket launching facility. She and her team meteorological instruments like rain gauges, role in making India’s significant involvement completed the task successfully within the evaporimeters, thermometers, anemometers, in IGY. The stations were initially equipped stipulated time. wind vanes, and others. Venkiteshwaran was with solar radiation instruments produced In 1976, Anna Mani retired from a nationalist and he wanted to develop the outside India. It was Anna the India Meteorological required meteorological instruments in the Mani who took up the task of Department. At the time of country rather than importing them from designing and manufacturing a her retirement she was the England. Anna Mani, who herself was a whole range of solar radiation Deputy Director-General nationalist, was inspired by Venkiteshwaran instruments in the country. (Instruments). After her to make India self-reliant in weather Anna Mani ensured that retirement from IMD she instruments. She decided to achieve this calibration and standardisation worked in the Raman Research in shortest possible time by utilising her meet the world standards. Institute in Bengaluru as a expertise gained in England. The Instruments Division Visiting Professor. She helped But then it was not an easy task. The of IMD at Pune headed by to set up a millimeter-wave immediate problem was to find enough Anna Mani was designated as telescope at Nandi Hills. skilled people having the right kind of the regional centre for Asia. She prepared important expertise to operate the machinery. Such As a mark of recognition Vikram Sarabhai publications on solar and wind 29 Dream 2047, February 2013, Vol. 15 No. 5 History of Science energies. Her two publications on solar science. Abha Sur wrote: “Anna Mani had 2. Sur, Abha, “Anna Mani”, Resonance, energy were Handbook of Solar Radiation a very matter-of-fact view of her life and November 2008. Data for India (1980) and Solar Radiation achievements. She saw nothing unusual 3. Sur, Abha, “An Appreciation of Anna over India (1981), which were produced in her pursuing physics in an era where it Mani”, in Lilavati’s Daughters: The under a project sponsored by the Department was possible to count all women physicists Women Scientists of India, Edited of Science and Technology, Government in India on one’s fingertips. She made light by Rohini Godbole and Ram of India. She had rightly anticipated the of the difficulties and discriminations she Ramaswamy, Bengaluru: Indian potential of wind energy in India and also encountered as a woman scientist and was Academy of Sciences, 2008. organised round-the-year measurement disdainful of victim politics. She actively 4. Sur, Abha, “The Life and Times of of the wind pattern from over 700 sites in resisted coercive gender identities which a Pioneer”, The Hindu, 14 October the country by using the state-of-the-art limited women’s potential as well as posited 2001 (http://www.hindu.com). equipment so that a plausible assessment of different intellectual capabilities in men and 5. Gupta, Arvind, Bright Sparks: Inspiring the India’s wind energy could be made. This women. It is no surprise that Anna Mani is Indian Scientists from the Past, New also led to an important publication − Wind a success story which few women (or men) Delhi: Indian National Academy of Energy: Resource Survey in India-I (1983). could aspire. She transcended the delimited Sciences, 2009. Anna Mani established a small factory culture spaces available to her. She not only 6. Available sources on the Internet. in the industrial suburbs of Bengaluru for created her own laboratory but a whole manufacturing instruments for measuring workshop, a mini factory of her own.” (The article is a popular presentation wind speed and solar energy. She hoped She died on 16 August 2001 at of the important points of the life and work of that instruments produced in her factory . Anna Mani available in the existing literature. would help to measure solar fluxes and wind The idea is to inspire the younger generation patterns in different regions of the country to know more about Anna Mani. The author References has given the sources consulted for writing and which in turn would help to develop 1. Sreedharan, C. R., “Anna Mani—A this article. All the sources on the Internet solar and wind energy. Student Remembers”, Resonance, have not been individually listed. The author Let us end this brief write-up by pp.1020-1026, November 2008 is grateful to all those authors whose works quoting Abha Sur to highlight the fact that (The article was originally published have contributed to writing this article. The Anna Mani did not consider that it was a in Current Science, Vol.18, No.8, 25 sources of the photographs/illustrations are duly disadvantage being a woman in pursuing October 2001`). acknowledged.)

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Dream 2047, February 2013, Vol. 15 No. 5 28 Ramanujan’s legacy: Another cryptic clue of Ramanujan solved

esearchers have finally all possible that a number can Rsolved the cryptic be created by adding together mathematical puzzle of Rintu Nath other numbers. However, E-mail: [email protected] Srinivasa Ramanujan. In the solution to this leads to 1920, Ramanujan wrote a a greater understanding of letter to G.H. Hardy outlining ‘partition numbers’, a cryptic The striking feature of this table is that several new mathematical phrase Ramanujan used to every entry in the last column is a multiple functions that had never describe sequences. of 5. been heard of before, A partition of a number Ramanujan’s approximate formula, together with a theory about is any combination of integers developed in 1918, helped him spot that how they worked. These that adds up to that number. numbers ending in 4 or 9 have a partition mathematical functions For example, 4 = 3+1 = 2+2 number divisible by 5. He proved for every ≡ baffled mathematicians for Srinivasa Ramanujan = 2+1+1 = 1+1+1+1, so the non-negative integer n, that p(5n + 4) 0 more than 90 years. But new partition number of 4 is 5; (mod 5). findings , presented at a conference at the i.e. p(4) = 5. It sounds simple. The partition Ramanujan found similar rules for University of Florida during 5-7 November number of 10 is 42, while 100 has more than partition numbers divisible by 7 and 11. 2012, reportedly show that Ramanujan was 190 million partitions! So a function for Without offering a proof, he wrote that these right. calculating partition numbers was needed. numbers had ’simple properties’ possessed One of the Plenary Speakers during the Ramanujan was the first mathematician by no other numbers. Later, similar rules conference, Ken Ono of Emory University, to seriously investigate the properties of this were ound for the divisibility of other United States, told the audience that they had function. He sought a formula for p(n), one partition numbers. Therefore no one knew finally solved the problems from Ramanujan’s which describes the phenomenal rate of whether Ramanujan’s words had a deeper last mysterious letter. Prof Ono referred to growth suggested by the table below: significance. the problem mentioned in Ramanujan’s last Ramanujan’s work on p(n) inspired letter to Prof Hardy which had been open n p(n) research of modular forms. Theory of a challenge to the mathematicians for 90 partitions has historically served as a “testing years. .Ramanujan’s legacy, it turns out, is 0 1 ground” for some of the deepest developments much more important than anything anyone 1 1 in the theory of modular forms. would have guessed when Ramanujan died. 2 2 3 3 ’We proved that Ramanujan was right,’ Prof Ramanujan’s last Ono said in his speech, ‘no one was talking 4 5 5 7 letter to Hardy about the black holes back in the 1920s On 12 January, 1920, just three months . when Ramanujan first came up with the before his death, Ramanujan wrote his last . mock modular forms, and yet, his work may letter to Hardy. Ramanujan said in this 50 204226 unlock secrets about them.’ letter: . “I am extremely sorry for not writing . you a single letter up to now. I discovered Mock theta functions 200 3972999029388 Ramanujan listed 17 examples of functions very interesting functions recently which I . that he called mock theta functions. He call ’Mock’ ϑ-functions. Unlike the ’False’ . also listed several other examples of the ϑ-functions (studied partially by Prof. Rogers 1000 24061467864032622473692149727991 function in his notebook. Ramanujan used in his interesting paper) - they enter into the term “theta function” for what today mathematics as beautifully as the ordinary If we arrange p(n) of first 30 numbers would be called a modular form. Ramanujan theta functions. I am sending you with this (i.e. 0 to 29) in five column form, we get the conjectured that his mock modular forms letter some examples.” following table: corresponded to the ordinary modular forms This letter contained 17 examples. earlier identified by Carl Jacobi, and that Most of the surviving text of the letter, 1 1 2 3 5 both would wind up with similar outputs for which included roughly 4 typewritten pages, 7 11 15 22 30 roots of 1. Nobody at the time understood consisted of explicit formulas for these 17 42 56 77 101 135 what Ramanujan was talking about. strange formal power series. 176 231 297 385 490 Ramanujan even divided these examples Ramanujan’s ‘simple’ pattern 627 792 1002 1255 1575 into groups based on their ‘order’, a term he It seems to be an easy problem to find out 1958 2436 3010 3718 4565 never defined. Despite these formidable 27 Dream 2047, February 2013, Vol. 15 No. 5 Maths Musings

