Why Feeling the Right Amount Matters: Professor Nandini Chatterjee Singh on Her Recent Research into Balanced Empathy in Adolescence

Professor Nandini Chatterjee Singh’s recent study of adolescents aged 11–16 in urban India suggests that what matters most is not simply how much empathy young people feel, but how balanced that empathy is.��

Deep diving further, the study explains that if adolescents are scrolling through social media and they encounter a video of a child affected by natural calamity, say flood or earthquake, how they react to that video may vary for each adolescent. Some may feel concern "That's really hard, I wish I could help" or distress "That's too much to watch" or simply ignore, disengage and move on, scroll past. All of these responses reflect different emotional processes and they lead to different outcomes as well. When concern for others is accompanied by manageable emotional arousal rather than overwhelming distress, adolescents are more likely to respond constructively and connect meaningfully with others beyond their immediate circles.

The research underlines that Empathy is often treated as a single construct, but it comprises at least two distinct emotional components – cognitive empathy or empathic concern (EC) which refers to an understanding of others’ emotions and emotional empathy or personal distress (PD) which is being affected by others’ emotions.  Both arise in similar situations depending on individual differences, yet often differ fundamentally in their motivational orientation. Empathic concern tends to promote prosocial action, whereas excessive personal distress can lead to withdrawal, avoidance, or emotional fatigue. While traditional models distinguish on the differences between cognitive and emotional empathy they often neglect how their interplay shapes individual outcomes. Understanding how these two components interact is critical for understanding adolescent social and emotional development.

In this study, Professor Nandini Chatterjee Singh and their collaborators examine EC and PD both individually and in combination influence adolescents’ sense of identification with humanity. Using validated measures including the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI),  and the Identification with All Humanity (IWAH) scale, the researchers collected self-reported responses from 634 adolescents in urban India. The IWAH scale assesses how individuals relate to three concentric social circles: their immediate community, their country, and humanity as a whole. “This allowed us to explore whether empathy shapes not only interpersonal relationships but also broader social identity”, says Professor Chatterjee Singh. 

The findings reveal a nuanced picture. Adolescents who exhibited a balance between empathic concern and personal distress, experiencing care for others without being overwhelmed, showed a stronger identification with all humanity. 

In contrast, simply having high levels of emotional intensity did not necessarily lead to better outcomes; in fact, very high distress appeared to diminish the positive effects of concern, likely due to emotional overload. Interestingly, an imbalance between concern and distress did not predict identification with humanity at a global level. However, such imbalance, particularly when concern exceeded distress, was associated with stronger identification with one’s community and country, suggesting that different configurations of empathy may operate differently across social scales.

These findings have important implications for adolescent wellbeing. Empathic concern is generally associated with positive outcomes, including greater prosocial behaviour, stronger relationships, and enhanced psychological wellbeing. Personal distress, on the other hand, can act as a risk factor when elevated, contributing to emotional exhaustion, burnout, and withdrawal. In this sense, empathy can function as a double-edged sword: while caring for others is beneficial, becoming overwhelmed by others’ suffering can undermine both wellbeing and the capacity to help. An optimal balance where concern is high but distress is regulated, appears to be key to healthy emotional functioning.

The results also carry significant implications for education. Adolescence is a critical period for identity formation, and in a world increasingly shaped by global connectivity and constant exposure to others’ experiences, the ability to engage empathically without becoming overwhelmed is essential. Educational approaches should therefore move beyond simply encouraging adolescents to “be more empathetic.” Instead, they should focus on helping young people understand and regulate their emotional responses. This can be achieved through reflective discussions, exposure to real-world scenarios such as social media content and peer interactions, and structured opportunities for perspective-taking and constructive action. It also emphasizes the need to build global citizenship early in education. Only too relevant is the dictum ‘vasudaiva kutumbakum’ (the world is one large family), a value and perspective that has assumed an urgent relevance in current times.

Concluding her recent study, Professor Singh notes, “ultimately, empathy is not just about feeling more; it is about feeling wisely. Balanced empathy enables adolescents to engage with the world in a way that is both compassionate and sustainable. By fostering this balance, we can support not only individual wellbeing but also the development of a broader, more inclusive sense of shared humanity”.

– Edited by Priyanka (Research and Development Office).

This blog has been adapted from the original article, available .

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How dietary portions change the functioning of immune cells? Insights from Professor Dipyaman Ganguly in the Department of Biology

What is phagocytosis?

A process where the immune cells that work as the first line of defence, often eat up pathogens or dead cell debris (also referred to as “Cargo” in this article), is known as phagocytosis.

An Insight into Professor Ganguly’s Research:

In regards with his research, Professor Ganguly shares how it was observed in the case of one such immune cell (known as plasmacytoid dendritic cells or PDCs) that the physical nature of dead cell debris or cargo (especially size) it gobbles in often leads to different functional outcomes. It was particularly evident in the case of phagocytosis of DNA molecules. Professor Ganguly’s lab within the Datla Human Immunome Lab, in the Trivedi School of Biosciences, has been working on these particular immune cells.

However, how cargo size sensing occurs remains unclear, opening avenues for further research.
An explanation for this would greatly help in understanding the function of these cells, not only in immune responses against infections but also in diseases in which these cells are turned against the host, leading to autoimmunity.

The Approach:

Professor Ganguly and his team utilised DNA molecules with an inherent property of forming cargoes of different sizes during phagocytosis by PDC and explored whether the phagocytic mechanism itself differed with cargo size. And, they found that this was not the case.

Continuing the research, the team investigated whether greater cell membrane buckling, which results in local membrane tension, was related to it.

What experiments were carried out

In collaboration with Prof. Bidisha Sinha at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, the team utilised a microscopic technique called interference reflection microscopy or IRM, to measure the tension on the cell membrane around the cargo-entry point on the cell surface. They found indeed that the local membrane tension was increased in response to a larger DNA cargo. Then the question was whether and how this was linked to the functional changes that the cell was experiencing. They found, by confocal microscopy, that the mechanosensor ion channel Piezo1 formed distinct clusters on the cell surface in response to larger cargoes. It was also found that when the abundance of these ion channels was reduced, the functional outcome associated with larger cargoes changed.

Results:

Experimental findings in the lab indicated that higher membrane tension was generated locally on the plasma membrane in response to bigger cargo. This led to activation of the ion channel Piezo1.

Piezo1 is a cell membrane-resident mechanosensor protein and can sense membrane stretch and respond by letting calcium ions into the cells.

This calcium influx during phagocytosis in turn regulated intracellular trafficking and different functional outcomes (i.e., the types of soluble mediators of the immune response, also known as cytokines, released).

Potential Impact:

Talking about the potential benefits of the study, Professor Ganguly says, “The insights gathered from this study are important in different contexts of immune response, whether it is protective immunity against infectious agents or autoimmune diseases.” He also underlines that these mechanosensory ion channels, i.e. Piezo1, may also be potentially targeted for therapeutic goals in different clinical contexts.

Conclusion:

In summary, Professor Dipyaman Ganguly and the team at Datla Human Immunome Lab explored the innate immune system by which plasmacytoid dendritic cells or PDCs, have different functional outcomes due to the physical nature of the cargo (especially size) that they gobble. In this process, they come across Piezo1, a mechanosensory protein which impacts downstream processes during cargo uptake to regulate innate immune signalling and can thus act as a possible therapeutic target.

Edited by Priyanka and Simran Wadan for the Research and Development Office.

This blog has been adapted from the original article, available .

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In Conversation with Prasenjeet Yadav, a Molecular Biologist Turned National Geographic Photographer and Storyteller, on His Journey, Storytelling, and Science Communication

Ashoka Global Research Alliances, 51��� hosted 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐘𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐯, a molecular biologist turned 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫, Storyteller and 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐫, for his talk on 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐃𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞. The immersive talk offered great insights into Prasenjit's career journey, his approach to storytelling as a means of driving meaningful and positive social impact, and the challenges he faced along the way.

Prasenjeet's story and photograph of Similipal's rare black tiger grace the October 2025 cover of National Geographic, making it the first Indian story, written and photographed by an Indian, to be featured on the cover. He has also won the 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 in 2025. The Research and Development Office had the pleasure of conversing with him about the nitty-gritties of science communication, communicating complex and challenging stories to the public, involving them in the narrative, and driving the change.

You started your journey as a molecular biologist before transitioning into becoming a photographer and storyteller. Walk us through that shift.

To study molecular biology, I went to NCBS, where I was fortunate to have amazing mentors who have achieved remarkable things at national and global levels. Learning from them has transformed me into a better human being, and I'm so glad about it. But more importantly, what I've taken from academia and science is that I tell my stories in a similar way to how scientific research is done.  

The scientists design a hypothesis around their research topic, while I have a story idea and a version of what that story would be. They collect data, and I go into the field to photograph. When they come back, they analyse their data, and I do post-production, pulling all those threads together. Scientists, based on their data, prove their hypothesis true or not. Similarly, I go in with my version of the story, and often I come out with a different one based on what I've seen and experienced. They write papers; I write stories. This is something I've borrowed from science and am applying to my storytelling.

Science’s language, complexity and perceived difficulty can often feel intimidating, making those outside the field hesitant to engage with it. Being a student of science and now a storyteller, how do you suggest making science approachable and welcoming to general audiences?

The language of science is technical and subject-specific, and it has to be that way. For example, I have studied molecular biology, ecology and for me it will take a while to make sense of a physics paper. We cannot expect general people to understand it because it is meant to be understood by your colleagues in science. But, at the same time, it is our responsibility as a researcher, as a communicator, to make it more accessible to the general public for multiple reasons. One being restoring people’s faith in science by communicating it better.

We want people to be able to differentiate between science and magic. We want people to understand that just because this is scientifically proven, it doesn't mean that it's the ultimate truth. For that, we have to simplify not just the language of science, we have to communicate it.

Scientists mainly work with their peers and are used to the language, terms, and jargon of their field. It's difficult for them, as professionals, to take additional time to simplify and communicate their work to the public. We're expecting way too much from academics and scientists. Collaboration should be the answer.

There are enough storytellers in India who come from a basic understanding of science and the process of science, and there is scope for scientists and these storytellers to collaborate. Together, they can put the message out for the larger public effectively, without compromising on the integrity of the findings. My message to scientists is that next time you are writing a grant, put a budget for storytelling in it and then collaborate.

In your view, can intentional, well-crafted science communication serve as a bridge between knowledge generation and its communication?

When we talk about science communication, the majority of people talk about the news that comes out of science. But that's only one part of it; there's much more to it than that. Science communication is when you break that research down and help people understand what it means. At the end of the day, we're doing it for the people. For example, government institutes are publicly funded, and the research they support is indirectly paid for by the people. This makes science communication not just a hobby but a responsibility. People rarely see or understand the process behind how science actually happens, and a good science story highlights the process behind the conclusion. When you do that, people connect with and understand science in a more nuanced way, and not just as passive receivers.

In the present age of social media, where stories have been reduced to 15 seconds, how do you navigate the pressure of telling longer stories when people have shorter attention spans?

As storytellers, we need to understand the power of disruption and use it wisely. I don't see those 15 seconds as a story but as a hook. Out of those million people, there would be a hundred or a thousand who would get hooked by those 15 seconds and would want to access a slightly longer version. Do we always need a Black Tiger to engage people with a story? Well, the idea is to keep trying to learn how I can tell stories that are more interesting and relevant. It's worth the effort, and the challenge is something I really enjoy. There are times when the Black Tiger comes to the rescue, but most of the time it doesn't, and that's fine. Many times, the hook is the storyteller. So, when I don't know how to tell a story, and I'm frustrated, that becomes the beginning of many stories until you actually come across the solution.

Is there a set framework you follow to tell your stories?

I don't have a set method; it's different for every story. If it had to follow a singular method every time, it would get monotonous. I am still excited about 50 more stories to be told because with each story, I am learning along the way how to tell it. Every story is so different, whether you're focusing on telling a story at a microbe level or at an ecosystem level. It is similar to how every science research paper brings a completely different challenge, and you have to come up with a different method and approach. How I approach every story is by keeping these few things in mind: Is it making me curious and excited? Is it triggering my curiosity? Are there emotions involved, and can I connect with people emotionally? Why is it relevant, and how?

The Black Tiger picture, which became the cover story for National Geographic Magazine, came after 120 days in the field. What motivated you to keep going for 120 days? That's a long time to be out there. What is your secret? What makes you keep going?

120 days was just for that one picture; 2 years in the field for that story. I started my fieldwork in October 2023 and finished in April 2025. I really enjoy being in the field. I grew up in the field and feel at home there. I've been one of those lucky, blessed people to have the responsibility to tell stories that most people do not get access to, and I feel a sense of responsibility in that regard. The fear of not messing up the story is what keeps me going.

Of course, there are days when I'm low, and I question everything I am doing. But then the next day, something interesting shows up in front of you, and you get back to it. You get tired, but then you get excited about life once again. It doesn't matter what happens, good or bad; all we have to do is show up.

- Edited by Priyanka, Research and Development Office

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What Can Genomics Tell Us About Drug Resistance in India? Insights From Recently Published Research Paper by Professor Shradha Karve

What Does this Research Paper Talk About?

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) - the ability of bacteria and other microbes to survive and grow in the presence of antibiotics that would have otherwise killed them - is one of the most pressing public health crises of our time. When bacteria develop resistance to the drugs designed to kill them, common infections become life-threatening, routine surgeries become risky, and medical care becomes harder to deliver.

The problem is especially acute in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like India, where the burden of infectious disease is high, and surveillance resources are limited. Most AMR monitoring in India has traditionally relied on antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) - a lab method that checks whether a bacterium is killed by specific antibiotics. While useful, this approach does not reveal which genes underlying resistance, how those genes spread between bacteria, or how India's resistance landscape compares to global trends. Without the understanding of this genomic layer, our ability to design better diagnostics and treatments remains constrained.

What Did the Study Aim to Find?

This study was motivated by a critical gap: the lack of large-scale datasets in India that link AST with whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data across multiple bacterial species. Professor Karve and her lab set out to build such a dataset - one that would allow us to map the genomic underpinnings of AMR in Indian clinical settings, test how well genomic tools predict resistance compared to standard lab tests, and understand how resistance genes are spread and shared among bacteria.

The ultimate goal, along with knowledge building, is to support the development of faster, more accurate molecular diagnostic tools for AMR in India- tools that could one day replace or supplement the slow, culture-based methods currently in use, particularly in critical care settings like ICUs, where rapid diagnosis can be life-saving.

The Strategy

Between July 2022 and July 2024, the team collected 266 bacterial isolates from two groups of tertiary healthcare hospitals, one in Northern India (New Delhi) and one in Western India (Pune). The isolates represented priority pathogens, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus, as well as a few other emerging threats.

The researchers selected isolates belonging to high-concern resistance categories: carbapenem-resistant (CR), carbapenem-and-colistin-resistant (CR-Col), extended-spectrum beta-lactam-resistant (ESBL), methicillin-resistant (MR), and vancomycin-resistant (VR). For each isolate, two parallel analyses were carried out:

1. AST is the gold-standard laboratory method that tests how bacteria respond to antibiotics.

2. WGS, which allows us to read the complete DNA of each bacterial isolate and identify resistance genes (ARGs), their locations (chromosomes or plasmids), and the mobile genetic elements that can transfer them between bacteria.

Professor Shradha Karve’s Lab used standard bioinformatic tools including the Resistance Gene Identifier (RGI) linked to the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) for genomic resistance prediction, and MOBsuite and MobileElementFinder for plasmid and mobile element analysis.

Results and Conclusion

The study produced several important findings relevant to how AMR is understood and tracked in India.

Professor Shradha Karve and her team found that genomic tools tend to over-predict resistance. Compared genomic resistance predictions against actual AST results across more than 5000 drug-pathogen combinations, the team found significant discrepancies. The most common pattern was the genomic tool predicting resistance when the bacterium was actually sensitive in the lab and was found in more than 400 cases. This 'over-prediction' likely reflects the tool flagging genes that confer only a moderate increase in resistance, not enough to breach clinical treatment thresholds. Crucially, these false positives highlight important gaps that need to be addressed before genomic tools can be reliably used for patient diagnostics.

