Science is an important part of our
everyday life, even more so than we notice. From our fancy gadgets to the technologies we can’t live without, from our
humble light bulb to the space explorations, it is all gift of science and
technology.
I
wonder what would we be doing if none of these things were invented?
How often do we take out the time to think about those extra ordinary minds who
made life easier for us? Here is a list of few Indian scientists who
achieved a global recognition-
Aryabhatt
Born in 476 CE in Kusumpur (Bihar), Aryabhatt's
intellectual brilliance remapped the boundaries of mathematics and astronomy.
He
formulated the process of calculating the motion of planets and the time of eclipses.
Aryabhatt was the first to proclaim that the earth is round, it rotates on its
axis, orbits the sun and is suspended in space - 1000 years before Copernicus
published his heliocentric theory. He is also acknowledged for calculating p
(Pi) to four decimal places: 3.1416 and the sine table in trigonometry.
And above
all, his most spectacular contribution was the concept of zero without which
modern computer technology would have been non-existent. Aryabhatt was a
colossus in the field of mathematics.
Bhaskaracharya
GENIUS IN ALGEBRA
Born in
the obscure village of Vijjadit (Jalgaon) in Maharastra, Bhaskaracharya' s work
in Algebra, Arithmetic and Geometry catapulted him to fame and immortality.
His
renowned mathematical works called "Lilavati" and "Bijaganita"
are considered to be unparallel and a memorial to his profound intelligence.
Bhaskaracharya
was the first to discover gravity, 500 years before Sir Isaac Newton. He was
the champion among mathematicians of ancient and medieval India. His work fired
the imagination of Persian and European scholars.
Acharya Kanad
FOUNDER OF ATOMIC THEORY
He was
the pioneer expounder of realism, law of causation and the atomic theory. He
has classified all the objects of creation into nine elements, namely: earth, water,
light, wind, ether, time, space, mind and soul.
He says,
"Every object of creation is made of atoms which in turn connect with each
other to form molecules." His statement ushered in the Atomic Theory for
the first time ever in the world, nearly 2500 years before John Dalton.. Kanad
has also described the
dimension
and motion of atoms and their chemical reactions with each other.
Acharya Charak
FATHER OF MEDICINE
Acharya
Charak has been crowned as the Father of Medicine. His renowned work, the
"Charak Samhita", is considered as an encyclopedia of Ayurveda.
His
principles, diagnoses, and cures retain their potency and truth even after a
couple of millennia. When the science of anatomy was confused with different
theories in Europe, Acharya Charak revealed through his innate genius and
enquiries the facts on human anatomy, embryology, pharmacology, blood
circulation and diseases like diabetes, tuberculosis, heart disease, etc.
Acharya Sushrut
FATHER OF PLASTIC SURGERY
Born to
sage Vishwamitra, Acharya Sudhrut details the first ever surgery procedures in
"Sushrut Samhita," a unique encyclopedia of surgery. He is venerated
as the father of plastic surgery and the science of anesthesia. When surgery
was in its infancy in Europe, Sushrut was performing Rhinoplasty (restoration
of a damaged nose) and other challenging operations.
In the
"Sushrut Samhita," he details 300 types of operations. The ancient
Indians were the pioneers in amputation, caesarian and cranial surgeries.
Acharya Sushrut was a giant in the arena of medical science.
Varahamihir
EMINENT ASTROLOGER AND ASTRONOMERA
Varahamihir'
s book "panchsiddhant" holds a prominent place in the realm of
astronomy. He notes that the moon and planets are lustrous not because of their
own light but due to sunlight. In the "Bruhad Samhita" and
"Bruhad Jatak," he has revealed his discoveries in the domains of geography,
constellation, science, botany and animal science. In his treatise on botanical
science, Varamihir presents cures for various diseases affecting plants and
trees.
Acharya Patanjali
FATHER OF YOGA
The
Science of Yoga is one of several unique contributions of India to the world.
It seeks to discover and realize the ultimate Reality through yogic practices.
He prescribed the
control of prana (life breath) as the means to control the body, mind and soul. The Science of Yoga
has gained popularity because of its scientific approach and benefits. Yoga
also holds the honored place as one of six philosophies in the Indian
philosophical system. Acharya Patanjali will forever be remembered and revered
as a pioneer in the science of self-discipline, happiness and self-realization.
Acharya Bharadwaj
PIONEER OF AVIATION
TECHNOLOGY
Acharya
Bharadwaj had a hermitage in the holy city of Prayag and was an ordent apostle
of Ayurveda and mechanical sciences. He authored the "Yantra Sarvasva"
which includes astonishing and outstanding discoveries in aviation science,
space science and flying machines. He has described three categories of flying
machines: 1.) One that flies on earth from one place to another. 2.) One that
travels from one planet to another. 3.) And One that travels from one universe
to another.
-Reshu Chauhan