wonder until the time shall come when we too shall make our journey to that Garden of Proserpine (a.k.a. Persephone)”. These 17 examples, together with five examples of mock theta from Ramanujan’s Mathematics of Planet Earth – 2013 notebook have been related to a number Mathematics is an integral part of our life. We encounter mathematics in our everyday life of subjects including Lie theory, Modular in different forms. It also plays a predominant role in the overall development of society. forms, and Polymer chemistry. Despite this An understanding and appreciation of mathematics is therefore an essential life skill. flurry of activity, the essence of Ramanujan’s While it aids in solving many real life problems, it also enriches us to develop a logical theory remained a mystery. The puzzle of his last letter to Hardy, thanks to the ‘lost thinking process. notebook’, had morphed into the enigmatic Mathematics is not about a monotonous and complex collection of techniques for web of Ramanujan’s 22 mock theta functions. measuring, counting and accounting. Mathematics is also not about remembering complex This strongly suggested the existence of a rules to solve problems in the examination. Mathematics is to develop our logical ability theory, and it also demanded a solution. to question, investigate, and explore solutions to many real life problems. Mathematics is perhaps the only tool that helps us in developing and refining such aptitudes. With this motivation, the international mathematical community brought forward A new beginning As Ken Ono said, “… Although Ramanujan’s the idea of Mathematics of Planet Earth (MPE) – 2013. More than a hundred scientific last works provided the first examples of societies, universities, research institutes and organisations all over the world have come such forms, his untimely death and the together to dedicate 2013 as the year of Mathematics of Planet Earth. During this year enigmatic nature of his writings resulted in an attempt will be made to explore the mathematical framework in Nature and to see a great mystery. We will never know how he how mathematics with the help of other disciplines can provide solutions that will help came up with the mock theta functions. We us to face the challenging problems on the planet Earth, like the problem arising out of certainly cannot pretend to know what he a growing population competing for limited global resources, the dramatic changes in fully intended to do with them. However, climate, environmental issues, etc. it is clear that he understood that the The ideas generated and the initiatives planned during MPE-2013 are likely to make mock theta functions would go on to play an impact on society in such a way that a new generation of researchers will be motivated important roles in number theory.” to explore mathematics involved in solving scientific problems related to sustainability Ramanujan’s mock theta functions of planet Earth. These efforts may provide opportunities for exploring mathematics or mock modular forms is not only an with interdisciplinary approaches in the context of evolution of planet Earth and its important tool in analytic number theory, development. it is applied in several other areas of mathematics like, topological invariants analysis, Lie superalgebras —to name a few. challenges, a few mathematicians such as Watson, in his own words: Ramanujan died before he could prove G. E. Andrews, L. Dragonette, A. Selberg, “Ramanujan’s discovery of the mock theta his theorem. But more than 90 years later, and Watson investigated Ramanujan’s mock functions makes it obvious that his skill and Ono and his team have proved that these theta functions . ingenuity did not desert him at the oncoming functions indeed mimicked modular forms, Despite the absence of a theory, or of his untimely end. As much as any of his but don’t share their defining characteristics, much less, just a simple useful definition earlier works, the mock theta functions are an such as super-symmetry. The expansion of a mock theta function, these few early achievement suffient to cause his name to be of mock modular forms helps physicists works bolstered the belief that Ramanujan held in lasting remembrance. To his students computing the entropy or level of disorder had discovered something important. such discoveries will be a source of delight and of black holes.