A rich and diverse resistance gene landscape has also been discovered. Over 80 distinct beta-lactamase genes (enzymes that break down beta-lactam antibiotics) were detected. The NDM (New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase) family - genes that confer resistance to carbapenem antibiotics, the last-resort drugs - were the most prevalent. Notably, blaNDM-5 was far more common than blaNDM-1 among E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates, a finding that contrasts with some prior Indian studies and underscores the evolving resistance landscape.

A significant proportion of resistance genes were found on plasmids. Plasmids are small, circular pieces of DNA that bacteria can share with each other, enabling rapid, horizontal spread of resistance. K. pneumoniae showed the highest burden of plasmid-associated ARGs, highlighting its role as a key vehicle for resistance gene dissemination. Mobile genetic elements like insertion sequences and transposons were also found associated with ARGs, further facilitating spread.

Professor Shradha Karve’s Lab discovered several well-known pathogenic lineages (such as E. coli ST131 and K. pneumoniae ST147), but also noted the diversity and regional specificity of Indian lineages, reinforcing that global AMR data cannot simply be applied to the Indian context.

Impact and Benefits of the Study (Bird-Eye-View)

This study represents the first systematic, multi-species genomic AMR surveillance effort in India to directly compare genomic predictions with phenotypic resistance data across a wide range of drug-pathogen combinations. The findings have several important implications.

• By identifying which drug-pathogen combinations are well-predicted by genomics and which are not, this work provides a roadmap for improving the accuracy of molecular diagnostic tools for AMR. Rapid genomic diagnostics could transform care in ICUs, where delays in identifying the right antibiotic can cost lives.
• The findings underscore the urgent need for continued, expanded genomic surveillance in India. Resistance gene variants detected, the plasmid diversity, and the regional specificities of the isolates all highlight that India's AMR landscape has features that are not captured by global datasets.
• Understanding how resistance genes are distributed across bacterial species, plasmids, and chromosomes is critical for designing effective infection control strategies. The finding that no pathogen relies solely on chromosomal or plasmid-based resistance means that reducing antibiotic use alone may not eliminate resistance: chromosomal ARGs can persist even after plasmid-borne ones are lost.

More broadly, this work contributes a publicly available genomic dataset of 266 priority pathogen genomes from India to the global scientific community. It is a resource that can support future research, diagnostic development, and policy-making in the fight against AMR.

- Edited by Priyanka/Simran (Research and Development Office).

This blog has been adapted from the original article, available .

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Launch of the Making Identity Count Project

The Making Identity Count (MIC) project is a constructivist, intersubjective database of national identities of mostly major powers (Brazil, China, Estonia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, USSR/Russia, USA, and UK) at a gap of every ten years (1950, 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, 2020).

The project was initiated in 2015 to address a theoretical and methodological issue at the heart of constructivist research in International Relations — while qualitative/interpretivist approaches were great at recovering/producing the richness of identity discourses, they could not preserve reliability across different spatio-temporal contexts, thus limiting their applicability. Conversely, positivist/quantitative approaches to identity relied on reductive, a priori generalisations that sacrificed validity at the altar of reliability. Thus, the project had a simple aim in mind: to build a method that recovers identity in a manner that preserves the semantic richness of interpretivist techniques along with the reliability of positivist research.

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Cross-Alpha Amyloids: From Natural Function to Future Technology

Amyloids are long, thread-like protein fibrils that form when certain proteins misfold and begin to stick together in an organised fashion. Over time, these fibrils can form aggregates or clumps known as plaques. 

This abnormal accumulation with its intercellular inclusion, called amyloidosis, is the hallmark of several serious health conditions, many of which become more common with ageing. Because of this connection, amyloids developed a negative reputation. They became widely known for their role in brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, where protein aggregates disrupt normal brain function and gradually damage nerve cells. 

For many years, amyloids were viewed almost exclusively as harmful structures, molecular mistakes that needed to be prevented or removed. Yet, nature has its ways of surprising humans. Over the past two decades, researchers have discovered that amyloids aren’t always harmful. In fact, many living organisms, from simple bacteria to complex life forms, use amyloids intentionally. 

These are termed “functional amyloids” that help microbes build protective layers, allow cells to stick together, support communication between biological systems, and store hormones. Therefore, instead of being accidental clumps, amyloids function as tiny biological tools that perform important tasks in living organisms.

The review highlights the recent advances in understanding cross-alpha amyloids. The reviewers discuss their unique structural features, stepwise assembly processes, and functional roles in natural biological systems. By integrating insights from both naturally occurring and laboratory-designed proteins/peptides, the reviewers provide a comprehensive view of their remarkable versatility. 

The reviewers also demonstrate the emerging applications of cross-alpha amyloids in biomaterials and nanotechnology, as well as in energy harvesting. 

A Structural Surprise: Discovery of the Cross-Alpha Amyloids

Since the identification of the first atomic structure of amyloid, scientists have believed that all amyloids, irrespective of their sources and amino acid sequences, share a common structural arrangement. Their protein/peptide building blocks align into flat β-strands, which are connected side-by-side to form a β-sheet structure. These sheets run along the length of the fibril axis, forming the “cross-beta” pattern. This arrangement gives amyloid fibrils their remarkable strength and stability, and for many years, it was considered the defining signature of all amyloids. 

Then, in 2017, a group of researchers discovered the structure of a completely different kind of amyloid that didn’t follow the cross-beta blueprint. Instead of being built from beta sheets, this new form was made from helical protein structures and was thus termed the “cross-alpha” amyloid. These helices stack in the same orderly manner and form rigid fibrils. This was a major shift in understanding the amyloid formation. 

Scientists realised that the same type of fibrillar assemblies of protein material could be built from a completely different secondary structural framework. This discovery didn’t just add a variation to the rule; it expanded the very definition of what an amyloid can be, opening the door to new biological insights and design possibilities.

From Nature to the Lab: Expanding the Cross-Alpha Paradigm 

Cross-alpha amyloids were first identified in certain microbes, where they serve specific biological functions. But what makes this discovery even more exciting is that scientists have also been able to design artificial short peptides in the lab that can also form cross-alpha amyloids. In other words, this structure isn’t just a rare quirk of nature; it’s something that we can intentionally build. That opens the door to creative possibilities. If proteins and peptides can be programmed to assemble into stable, well-ordered amyloid fibrils, they could be used as building materials for many pathological and technological applications.  

Why Cross-Alpha Amyloids Matter?

The dual roles of cross-alpha amyloids illustrate the complexity of biological systems. Molecules once associated solely with disease are now revealing surprising constructive and innovative roles. By studying how these protein fibrils form, organise, and function, scientists are uncovering new principles of molecular design. The field, primarily focused on preventing harmful protein aggregation, is now emerging as a frontier of bio-inspired engineering.

As researchers unravel the mechanisms governing their formation and function, opportunities are arising to harness these structures for innovative technologies. What began as a structural curiosity is rapidly becoming a foundation for future scientific and technological breakthroughs - envision custom-designed protein fibrils for drug delivery, tissue engineering, or sustainable materials in the near future.

- Edited by Priyanka, Senior Manager, Communications - Office of Research and Development, 51���

This blog has been adapted from the original review article, available .

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Autism and Parkinson’s Disease: An Unexpected Overlap

Overview: 

As the title suggests, Professor Chakrabarti examines the underlying overlap between Autism and Parkinson's disease. While these two diseases manifest at opposite ends of the lifespan, Professor Chakrabarti underlines the following:

Autism is a group of neurodevelopmental conditions that appear early in life and persist throughout the lifespan. These conditions are often linked to challenges in sensory reactivity, social-emotional behaviour, and repetitive actions. In contrast, Parkinson’s Disease typically emerges later in life and is associated with progressively debilitating difficulties in movement and daily activities. Although these conditions occur at different stages of life, growing evidence points to an intriguing overlap.

For instance, autistic individuals are three times more likely than non-autistic people to develop Parkinson’s Disease in later life - a finding replicated across multiple countries. However, it remains unclear whether autism is correspondingly more common among people with Parkinson’s Disease. What about autistic patterns of thought and behaviour in Parkinson’s patients without an autism diagnosis? Asking these questions helps us test whether this unexpected overlap operates in both directions.

Approach:

To address the same, Professor Chakrabarti and his research collaborators at the India Autism Centre surveyed autistic traits in 330 older adults divided into three equal groups: (i) Parkinson’s Disease patients, (ii) patients with other neurological movement disorders (but no Parkinsonism), and (iii) an age-matched control group without any neurological or movement disorder.

Talking about the scale of the study, Professor Chakrabarti shares, “This was the largest study to date on this question, and it also involved a former Ashoka student (Swarnima Pathak) joining a group of researchers and clinicians to test participants over a year within the precincts of a busy neurology hospital (Institute of Neurosciences, Kolkata).”

Results:

The researchers found that people with Parkinson's Disease and those with other motor disorders had higher autistic traits than controls. While it answered their initial question, it also revealed that the non-Parkinsonian motor disorder group showed elevated autistic traits compared to controls. Thus, the higher prevalence of autistic features was not limited to Parkinson’s Disease.

As the team explored sex differences, another unexpected finding emerged:

• Men with Parkinson’s Disease had more autistic traits than men with non-Parkinsonian motor disorders, who in turn scored higher than controls.
• In contrast, women with Parkinson’s or other motor disorders did not differ from women without motor disorders.

The survey was conducted in three languages - Bengali, English, and Hindi, and results were analysed separately for each language. The same pattern appeared across languages, regardless of whether participants or caregivers completed the surveys. This observation may reflect one or both of two factors:��

(i) sex-specific manifestation of common factors increasing the likelihood of both autism and Parkinson’s Disease.

OR

(ii) differences in how men and women interpret survey items.

Conclusion:

Taken together with existing literature, these findings suggest that shared genetic or biological factors may increase the likelihood of features of both conditions. However, this overlap may not be unique to Parkinson’s Disease and could extend to other motor disorders, such as essential tremor. Conversely, Parkinson’s Disease may not be the only motor disorder for which autistic individuals face heightened risk.

Moreover, the overlap appears more pronounced in males than females, reinforcing the emerging view of sex-specific manifestations of common conditions and the need for sex-stratified care pathways. In sum, our results highlight the importance of assessing autistic traits as part of care planning for people with Parkinson’s Disease or other motor disorders.

- Edited by Priyanka, Sr Manager Communications - Office of Research and Development, 51���

This blog has been adapted from the original research article, available .

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51��� Hosts Its First International Workshop under the Meetings and Workshops Programme

51��� hosted its first international workshop under the newly launched Meetings and Workshops Programme, marking an important step in its efforts to strengthen global academic exchange. The two-week workshop, Topics in Hodge Theory, took place from 5-16 January 2026 at 51��� and was organised in collaboration with the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS), Bengaluru.

Professor Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor of 51���, inaugurated the workshop in the presence of Professor K. VijayRaghavan, Chair of the Science Advisory Council, and Professor Gautam Menon, former Dean of Research at 51���. The inaugural session highlighted the University’s commitment to advancing frontier research through sustained international collaboration.

The success of the workshop reflected the vision, dedication, and careful coordination of its organising committee. The scientific organisers were A. J. Parameswaran (Kerala School of Mathematics), Alessandro Ghigi (Università di Pavia, Italy), Carolina Tamborini (University of Duisburg–Essen, Germany), Elisabetta Colombo (Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy), and Manish Kumar (Indian Statistical Institute, Bengaluru). Dr. Ankita Rathore and Dr. Anupama Ambika Anilkumar from Ashoka Global Research Alliances served as local organisers and supported the launch of the inaugural workshop under the Meetings and Workshops Programme.

The workshop brought together around 90 participants and speakers from leading institutions across India, including IISc, TIFR, IISERs, CMI, and the IITs. It also welcomed a strong international cohort, with nearly 25–30 participants travelling from outside India, enabling meaningful academic exchange globally.

Over two weeks, the workshop offered an intensive academic programme centred on a series of in-depth minicourses by experts in Hodge theory and related areas. Philippe Eyssidieux (Université Grenoble Alpes) presented an example-based survey of non-abelian Hodge theory and Kähler groups. Claire Voisin (Centre national de la recherche scientifique, France) delivered a four-lecture minicourse on zero-cycles on Fano manifolds. Mihnea Popa (Harvard University, USA) spoke on singularities and Hodge theory, Gian Pietro Pirola (University of Pavia, Italy) discussed geometric applications of the infinitesimal invariant of normal functions, and Kapil Paranjape (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali) presented a minicourse on Hodge-theoretic connectivity. Together, these courses gave participants a strong foundation and clear entry points into both classical and modern aspects of the subject.

Alongside the minicourses, the workshop featured a wide range of invited research lectures on contemporary themes in Hodge theory and algebraic geometry. Speakers included Arvind Nair (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai), Indranil Biswas (Shiv Nadar University), Bruno Klingler (Humboldt University of Berlin), Donu Arapura (Purdue University, USA), Yajnaseni Dutta (Leiden University), Thomas Krämer (TU Chemnitz), James Lewis (University of Alberta), Utsav Chaudhury (Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata), Souvik Goswami (IHÉS, France), Sorin Dumitrescu (Université Côte d’Azur), Luigi Lombardi (University of Milan), Juan Carlos Naranjo (University of Barcelona, Spain), Charles Vial (University of Bielefeld), Irene Spelta (Humboldt University of Berlin), and Madhav Nori. These lectures addressed topics ranging from moduli spaces and monodromy to mixed Hodge structures, algebraic cycles, and derived categories, and encouraged sustained discussion throughout the workshop.

Overall, the workshop reaffirmed 51���’s commitment to global academic engagement and frontier research, and helped seed future collaborations in specialised areas of mathematics and beyond. Beyond the formal sessions, speakers and participants explored Delhi together, with informal conversations and interactions playing an important role in shaping the workshop experience.

51���

Decoding the Hidden ‘Behaviours’ of Cancer: How AI is Helping Us Understand Tumours Better

Professor Gupta’s recent publication presents a high-throughput neural multi-task learning framework for comprehensive quantification of cancer hallmarks. The paper is co-authored with his research fellows, Shreyansh Priyadarshi, a Pre-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Mphasis AI & Applied Tech Lab, 51���, and Bhavesh Neekhra, a graduate student at 51���. It underscores the development of a framework for AI-driven prediction of Cancer Hallmarks.

They begin by setting up the background on how cancer is often viewed as a single disease by laypersons, but in reality, it is a complex collection of cells behaving abnormally – something that encompasses a wide range of things.

For decades, scientists have known that for a tumour to grow and spread, it must acquire specific 'superpowers', i.e., anomalous biological capabilities known as the Hallmarks of Cancer. These include the ability to grow uncontrollably, evade the immune system, resist cell death, and establish its own blood supply. However, currently available tools in hospitals rarely measure these hallmarks directly. Instead, doctors must rely on staging systems (such as TNM) and grading scales that assess the tumour's physical size and microscopic appearance. While useful, these methods are blind to the molecular processes that drive tumour growth.

This explains why two patients with the same cancer stage often have vastly different outcomes.

Key Objective:

Professor Gupta’s project was motivated by a critical gap in cancer care: the absence of a unified method to measure the biological “behaviour” of a tumour. The research team wanted to move beyond just looking at the physical size of a tumour and instead look at its genetic activity. 

Talking about the project, Professor Debayan says, “Our primary objective was to build an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool that could analyse gene data from a tumour biopsy and simultaneously predict the activity of ten different cancer hallmarks.”

This approach aimed at a detailed molecular 'ID card' for each tumour, helping researchers and doctors understand exactly which biological mechanisms are driving a specific patient's disease.

Methodology and Approach:

To solve the challenge mentioned above, the team developed a framework called OncoMark.

