From the Chief Editor's Desk: 21 Questions to the 21st Century Science

Modern science is trying to follow the tradition of integration and synthesis set forth by our ancient rishis. Whatever is happening in the entire world through science is exceptional and absolutely praise-worthy, but is not sufficient. There are many aspects in nature about which we do not have any awareness. Many important problems in life are still unsolved. All these have become challenges in the present scenario. There are 21 questions of the 21st century. Science has to search for answers to these questions very soon. For this, science and the scientists have to cross the boundaries of matter. They should get inspired by this rishi mantra in Rig Veda: "Aa no bhadrah kratavo yantu vishwato adabdhaso apareetas udbhidadah" — 'May the auspicious investigations, that cannot be suppressed, that uplift us come to us from all the four directions.'

In this context, if we talk about our own country, there is lack of truly basic scientific research. Even after 67 years of independence, we are merely imitating the West in terms of technology. What should have happened is that a research framework should have been developed keeping in mind our cultural heritage, the ancient knowledge from the rishis and our nation's requirements. This has not happened so far. Pass-outs from IITs are choosing to join MNCs that offer attractive pay packages when they should have been aspiring for a career in research. What could be more unfortunate than the best talent of this country offering its services to other countries?

We have forgotten a great scientist like Dr. Har Gobind Khorana, who gave a new direction to the world in the field of genetics. We could not provide the requisite scientific atmosphere to such a great talent. But the truth remains that we were unsuccessful in providing facilities for scientific research here. The fundamental problem is with science and scientists. It is about the 21 questions of the 21st century for which the scientists have to find solutions.

These 21 questions are:

1. Who has created the universe?
2. What is this universe made up of? (95% is unknown dark matter and dark energy)
3. How did the life begin?
4. Are we alone in this universe?
5. Can computers work at higher speed than that of today?
6. How does man get intelligence?
7. What is consciousness?
8. Why do we dream?
9. Why are there complementary particles (antimatter)?
10. Is there another solar system like ours?
11. Where should the carbon be disposed of?
12. How can we make more use of solar energy?
13. What is the hidden equation that generates prime numbers?
14. How do we score victory over cancer?
15. How do we defeat bacteria (antibiotic resistance)?
16. Can robots become our companions (emotionally intelligent)?
17. What is there at the bottom of the oceans?
18. What is inside black holes?
19. Can we become immortal?
20. How do we control the growing population?
21. Is time travel possible?

These 21 questions of the 21st century are challenges to science and the scientists in general. Finding solutions to these questions will pave the path for auspicious progress. India is the land of rishis and maharshis, who spent their entire lifetimes in the research of the unknown. If we can continue that tradition set forth by our seers and sages, our country can definitely reach the summit of progress in knowledge. If this is achieved, then an extremely good scientific atmosphere will be created which will not only answer the 21 questions of 21st century, but also take our country to the heights of scientific progress.

(Parijans and readers are requested to prepare a pamphlet of these 21 questions and distribute them in colleges and universities. Solicit answers from them to these questions. The top three best answers will be rewarded and published — Editor)

(Pranav Pandya)