International Year of Statistics − 2013 References: 1) Ken Ono, “Unearthing the visions of The year 2013 will also be celebrated as a master: Harmonic mass forms and International Year of Statistics. More than number theory” 1,400 organisations in 111 countries are 2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mock_ joining hands for a worldwide initiative that modular_form will highlight the contributions of statistics 3) Jacob Aron - “Mathematical proof in finding solutions to global challenges. reveals magic of Ramanujan’s genius”, The goal of this awareness campaign is to New Scientist, November 2012 Increase public understanding of the impact 4) http://math.stanford.edu of statistics on all aspects of society and 5) http://www.huffingtonpost.com nurturing statistics as a profession. 6) http://www.math.ufl.edu

Dream 2047, February 2013, Vol. 15 No. 5 26 Water and Biodiversity: Two sides of the same coin

ater is our most valuable natural survive for weeks, but without water, we can Wresource. It is essential to all basic die of dehydration in as little as two days. Pankaj Mehta human needs, including food, drinking Water is often scarce. Although roughly [email protected] water, sanitation, health, energy, and shelter. 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by Its proper management is the most pressing water, most of it is saltwater and therefore water − it can take up to 10,000 litres to challenge of all. Without water we have no unusable for drinking. Less than 2.5% of all produce a single hamburger, 1,500 to 4,500 society, no economy, no culture, and no life. of the Earth’s water is fresh water of which litres to produce one litre of bio fuel, and as Although water is a global issue, the problems nearly 1.5% is locked up in polar ice-caps much as 230,000 litres to produce a tonne and solutions are often highly localised. and only a small fraction of it is available for of steel. Agriculture alone accounts for 70% Our natural environment supplies clean human use. This fraction of useable water of water use worldwide. These amounts, and drinking water. Biodiversity supplements the is also very unevenly distributed. About the stresses they represent on water resources, ability of the environment to do this. The 2.8 billion people − more than 40% of the can be expected to mount in the coming Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) world’s population − experience some form years, particularly given that climate change promotes the restoration and maintenance of water scarcity. Scarcity, as measured by is frightening on the horizon. Water is not of biologically diverse ecosystems as a way available water per capita, is expected to just an issue facing the developing world − of improving access to clean drinking water worsen where the population is still growing but the poorest communities certainly face and as a means to eradicate poverty by using significantly − in Sub-Saharan Africa, South the most pressing challenges and have the the services that healthy watersheds and Asia, West Asia and parts of South America. most limited capacity to act. freshwater ecosystems provide naturally. Over one billion people in the world lack Human needs and environmental needs are access to safe water. Roughly two-million The Water Cycle often uneven against each other in a false people die each year of diarrhoea caused We cannot properly preserve our water dichotomy; protecting the interests of one by infectious water-borne diseases; roughly resources without first understanding how side often harms the interests of the other. 70% (1.4 million) are children (World Water water circulates through the environment. But in the case of drinking water, human and Assessment Programme 2009). In addition, The water cycle refers to the movement of environmental interests are clearly aligned. up to 50% of malnutrition is related to water on, above, and below the surface of the Holistic water management is essential if the repeated diarrhoea or intestinal infections Earth as ice, liquid water, and water vapour. world is to achieve sustainable development. as a result of unclean water, inadequate Water constantly moves over and under the The present focus is on only one, sanitation, or poor hygiene. Even malaria is ground, evaporates into the atmosphere, although important, dimension of water: its related to poor water management – when mostly through plants, and then recycles use by humans for drinking. The linkages water is scarce it is hoarded, providing the as rain or snow. It is the fundamental way between water, biological diversity and shallow stagnant breeding grounds necessary in which the 0.027% of the Earth’s fresh development/poverty alleviation aims at for mosquitoes to spread this deadly disease. water continues to be available for all land- raising awareness of sustainable approaches Exposure to environmental health risks living things, including humans, for food to managing drinking water, which have in early childhood leads to permanent production, industry, drinking water, the been tested globally. It also demonstrates how growth faltering, lowered immunity, and maintenance of healthy ecosystems, and a biodiversity conservation can be used wisely increased mortality. Poor water quality, large number of other needs (World Wide to achieve development goals. Many of us sanitation, hygiene, and inadequate water Fund for Nature). The same fresh water never consider water’s source. This luxury is resource management account for half of that we depend on today has circulated in unavailable to billions of the world’s people, the causative factors behind childhood and this way since water first appeared on this whose water circumstances lead to a daily maternal underweight and hence stunted planet. struggle involving disease, death, hardship child growth (World Bank 2008). Water travels from the Earth’s surface and social injustice; women and children Yet humans need only three-to- to the atmosphere as water vapour through are particularly affected. Lack of access to four litres of drinking water per day − evaporation from surface water and through safe drinking water is a primary definer of not a significant source of stress on the transpiration. Transpiration is the movement poverty itself. environment. When we add amounts for of water through vegetation and soil, and other household activities (which vary it accounts for 62% of annual globally Drinking water and considerably from tens of litres to more renewable fresh water. However, the presence poverty reduction than several thousands of litres a day, of vegetation affects local rainfall patterns, Water that is fit to drink without risk of depending on economic circumstances), and its large-scale removal can significantly immediate or long-term harm is fundamental it is substantial. Agriculture, industry, and change these patterns; in dry areas this can lead to human well-being. Without food we can energy generation are the biggest users of to desertification. The vapour accumulated 25 Dream 2047, February 2013, Vol. 15 No. 5 Environment through these processes, together referred to as evapotranspiration, condenses to form clouds, which later returns to the Earth’s surface through precipitation (rain, snow, hail, and sleet). And the cycle repeats (see Figure 1). Water that seeps underground becomes “groundwater”− the major source of drinking water for many people. In fact, the bulk of the world’s liquid fresh water is actually groundwater. The hydrological cycle works relatively quickly above ground, but slowly beneath it. It can take months or years to recharge, and hence rehabilitate, surface waters, but groundwater recharge periods can be in the order of hundreds of years. As a result, groundwater, once degraded, can be extremely difficult − sometimes impossible − to cleanse and restore.