The biggest challenge was that there is no existing dataset of tumour biopsies that are perfectly labelled with their hallmark activities. To overcome this challenge, the team implemented an innovative workaround:

1. Synthetic Training Data: The team used detailed data from single cells (single-cell RNA sequencing) to create computer-simulated 'synthetic' biopsies. This allowed them to train the AI on accurate, noise-free data.
2. Multi-Task Learning: Cancer hallmarks are interconnected; they don't occur in isolation. They used a 'Multi-Task Learning' approach. Imagine teaching a student to solve ten related math problems simultaneously rather than one by one - they learn the underlying logic more effectively. Similarly, the AI developed by the team learns to predict all ten hallmarks simultaneously, thereby understanding the hidden patterns that connect them.

The team trained the model on gene profiles from 941 tumours across 14 tissue types and tested it on independent datasets to ensure it generalises to real-world patients.

Results and Conclusion 

The results were highly encouraging. OncoMark predicted the presence of cancer hallmarks with over 99% accuracy during testing. Key discoveries included:

• Accuracy: The tool consistently performed well across five independent datasets, demonstrating robustness.
• Distinguishing Cancer: OncoMark clearly separated healthy tissue from cancerous tissue. Healthy tissues showed stable, balanced activity, while cancer samples showed 'noisy' and elevated signals in specific hallmarks.
• Staging Connection: The team found that hallmark activity increases as cancer progresses. A Stage IV tumour (advanced) has much higher hallmark activity than a Stage I tumour. This confirms that the Oncomark tool is correctly identifying the biological drivers of aggressive cancer.
• Drug Insights: The team was also able to link specific drugs to the hallmarks they suppress. For example, the team could observe that certain chemotherapy drugs specifically reduced the activity of the 'Resisting Cell Death' hallmark, confirming that the treatment was working as intended.

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Bird-eye View: Key Takeaways & Impact

OncoMark represents a significant step toward Precision Oncology, that is, treating the patient rather than the disease category.

By moving beyond simple physical staging, this technology allows one to visualise the "engine" beneath the tumour's hood. This could help physicians identify aggressive tumours that appear harmless under a microscope but are biologically dangerous. Furthermore, by determining which hallmarks are active (e.g., whether the tumour is feeding itself via new blood vessels or evading the immune system), clinicians could select treatments that target those specific vulnerabilities.

Edited by Priyanka (Research and Development Office)
This blog has been adapted from the original research article, available .

51���

Bringing Research into Action: Insights into ResComm 2025 -The Research Communication Conclave

51��� hosted a 3-Day Research Communication Conclave - ResComm 2025 from 17th to 19th December. The key objective of the conclave was to bring together experts from academia, research, industry, policy, and communication fields to initiate a dialogue on communicating research effectively to wider audiences.

Organised by The Research and Development Office in collaboration with HDFC Library, 51���, the conclave convened a distinguished cohort of experts and 200+ participants from across institutions, including PhD Scholars, Independent Researchers, Faculty Members, and Research Administrators.

Professor Gautam Menon, Dean of Research and Conclave Chair, delivered the opening address, establishing the vision for the conclave, emphasising the growing significance of research communication that is not only effective and ethical but inherently interdisciplinary.

Professor Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor of 51���, in his address reinforced the institution's foundational commitment to coupling a rigorous research environment with accessible public outreach.

The conclave was attended senior government, policy, and research stakeholders, including Prof. (Dr) Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, Executive Committee of NAAC; and Chairman, National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) and National Board of Accreditation (NBA); Dr Rajnikant Srivastava, Chair (Disease Elimination), ICMR; and Professor (Dr) K Vijay Raghavan, Chair, Science Advisory Council, 51���, among others.

Professor (Dr) K Vijay Raghavan, reflecting upon the indispensable role of communication, said, “We should invest in research that is curiosity-driven, sparks excitement, and challenges the human mind, ensuring that the outcomes of such work are accessible to everyone.” Delivering the Distinguished Lecture, Professor (Dr) Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, Executive Committee, NAAC, emphasised upon the importance of asking better questions. Calling for more emphasis on high-impact research, he said, “Quantity-wise, we have leapfrogged, but in terms of quality, we have a long way to go”.

Dr Anurag Agrawal, Dean of BioSciences and Health Research at Trivedi School of Biosciences and Head of the Koita Centre for Digital Health, 51���, delivered a talk focused on healthcare communication and highlighted the significance of effective communication and how it can bridge the gap between information and solution.

The conclave featured engaging plenary lectures, fireside chats (panel discussions), a distinguished lecture and interactive workshops on Grant Writing, Research Integrity, and Enhancing Research Communication through visuals to equip participants with food for thought, practical knowledge and insights to communicate research effectively and thoughtfully. The talks focused on translating complexity research communication to engage wide audiences, and ensuring that research outcomes reach society meaningfully were well-received by the attendees.

There were panel discussions on interdisciplinary communication, how AI is reshaping healthcare communication, and Science in Communication. The distinguished lectures also revolved around interdisciplinary areas, including sciences and humanities. The key topics of lectures ranged from the Indian perspective on Science communication and policy, to AI, Creators and Credibility and further exploring building coherent, sustainable, and impactful research ecosystems.

The discussions pointed out the significance of telling stories, without diluting the facts, learning tools and skills to communicate effectively and understanding the audience. The engaging discussions, questions and answers from the participants underlined how strategic communication, open access, and discoverability play a critical role in ensuring research visibility and long-term impact.

The conclave also hosted a poster presentation competition, where participants showcased their institutional strategy to communicate research and measure its impact. Highly engaging and creative presentations were made by the participants. An interdisciplinary panel of judges evaluated the posters, and six winners were selected. Five winners were supported by the Royal Society of Chemistry, and one received a Special Mention from the ResComm 2025 Organising Committee.

The conclave also marked the launch of the book “Productive Failure”, authored by Professor (Dr) Manu Kapur, Professor of Learning Sciences and Higher Education at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, and published by Wiley International. The proceedings were led by Dr Shantanu Ganguly, Director of Library at 51���.

Accomplishing and advancing the vision of ethical, interdisciplinary, and impactful research communication, the Conclave concluded with a brief address from Prof. Sourav Pal, Head of the Department of Chemistry at 51���, a vote of thanks by Professor (Dr) Gautam I Menon, Dean (Research), and closing remarks from Dr Shantanu Ganguly.

51���

Where You Are Born, and Who You Are Born As, Still Shapes Child Health in India

Ashwini Deshpande, Professor and Head, Department of Economics, and Founding Director, Centre for Economic Data and Analysis (CEDA) at 51���, talks about her recently published research paper that focuses on the role of discriminatory social norms on early childhood development.

While acknowledging the progress India has made in the fields of health and development, Professor Deshpande underlines a stubborn problem that nearly one in three children under the age of five is stunted. She emphasises that stunting is not just about being shorter than average. It reflects long-term undernutrition, causing lifelong consequences such as affecting the overall health, learning capabilities, and ability to earn a living in adulthood.

Further diving deep into the study, Professor Deshpande points out that what makes this problem more troubling is the fact that it is not shared equally. Children belonging to historically marginalised caste groups (especially Scheduled Castes, also known as Dalits) are more likely to be stunted than children from socially dominant upper-caste families.

At a surface level, these differences can be explained in purely economic terms such as poorer families have limited access to factors contributing to a child’s growth: nutritious foods, cleaner environments and healthcare. However, this explanation is incomplete because even after accounting for poverty and access to services, large caste gaps in child health remain. This poses an even deeper question: “Are social hierarchies themselves shaping children’s bodies and futures?”

Professor Deshpande’s research, in collaboration with Professor Rajesh Ramachandran from Monash University, suggests that the answer to the above question is “Yes” and that history and geography play a crucial role in child health and growth.

Here’s an insight to the research work of Professor Deshpande and Professor Ramachandran.

A Historical Boundary with Modern Consequences

To understand the role of geography, the study looks at the Vindhyas, a mountain range that cuts across central India.

For centuries, the Vindhyas marked the southern edge of what was considered the heartland of Hindu society. North of this boundary, caste hierarchies and practices such as untouchability became deeply embedded over time. South of it, social systems evolved differently, shaped by distinct histories, political movements, and challenges to caste dominance.

This historical divide matters till date. The data from the survey shows that caste-based discriminatory practices, including social exclusion and unequal treatment, are far more prevalent in northern and central India than in the south.

Here, the researchers ask an important question: whether these differences in the social environment also show up in children’s physical growth?

A Stark Pattern in the Data
The researchers first documented the scale of the problem using the nationally representative data on child health from India’s National Family Health Survey. The data suggested that across the country, Scheduled Caste children are about 50 per cent more likely to be stunted than upper-caste Hindu children. On average, these children are considerably shorter for their age, a sign of chronic deprivation.
However, these gaps are not uniform across India. The central and northern plains have the worst outcomes concentrated in them. These are the regions that also report the highest levels of caste-based discrimination.

Many districts in these areas report more than 40 per cent of Scheduled Caste children being stunted. In contrast to that, Southern India showcases relatively lower stunting rates overall and smaller caste-based gaps.

The said geographic variation provides an opportunity for deeper analysis. However, Northern and Southern states in India vary in terms of language, culture, socio-economic development, and several other dimensions. Thus, an overall comparison between these two regions would not adequately capture the role of caste-based discrimination. Hence, the researchers focused on families living close to the Vindhyas (just north and just south of the) range, within the same state. This allowed the researchers to compare the children who live in broadly similar economic and administrative settings but are exposed to different social environments shaped by history.

What Did the Researchers Find?
The results are striking. For upper-caste Hindu children, living north or south of the Vindhyas makes little difference to their chances of being stunted. But for Scheduled Caste children, it matters a great deal. Those living south of the Vindhyas are significantly less likely to be stunted than those living just north of the range.

This is to say that the benefits of the southern context are not universal. They specifically help children from groups that have historically faced caste-based exclusion. This strongly suggests that differences in social practices rather than climate, geography, or general prosperity play a key role in child health.

To be sure of this, the researchers tested other explanations. Could it simply be about income? The answer they found was ‘NO’: accounting for household wealth does not eliminate the pattern. Could it apply to all disadvantaged groups? Again, NO: the researchers did not see the same north-south divide for groups that are poor but were not traditionally subject to caste discrimination.

Why Does This Matter?
Childhood stunting is a serious health issue which is deeply shaped by social institutions. The research findings show that discrimination and exclusion can quite literally get 'under the skin', shaping children’s bodies from the earliest years of life.

Reflecting upon the study and its findings, Professor Deshpande says, "History may not be destiny, but it casts a long shadow and children pay the price with deficits that carry over into their adult lives."

The study suggests that policies that focus only on food, sanitation, or healthcare, while essential, are not enough. In order to give every child a fair start, India must also confront the social hierarchies that continue to disadvantage some children simply because of who they are and where they are born.

- Edited by Priyanka (Research and Development Office)
This blog has been adapted from the original research article, available here:

51���

The Company and the Problem of Sovereignty on the Coast: Insights from a History Scholar’s Recent Publication

Saanika is a PhD Scholar in the department of History at 51���, and her doctoral project investigates the idea of sovereignty through the lens of the English East India Company and its entanglements with the local political actors on the south Konkan coast. As a part of her ongoing scholarly research work, Saanika’s article was selected for publication in the special issue of the Coastal Studies and Society Journal called “Coastal Imaginaries”.

The Issue explores how coastlines and waterfronts have been diversely perceived and represented to reflect certain social anxieties and cultural values. It stems from an understanding of the coast as a liminal space where boundaries of all kinds were negotiated and contested.

Saanika’s article speaks to both the themes of anxiety and liminality through a study of the English East India Company’s pursuit of sovereignty at Bankot in the latter half of the eighteenth century. It also queries the issues of power and social control by studying the Company’s engagement with both the Marathas and the inhabitants of Bankot, underlining the divide between the Company’s perception of control and the reality on the ground.

She approaches the body politic of the Company through its on-ground praxis, moving away from generalised and homogenous understandings of the Company by focusing on how regional contingencies made Company rule diverse across the subcontinent. The research also shifts the political focus away from the inland to the coast, where she studies how sovereignty was internally carved through interactions.

Bankot, located south of Bombay, was acquired by the Company in 1756 through an Anglo-Maratha naval agreement. While a singular dot on the western rim of the Indian subcontinent, Saanika sees Bankot as representative of various other settlements on the south Konkan coast, which were all cast in a state of political liminality and fluidity at this time. Through the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, a large number of Asian and European factions had emerged along the coastline, leaving coastal borders ill-defined and contested. Competition over maritime and coastal control was hence a crucial feature of the eighteenth-century western coast, and in turn, Bankot. The growth of these factions also meant a rise in employment opportunities that, in turn, made the coast more mobile. This proved a double-edged sword for the Company as it allowed more revenue-makers to enter its settlements, but also raised novel problems about control.

Saanika’s research for the article relies on archival material from the Maharashtra State Archives, including diaries and correspondence of the Resident at Bankot. These sources reveal how the Company’s imagination of sovereignty centred on an anxiety about the Maratha state’s power in the region, which could hinder its dual aims of acquiring revenue and increasing inhabitants.

The research work highlights that to become the uncontested sovereign, the Company had to define the limits of its territory, negotiate dues with other political entities, control the flow of revenue from agriculture and trade, check incursions from land and sea, and assert its authority over subjects. All of these goals were obstructed by the Marathas using a mix of petty diplomatic and violent tactics; the Company in turn responded with the political use of military power, a feature of fitna, choosing to keep threats in check over direct military confrontation. The study finds that the English often emulated political practices that were already found in the subcontinent.

The research article specifically studies the English East India Company’s operational anxieties in dealing with the settlement of Bankot. The author argues that borders were fluid, which provoked fears about regulations and sovereignty in the minds of those who managed the Company. As the space was politically contested, the Company was anxious to promote its own distinct idea of subjecthood to maintain political and economic control over the region. Moreover, the Company’s imagined sovereignty often clashed with the political discontent present in the coastal region, largely owing to the fluidity characterising both boundaries and subjecthood.

Concluding on her findings, Saanika says, “I see the coast not as a passive geographical landscape but as a dynamic space that was actively shaped by human imagination, cultural encounters and contested power dynamics. I hence assert the need for studying the coast as a pertinent political frontier for eighteenth-century transformations.” She highlights that more scholarly attention is required on these very localised aspects of coastal relationships, which in turn defined the colonialism of later years.

51���

Predators, Pools, and the Art of Risk-Taking: Lessons from Mosquito Mothers

Professor Manvi Sharma’s focuses on how animals respond to danger and behave differently, ranging from risk-aversion to boldly facing predators. The study shows that while animal decision-making may appear to be “inconsistent” or “nonsensical”, in reality, their choices can reflect logical and sensible responses to the unpredictable and messy world around them.

Professor Manvi Sharma from 51��� and Professor Kavita Isvaran from the Indian Institute of Science worked together to find answers to the question: Why do animals that face danger behave so differently? Why are some animals highly risk-averse, while others face predators boldly?

Professor Sharma and Professor Isvaran explored this puzzle by studying a simple yet revealing system: rock pools on a sheet of rock where the mosquito Aedes vexans lays eggs, and dragonfly nymphs (Bradinopyga geminata) eat the mosquito larvae. By measuring predator numbers across space and time, the researchers explored if predation risk is predictable, i.e., you can tell where danger will be, or unpredictable, i.e., it is a roll of the dice, and how female mosquitoes respond to the nature of this risk when choosing egg-laying sites.

The professors studied the rock-pool ecosystem on the Rishi Valley School campus in Andhra Pradesh, India, mapping 89 rock pools and sampling them monthly for dragonfly nymphs during the breeding season to quantify predation risk associated with pools of different sizes. What they found was surprising! While unpacking these findings, Professor Sharma offers an interesting stock market analogy. She says, “You can think of pools as fund investment portfolios: small-sized pools that rarely have predators, large ones that almost always do – these are the reliable funds, but the medium-sized pools are a draw of luck – these are the extremely unpredictable funds.”

Next, the researchers designed carefully controlled experiments to test how mosquito mothers are investing in egg-laying when faced with these pools.

