The conversation covers Professor Ajit Kembhavi's early life, education, interest in science and astronomy, and his research on cosmological models. It delves into his childhood, education, and the development of his passion for science and astronomy, leading to his research on cosmological models and singularities in the universe. The conversation covers the transition from theoretical work to astronomy and astrophysics, the postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of Astronomy in Cambridge, the transition to Cambridge and work with Martin Rees, the decision to return to India and work at TIFR, the formation of IUCAA and transition to the Indian Institute of Science, meeting Professor Naresh Dadhich and IUCAA formation, research in galaxies and quasars, and the use of big data in astronomy. The conversation delves into the concept of virtual observatories and big data projects, highlighting the partnership with Persistent Systems and the use of AI in astronomy. It explores the management of large volumes of data and the application of AI in solving astronomical problems.

In this enlightening conversation, Professor Naresh Dadhich shares his remarkable journey from a small village in Rajasthan to becoming a prominent theoretical physicist and a key figure in the establishment of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA). He discusses his early influences, the importance of asking questions in science, and the collaborative spirit that drives research. Professor Dadhich reflects on his leadership role at IUCAA, the challenges faced, and the vision for the future of astrophysics in India. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring scientists, emphasizing the need for curiosity and engagement with complex ideas.

Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Abhay Ashtekar, a trailblazer in the field of theoretical physics. In this episode, Ashtekar recounts his experiences from his humble beginnings in India to his academic pursuits at the University of Chicago. Discover how he overcame cultural challenges, engaged with renowned scientists like Stephen Hawking, and contributed to groundbreaking research in quantum gravity. This episode offers a captivating glimpse into the life of a scientist dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

In this conversation, Abhay Ashtekar shares his remarkable journey from his early life in India to becoming a leading figure in theoretical physics. He discusses the influence of his family, his early interest in mathematics and science, and the challenges he faced in his education. Abhay emphasizes the importance of self-belief, mentorship, and the balance between pursuing one's passions and academic responsibilities. He reflects on his decision to choose pure science over engineering and the impact of his university experiences on his career path.

Music Attribution: "The Inspiration (EPIC)" by Serjo De Lua (Keys of Moon Music), sourced from their official Bandcamp page. This track is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, allowing for reuse. View the license here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ Support the artist directly: https://keysofmoon.bandcamp.com/track/the-inspiration-epic

How does an automobile design engineer become a world-renowned cosmologist and a leader of one of India's most ambitious science projects?

In this episode of Intellectual Rigour, Mehul Desai sits down for an in-depth, two-hour conversation with Professor Tarun Souradeep, the Director of the Raman Research Institute and a key architect of the monumental LIGO-India project. This interview chronicles his remarkable and unconventional journey through science and leadership.

In this episode, you will learn about:

• The pivotal decision to leave a stable engineering career for the uncertainties of fundamental physics.
• The incredible inside story of how the LIGO-India project was approved against immense skepticism .
• His counter-intuitive advice on education, drawn from his time at IIT, on why chasing a "perfect 10" can be a mistake .
• The challenges and future of building world-class, curiosity-driven research in India .
• Profound lessons on mentorship, risk-taking, and the mindset required for a fulfilling life in science .

This conversation is a masterclass in perseverance and conviction, offering an inspiring look into the values and choices that shape a life at the frontiers of human knowledge.

In this interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Professor Rajesh Gopakumar, Director of ICTS, who completed his Ph.D. under Nobel Laureate David J. Gross. We explore his journey from childhood to leading ICTS, touching on his schooling, passion for science, persistence in problem-solving, and his time at IIT, Princeton, and Harvard. He shares his experiences working with renowned physicists like David Gross, Andrew Strominger, Kumran Vafa, and Juan Maldacena, and offers insights on how India can attract and nurture scientific talent. This interview will inspire students, researchers, and curious minds alike. Don’t miss it!