Role of Biodiversity Figure 1: Schematic of the water cycle. The term “biodiversity” refers to diversity of (Source: US National Weather Service) life forms − the variety of plants, animals, microorganisms and the ecosystems in toxic substances, such as heavy metals, from Reviving ecosystem involves restoring which they occur. The vegetation and water, accumulating them in their tissues the biodiversity that supports drinking-water soil in the environment, in turn, drive the at 100,000 times the concentration in the provision. Not only is this holistic approach movement of water. Every glass of water surrounding water often more economical, it is more effective, we drink had travelled through a number Poor availability of drinking water is in as even wealthy nations are discovering. of ecosystems, after which it is cleansed most cases a direct result of human behaviour. In relation to drinking water – and made fit for human consumption. Therefore, where people face problems of “biodiversity” is not just about the The undisturbed natural environment, poor drinking water supply, there are two “conservation of species”; biodiversity with a few localised exceptions, provides general options to find the solution to the maintains ecosystem functions and services water that is safe to drink in streams, lakes problem which are listed below: that we need to sustain drinking water or wells. This supply of water is a “service” Incorporating modern technology, supplies; biodiversity is a resource to be used (benefit to humans) that the environment such as water desalinisation or water sustainably to achieve sustainable drinking provides. Biodiversity is what underpins the treatment facilities, are often favoured water objectives. ability of nature to provide this service by by planners. These solutions are cost- sustaining the continuous recycling of water, prohibitive in many poor regions. These Dr. Pankaj Mehta, Assistant Professor, through the hydrological cycle. Forests, for costs, in economic terms, reflect the value of Department of Applied Science, Amity example, influence the hydrological cycle by the service the ecosystem originally provided School of Engineering & Technology, directly affecting rates of transpiration and before we degraded it. Bijwasan, New Delhi 110061, India. n evaporation and by influencing how water is routed and stored in a watershed. Forest soils readily absorb and capture water and also sustain the quality of water: Dream 2047 Articles removing forests increases soil erosion, invited which not only reduces land productivity Vigyan Prasar invites original popular science but also causes major water quality problems articles for publication in its monthly science downstream. magazine Dream 2047. At present the magazine has Forests are clearly rich in “biodiversity,” 50,000 subscribers. The article may be limited to therefore many cities depend on biodiversity for their water. Plants, soils and animals 3,000 words and can be written in English or Hindi. not only sustain the hydrological cycle, Regular coloumn on i) Health ii) Recent development they also play a significant role in purifying in science and technology are also welcome. water. Wetland plants remove high levels of Honorarium, as per Vigyan Prasar norm, is paid to chemicals, such as phosphorous and nitrogen, the author(s) if article is accepted for publication. For preventing them from reaching drinking details please log-on to www.vigyanprasar.gov.in water; many wetland plants can also remove

Dream 2047, February 2013, Vol. 15 No. 5 24 Ways to Win Over Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia ighting the battle to prevail over chronic myeloid leukaemia is Blastic phase Fby no means an easy task. Still, if the patient holds his courage, The blastic phase is a severe, Dr Yatish Agarwal and retains his will to live, helpful treatments exist which can rein aggressive phase that can easily e-mail: [email protected] in the disease. These are trying times, and family and friends must become life-threatening. The play an affirmative role to tide over the crisis. They must support patient becomes very weak and often requires blood transfusion and him with their care, love and encouragement. The key to success lies hospitalisation. in positivity. Some people wrongly think of leukaemia as an infectious Treatments and drugs disease. This is far from truth. Leukaemia is in no way a communicable The goal of chronic myeloid leukaemia treatment is to eliminate the disease, and it cannot spread to anybody, be it the spouse, parents blood cells that contain the abnormal BCR-ABL gene that causes or children. the overabundance of diseased blood cells. For most people, it is not Others fear it to be a hereditary disease. That again is not true. possible to eliminate all diseased cells, but treatment can help achieve Children or other members of the household do not run a greater a long-term remission of the disease. risk of acquiring chronic myeloid leukaemia. Targeted drugs (tyrosine kinase inhibitors) Gauging the severity of disease Targeted drugs are designed to attack cancer by focussing on a When a person has cancer, people often wish to know which stage specific aspect of cancer cells that allows them to grow and multiply. the disease is in. They believe this can give them a clue to its severity. In chronic myeloid leukaemia, the target of these drugs is the protein The same question pops up with chronic myeloid leukaemia. People produced by the BCR-ABL gene — tyrosine kinase. Targeted drugs ask, “Doctor, which stage is the patient in? How bad does it look? that block the action of tyrosine kinase include Imatinib, Dasatinib Will he get better?” and Nilotinib. Chronic myeloid leukaemia, however, cannot be categorised Targeted drugs are the initial treatment for most people into stages. Rather, its aggressiveness can be measured by the diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia. If the disease doesn’t phase the disease is in. The phase of chronic myeloid leukaemia is respond or becomes resistant to the first targeted drug, doctors may determined by measuring the proportion of diseased cells to healthy consider other targeted drugs or other treatments. cells in the blood and bone marrow. When diseased cells are in a Side effects of these targeted drugs include swelling or puffiness higher proportion, it implies that chronic myeloid leukaemia is at of the skin, nausea, muscle cramps, rash, fatigue, diarrhoea, and skin a more advanced stage. Some doctors, to simplify things, however, rashes. sometimes loosely call these phases as stage I, II and III. Doctors haven’t determined a safe point at which people with chronic myeloid leukaemia can stop taking targeted drugs. For this Chronic phase reason, most people continue to take targeted drugs even when blood The chronic phase is the earliest phase and generally has the best tests reveal a remission of chronic myeloid leukaemia. response to treatment. Most of the patients are diagnosed in this phase. The disease may remain stable for years, there may not be Imatinib many symptoms, and the patient may be able to pursue his vocation Imatinib mesylate (Glivec) is the standard-of-care today for most normally. people with chronic myeloid leukaemia. The usual dose is a single pill of 400 mg once a day. Most of the patients respond to this treatment Accelerated phase extremely well. They also tolerate it very well. Such patients need to The accelerated phase take this treatment for life, without any break. The dose must also is a transitional phase not be tinkered with. Else, it reduces its efficacy. Some people may when the disease becomes have difficulties, and, in that case, may benefit by splitting the daily more aggressive. This can dose into twice-a-day regime. sometimes be very rapid. The efficacy of the therapy must also be monitored regularly. A In this phase, there are thorough clinical examination, blood work (blood cell counts), and more blasts in the blood or cytogenetic and molecular tests are necessary at periodic intervals. If marrow. The patient feels the response is inadequate, the doctor may consider increasing the more weak and tired. He dose to 600 mg or 800 mg daily. may also develop infection, The cytogenetic tests are based on karyotyping – study of fever and bleeding. The chromosomes. For this test, marrow is removed by suction from spleen enlarges and the the hip bone under local anesthesia and subjected to culture. After patient may not respond a few days, the chromosomes are studied to look for Philadelphia well to treatment. chromosome. At least 20 cells are studied. Carried out at periodic 23 Dream 2047, February 2013, Vol. 15 No. 5 Mediscape intervals, this test helps assess the patient’s response. Majority of the exercise and time with friends and family. Meditation, relaxation patients show substantial decrease or total absence of the Philadelphia techniques like yog nidra, visual imagery, and laughter therapy can chromosome within a year or two of starting Imatinib therapy. also work wonders. However, bone marrow tests are painful. To obviate their need, certain sophisticated techniques like fluorescence in situ Turn to family and friends for support hybridisation (FISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test have Stay connected to family and friends for support. It can be tough to come to the fore. These tests are expensive, but can be performed talk about your diagnosis, and you’ll likely get a range of reactions on a regular blood sample and can help gauge the behaviour of the when you share the news. But talking about your diagnosis and disease and its response to treatment. passing along information about your cancer can help. So can the outpouring of practical help that often results. Blood stem cell transplant A blood stem cell transplant, Seeking emotional support from also called a bone marrow family, friends, and treating team transplant, offers the only Ask for help if you’re having trouble coping. The emotional toll of a chance for a definitive chronic condition can be overwhelming. Talk to your family members cure for chronic myeloid or friends. Tell your doctor about your feelings. You may get a referral leukaemia. However, it to a counsellor or other specialist with whom you can talk. is usually reserved for people who have not been Connect with other cancer survivors helped by other treatments Consider joining a support group, either in your community or on because blood stem cell the Internet. A support group of people with the same diagnosis can transplants have risks and be a source of useful information, practical tips and encouragement. carry a high rate of serious complications. Stick to the treatment During a blood stem cell transplant, high doses of People will often recommend alternative therapies. Lest you get carried chemotherapy drugs are used to kill the blood-forming cells in the away, believe me, most of them are sham promoted by charlatans bone marrow. Then blood stem cells from a donor or a patient’s own who have no idea of the disease. Chronic myeloid leukaemia often is cells that were previously collected and stored are infused into his a chronic disease and requires long-term treatments. bloodstream. The new cells form new, healthy blood cells to replace To help you cope with your cancer journey, stick to the the diseased cells. basics:

Chemotherapy Seek out a specialist Chemotherapy drugs are typically combined with other treatments Ask your doctor about his or her experience in treating chronic for chronic myeloid leukaemia. Often, chemotherapy treatment for myeloid leukaemia. If your doctor has little or no experience in this chronic myeloid leukaemia is given as a tablet a person can take by area, ask about having a consultation with a specialist. Most doctors mouth. Side effects of chemotherapy drugs depend on the drugs aren’t offended by this and may be willing to help arrange a consult. used. Go to all of your medical appointments Biological therapy People with chronic myeloid leukaemia often face frequent medical Biological therapies harness the body’s immune system to help appointments, blood work and bone marrow exams. Appointments fight cancer. The biological drug interferon is a synthetic version can bring anxiety because you may fear your cancer is no longer in of an immune system cell. Interferon may help reduce the growth remission or your condition has worsened. Expect some anxiety of leukaemia cells. Interferon may be an option if other treatments around the time of your appointments, but don’t let that stop you don’t work or if a patient can’t take other drugs. Side effects of from going to each one. interferon include fatigue, fever, flu-like symptoms and weight loss. Talk to your doctor about your side effects Lifestyle and home remedies Powerful cancer medications can cause many side effects, but For many people, chronic myeloid leukaemia is a chronic disease those side effects often can be managed with other medications or that they will live with for years. Many will continue treatment with treatments. You don’t necessarily have to tough them out. Imatinib indefinitely. Some days, they may feel sick even if they don’t look sick. And some days, they may just feel sick of having Don’t stop treatment on your own cancer. In these situations, certain self-care measures can help them If you develop unpleasant side effects, such as skin rashes or fatigue, adjust and cope with the illness. These include: don’t simply quit your medication without consulting your health care professionals. Likewise, don’t stop taking your medications if Taking active measures to beat stress you feel better and think your disease may be gone. If you stop taking People with chronic myeloid leukaemia must plan stress-relieving medication, your disease can quickly and unexpectedly return, even activities to take their mind off their anxieties. They can try yoga, if you’ve been in remission.

Dream 2047, February 2013, Vol. 15 No. 5 22 Recent developments in science and technology