For field experiments, 31 pools were used: researchers added or removed dragonfly nymphs in a rotating design, then collected eggs laid on cloth strips (ovistrips) placed along pool edges every 24 hours. The team conducted these manipulative trials for two years and used statistical models to tease apart predictable versus unpredictable variation and female responses.

Mosquito mothers consistently avoided large pools (reliable danger), especially when predators were present. What surprised the researchers was that mosquito behaviour changed with the season: when background risk was low, females preferred predator-free pools, but when predators were common everywhere, females stopped discriminating - likely because searching for a rare, safe spot became too costly and time-consuming. There was only weak evidence that females behaved more unpredictably when pools themselves were unpredictable, though medium pools did show more variable egg-laying. Overall, females appear to respond to predictable signals strongly and treat unpredictable signals more flexibly - much like a wise mutual fund manager!

This study shows why it may seem that animal decision-making is “inconsistent” or “nonsensical”, but in fact, their choices can reflect a sensible response to a messy world. By measuring both the landscape of predation risk and prey behaviour in the wild, the paper reveals that predictable danger (big, predator-filled pools) leads to consistent avoidance. In contrast, unpredictable danger can favour flexible or bet-hedging strategies (spreading eggs across multiple environments). These insights matter not only for understanding how traits persist under variable selection but also for practical applications, such as vector-control management, where understanding mosquito oviposition rules could inform control strategies.

Professor Sharma and Professor Isvaran’s study also provides a neat field template for studying how predictable vs unpredictable selection shapes behaviour in other systems.

- Edited by Priyanka (Research and Development Office)
This blog has been adapted from the original research article, available here:

51���

“If Being Okay Means Divorce, Then I Choose Depression”: How do Indian Women Psychiatric Patients Navigate Normalcy and Illness?

Women’s stories of distress reflect a complex interplay between societal ideals and personal suffering. Professor Annie Baxi’s research work tries to understand this complex relationship, noting that the same systems that constrain women also, interestingly, offer them a sense of belonging, self-worth and purpose. In this article, she talks about her recently published research paper on Mental Illness Narratives Among Indian Women with Psychiatric Diagnoses, published in the Journal of Constructivist Psychology, and shares her key observations.

Talking further about her recent research, Professor Baxi underlines that the traditional trends in psychiatric practices primarily focus on framing mental illness through either biological or psychological explanations. They do not pay enough attention to the moral and cultural factors that define both suffering and recovery for the patients. Whereas, in India, mental illness is inseparable from the social scripts that define what it means to be a “normal” woman, wife, or mother.

Her study explores how women, who are diagnosed with psychiatric conditions, build their identity around their illness and find meaning within the intersecting frameworks of normalcy and patienthood.

The study was conducted at a private mental health hospital in New Delhi, using a qualitative, constructivist approach with interviews and focus groups. The analysis focused on how women articulate their suffering through culturally resonant idioms, such as sacrifice and caregiving. In doing so, the study shifts attention from pathology to meaning, offering insight into how recovery is experienced as a process of moral negotiation, relational repair, and reclaiming dignity.

The findings revealed a dialectical tension between two competing identities:
The normal woman — self-sacrificing, emotionally restrained, and devoted to family care.
The psychiatric patient — perceived as unstable, dependent, or morally suspect.

Their narratives reflected an ongoing negotiation between submission and resistance, as well as between patienthood and personhood. Professor Baxi, through her work, emphasises that understanding these dialectics is critical to their lived experiences, constructions of illnesses and related self-image.

Participants frequently referenced expectations surrounding sacrifice, caregiving, modesty, and domestic responsibility, positioning these as central to being a “good woman.” These ideals functioned not merely as abstract values but also as socially legible ways of speaking about self and suffering. Within the psychiatric institution, where women are often seen as symptomatic rather than situated subjects, reasserting normalcy became a form of resistance, a means to reclaim personhood against the clinical gaze.

Patienthood emerged as an ambivalent, affectively charged identity, shaped by institutional practices, cultural expectations, and personal histories. It disrupts social and domestic order but also enables women to reauthor their identities. Recovery, for many, was not separation from family roles but reintegrating into them with renewed meaning and self-awareness. Thus, rather than opposing forces, normalcy and patienthood coexist as dialectical spaces through which women continuously negotiate belonging, morality, and selfhood.

Based on these findings, the study encourages society to reconsider mental health as a condition profoundly influenced by social, moral, and cultural factors. For practitioners and policymakers, the findings underscore the importance of providing relational and culturally sensitive care that prioritises belonging, dignity, and moral worth alongside symptom relief.

The study suggests that hospitals and community programs must move beyond isolation to foster social reintegration through creative, domestic, and service-based activities that align with local values of connection and care.

Reflecting upon her research journey and observations in the given field, Professor Baxi says, “As a psychologist, academic, mental health practitioner, and most importantly as a woman, I have witnessed how women’s stories of distress reflect a complex interplay between societal ideals and personal suffering. Systems and structures that constrain women’s lives often also provide them with a sense of purpose, belonging, and moral worth.”

Professor Baxi’s research points out that for Indian women, recovery is not merely freedom from symptoms but a restoration of relational balance and social usefulness. Through her research, she reinforces the idea that a dialectical approach to therapy has the potential to bridge the gap between biomedical treatments and lived experiences. It reaffirms the desire for individual identity and the desire to be relationally functional. By engaging cultural narratives rather than dismissing them, practitioners can promote more inclusive and meaningful models of healing that affirm both vulnerability and wholeness.

At a broader level, the study contributes to emerging global dialogues in psychology that seek to decolonise mental health research by situating distress within its moral and cultural ecologies. It highlights how listening to patients’ stories, especially those of women in non-Western contexts, allows us to understand mental illness as a human effort to live meaningfully within, and sometimes despite, societal expectations.

- Edited by Priyanka (Research and Development Office)
This blog has been adapted from the original research article, available here:

51���

51��� Organises a Networking Meet on National Research Administrators Day

Research is a journey, an ongoing process and often challenging. When researchers embark upon this quest, they don’t go alone, a caravan moves with them. A caravan of professionals, who work tirelessly to pave the way, to arrange the resources and provide the needed support to make sure the journey goes (if not smooth, always), but in the right direction, as intended. The members of this caravan are Research Administrators, skilled professionals, with an in-depth knowledge and deep-rooted passion for research. A special day has been dedicated to celebrating the spirit and contribution of these professionals — National Research Administrators Day.

The Research and Development Office at 51��� organised a meet and greet to celebrate the spirit and honour the efforts of the administrators, management professionals who work in the field of research behind the scenes but definitely serve as the backbone of the entire research ecosystem. The event was attended by not only Research Administrators from various institutions across the country, but Thought Leaders, Research Funders and Professors to come together and applaud the crucial role these professionals play to keep research efforts on track. The knowledge partner for the event was CIntelligence Private Limited, the creators of Researgence—an online repository that consolidates institutional research publication data in an easy-to-access, online format.

The event highlighted how every innovation, every quest for research, every scholarly collaboration is backed up and supported by skilled professionals, who may not be in the limelight but serve as the key pillars of strength, powering the entire research journey.

Professor Gautam Iqbal Menon, Dean, Research at Ashoka welcomed the diverse gathering and applauded the transformative role of professional research management in India’s research landscape over the past 10 years. Appreciating the contribution, Professor Menon said, “The work research administrators do is what we call a hygiene factor — you notice their absence, not their presence. As long as things run smoothly, grants go through, and documentation is done right, it seems like a simple, routine process, but in reality, immense effort goes into it.” Elaborating on the role the Research and Development Office at Ashoka plays, Professor Menon highlighted the major role the Research and Development Office at Ashoka plays in administering the Ph.D. programme with over 250 Ph.D. Students, managing an additional number of 150-200 research staff, and overseeing grant management for around 90-100 grants coming from 30-40 different granting agencies, both Indian and international.

Professor Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor of 51���, addressed the attendees and recognised the contributions of research administrators for their vital efforts, saying that just like International Women’s Day, every day is a Research Administrator’s Day. Highlighting Ashoka’s remarkable growth and vision, Professor Raychaudhury said, “With our campus expanding from 25 acres to 100 acres and research scope broadening across the sciences and non-sciences, we’re moving towards a greater number of patent applications, industry interactions, and innovations. In that direction, the role of the Research and Development Office also grows to include innovation. Therefore, the RDO should be called the RDIO — the Research, Development, and Innovation Office.”

Professor Raychaudhury also talked about the ever-expanding role of research administrators with the new emerging areas of research, such as undergraduate research with students opting for research and getting their papers published in high-impact journals.

Professor LS Shashidhara, Director National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), whose role in establishing the Research and Development Office at 51��� has been vital, attended the event online and talked about his experiences. His talk focused on how research administrator bodies should function within a university ecosystem, and he pointed out that with growth in research, the operational procedure becomes more complex and requires defined research administration systems to manage operations effectively.

He applauded the work of Ashoka’s Research and Development Office, which goes beyond routine administrative work and expands into supporting innovation, creating new research pathways and offering a strong foundation for scholarly work to thrive.

Professor K VijayRaghavan, Chair, Science Advisory Council, 51���, also joined the session online and addressed the gathering, focusing on the complexities and various types of challenges research managers face while navigating through their day-to-day role of managing everything behind the scenes. He also highlighted the importance of integrating AI tools into research management to keep pace with the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Director of NCBS Dr Anirban Chakraborty, Registrar and Head of Research and Development (R&D) at TCG CREST, Kolkata, delivered a keynote lecture titled “The Future of Research Management in India: Challenges and Opportunities.”

Dr Chakraborty’s talk noted how ‘Research Administration’ was a term unknown in India, fifteen years ago, while at the same time, the US and the UK had already begun developing structured research management systems.

He highlighted the importance of initiatives such as the Wellcome Trust and NCBS programs, which helped introduce structured research management roles in India, thereby fostering a cohort of capable research managers. He applauded Ashoka’s liberal and inclusive culture, which has been helpful in establishing a robust research management system within the university.

Outlining the main challenges that research managers encounter, Dr Chakraborty talked about including funding instability, administrative hurdles, institutional complexities, inequitable research opportunities, human resource gaps, and policy-driven limitations

While addressing these challenges, he underlined the optimistic side of the research administration sector. He highlighted emerging opportunities, including the growing demand for research managers across the country, the expanding funding ecosystem, expanding research infrastructure, digital transformations, and policy reforms.

Touching on challenges and opportunities, and looking ahead to a hopeful future for research administration, Dr Chakraborty said, “As research managers, we must be jacks of all trades and choose flexibility over rigidity to ensure growth in this ever-evolving field.” He concluded by emphasising adaptability, collaboration and policy engagement as defining skills for a promising future of research management in India.

Another key highlight of the event was a panel discussion on “Best Practices in Research and Project Management – Lessons from Academic Institutions and Funders”, moderated by Dr Aradhita Baral, Deputy Director at the Koita Centre for Digital Health, 51���. The expert panellists who participated in the discussion were Dr Madhuri Dutta (The George Institute, Delhi), Dr Vandana Gambhir (IISER, Pune), Dr Shirshendu Mukherjee (Wadhwani Foundation), Dr Richi Mahajan (DBT), Dr Dipanwita Sengupta (DBT/WT IRMI), and Prof. Sourav Pal (51���). The experts emphasised the importance of knowledge sharing, stronger networks, and patenting & innovation.

Attendees asked the panellists and speakers about potential career opportunities in the field of research management and potential gaps. The responses suggested that at present, most of the research managers in India learn on the job, and there’s scope for formal training/courses and internship opportunities to bridge the gap.

Speakers and panellists further noted the significance of collaborative initiatives such as conferences, workshops and networking events to discuss these challenges and pave the way for a better tomorrow in the field of research management.

Sheevendra Sharma, Vice President of CIntelligence, showcased Researgence - The Research Information Management system at the event and presented a walk-through presentation to highlight how it can meticulously manage and showcase the research data in one place.

Researgence is a third-party platform, managed by Cintelligence Pvt Ltd, and it meticulously manages the research publications of the University. For Ashoka, this Research Information Management System serves as a centralised repository that showcases the university’s research via faculty profiles, interactive dashboards, and department-wise insights.

In the concluding session, Dr Poornima Prabhakaran, Director of the Centre for Health Analytics, Research, and Trends, lauded the contributions of the Research and Development Office (RDO) in providing end-to-end support to research projects and highlighted its potential to offer training to aspiring research administrators.

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51���’s Professor Shraddha Karve and Her Team Win Innovation Award at the 2025 Vivli AMR Global Data Challenge

Professor Shraddha Karve, along with her collaborators, has been awarded the Innovation Award (Grand Prize) at the 2025 Vivli AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance) Surveillance Data Challenge. Vivli is a non-profit organisation working to advance human health through the insights and discoveries gained by sharing and analysing data.

The prestigious data challenge, funded by Johnson & Johnson, Paratek, Pfizer, and a U.S. National Institutes of Health award, aims to encourage the re-use of surveillance data available in the Vivli AMR Register to develop innovative tools and solutions to address Antimicrobial Resistance, a significant global public health threat.

This year marked the third edition of the annual challenge, with a total of 58 multidisciplinary teams participating, consisting of members from 22 different countries. The challenge presented an opportunity for these multi-disciplinary teams to work on high-quality industry AMR surveillance data, addressing key questions related to antimicrobial resistance.

The at the challenge selected six winners and one honourable mention. This Vivli edition presented two Grand Prizes: the AMR Global Leadership Award and the AMR Visionary Award.

Professor Shraddha’s team received the AMR Global Leadership Award Grand Prize. The team was led by George Priya Doss Chandrakumar (Vellore Institute of Technology), and its other team members included Vasundhara Karthikeyan (Georg-August Universität Göttingen), Shraddha Karve (51���), and Sree Haryini Sivasubramanian (Vellore Institute of Technology). The AMR Visionary Award Grand Prize was awarded to Claire Vania (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital) and Anushruti Gupta (Johns Hopkins University).

Professor Karve’s team examined the impact of air pollution on resistance to fluconazole in C. glabrata using Pfizer’s SENTRY dataset (ATLAS_Antifungals) from the United States and Europe, along with the KEYSTONE, ATLAS_Antibiotics, GEARS, PLEA (Study I), GASAR (Study III), and PLEA (Study II) datasets. Their time-series analysis shows that time-lag effects play a crucial role in predicting resistance trends.

Talking about this achievement, Professor Karve said, “I’m delighted to be part of the collaborative team that won this year’s Grand Prize. Our project examined the impact of air pollution on antifungal resistance using 23 years of surveillance data. The analysis revealed a strong correlation between increasing air pollution levels and rising antifungal resistance. Notably, we found that the effects of air pollution are most pronounced with a time lag of two to three years.”

Professor Karve’s award-winning project at the Vivli AMR Data Challenge highlights the significant role of air pollution in antifungal resistance. It also highlights the importance of long-term data-driven analyses in the given field.

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Nipah Virus, its challenges, and need for therapeutic advancements: An Insight into Dr. Kumar’s Research. Kumar’s Recent Research Work

Dr Kumar has been focusing on developing novel antiviral strategies for emerging viruses. His Lab at 51��� primarily focuses on replicating the transcription mechanisms of pathogenic viruses and exploring the therapeutic potential of neutralising monoclonal antibodies against viral infections. Moving further in this direction, Dr Kumar shares insights from his recently published review on the Nipah virus (a deadly zoonotic pathogen)

The article covers the pathogenesis, genome, diagnosis, and treatment aspects related to Nipah virus, as presented in the review. The review also discusses clinical features, immune response, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies for NiV, all essential for the prevention and management of the Nipah virus outbreaks in the future. Nipah virus (NiV) is a deadly zoonotic pathogen with mortality rate ranging from 40%-70%. The virus is highly contagious, and it is responsible for recurrent sporadic outbreaks in India.

NiV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus with a genome of approximately 18.2 kb, encoding six structural proteins—N (nucleocapsid), P (phosphoprotein), M (matrix), F (fusion), G (attachment), and L (large polymerase)—and three accessory proteins (C, V, and W) that help the virus evade the immune response. The F and G glycoproteins mediate binding to host receptors and viral entry, while N, L, and P proteins are essential for viral replication and transcription. NiV infection causes severe respiratory illness and encephalitis in humans.