Gas cooled below But a situation can be created in which Biman Basu absolute zero most of the particles exhibit higher energy E-mail: [email protected] Temperature is a measure of the motion levels, and just a few have lower energy, which or kinetic energy of particles in matter. leads to a reversal of the temperature signs, Till recently, absolute zero or 0 kelvin (0 indicating temperatures below absolute zero. more than 100%. This does not mean, K or −273.15°C) was considered to be the Such a situation can be described as 'inverted however, that the law of energy conservation theoretical lower limit of temperature where Boltzmann distribution'. According to Ulrich is violated. Instead, the engine could not all motion stops. Absolute zero was first Schneider, a physicist at the University of only absorb energy from the hotter medium, defined by Lord Kelvin back in the mid- Munich in Germany who led the research and thus do work, but, in contrast to the team, “The inverted usual case, from a colder medium as well. Boltzmann distribution is While the achievement is not likely the hallmark of negative to result in the creation of such systems absolute temperature, for practical purposes, it does help better and this is what we have understand the principle of temperature, and achieved.” may, some suggest, help explain other still The scientists have mysterious phenomenon, such as why the succeeded in forcing a universe is continuing to expand, despite the gas to become colder pull of gravity – which some have attributed than absolute zero. Using to a force called dark energy. lasers and a magnetic field to manipulate an ultra- Redefining the kilogram cold quantum gas made The kilogram is the SI unit of mass, defined up of potassium atoms, by the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) as equal to the mass of a Negative-temperature-system they managed to coax the temperature of the gas cubic decimetre of water. The International 1880s, as the lowest possible temperature to drop to a few billionths of a kelvin below Prototype Kilogram (IPK) is a small cylinder state, where atoms stop moving. At absolute absolute zero (Science 4 January 2013 doi: of platinum–iridium alloy, about 39 mm in zero particles were thought to have zero 10.1126/science.1227831). But, according both height and diameter. It is stored in a energy. As such, nothing can be colder than to the scientists, in the quantum world, vault at the International Bureau of Weights absolute zero on the kelvin scale. Till now the gas is not colder than zero kelvin, but and Measures in Sèvres, France. The IPK it has not been possible to achieve absolute hotter. It is even hotter than at any positive defines the fundamental unit of mass. Several zero in laboratory. temperature. copies of the IPK are held at laboratories However, over the past several To comprehend the negative around the world as mass standards. The decades, scientists have discovered that temperatures scientists have now devised, Indian national standard of mass is copy there are exceptions to the rule and that one might think of temperature as existing number 57 of the international prototype at least theoretically, it should be possible on a scale that is actually a loop, not linear. kilogram supplied by the BIPM and kept at for a system to produce conditions where Positive temperatures make up one part of the National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi. temperatures fall lower than absolute the loop, while negative temperatures make It is a platinum-iridium cylinder whose zero. This is possible, they say, because up the other part. When temperatures go mass is measured against the international the temperature of a system is generally either below zero or above infinity on the prototype at BIPM. The NPL also maintains considered to be the average energies of the positive region of this scale, they end up in a group of transfer standard kilograms made particles in it. For example, when water is negative territory. of non-magnetic stainless steel and nickel- heated, the water molecules increase their According to the researchers, these chromium alloy. kinetic energy over time and move faster negative absolute temperatures have several Although the IPK and its replicas are and faster on average. Yet, the individual apparently absurd consequences: although stored in filtered laboratory air at constant molecules possess different kinetic energies the atoms in the gas attract each other and temperature and pressure (under two or – from very slow to very fast. Low-energy give rise to a negative pressure, the gas more nested bell jars), there is no way to states are more likely than high-energy does not collapse – a behaviour that is also completely isolate them from air pollution states, i.e., only a few particles move really postulated for dark energy in cosmology. and contamination stored in air, and no fast. In physics, this distribution is called the One could create heat engines such as wonder, industrialisation and modern living Boltzmann distribution. combustion engines with an efficiency of have taken their toll on the platinum-based 21 Dream 2047, February 2013, Vol. 15 No. 5 New Horizons weights and contaminants have built 2013 issue of Nature Climate Change up on the surface. According to a 2011 (doi:10.1038/nclimate1778), future report, the IPK had lost about 50 sea level rise due to the melting of the micrograms since it was cast in 1879. Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets But according to a recent study by could be substantially larger than researchers at Newcastle University in estimated in the IPCC report. the UK published in the January 2013 The ice sheets covering Antarctica issue of the journal Metrologia, the IPK and Greenland are the largest potential may have gained “tens of micrograms source of future sea level rise – and they in mass from surface contamination”. also possess the largest uncertainty over Maintenance of a standard mass their future behaviour. The Antarctica of 1 kilogram of the IPK is essential, as and Greenland ice sheets contain about several other units of measurement is 99.5 per cent of Earth’s glacier ice which based on it. If the kilogram changes, so would raise global sea level by some 63 must the newton; if the newton changes, m if it were to melt completely. The so must the joule. Unfortunately, unpredictable behaviour of the ice sheets the kilogram is not defined in terms present some unique challenges for of fundamental physical constants predicting their future response using as are the other SI units. Ideally the conventional numerical modelling, seven base units within the SI (metre, as is done for weather forecasting. So, kilogram, second, kelvin, ampere, mole it is necessary to look for alternative and candela) should be stable over time approaches for predicting ice sheet and universally reproducible, which melting. requires definitions based on fundamental Prototype-kilogram The Bristol University researchers constants of nature. The kilogram is the used a new approach by carefully soliciting only unit still defined by a physical artefact. Future sea level rise may be and pooling expert judgements – what In the meanwhile scientists have been much greater than estimated is known as ‘structured expert elicitation trying to redefine the kilogram in terms One of the frightening consequences of (EE) together with an approach which of fundamental physical constants. One global warming is a rise in sea level. The mathematically pools experts’ opinions, alternative suggested is to define the kilogram Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to assess the uncertainties in the future in terms of the Planck constant, h. As part of (IPCC) had in its Fourth Assessment Report, response of the ice sheets. EE is already used its ‘electronic kilogram project’, the National which mentioned figures ranging from 18 in a number of other scientific fields such Institute of Standards and Technology cm to 59 cm for six possible scenarios. But as forecasting volcanic eruptions. Using the (NIST) in USA have been carrying out according to a study by scientists Jonathan new approach, Bamber and Aspinall found experiments using the ‘watt balance’ and Bamber and Willy Aspinall of the University that the sea level rise from the melting of ice have rebuilt nearly the whole experimental of Bristol, UK, published in the 6 January sheets by 2100 could exceed 84 cm. When apparatus to achieve this improvement. This device, through a few relatively recently- discovered effects, turns the mass of an object into charges racing around a circuit – one of the many forms of energy. It connects a kilogram mass with fundamental, repeatable natural phenomena. According to the researchers, even though the ultimate changes to the kilogram as we now know it may only be in the parts per million or even billion, the microelectronics industry deals in tiny distances and movements of charge. And these could be directly affected by any changes to the kilogram. At its 24th meeting in October 2011, the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) agreed in principle that the kilogram should be redefined in terms of the Planck constant, but deferred a final decision until its next meeting, scheduled for 2014. Sea level rise (Credit: IPCC)