The history of NiV traces back to Sungai Malaysia in 1998-1999, when it was first identified during an outbreak, where the infection was spread in humans from infected pigs. Since then, there have been repeated outbreaks of the virus in Bangladesh and India (especially in Kerala). In the past few years, nearly each year has noticed multiple NiV outbreaks, the latest being in Kerala in July 2025.

Since 2018, the NiV outbreaks have been recurring almost every year. This increases the concern about the virus’s continued spread in the endemic areas and also highlights the urgent need to develop advanced diagnostic and therapeutic solutions to fight the Nipah virus.

Providing further insights on the virus, Dr. Kumar explains that The natural reservoir of NiV is the Pteropus fruit bat, which excretes the virus through saliva, urine, and feces. NiV spreads in humans via bat-contaminated food or through other reservoir hosts. Human-to-human transmission of NiV has also been documented.

Detailing on the genotypes of the virus, Dr Kumar shares that two main genotypes have been identified:

• The Malaysian (NiV-MY) strain
• The Bangladesh/Indian (NiV-BD/IN) strain

Taking into account the high mortality,contagiousness and pandemic potential, WHO has classified NiV as a high-priority pathogen.

Dr Kumar's review shares the currently available diagnostic methods for NiV detection, which include RT-PCR, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and emerging CRISPR-based assays. An indigenous PCR-based diagnostic kit—Truenat™ Nipah PoC system, built by the National Institute of Virology, Pune, jointly with Molbio Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd. has shown 97% sensitivity and 100% specificity (approx).

Touching upon the therapeutic aspect the review underlines that with several vaccine candidates under trial, at present, there’s no approved antiviral drug or vaccine for NiV infection. Looking at available medical support interventions the neutralising monoclonal antibody mAb102.4 stands as the promising option, and it is approved in India for emergency-use cases.

Reflecting upon the research findings, Dr Kumar emphasises “Considering the frequency of recent outbreaks and reports of high fatality rates in both India and Bangladesh, it must be addressed as a global health priority to accelerate the development of antiviral and NiV vaccines.” He further suggests that integrating molecular research, clinical insights, and real-time surveillance can help in offering timely responses to the NiV outbreaks in the future.

Dr Kumar concludes that it continues to be a high risk zoonotic pathogen with high epidemic and pandemic potential. Since the virus has a wide host range and also the capacity for human-to-human transmission, followed by high case fatality rate, it becomes necessary on a global scale to continue with vigilance and preparedness to address these challenges.

Even though there has been significant progress in understanding its genome transmission, and pathogenesis, the absence of approved antivirals and vaccines pose a greater challenge and underline the need for further research in this field. To address these gaps, there should be efforts in prioritising multidisciplinary collaborations that bring together virologists, clinicians, epidemiologists, and public health experts to work on advancing the diagnostics and therapeutics for NiV.

Dr. Kumar’s review further suggests that strengthening of bat surveillance networks could also help in preventing the risks of the recurrences of the virus spread. Expansion of rapid testing instruction and implementation of ‘One Health’ approaches (integrating human, animal, and environmental health) is also crucial in minimising the spillover risk.

- Edited by Priyanka (Research and Development Office)
This blog has been adapted from the original research article, available here:

51���

Ecology and German Realism: In Conversation with Professor Alexander Phillips

In an in-depth conversation with the Research and Development Office, Professor Alexander Phillips, Assistant Professor of English, Director of the MA programme at 51���, talks about his recently published book: .

During this conversation, Professor Phillips reflects upon his journey of writing this book, his research quests along the way and shares key learnings and insights. He also delves into the challenges he encountered and highlights how the University environment contributed towards bringing his vision into reality.

Introduce us to your book, Ecology and German Realism. What is that one central question your book is aiming to address?

Ecology and German Realism explores the topic of environmental degradation in the works of four major German-language authors active between 1840 and 1900: Adalbert Stifter, Wilhelm Raabe, Theodor Storm, and Theodor Fontane. These were the years when Germany became a unified country for the first time in history, and that allowed for rapid industrial expansion, utterly changing the land and cityscapes over the course of the authors' lifetimes.

Scholars have long pointed out that German realist authors seldom depict urban and industrial life in the way that, say, Charles Dickens did, preferring more rural settings instead. But in those rural environments we see, for instance, early industrial agriculture, as in Adalbert Stifter's novella Brigitta (1843/47), pollution in Wilhelm Raabe's novels, or even the industrial glassworks near the idyllic country estate in Theodor Fontane's The Stechlin (1898). I wanted to understand the environmental politics at work in these novels, especially because none of the authors would have understood themselves as "environmentalist" in the way we use the term today.

However, I also wanted to understand what the environmental themes meant for the novels as works of literature. Realist literature claims to represent the world, however fictionalised, but we are still talking about works of literary art. And for these authors, the ugliness of industrial modernity is a big problem for representing the world aesthetically.

Your book brings together two interdisciplinary fields. What was the key moment in your research that directed you towards the idea that there was a deep connection between the environmental degradation of the 19th century and German Realist aesthetics?

It is hard to identify one key "ah-ha!" moment that directed me towards the connection. Instead, it was more a process of noticing patterns within and between the stories that further reading, writing, and re-rewriting brought into focus.

One key moment may have been when I first read Theodor Storm's The Rider on the White Horse (1888), about a dike project that creates arable land from a wild open sea, which the text associates with ghosts, mermaids, and giants. When I first read the story as a beginning German literature student, I wondered how a story could contain such elements and still be considered "realist." As it happens, the dike itself parallels the claims that literary realism makes, because in the story, creating a boundary between wild nature and the mythic beings associated with it mirrors the boundary realism draws between the everyday and the fantastic, the apparent paradox being that the novella leaves open the possibility that ghosts, mermaids, and giants are also "real."

Another key moment was reading Wilhelm Raabe's Pfister's Mill, in which the poet character delivers an apocalyptic poem about a "mighty dust cloud" sweeping away the bourgeois world before he himself gets drunk and drowns in the polluted river. What did it mean for the novel to drown poetry in an industrial cesspool symbolically, I wondered?

Meanwhile, off the page, my own outdoor activities have yielded valuable insights. I happen to be a long-distance endurance cyclist, and long days in the saddle mean plenty of time to think about my own aesthetic encounters with the landscapes around me, be they through vineyards on the Rhine or the coalfields of southern Maharashtra and northern Telangana.

Could you walk us through your research journey? What research methodology did you use? Which texts, archival materials, and primary sources were examined in the writing of your book, Ecology and German Realism?

The environmental dimension of the stories I cover stood out to me already as an undergraduate, when I was first reading around in the literature of the period. I remember reading Theodor Fontane's Effi Briest (1895) for the first time and being struck by a comment Effi's friend Frau Zwicker makes that there is no longer any difference between Berlin and Charlottenburg, referring to how Berlin has sprawled out so much that it physically encompasses previously independent cities, turning them into mere neighbourhoods.

It is a fleeting comment that appears only in parentheses. Still, it struck me particularly because I spent my adolescence in one of the neighbourhoods that represents the very worst of urban sprawl in the United States since World War II. Later, as a graduate student, when I saw urban sprawl and its environmental effects more consistently thematised in Wilhelm Raabe's The Birdsong Papers (1896), I realised that not only was urban sprawl something that the authors thematised, but it was part of a larger pattern of thinking about how abstract social and economic transformations were reflected physically in the land.

I had the opportunity to conduct research in the City Archive and visit the Literaturzentrum in Wilhelm Raabe's former house in Braunschweig, as well as the Stadtmuseum in Berlin and the Theodor Fontane Archive in Potsdam. I am grateful to the staff there who conserve these materials and make them accessible.

Your book examines how 19th-century German literature engaged with environmental changes happening around that time. It would be interesting to understand the following:

In what ways do the insights from history and literature contribute to the understanding of the current global landscape of climate change?

An axiom of environmentalism is that ecological crisis is also a cultural crisis. That cultural crisis encompasses, among other things, our desires for carbon-intensive lifestyles, our foodways, and our very concepts of nature. Literary texts are documents of culture, and in the case of historical authors such as Stifter, Raabe, Storm, and Fontane, we can get a perspective on the longer processes that brought us to where we are now.

Sometimes that can entail moments of familiarity, like the surprise I felt discovering that nineteenth-century fiction was already working through problems like pollution or urban sprawl that I was seeing in the twenty-first. But more helpful, to my mind, are the differences, seeing how other people in other times and places conceived of and represented their experiences.

In the case of climate change, addressing the problem means rethinking our assumptions about reality and ways of being in the world. Revisiting historical works of literature can help us realise that our current world is not the only one possible and that other people have lived their lives in different ways.

How do these insights from the 19th century shape our understanding of the role of the humanities in the current environmental movements?

Effective political movements should not just understand the origins of the problems they seek to address, but also be self-aware enough to have a sense of their own histories. As it happens, the authors I work with were writing at a pivotal moment for the emergence of modern environmentalism.

The very term "ecology" comes from the German "Ökologie," and was coined by Ernst Haeckel, one of the most prominent proponents of Darwinian theory, in 1866. When it comes to the texts that I deal with specifically, they thematise environmental degradation and have a pronounced critical edge, but they are hardly activist. They do not necessarily condemn the environmental degradation they depict. Many of the characters in the stories instead see it as an unfortunate but inevitable development as the world turns. That has led some scholars to question whether we should even think of them as "environmental texts."

My book shows that there are more complicated dynamics at work in the stories, but even if the texts stop short of condemning environmental degradation, they are still valuable, for they show how an environmental concern, if not an environmental politics, can fit as comfortably on the conservative right as on the political left. Environmentally concerned people today would do well to understand that, and indeed, we see many on the global right rediscovering aspects of environmentalism for themselves.

What were the key challenges you encountered while writing this book, and how did you address them?

The biggest challenge was one that any researcher grappling with a problem in culture faces, that of simply finding a language for talking about a given problem. "Nature" is a complex word. It carries with it all manner of ideological sedimentation, especially when it connotes normativity and is used as a rhetorical cudgel against those who do not comply. It also means different things in different cultures and reflects different histories. Much of the first ecocritical theory I read was developed out of studies of American nature writing, and so it seemed to be a poor fit for Germany, most of which had been deforested by the High Middle Ages.

How do you see your book resonating with a wider audience? In what ways can it contribute to the betterment of society?

I would like my readers to appreciate the works as part of a larger transhistorical and transnational conversation about the state of the environment and the representation of nature in letters, and so I hope that the audience walks away with a deeper understanding of the aesthetic dimension of ecology and the ecological dimension of aesthetics.

The book situates Stifter, Raabe, Storm, and Fontane within a longer history of debate on the representation of nature that includes other works of nineteenth-century fiction, including such canonical works as Herman Melville's Moby-Dick (1851), and continues down through authors like Edward Abbey, Annie Dillard, and on to contemporary debates in ecocritical theory. What that means for readers as individuals who might have their own ideas about social betterment is up to them.

If nothing else, I hope that English-language readers will feel moved to explore the authors I write about for themselves.

What new research projects are you working on?

At the moment, I am developing an article on environmental ethics in Marlen Haushofer's 1963 novel The Wall. The story is a post-apocalyptic story about a woman who goes on vacation in the Alps, then wakes up one day to find an invisible wall has descended on the landscape, leaving her apparently the only person left alive. She reflects on matters such as the care she gives to her animals, as well as the limits thereof, the value of understanding natural history, and the freedom she enjoys without any men around.

I am also doing preliminary work on my next book project, which will be on the topic of climate and the aesthetics of atmosphere in the literature of the hydrocarbon age.

What interests the researcher in you?

I often find myself thinking through the relation between the material world and more abstract cultural problems. In Ecology and German Realism, the problem is the physical reality of environmental degradation and abstract, immaterial problems about art in general. Atmosphere is interesting in this regard because there is a historic overlap between “atmosphere” as an Earth system and in the sense of a place having a cheerful or gloomy atmosphere. We might also think of moments in literature, such as the story of the singer in Novalis's Heinrich von Ofterdingen (1802), who escapes pirates by singing a song that literally causes the ship, the ocean, and the air itself to resonate in harmony. Or Anette von Droste-Hülshoff's poetry, which thematises air pressure as a metaphor, but in so doing draws on what in her time was a novel insight, that the atmosphere does in fact literally press down on our bodies.

How would you describe Ashoka’s role in your book-writing journey? How do you see it contributing to your ongoing/upcoming research projects?

I am grateful to my colleagues and students at 51���, without whom Ecology and German Realism, as well as my ongoing work, would not be what it became. Presenting the literature in translation to students in India has helped me to think about the authors from a more global perspective. The intellectual curiosity and openness of the students motivate me to pursue this work, both in the classroom and on the page.

For further information about the book, please visit:

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51���’s Prof. Priyam Verma Wins INFER Research Prize

Professor Priyam Verma, Assistant Professor of Economics, 51���, has been awarded the INFER Research Prize 2025 together with his collaborators at the 27th INFER Annual Conference held in Rome. The prize was awarded for the research paper ‘Geography and City Size: Remains of Bukhara to the Modern US’, which Professor Verma co-authored with Profs. Rocco Rante (Archaeologist at Sorbonne-Panthéon, CNRS-ArScAn-Asie centrale, France) and Federico Trionfetti (Professor of Economics at Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, AMSE, Marseille, France).

The prize was presented by the International Network for Economic Research (INFER), an international non-profit organisation, headquartered in Germany, which supports research in all areas of economics. The 27th INFER Annual Conference was jointly organised by the Department of Economics and Law of the University of Rome Sapienza and the International Network for Economic Research (INFER).

The research highlighted by this award focuses on estimating the contribution of geographical centrality to explaining the size of cities. It is the result of an interdisciplinary collaboration between economics and archaeology. The researchers used archaeological data on city sizes in the 9th century, from the region of Bukhara. Based on this data, they derived a model that almost perfectly explains the size of 9th-century cities.

The researchers further applied the estimated parameters to the United States in the 21st century, finding that geographical centrality accounts for 20% of the variation in population shares across U.S. commuting zones. Using parameters derived from their studies of Bukhara, they were also able to quantify the two opposing forces shaping modern cities: agglomeration (which concentrates people in large cities) and congestion (which disperses people away from them).

The paper was presented at the conference by Professor Federico Trionfetti. He accepted the award on behalf of his co-authors.

Professor Verma says, "I’m delighted to receive this award for recognising the work which came out of interdisciplinary research. Some insights get me thrilled to share widely. The results from this collaborative work with Federico and Rocco would definitely qualify! An award for the same is sweet."

51��� congratulates Professor Verma, Department of Economics, and his co-authors Rocco Rante and Prof Federico Trionfetti for this remarkable achievement. It continues to support such endeavours to power interdisciplinary research across global platforms. This recognition highlights the international significance and impact of the research contributions made by faculty members at the University.

Click to know more about the INFER Research Prize, and access the announcement of the prize .

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Using Large Language Models for Generating Multi-Level Commit Messages: Insights from Professor Partha Pratim Das’s Recent Research Publication

In software development processes today, hundreds or even thousands of changes are made to the code every day. Each change is stored as a commit in a version control system like Git, and ideally, every commit is accompanied by a short description called a commit message. These messages tell other developers what has changed and why. Unfortunately, many commit messages are vague (fixed bug or minor update) or are completely missing. Research shows that nearly half of the commit messages lack important details, and some 14% are empty. This makes it difficult for developers to understand past work, track down bugs, or maintain large projects.

This collaborative study by Mr. Abhishek Kumar and Ms. Sandhya Sankar under the joint supervision of Professor Partha Pratim Chakrabarti of Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Kharagpur and Professor Partha Pratim Das, Department of Computer Science, 51���, addresses the abovementioned challenge by asking Can Large Language Models (LLMs) generate better commit messages automatically, especially for large and complex code changes?

The researchers focused on three key questions:

• How effective are LLMs at generating commit messages for large code changes?
• Is a single commit message enough when many files are changed?
• Would a new multilevel approach, combining general and file-specific messages, be more useful to developers?

The seek answers to these questions, the team carried out their research in the following three phases:

• Dataset Preparation: The team carefully curated a data set of nearly 1,000 real-world software commits, focusing on large code changes (some with up to 8,000 tokens of content). As a next step, they carefully removed trivial or auto-generated messages (like version updates) to ensure quality.
• Commit Message Generation: In the second phase, they used state-of-the-art LLMs (GPT-4o, LLaMA 3.1, and Mistral) to generate two types of messages: general diff-level messages that summarise the whole commit and file-level messages for each changed file. For both, the team uses specially designed prompts to guide the models.
• Evaluation: In the final phase, the team combined automatic metrics (like BLEU, ROUGE, METEOR, CIDEr) with human evaluations by expert developers. A survey with 50 developers to gather real-world opinions on single vs. multi-level commit messages was also conducted to get further insights.

Completion of these three phases revealed the following key findings:

• LLMs outperform older methods: Traditional rule-based or shallow machine learning models performed poorly, while modern LLMs generated more accurate and relevant commit messages.
• GPT-4o and LLaMA 3.1 stand out: LLaMA 70B achieved the best results in automated tests, but human evaluators often preferred the output of GPT-4o. Interestingly, LLMs sometimes produced better messages than the original human-written ones.
• Developers prefer multilevel messages: 64% of surveyed developers preferred the proposed multilevel approach. They said it improved clarity and saved time during code reviews, especially for large commits.

The research shows that AI can play a practical role in software engineering by reducing the burden of writing detailed commit messages. It benefits the developers in faster onboarding of multiple ways, including faster onboarding of new team members, better debugging through effectively tracing the bugs back, and improved collaboration as clear documentation minimises misunderstandings amongst developer groups.

Speaking about the core of the study, Professor Partha Pratim Das notes, “Our study shows that multi-level commit message generation with AI offers a real solution to an everyday pain point in software development.”

Professor Das also underlines that future research in this field could extend this approach by capturing relationships between changes across multiple files, exploring lightweight open-source LLMs to reduce costs and developing new evaluation methods that better reflect human preferences.

To conclude, poor quality, inconsistent, and vague commit messages lead to frustrating challenges developers face to understand past work, track down bugs or work on large collaborative work, ultimately reducing their productivity and wasting the potential.

The study demonstrates that LLMs can enhance developer productivity and software maintainability. By combining general summaries with detailed file-level insights, developers gain a clearer, more structured view of code changes. It is believed that this approach can become a standard feature in future development tools, making collaboration smoother and software projects easier to manage.

Edited by Priyanka, Academic Communications, Research and Development Office, 51���

Readers can access the original publication here:

Authors: Abhishek Kumar, Sandhya Sankar, Partha Pratim Das, Partha Pratim Chakrabarti

- Edited by Priyanka (Research and Development Office)
This blog has been adapted from the original research article, available here:

51���

Could Microbiota Manipulation Shift the Outcome of Infection in a Sex-dependent Way? An Insight into Recently Published Research Paper by Department of Biology at 51���

Sexual differences in immune responses are common across animal species and have significant implications for disease dynamics and pathogen evolution. These sex-based differences can be influenced by various biological and environmental factors such as hormonal regulation, reproductive strategies, life history and immune system investment. Recently, the microbiota—the diverse community of microorganisms residing in animals—has emerged as a potential contributor to sex-specific immune outcomes. However, there remains a lack of direct experimental evidence linking microbiota composition to sex-specific differences in pathogen susceptibility.

This recently published study by Professor Imroze Khan and his team aims to address the gap by investigating whether sex-based variations in microbiota contribute to differing infection outcomes between males and females. The broader goal was to understand whether microbiota-driven differences in immunity are causative rather than merely correlative, and how such effects vary between sexes.

The Journey: Motivation Factor and How the Research Evolved

The motivation for the study came from unexpected observations during preliminary assays, where researchers noted differences in microbiota composition between male and female beetles. Additionally, females were consistently more vulnerable to infection by Bacillus thuringiensis, a common entomopathogenic bacterium. These patterns raised the possibility that the microbiota might underlie—or at least contribute to—the observed sexual dimorphism in immune outcomes. Unlike prior studies that focused on correlations between microbiota and immune function, this research was designed to directly test causation by experimentally altering the microbiota.

The researchers used Tenebrio molitor beetles (mealworm beetles) as their model system to explore how manipulating microbial communities impacts survival and immune responses after bacterial infection.

The central questions driving the research were: Do males and females harbour different microbial communities? If so, do these differences influence their ability to survive infection? And critically, if the microbiota is altered or removed, can these sex-specific differences in susceptibility be reversed?

To explore these questions, researchers used dietary treatments to manipulate microbiota composition in beetles. Three treatment groups were established: one group was maintained on a normal diet preserving natural microbial communities; another group received a broad-spectrum antibiotic-supplemented diet to deplete the microbiota; and in a third group, microbiota-depleted females were fed faecal matter from other beetles to reintroduce microbes. Following these treatments, beetles were infected with B. thuringiensis, and various metrics were measured: post-infection survival, pathogen load, microbiota profiles, and expression levels of immune-related genes—particularly two antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), tenecin 1 and tenecin 2.

Key Findings of the Research

The results revealed significant sex-specific effects. Under normal conditions, males were more successful at surviving infection, exhibiting lower bacterial loads and better infection clearance than females. When the microbiota was depleted, female survival significantly improved, effectively narrowing the gap between sexes.

In contrast, male survival remained unchanged after microbiota depletion. Notably, when microbiota-depleted females were recolonised by consuming faecal matter, their susceptibility to infection returned to baseline levels. These findings suggest that the microbiota plays a detrimental role in female infection outcomes, while having little to no effect on males.

Interestingly, microbiota composition after recolonisation was not identical to the original microbial profile in untreated females, yet the effect on susceptibility was restored. This indicates that the outcome may not depend on specific bacterial species, but rather on the overall composition or function of the microbiota. Further, while tenecin 1 expression was lower in females under normal conditions—a potential factor in their increased vulnerability—this gene-expression difference did not consistently align with survival outcomes across all treatments. This points to a complex relationship between immune gene regulation, microbial composition, and infection resistance.

Speaking about the contribution of this research in the broader context, Professor Imroze underlines, “Our research contributes to a broader understanding of host–microbe interactions and suggests that sex should be considered a key factor in studies of immunity, disease susceptibility, and even in the design of microbiota-targeted therapies.”

The Scope of the Study:

The wider impact of this research lies in its demonstration that microbiota can drive sex-specific differences in immune responses. These findings challenge the view that immunity is governed solely by intrinsic genetic or physiological traits, highlighting the influence of microbial communities.

The study opens new avenues for understanding the interplay between sex, microbiota, and immunity and emphasises the importance of considering sex as a biological variable in both experimental design and therapeutic development.

It also raises intriguing evolutionary questions. Why do females maintain a microbiota that appears to reduce their infection resistance? Could certain microbes provide other physiological advantages—such as aiding in reproduction or nutrient absorption—that outweigh the costs to immune defense? These possibilities warrant further investigation.

Conclusion:

On a broader scale, the study emphasises the importance of considering sex as a key biological variable in microbiota research, particularly when designing treatments like probiotics or immune-boosting therapies, which may have sex-specific effects.

In summary, the study illustrates that the microbiota plays a crucial and sex-specific role in shaping host immunity and pathogen susceptibility. It reinforces the importance of adopting a holistic approach to studying host-pathogen interactions—one that incorporates not just genetics and physiology, but also the microbial communities that the hosts harbour within themselves.

- Edited by Priyanka (Research and Development Office)
This blog has been adapted from the original research article, available here:

51���

How Borders Move: Prof. Swargajyoti Gohain on Borders in South Asia

What are borders? Are they geographical lines on the map, supported by fenced wires and checkpoints, separating one nation from another? Or is there a broader meaning to them? Several social science researchers have studied this problem in an attempt to understand the complex nature of borders and the factors that shape them. In line with this, Swargajyoti Gohain, Associate Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at 51���, discusses her recently published paper, ""

Prof. Gohain has been offering an elective course on borders as part of the Sociology and Anthropology programme at 51���. She observes that one of the common challenges students face is in understanding the distinction between borders, boundaries, and frontiers. She notes that this confusion is not uncommon. If we review the available social science literature on borders, boundaries, and frontiers, we see numerous articles and books dedicated to explaining, analysing, and illustrating the differences or similarities between these terms and their definitions. This shows that many have realised and sought to overcome the conceptual conundrum known as the border.

Prof. Gohain highlights the role of modern cinema, particularly the war film genre, in popularising a particular notion of borders. These films have visually shaped the understanding of borders as the place where the nation ends, or where two nations confront and sometimes fight each other over territorial disputes. We are led too often to think of the border as that place out there, where we send our brave soldiers to keep vigilant watch. In everyday use, we interchangeably use "borders," "frontiers," and "boundaries." Try as one might, it is hard to shake off these common-sense assumptions.

To address these conventional notions and limited ways of thinking, Prof Gohain advocates for the urgent need to adopt a broader understanding of borders. She poses the following key questions: Is the border something that exists out there, separate from our daily life? Is the border fixed in time once international treaties have demarcated it? Is the border merely a geographical concept, or can it also encompass other aspects?

In her recently published article ‘Moving Borders in South Asia’, Prof Gohain underlines how the border is a complicated beast by focusing on different empirical situations. The border moves in time, through space, is transported by bodies, is expressed in mental maps, and is transgressed both physically and figuratively.

To illustrate this complexity, she explores case studies from various contexts across South Asia.

One such case is the India-China border, the focus of the author’s anthropological work. In 1962, Chinese soldiers occupied for two months what was then Kameng, the western division of what is now the state of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering Tibet. The McMahon Line boundary demarcated by British colonial rulers in 1914 shifted, although briefly, in this instance.

Another case is that of the Tibetans who followed in the footsteps of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama to come to India as exiles. They are often questioned about their citizenship status. Living in different Tibetan settlements, they may have left the geographical border far behind, but the border is resurrected every time they face such questions. Their bodies are the border. Such embodied borders are also found among many other populations in South Asia, where speech, dress, appearance, or name mark someone out as not belonging to the nation. The border moves from its actual location through their bodies.

The dynamic of moving borders is also reflected in how identity documents have become the stamp of legitimate belonging. Passports, visas, registration cards are integral to proving our identity and our right to belong in a particular nation. What happens when we do not own or misplace these documents? We cease to belong. At checkpoints, airports, or railway terminals located thousands of miles away from the actual border, the act of border crossing is replicated when we are asked for documents. The border moves from its actual location here.

Our imagination transcends borders. For people who are displaced from their homeland, or dispersed between different countries, the practical reality of the actual border does not prevent them from imagining and aspiring to an alternative reality. Imagined geographies are the shifting borders of the mind that remain a hopeful possibility.

Reflecting on the expansive scope of the subject, Professor Gohain notes, “My article ‘Moving Borders in South Asia’ is not an outcome of a single research project. It is the accumulated reflection of years of teaching and researching borders, and the realisation that borders are hard to grasp if we fix them in space and time. Movement is a useful medium to explain shifting and changing borders. This article is an invitation to approach borders through the lens of movement and would be useful for lay and specialist readers alike.”

As a scholar of border studies, the author has conducted both field-based and archival studies of the subject. Her journey began nearly two decades ago, when, as a postgraduate student at the University of Delhi, she received a copy of The Bengal Borderland from a peer. Since then, she has been studying how cross-border histories and politics impact lives, livelihoods, and ecologies in the borderlands. In the context of the Indian Himalayan borderlands, her research emphasises that understanding Tibet, Bhutan, and Buddhism is essential to comprehend the events and developments in the region.

Continuing her research quest, the author hopes that more students in India from diverse disciplines such as history, anthropology, political science, and geography will take up the challenge of studying borders.

- Edited by Priyanka (Research and Development Office)
This blog has been adapted from the original research article, available here:

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The Landlord State: Land Allocation as a Tool of Industrial Policy in China

A fundamental question of political economy is how states can foster economic growth. In practice, one key approach has been industrial policy, where governments actively support the development of targeted sectors of the economy. The East Asian miracle has furnished the poster children of successful industrial policy, most notably Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. All three countries used state control over bank lending to provide preferential financing to sectors that would likely not have attracted much investment, such as steel production, shipbuilding, or semiconductor manufacturing. Dr Saul Wilson, Assistant Professor of Political Science at 51���, provides further insights into this concept by examining the use of land allocation as a tool of industrial policy in the context of China.

In the four and a half decades since China began Reform and Opening in 1978, its economy has grown at an extraordinary pace, catapulting China from poverty to the edge of high-income status. The state played an active role in this transformation through an industrial policy that helped promote diverse projects, such as the nascent real estate sector of the 1990s and the high-tech sector of the 2010s. While the Chinese state sometimes used the state-owned banking system to finance its industrial policy, preferential financing was often reserved for the least promising industries: struggling state-owned enterprises or deeply indebted local governments. China has instead turned to other tools of industrial policy, the most consequential of which is land.

The state owns all urban land in China, and local governments have been able to guide economic development through subsidies by allocating cheap land to the sectors they wish to promote. Moreover, because expensive residential and commercial real estate attracts investors, the state has been able to promote real estate investment by increasing prices. The state has used land allocation as a tool of industrial policy.

In his recent publication, “The Landlord State: Land Allocation as a Tool of Industrial Policy in China,” Dr Wilson argues that China nationalised urban land and began to sell it precisely because policymakers hoped to use it as a tool for industrial policy. State-owned enterprises sought state ownership over land, arguing that it would eliminate barriers to industrial development. While local governments began to sell “land use rights” to raise revenue, they also did so because foreign investors demanded stronger property rights.

Dr Wilson argues that once those land management institutions had been formed, they created new constituencies that captured the state’s industrial policy. In the early 2000s, the central government instructed local governments to stop offering land to the residential and commercial real estate sectors at subsidised rates. As land prices rose, investing in real estate became more attractive, both for real estate developers and (would-be) homeowners. Because local governments were selling the land, rising land prices meant higher government revenue.

A powerful growth coalition of local governments, real estate developers, and homeowners demanded continued support for the real estate sector. This growth coalition was powerful enough to incorporate almost all impacted parties. Initially, it came up against resistance from peri-urban villagers and urban homeowners, who were displaced en masse to make way for real estate projects. The growth coalition simply increased compensation for those displaced, buying a substantial degree of support. Local governments did so in part by borrowing from banks to finance land clearance. Local governments were ideal customers: they paid high interest rates, but everyone involved presumed that the central government would not allow them to default. Those facing displacement and the banking system joined the growth coalition, backing further investment in the real estate sector.

As a result, by the 2010s, the beneficiaries of earlier rounds of state industrial policy had largely captured the land allocation apparatus that was designed to allow the state to promote favoured sectors. Land was a powerful tool for industrial policy, but the way China wielded that tool created a growth coalition that pushed the country into a massive real estate bubble. Dr Wilson concludes that only by bursting that bubble has China begun to return to the use of land as a tool of industrial policy, with local governments once again seeing promise in the use of land to promote the “right” industries.

Reference Article:

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BEE 2025 : A Symposium on Behaviour, Ecology, and Evolution

51��� organised the Behaviour, Ecology, and Evolution (BEE) symposium on April 26th and 27th, 2025. The symposium brought together researchers and students working in the fields of ecology, evolution, and animal behaviour, serving as a platform for discussions on topics such as ecological dynamics, evolutionary processes, and behavioural adaptations. The symposium aimed at providing a vibrant space for the research community to interact, exchange ideas, build connections, and explore potential future collaborations.