Dream 2047, February 2013, Vol. 15 No. 5 20 New Horizons

Letters to editor Ruchi Ram Sahni The editorial ‘Remembering Ruchi Ram Sahni’ (Dream 2047 November 2012) was really an eye opener. Sahni was a great contributor to science popularisation and his work could have helped solve many problems of civil society such as superstitions, Tantriks, etc. In my opinion, it is the negligence shown towards the science popularisation, which still puts a large section of our population to have faith on Tantriks, etc, who are making use of some science laws and related experiments to deceive the innocent masses. Ruchi Ram Sahni was at par with any frontier Voyager 1 at the edge of the solar system researcher because, spreading science among the masses for their fair and better combined with other sources of sea level lines of magnetic particles from the solar living is at par with any scientific research, rise, the rise could be greater than 100 cm system are meeting particles from interstellar for it is the masses for whom any research by 2100, which is substantially larger than space. They feel this new region at the far is carried out. predicted by the IPCC report and would reaches of our solar system is the final area Dr Manoj Kumar Srivastava have deeply profound consequences for the spacecraft has to cross before reaching Assistant Professor humankind. If it is indeed so, then many of interstellar space. Department of Physics ACC Wing, Indian Military Academy, the coastal cities around the world would be According to NASA, the spacecraft is Dehradun-248007 in danger of inundation. in a magnetic region unlike any seen before [email protected] The researchers also found that the – about 10 times more intense than before scientists, as a group, were highly uncertain the termination shock (the point where the ***** about the cause of the recent increase in solar wind begins to slow down to subsonic Informative magazine ice sheet mass loss observed by satellites speed). The magnetic field data turned out to Dreams 2047 is a magazine that provides and equally unsure whether this was part be the key to pinpointing when the spacecraft information on complicated science topics of a long-term trend or due to short-term crossed the termination shock. The scientists in simple way which school students can fluctuations in the climate system. expect these data will tell them when the easily understand. The article by Dr. Yatish spacecraft first reaches interstellar space. Agarwal on ‘Chronic myeloid leukaemia’ Solar system is bigger Voyager-1 is powered by plutonium- (January 2013) was explained in a very than thought 238 and loses about 4 watts of power a year. simple manner, especially the information on Philadelphia Chromosome (BCR-ABL NASA’s Voyager-1 spacecraft reached the By 2020, the science team will have to start Gene). I would like to know more on edge of the solar system in December 2012 turning off instruments in order to conserve this topic in the forthcoming issues. For and made a surprising discovery, 35 years power. It is expected to run out of power example, what is bone marrow transplant? after its launch in 1977. The spacecraft is completely in 2025. What is the revolutionary drug Imatnib? now about 18 billion kilometres from the The twin Voyager craft – Voyager-2 Ashish Hegde, Sun, which is 122 times the distances from was actually launched first, on 20 August Senior Executive – Material, the Earth to the Sun. NASA scientists had 1977, followed by Voyager-1 on 5 September Crompton Greaves Limited, Fans Division, expected the spacecraft to reach the so-called – were designed primarily to study the Bethora Industrial Estate, Bethora 403 409, Goa heliopause, which marks the boundary biggest planets in our solar system, Jupiter ***** between our solar system and outer space and Saturn. Taking advantage of a planetary Articles of scientists by this time. But instead of slipping away alignment, they fulfilled that mission before I am a research scholar doing PhD without from the bubble of charged particles that pushing on to Uranus and Neptune, beaming a stipend, and I am preparing for clearing encloses the Sun and its planetary system back stunning images of the first two in JRF-Exams like CSIR, ICMR, and ICAR. called heliosphere, Voyager-1 encountered 1979 and 1980, and the latter pair in 1986 The article on ’Top 10 science stories of something completely unexpected. It entered and 1989. Voyager-2, which is on a different 2012’ by Biman Basu (January 2013) a new region at the edge of the solar system flight path, is a few billion kilometres closer helped me to recollect the scientific events that scientists did not even know was there. to the Sun. of the year. But I also request you to publish NASA scientists have described it as a NASA has described Voyager-1 and articles of scientists “highway” of magnetic particles, shepherding its companion Voyager-2 as “the two most Shankar Pillai [email protected] Voyager-1 out into interstellar space. The distant active representatives of humanity ***** Voyager team believes this region is where and its desire to explore”. 19 Dream 2047, February 2013, Vol. 15 No. 5 VP News National Meet of Science Communicators in Indian Languages three-day National Meet of Science Dr R. Gopichandran, presented their views and Dr. Vasundhara Bhupati(Karnataka ACommunicators in Indian Languages was on the initiatives taken by the national level Rajya Vijnana Parishat), Dr B.K.Dwivedi organised by Vigyan Prasar in collaboration organisations like DST, NISCAIR, NCSM, (Bioved Research Institute, Allahabad), Shri with Vigyan Parishad, Prayag at Vigyan VP in popularising science and the future Dhananjay Chopra (Institute of Professional Parishad, Allahabad from 13th – 15th of science communication in the country. Studies, Allahabad University), Dr Parul December, 2012. Science communicators They also discussed different strategies to R Seth (National Centre for Science from Punjab, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, be chalked out for inculcating scientific Communicators, Mumbai), Shri Abhijit Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, temper. Bardhan (Science Communicators’ Forum, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Other sessions deliberated on issues Kolkata), G. Sakthivel Murugan (Anna Gujarat, Karnataka, Orissa, Goa, Andhra such as ‘Science communication in Indian University), Mr Dinesh Gandhi (Regional Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala participated languages through electronic and print Community Science Centre, Vadodara), Mr. in the meet. Major organisations and medium’, ‘Science communication through Sailesh Gandhi ( Rajkot Science Centre), Sri individuals in different regions working in innovative science experiments and distance Ram Pandey from Science for Society, Patna, the field of science and technology Dr. R G Rao, Goa Science Forum, communication were invited and Dr. Paramjit Singh of BGVS, representatives presented their Punjab highlighted the work being work done by their organisations done in science popularisation by in regional languages. their respective organisations. The meet provided a platform Dr C K Ghosh (NCIDE, to science communicators and IGNOU), talked about scientists to share the challenges and development of scientific temper the prospects of communicating using open and distance learning science to the people at grass system. Dr. Arup Kr Misra, Assam root level. Discussions took place Engineering College, Guwahati, on different aspects of science talked about efforts in science communication, means and modes communication being made in of reaching out to people. The Padmavibhushan Prof Jayant Vishnu Narlikar delivering keynote the North Eastern region by the participants talked about the issue address (sitting from L-R) Prof Shiv Gopal Mishra, Dr R Gopichandran, states of that region. Shri Sanjay of popularising science, science Er Anuj Sinha, Prof Krishna Bihari Pandey, Padmabhushan Dr Saroj Pandey, Lucknow University writing, the language, the content, Ghosh and Prof K K Bhutani talked about challenges of science translation, terminologies and the journalism in print media. Dr T V various formats of delivering the information education,’ ‘Challenges in science writing, Venkateshwaran, Scientist, VP talked about to the public. translation and terminology’, and ‘Science Science and Television Reflection in his The event was inaugurated by Prof. communication in Indian languages – presentation. Shri Rintu Nath, Scientist, VP, Krishna Bihari Pandey, VC, Chitrakoot Eastern, Southern, Western, Central, North- in his talk, put forward the challenges and University, along with the other dignitaries. Eastern and Northern region’. opportunities in learning science through The key note address on ‘Tools of science Scientists/Officials from State S & open ended innovative experiments. Mr communication’ was delivered by Prof. T Councils of Uttarakhand (Dr. Ashutosh Kapil Tripathi, Scientist D, VP talked about Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, Emeritus Professor, Mishra), Manipur (Dr. L Minaketan Singh role of Vigyan Prasar in the development IUCAA, Pune. Er Anuj Sinha, Former and Ch. Sarat Singh), Meghalaya (Shri. of scientific temper. Dr Amit Chakraborty, Director, VP, Dr Saroj Ghosh, Former DG, C. P. Syiem), Punjab (Dr. Neelam Gulati Former DDG, AIR gave a historical NCSM, Dr. R Gopichandran, Director, Sharma), Andhra Pradesh (Er Nagesh perspective of science popularisation, current VP attended the inaugural session. Dr. Kumar) and Gujarat (Dr. Narottam scenario and role of electronic medium such Shiv Gopal Mishra of Vigyan Parishad Sahoo), and representatives from major S TV and Radio. welcomed all in his welcome address which & T organisations working towards science Mrs Sandhya Jalal of Lucknow was followed by opening remarks from communication in the country, Dr R N Doordarshan, Dr Shyamal Chakraborty, Mr Mrs Kinkini Dasgupta Misra, Scientist ‘E’, Ray (BJGVS, Orissa), Dr. K K Mishra (Jan Sudhir Pal and Mr Shyam Sunder Singh, Dr Vigyan Prasar. Shiksha Parishad, Allahabad), Prof. Sugra S. Kumar (Regional Science City Lucknow), In the session on ‘National initiatives in Chunawala (Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Dr Krishna Nand Pandey (ICMR), Mr science communication’ chaired by Dr. Saroj Education, Mumbai), Prof K Papputty and Manas Ranjan Mahapatra (National Ghosh, speakers Er. Anuj Sinha, Dr Gauhar Mrs T K Meera Bai (Kerala Sasthra Sahitya Book Trust), Dr Lalit Sharma (National Raza, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NISCAIR and Parishad), Dr Sumangala Mummigatti Children’s Science Congress) talked about