Engaging Research Talks and Poster Presentations

The BEE symposium featured research talks by biologists from 51���, IISER-Mohali, Shiv Nadar University, and SRM University. Students from Ashoka and other participating universities also conducted poster presentations on their research. A total of 21 talks and 25 posters were showcased. These initiatives cultivated intellectual curiosity, dialogue, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

‘Connect and Collaborate’ : An engaging Brainstorming Session

One of the highlights of the symposium was the ‘Connect and Collaborate’ brainstorming session. This session brought together participants to collaborate on developing new ideas and exploring specific unanswered questions in the broad fields of ecology, evolution, and behaviour. Participants were grouped into different teams with a mix of undergraduates, post-graduates, PhD scholars, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty members. The teams were presented with a set of broad themes, including Climate Change, Emerging Infections, Biodiversity Loss, Sustainability, and other related topics.

Over a 40-minute brainstorming session, each team came up with a unique research proposal related to their choice of topic. These intriguing project ideas included titles such as, ‘Rise of the Aliens: The Native Strikeback?’, ‘Let’s Get Takin’, and ‘The Last of (Fung)us’.

The brainstorming was followed by presenting the proposed projects to the audience, leading to engaging discussions and Q&A sessions. By breaking down silos, participants got the rare opportunity to engage with accomplished researchers across fields.

The symposium successfully brought together young scholars from various research�� backgrounds, representing different disciplines, genders and experiences which helped create a lively forum to exchange ideas, build contacts and develop future collaborations. The organisers envision that such efforts will result in significant scientific contributions and creation of a well-connected and resilient research community.��

Edited by Kangna Verma and Priyanka, Academic Communication, Research and Development Office

Know More: https://sites.google.com/ashoka.edu.in/bee

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Decoding the Daily Metabolic Cycle with Quantitative Proteomics: Insights from a Tiny Alga

Almost every organism living on planet Earth experiences the daily oscillations of light and temperature throughout the day. To thrive in this dynamic environment, organisms must use resources optimally by performing key metabolic functions at specific times of the day. This generates a daily rhythmic pattern in metabolic activities, which is governed by a cell-based, self-sustaining biochemical oscillator known as the circadian clock. A key function of the circadian clock is to anticipate the daily environmental changes, such as light-dark transitions, and help organisms synchronise their activities accordingly.  Such cellular clocks are widespread, from bacteria to humans. One of the most well-known examples of clock-controlled activity in humans is the sleep–wake cycle.

Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which the circadian clock regulates metabolism is a fundamental question that has garnered widespread interest across diverse species. This was the primary motivation for Dr Sougata Roy and his research group to explore the lesser-studied area using high-throughput circadian proteomics. Proteins are synthesised from their parent biomolecule, the mRNA (Messenger RNA). Enzymes, a class of proteins, are essential catalysts in metabolic pathways. Until recently, daily metabolic rhythms were primarily attributed to the clock’s ability to regulate mRNAs. It is well known that clock regulation of mRNAs often does not translate to protein expression, as proteins can be directly regulated by the clock, bypassing their parent mRNAs. Dr Roy’s team hypothesised that daily regulation of metabolic enzymes can drive the overall rhythmicity of cellular metabolism. They envisaged that capturing this proteome dynamics would be a robust approach to understanding how metabolic functions change over the daily cycle. Hence, the research aimed not only to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying well-established metabolic rhythms but also to identify previously unrecognised metabolic rhythms occurring over the daily cycle.

To accomplish this, Dr Roy’s group studied Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a unicellular, photosynthetic, and motile member of the phytoplankton clade, maintains a precise circadian program. During the day, it produces the apparatus to capture and convert sunlight to chemical energy, fuelling its cellular processes. However, UV-sensitive processes, such as DNA synthesis and cell division, are programmed at night. Although it is a unicellular system, some of its primary metabolic pathways are analogous to multicellular organisms, making it an ideal model to reveal how the circadian dynamics of the proteome influences the metabolic rhythms across multiple species.

The hallmark of circadian clock-regulated processes is that they continue to be rhythmic even under constant conditions (constant light or darkness). Dr Roy’s work involved culturing cells under normal day-night cycles to synchronise their internal clocks, followed by transferring them to constant conditions to capture circadian clock-driven changes. They collected the cells at regular intervals continuously for two days, later processing and quantifying the harvested proteins from these cells using high-throughput mass-spectrometry-based proteomics, an approach which helps to identify proteins and quantify their abundance in the cell.

Their analysis revealed the temporal pattern of protein abundance across the day-night cycle to be widespread. Approximately half of the quantified proteins peaked during the day, and about one-third peaked at night. Functional categorisation of these proteins revealed that enzymes involved in amino acid (AA) biosynthesis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and fatty-acid (FA) biosynthesis were predominantly peaking during the night. On the other hand, enzymes and proteins associated with photosynthesis, light sensitivity, and redox metabolism were more abundant during the day (Figure 1). This coordinated temporal accumulation of proteins indicated that many novel metabolic processes (e.g. BOX C/D RNA modification system, AA metabolism, and FA metabolism) are driven by the circadian clock.

These findings suggest that clock regulation of the proteome is widespread, and it plays a crucial role in driving the daily rhythms of key metabolic pathways. Chlamydomonas is a microscopic plant with many animal-like characteristics, which makes it a valuable model for understanding the circadian regulation of metabolism across species. Future research could focus on a deeper investigation of the individual target enzymes and proteins identified in this study to elucidate their specific roles in the daily regulation of metabolism. Additionally, comparative analyses across diverse species may uncover conserved and divergent features of circadian metabolic regulation, providing insights that could have applications in agriculture, bioenergy, and human health.

- Edited by Kangna Verma, Academic Communications, Research and Development Office

Reference Article:

Circadian Proteomics Reassesses the Temporal Regulation of Metabolic Rhythms by Chlamydomonas Clock 

Authors : Dinesh Balasaheb Jadhav, Sougata Roy

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Classroom or Theatrical Drama? Inside the Teaching Methods of Dr. Krittika Bhattacharjee

Q1. Your education background is in History and Religious Studies, but your current work explores intersections between academia and theatre performance. How has this interdisciplinary approach shaped your teaching methodology at 51���?

I struggle with the idea of ‘interdisciplinarity’. The term is sometimes too easily applied, and the rules of dominant disciplines often govern the conversation. But, yes, my academic roots are a bit wild, and my teaching methods tend to be eclectic: a mixed bag of exercises, games, text-work and writing. I use fundamental theatre intuitions about the use of space, time, bodies and action in planning classes. I move tables and chairs in the room to suit what I’m teaching, I have students engage with text in a tactile sense. I think in divisions when planning a class (a bit like ‘acts’ in a play): say, a game is played individually– – (a shorter Act One), followed by a collective discussion of what was discovered (a long Act Two), and concluded with small-group work to develop one principle from what was discussed (Act Three). 

My academic training in History and Religious Studies does not limit my selection of texts (which are drawn from a range of disciplines and contexts) nor does it define my palette for what constitutes “good” writing. However, it certainly influences the ways in which I encourage students to handle text: with alertness, not reverence – recognizing what has been said and the circumstances that gave rise to it while being skeptical about its completeness as a record. 

Q2. You explore how theatre exercises can be embedded in your teaching. Could you share some examples of how you use performance-based techniques in your classroom?

I’m cautious about bringing theatre into a classroom and instrumentalizing it in a misguided effort of ‘interdisciplinarity’. This means that I don’t want to strip theatre for parts, and frame disembedded exercises as ‘tools’ without engaging with the context within which they emerged. I also dislike the framing of teachers as performers and try to encourage students to not be too performative themselves. When I bring in theatre exercises, it is not to build individual aura (helping students improve their ‘presence’) but to pursue more modest aims of improving writing, either by complicating a simple process or simplifying a complex one. 

I’ve adapted an exercise for playwrights used by theatre-maker Neel Chaudhuri (Visiting Faculty, 51���) to help students see how good interpretation rests on good description. Students hear a clip of environmental sound and have to describe it without interpreting or comparing it: a tricksy exercise that forces them to really listen and engage with the basic challenge of writing (how do you put not words into words?). I’ve used the dialogue-led form of a play to help students understand how arguments are ‘braided’ in persuasive writing, and have had them dramatise academic arguments as two-person scenes to expand upon an idea. I leaned on simple theatre games extensively during the online covid semester to help students connect with each other, finding it remarkable how quickly they produced an ensemble that took pleasure in learning together.

Q3. You’ve been a part of the Undergraduate Writing Programme at Ashoka for several years and have been teaching ‘Introduction to Critical Thinking (ICT)’ course since 2018, how do you think it is an essential course for students?

The importance of ICT does not rest on its unique or exhaustive grasp over ‘critical thinking’ . Instead, it does two things that makes it ‘essential’. First: it affords the time and space required for an individual to reflect upon the ways in which they think, read and write.  This is not trivial. Imagine the value of multiple opportunities to consider how you make reading choices, how you consume information, whether what you wrote is really what you meant. There is an especial value to doing this when you are on the brink of the big transition from school to college, when some of these patterns will need to be understood and altered. Which brings me to the second use of ICT: it strips away the assumed ‘mystery’ of academic work and makes explicit to students some of the labour involved in producing a meaningful piece of thinking. This is important because universities are often in danger of reproducing limited and unhelpful conceptions of intelligence and capability. This can lead to some students feeling as though they don’t belong there (because they don’t ‘get it’). The work of the ICT is to show students that producing robust academic work is not simply a matter of ‘talent’; it can be cultivated over time, through repeated attention to basic habits of reading and writing, and within a helping and supportive learning community. 

Q4. You co-run the Tadpole Repertory Theatre Company while also teaching at Ashoka. How do these two domains influence each other in your life?

One helps me do the other. If I didn’t have access to university spaces - the rigour it asserts, and the freedom it gives to study whatever you want - I’d coagulate into a motionless blob. If I didn’t do theatre, I’d ossify and be a pain to be around. The two domains don’t always work smoothly together, however, my work in the theatre in relation to text (as an actor and a writer) makes me impatient with outdated conventions regulating what academic work should sound like; my academic work makes me, at times, an annoying nit-picker and pedant in a writer’s room. The last three years have been an education in these tensions because I have been working on the same issues – drawn from my academic training in Religious Studies– through different routes: academic and dramatic. My recent ICTs have had modules on ‘faith’; my most prominent writing project has been the adaptation of my doctoral thesis (an ethnography of visitors to the ‘holy’ island of Iona) into a full-length play and I’m currently co-devising an ensemble play about mass hysteria around a ‘miraculous’ event.  I’m only beginning to learn how to utilise the possibilities that each domain gives: academic work with its emphasis on clarity, organisation, sense-making, argument; theatre with its imperative to evoke, to pull something out of the audience, to explore grey spaces. Both are social pursuits, though and affirm that individuals can do more when they are placed within a network of relations. 

Q5. You have organised a ‘Critical Writing Pedagogies Symposium’ at Ashoka, can you elaborate on the event and let us know your key takeaways from it?

The symposium was organised by a 14-strong team at the Undergraduate Writing Programme in 2023-2024 with the support of Sage. It was our contribution to the growing cluster of initiatives (both institutional and independent) around writing pedagogy in India. The symposium gathered writing teachers and pedagogues across India: those who have been instrumental in the setting up writing centres and departments in Indian universities, those who have come to the field more recently and those working outside institutional spaces.  We covered four areas: the tacit principles that set up a writing classroom; methods and provocations that prompt student writing or students’ reflection on writing – including ways of giving feedback; how teachers utilise their own background and training; the language politics that play out in the classroom. The event clarified how distinct writing classrooms are relative to other university spaces and how distinct the academic background of writing teachers can be (no one in the room had a degree specifically in writing, say). It revealed how much invisible pastoral care accompanies the teacher of writing and threw up many questions surrounding language, privilege, legibility and institutional support that occupy this growing field at this time. 

Q6. You’ve been teaching at Ashoka for several years now. How has your experience evolved over time, and what new directions or experiments are you excited to explore in your teaching here?

I taught in Ashoka first as a contract worker and then, since 2021, as faculty. This was a key turning point because I began to think not just about my teaching but about my involvement with the university, and what I wanted to contribute to. Another turning point came after my third year of teaching when students I had taught in the past began to graduate. Having senior students to speak with and being able to watch their growth made me consider my own work differently. I began to ask former students to come to the ICT classroom as guests, I spoke with students about their work and shared my own with them. I am more open with students today than I was seven years ago. The second change has been my more recent efforts to design modules around religion and faith (specifically the assumed boundaries of ‘religion’, the everyday practices of ‘religion’ and the potency of spaces deemed religious). These are seen to be risky topics, and students typically avoid them. However, the notion of ‘religion’ is bound up in the idea of the collective, and to bind discussions about it to the private sphere or fade them out from classroom curricula would impoverish the field, let alone the many people who have a relationship to ‘religion’. I want to keep finding useful and interesting ways to encourage students at Ashoka to explore matters of faith with curiosity, frankness and care. 

Q7. What are your long-term goals at 51��� and how do you envision Ashoka contributing to your professional growth?

I want to help the university improve the ways in which it supports English Language Learners (ELL). Having taught ELL students in the Bridge Programme and in ICT classes, I think part of the task is to encourage students to build a playful relationship with language where confidence is not predicated on correctness. To that end, I would love for Ashoka to have a functional Ludic Language Lab, echoing the importance that many universities in the USA and Japan are now giving to games as pedagogical tools. Here, students can explore language within a playful closed-world environment where language is used differently (like in a crossword puzzle) or through games that encourage language comfort through story-telling (like Asmodee’s Dixit cards). I also want to build courses that are practical and creative even if their eventual aim is that of an ICT.  Specifically, I’d like to try and teach a version of ICT that uses theatre as a method of study and means of sharing: where students are on their feet more, where the final project is the text of a play built over stages. 

Finally, I’d also love to help in the development of bilingual or multilingual resources in critical thinking and writing pedagogy, and to see ICTs developed in other languages. We are so lucky with the resources and infrastructure we have at Ashoka. It would be good to see how these can be better shared and utilised with the outside world. 

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Interview conducted by Kangna Verma, Academic Communications, Research and Development Office, 51���

51���

Applying Evolutionary Game Theory to Understand Institutional Effectiveness

Game Theory, an approach to strategic decision making, defines how people make choices which impact other people and vice-versa. The ‘game’ in this theory indicates a situation where decision makers (players of the game) make certain choices that can impact the society at large. Dr. Ratul Lahkar, Professor of Economics, 51���, elaborates on this concept by applying ‘Evolutionary Game Theory’, which is an extension of Classical Game Theory. Evolutionary Game Theory focuses on how these strategic decisions of the players evolve over time based on experience.

Two key concepts of Game Theory are Nash equilibrium and Pareto efficiency. Nash equilibrium can be explained as a competitive decision-making strategy where the people involved are not benefiting from changing their current strategy, hence are choosing to continue with their usual way of doing things. On the contrary, ‘Pareto efficiency’ explains the best possible allocation of resources where no one individual is better off without making someone else worse off.

Dr. Lahkar studies how institutions, which refer to laws and norms within which societies or economies operate, can resolve the contradiction between Nash equilibrium and Pareto efficiency. Classical Game Theory suggests that Nash equilibrium, resulting from the selfish behaviour of individuals, often differs from the socially best outcome (the Pareto efficient outcome) because individuals may not consider the effect of their actions on others.

Good institutions help resolve the conflict between private interests and the common good by enforcing appropriate laws, norms, and rules that people must follow. For instance, people may be required to contribute to projects that serve the public interest. Social efficiency demands coordination on a Pareto optimal outcome, one in which everyone makes positive contributions that benefit all. However, when individuals act selfishly at the Nash equilibrium, they may not make any contribution, which results in inefficiency. Good institutions address this contradiction by rewarding socially beneficial behavior and discouraging selfishness.

However, institutions may be only partially effective. For example, the government may reward individuals with incentives for only a part of the positive outcome they generate. In that case, these incentives will not be strong enough to push society to the socially best outcome (Pareto efficient outcome). Nevertheless, even such partially effective institutions can incentivize an outcome that is still better than the Nash equilibrium.

To understand how effective institutions are, we also need to understand what determines the effectiveness of these institutions. The main determinant is whether the fundamental institutional structure of the society is inclusive or exclusive. An inclusive institutional structure is characterised by equitable distribution of socio-economic power, rule of law and broadly democratic decision-making. On the other hand, an exclusive institutional structure is one where power is monopolized by elites. Historical examples of exclusive institutions include feudalism, slavery and dictatorships.