Dream 2047, February 2013, Vol. 15 No. 5 18 VP News their organisational efforts. Dr Deoki were also on display. Popular science books emerged regarding the challenges and Nandan, Former Scientist, BARC talked were kept on display and sale by Vigyan prospects of science communication in the about the institutional efforts of science Prasar and Vigyan Parishad. Micro level country. Based upon the recommendations communication in Hindi in BARC. hands-on experiments were demonstrated to a ‘Way Forward’ was prepared for future A panel discussion, keeping in view the visiting students from different schools/ strategies for popularising science and of the recent protests and demonstrations colleges and participants by Prof. S P Kamat creating scientific temper in the society and against Nuclear Power Plant in the and Dr Savia Torres of Goa University. presented by Mrs Kinkini Dasgupta Misra, country, on ‘Nuclear Energy and Science Prof K P Mishra, VC, Nehru Gram Scientist E, VP. Mr Nimish Kapoor, Scientist Communication’ was held during the Bharati University, Allahabad, in valedictory D, VP gave vote of thanks to all delegates national meet. Role of science communicators session, focussed on the need of better and guests. From Vigyan Prasar Mr Kapil in dissemination of evidence based scientific communicating practices for science Tripathi, Scientist D, Dr Bharat Bhushan, knowledge and removing mis-concepts communicators on the current issues of Scientist C, Mr Manish Mohan Gore, JSO, on nuclear power were discussed among development. Prof. Indira Chakravarty, Mr Abhinav Gupta, Programme Officer, Mr the science communicators in different Chief Advisor, CCDU, Govt. of West Jitendra Singh and Mr Nitin Garg attended languages and media representatives. Mr Bengal, in her valedictory address pointed the national meet. Dr Deovrat Dwivedi, Nimish Kapoor, Scientist D, VP talked about out the role of science communicators in Executive Secretary, Vigyan Parishad Prayag the challenges of science communication on improving personal and environmental and Mr Nimish Kapoor, VP anchored the nuclear energy. hygiene and water quality usage. Dr Krishna various sessions of national meet. A mobile exhibition from Children Mishra, Secretary NASI presented her views Science Centre, Indore with exhibitions on the importance of science popularisation (Report by: Kinkini Dasgupta from National Science Centre, Lucknow, in the country. Mishra and Abhinav Gupta) n Bioved, Allahabad and Science City, Gujarat During discussions many ideas

Recent Publications of Vigyan Prasar Moments in Mathematics project. It contains interviews with some of the Author: Rintu Nath key personnel connected with this programme. ISBN: 978-81-7480-224-8 Price: 110/- Chemistry in Our Life We encounter mathematics in our everyday life Author: Biman Basu in different forms. It also plays a predominant ISBN : 978817482216-3 role in an overall development of the society. An Price: ` 150/- understanding and appreciation of mathematics Although most of us don’t realise it, chemistry is is therefore an essential life skill. While it helps to all around us. Right from moment we get up in solve many real-life problems, it makes it possible the morning till we go to bed at night, we come to develop a logical thinking process. The concepts of mathematics are intimately close to chemistry and things related to it. A world without unravelled through the conversation between young Googol and his uncle, chemistry would be a world without cooking gas, beautiful dyes, or who explains intricacies of mathematical issues in this book and motivates synthetic materials and many others. This book presents a few examples him to ask more questions. The conversation is often witty and unfolds the to bring out the magic inherent in chemistry, as visible in the colours of mystical and the wonderful world of mathematics in an entertaining style. nature, the taste and flavour of foods, the healing power of medicines, the This book will take the reader to the beautiful and mesmerising world of sparkle of festival fireworks, and the multitude of industrial processes that mathematics. would be impossible without chemistry.

Mars Beckons India: Chinu Visits Microworld The Story of India’s Mission to Mars Author Dr. Yeshwant R. Waghmare Author: Srinivas Laxman ISBN 978-81-7480-213-2 ISBN 978-81-7480-225-5 Price: ` 150/- Price: ` 175/- The author has made an attempt to explain some India is slated to launch an unmanned mission to interesting phenomena, such as variety of colours Mars provisionally between October-November that we see in nature, and why and how they occur. 2013, and currently preparations are in full swing It is pointed out in this book that all phenomena for this flight at various ISRO centres. The book is that we see in nature arise from the interactions basically an exercise in public outreach about this of atoms and molecules of various species; and their combinations. mission and attempts to explain to the reader, the significance about this The author takes the reader ‘backward in time’ and allows interacting with them, and their inventors, through their representative CHINU, a For further more information please write to: curious little girl at the school level. Director, Vigyan Prasar A-50, Institutional Area, Sector-62, NOIDA 201 309 (Uttar Pradesh), India Phones: 0120-2404430-35 Fax: 91-120-2404437 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.vigyanprasar.gov.in

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