The current study analyzes the emergence and stability of these institutional structures using a game-theoretic model called Tullock contests. Tullock contests describe competitive situations where individuals or groups expend resources to gain control over other valuable resources, such as political power or economic advantages.

Such an exclusive institutional structure generates high levels of social conflict in society with excessive rent-seeking, as individuals compete to acquire power, instead of engaging in productive and beneficial activities. The government, designing institutions (rules) for society, is compelled to divert a part of its effectiveness towards managing social conflict. This compromises its ability to design these institutions effectively. In contrast, with an inclusive institutional structure, social conflict is low as everyone has a fair share of power. The government can focus on creating appropriate incentives for social benefits more effectively. Therefore, the more inclusive the fundamental institutional structure, the greater the institutional effectiveness in resolving society’s coordination problems.

This is the first paper to present a theoretical model of the link between institutional origins and institutional effectiveness. An important implication of the paper is that societies and organizations must prevent elite capture for their institutions to be effective in reconciling private incentives and the social good.

Edited by Kangna Verma, Academic Communications, Research and Development Office, 51���

Reference Article:

Author: Dr. Ratul Lahkar (Professor of Economics, 51���)

51���

Axis Bank Post-doctoral Programme at 51���

51���

Climate Recipes: An intergenerational archive of lived wisdom

With climate change emerging as a pressing problem, Srinivas Aditya Mopidevi, Visiting Faculty of Visual Arts, 51��� and Srinivas Mangipudi (artist / curator) co-initiated a project called ‘. If left unchecked, climate change can damage our ecosystem. This research project was initiated to serve as an archive of wisdom and advice from individuals committed to the issues of land and the environment. The idea is to document intergenerational wisdom across different regions of the country that are prototypes of climate resilience and sustainability.����

Srinivas Aditya Mopidevi and Srinivas Mangipudi came out with the Goa edition, a 130 page book for which they interviewed twenty-five experts from the Goan community. Over six months of meeting and interacting with individuals from different fields and documenting their knowledge, both authors experienced a shift in their habits and found a deeper meaning in simple acts towards saving the environment. These included environmentalists, scientists, architects, farmers, conservationists, historians, and poets. The book conveys their lived experiences and offers ‘life recipes’ to protect our planet and its environment in the face of climate challenges. Climate Recipes premiered as part of the ‘’ art exhibition at the Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts, Panaji in 2023. After curating Climate Recipes, the curators believe that insights from people belonging to various fields can help us reboot our daily approaches to life and better support the environment. These ‘recipes’ provide life strategies to tackle climate change, drawing from the native knowledge of experts from Goa. 

For example, Rajeev Kumar Chaturvedi, Assistant Professor, BITS Pilani, Goa, suggests that we should curb our greed by letting go of personalized vehicles and appliances in favor of shared solutions. Tallulah D’Silva, a sustainable architect and founder of architecture t, emphasizes that our approach to architecture should be gradual, considerate of the environment, and involve sustainable practices. Nirmal Kulkarni, a field ecologist and director of Wildernest Nature Resort, advocates for learning from the forest and its plants and animals, which serve as our mentors in climate resilience and adaptation.

Climate Recipes is also expanding with new editions for Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, Bengaluru, Bhitarkanika. With the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana edition, the aim is to highlight natural farming, agroecology, biodiversity restoration, and community well-being. In Bengaluru, the project plans to adopt a neighborhood-centric approach to understand urban ecosystems, aiming to redefine sustainable living in the city's rapid development. In Bhitarkanika, Odisha, the focus is on balancing wildlife conservation in the national park with local economic development, promoting a sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife with collaboration from the Odisha Government and other partners.

Thus, with all its editions, Climate Recipes is dedicated to provide knowledgeable insights from individuals across different parts of the country and fields. The focus remains steadfast on commitment to land and environmental stability.

Climate Recipes project is supported by Socratus Collective Wisdom Corporation and Pollinator.io

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Written by Kangna Verma and Yukti Arora - Academic Communications, RDO, 51���

51���

Tiling Properly: Exploring Symmetry and Structure in Space

We encounter different ways to tile a plane in our daily lives. The most common example is the tiling of a plane using squares. One can find similar examples of tilings by hexagons or triangles. It is natural to wonder about the number of “novel” ways one can tile a space using tiles of a particular shape. Each of these tilings remains unchanged under certain symmetries. For instance, if a plane is tiled with squares, shifting the entire arrangement by the length of the square’s side maintains the overall configuration. The collection of all such possible moves is called the symmetry group of the tiling. 

In the 1980s, Margulis discovered surprising ways of tiling a space such that the symmetry group is as ‘large as possible.’ Meanwhile, Feynman, aiming to understand the behaviour of elementary particles, proposed his theory of path integrals. The collection of such paths is expected to form a Teichmuller space, though its details are yet to be ironed out. On the other hand, Teichmuller spaces can also be seen as particular instances of collections of proper tilings. In the 1990s, Hitchin conceptualized spaces that are higher analogues of Teichmuller spaces while trying to understand the solutions of equations which govern most fundamental forces of nature—namely the Yang-Mills equations. More recently, Labourie has proposed a more geometric description of such higher-Teichmuller spaces.

Inspired by the work of Labourie, an immediate goal of Sourav Ghosh, Assistant Professor of Mathematics at 51���, is to understand proper tilings of spaces, developed using  Margulis’ methods, in terms of eigenvalue gaps of matrices corresponding to the symmetry groups of the tilings. More broadly, his research aims to connect the study of space tilings to higher-Teichmuller theory.

In their study, Dr Ghosh and his team have classified a large class of proper tilings of spaces, which are obtained using Margulis’ method, in terms of eigenvalue data. More interestingly, they have shown that these proper tilings are essentially fully determined by a finite collection of eigenvalue data, comparable to how a triangle is determined by the length of its sides. They have also constructed a metric using the eigenvalue data to detect how different two tilings are from each other.

Higher-Teichmuller spaces are promising candidates for representing the collection of ‘Feynman paths’. Finding the ‘correct’ contender through experiments is challenging, as it requires technological advancements not yet achieved. However, as Arnold once quipped, “Mathematics is the part of physics where experiments are cheap.” Where all else fails, the rigour of Mathematics yields a way forward. Dr. Ghosh’s work contributes to this effort by enhancing the understanding of higher-Teichmuller spaces.

51���

Bridging Borders: Advancing Diplomatic Studies at 51���

The International Relations Department at 51��� organises a series of meetings aimed at fostering scholarly collaboration and dialogue on pressing global issues. These meetings bring together experts, academics, and students from various institutions to discuss and explore new perspectives in international relations and diplomatic studies, enhancing the academic landscape and promoting cross-border intellectual exchange.

Ashoka LSE Diplomatic Studies Workshop

In September, the Department co-hosted a two-day research workshop for Indian graduate students of International Relations, in partnership with the London School of Economics and Political Science. This pioneering workshop sought to bridge gaps between Indian and Western academic institutions and provide Indian graduate students with exposure to their peers in international universities.

Out of 120 applications, the convenors pre-selected eight outstanding submissions from graduate students in India and abroad. These drafts, comprising research chapters or journal articles, were meticulously reviewed by senior and mid-career academics specialising in South Asian International Relations (IR). The goal was to guide these students toward publishing their work in reputable and highly ranked academic journals. Selected papers feature contributions from students at Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jadavpur University, and King's College London. Esteemed panelists such as Prof. Carolien Stolte (Leiden University) and Priya Chacko (University of Adelaide), along with Ashoka's own Profs. Srinath Raghavan and Shivshankar Menon provided critical feedback.

The workshop, organised by Dr. Pallavi Raghavan, Dr. Rohan Mukherjee (LSE), and Dr. Avinash Paliwal (SOAS, University of London), reflects a growing emphasis on diplomatic studies and the analysis of historical case studies. It also benefits from the expertise within Ashoka's IR department, helping to establish it as a specialized hub for studying India’s IR, international history, and diplomatic studies. Based on the feedback received, there is a vision to transform this workshop into an annual series hosted both within and outside India.

Workshop on New Directions in South Asia's Historical IR

The Department remains committed to promoting heterodox approaches within the discipline, aiming to de-center Eurocentric and historically myopic perspectives. In May 2024, the IR and History Departments co-hosted a workshop titled ‘New Directions in History and International Relations. This event showcased innovative and interdisciplinary scholarship, focusing on the contributions of non-Western thinkers to conceptualizing alternative international and regional orders.

The keynote address by Prof. Cemil Aydin from the University of North Carolina highlighted 19th and 20th-century Pan-Islamic and Pan-Asian thought as counterweights to colonial and Eurocentric conceptions of the international. Prof. Manjeet Pardesi from the University of British Columbia spoke about envisioning Asia through multiple and overlapping orders rather than a singular Sinocentric lens.

As the discipline and department evolve, 51��� aims to play a pivotal role in driving a global conversation about the Global South's influence on the research agenda of South Asia's IR. Through these initiatives, the International Relations Department at 51��� continues to bridge academic borders, foster critical dialogue, and shape the future of international relations scholarship.

51���

Towards Sustainable Energy Solutions: Mimicking Nature to Drive Vital Chemical Reactions

As the world grapples with the urgent need for sustainable energy, we are dedicated to pursuing fundamental research in the quest for artificial energy sources while prioritising environmental conservation. Central to our mission is the dual aim of Hydrogen gas (H2) production and mitigating the detrimental effects of excessive greenhouse gases, particularly CO2 emissions.

Nature showcases remarkable capabilities in converting hydrogen ions from water into hydrogen gas through an enzyme known as ‘Hydrogenase’. These enzymes consist of metals such as iron or nickel, coupled with amino acids, and are commonly referred to as ‘Metalloenzymes’. An extensive research effort is underway to comprehensively understand the mechanisms underlying natural proton reduction.

However, the precise mechanisms through which nature facilitates this reaction remain elusive. Research led by Munmun Ghosh, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at 51���, is primarily focused on mimicking the functioning of metalloenzymes for hydrogen (H2) production while also trying to unravel the underlying reaction mechanisms, which are crucial for the development of more efficient catalysts.

To elaborate, they are working on synthesising a range of metal complexes that can catalyse:

• Electrochemical reduction of CO2 into value-added products like methane (CH4), methanol (CH3OH), ethanol (C2H5OH), and more.
• Production of H2 using water or other proton sources like acids. H2 holds immense potential to replace fossil fuels and meet the escalating global energy demand.

Moreover, Dr Ghosh is actively involved in developing molecular catalysts capable of facilitating these conversions in a heterogeneous medium. This approach offers enhanced activity and is more environment-friendly, as the catalyst can be recovered, unlike in homogeneous catalysis.

Additionally, Dr Ghosh and her team are also involved in developing a facile and sustainable electrochemical synthetic strategy for producing important organic compounds. This approach holds significant promise for the pharmaceutical industry, offering a greener, more economical, and more efficient synthesis of drugs.

For instance, they have successfully developed a ferrocene-based electrocatalyst, anchored on Toray carbon paper (TCP) and coated with conducting polymeric films. This catalyst facilitates the electrochemical dehydrogenative cyclization reaction of o-phenylenediamine and benzaldehyde, resulting in the synthesis of phenyl benzimidazole in quantitative yield. Notably, benzimidazole and its derivatives showcase diverse pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and more.

Edited by Yukti Arora and Kangna Verma, (Academic Communications, Research and Development Office, 51���)

Reference Article:

, Inorganic Chemistry

Authors: Pankaj Kumar, Bharath M, Anjumun Rasool, Serhiy Demeshko, Suresh Bommakanti, Narottom Mukhopadhyay, Rajeev Gupta, Manzoor Ahmad Dar, and

51���

Climate Recipes: An Intergenerational Archive of Lived Wisdom

With climate change emerging as a pressing problem, Srinivas Aditya Mopidevi, Visiting Faculty of Visual Arts, 51��� and Srinivas Mangipudi (artist/curator) co-initiated a project called ‘. If left unchecked, climate change can damage our ecosystem. This research project was initiated to serve as an archive of wisdom and advice from individuals committed to the issues of land and the environment. The idea is to document intergenerational wisdom across different regions of the country that are prototypes of climate resilience and sustainability.

Srinivas Aditya Mopidevi and Srinivas Mangipudi came out with the Goa edition, a 130-page book for which they interviewed twenty-five experts from the Goan community. Over six months of meeting and interacting with individuals from different fields and documenting their knowledge, both authors experienced a shift in their habits and found a deeper meaning in simple acts towards saving the environment. These included environmentalists, scientists, architects, farmers, conservationists, historians, and poets. The book conveys their lived experiences and offers ‘life recipes’ to protect our planet and its environment in the face of climate challenges. Climate Recipes premiered as part of the ’ art exhibition at the Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts, Panaji in 2023. After curating Climate Recipes, the curators believe that insights from people belonging to various fields can help us reboot our daily approaches to life and better support the environment. These ‘recipes’ provide life strategies to tackle climate change, drawing from the native knowledge of experts from Goa.

For example, Rajeev Kumar Chaturvedi, Assistant Professor, BITS Pilani, Goa, suggests that we should curb our greed by letting go of personalised vehicles and appliances in favour of shared solutions. Tallulah D’Silva, a sustainable architect and founder of Architecture T, emphasises that our approach to architecture should be gradual, considerate of the environment, and involve sustainable practices. Nirmal Kulkarni, a field ecologist and director of Wildernest Nature Resort, advocates for learning from the forest and its plants and animals, which serve as our mentors in climate resilience and adaptation.

Climate Recipes is also expanding with new editions for Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, Bengaluru, and Bhitarkanika. With the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana editions, the aim is to highlight natural farming, agroecology, biodiversity restoration, and community well-being. In Bengaluru, the project plans to adopt a neighbourhood-centric approach to understanding urban ecosystems, aiming to redefine sustainable living in the city's rapid development.

In Bhitarkanika, Odisha, the focus is on balancing wildlife conservation in the national park with local economic development, promoting a sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife with collaboration from the Odisha Government and other partners. Thus, with all its editions, Climate Recipes is dedicated to providing knowledgeable insights from individuals across different parts of the country and fields. The focus remains steadfast on commitment to land and environmental stability.

Climate Recipes project is supported by Socratus Collective Wisdom Corporation and Pollinator.

- Written by Kangna Verma and Yukti Arora (Academic Communications, RDO, 51���)

51���

Harnessing Skyrmions: The Future of Data Storage and Computation

As the world is becoming increasingly digital, the volume of data created daily is enormous, putting pressure on the current data storage technologies. To address this problem, scientists are searching for the next generation of data storage solutions, with skyrmions emerging as a promising candidate. Skyrmions are small swirling topological defects in the magnetisation texture, they are about a billionth of a meter in size and are very stable. Furthermore, they show particle-like behavior which allows us to manipulate their motion using electric current density or magnetic field. The advantages of skyrmion-based devices include improved energy efficiency, dense data storage, and non-volatility, making them a strong candidate for data storage in the future.

To explore the potential of this technology, Dr Susmita Saha, Assistant Professor of Physics at 51���, aims to use skyrmions as key carriers of information and to perform computational tasks. This specific research is conducted by Mr. Satwik Wats, an Undergraduate Physics student of 51���. In this work, skyrmions are represented as binary digits (1s and 0s) to perform basic logic operations and binary addition for 2-bit and 3-bit numbers. In Figure 1 below, the presence of a skyrmion represents 1, and its absence represents 0. The objective of the research is to create basic structures that would serve as the foundation for more complex circuits.

The research took inspiration from earlier works on skyrmion racetrack and AND/OR logic gates, but Dr Saha realised that the universal logic gate produced some non-trivial outputs that could not be addressed with the previous methods. To tackle this issue, Ashoka researchers explored the area of skyrmion-skyrmion interactions, discovering that the interaction behaviour exhibited peculiar results at different velocities. At low velocity, the two colliding skyrmions do not destroy each other and move in a circular path, whereas at high velocity, the skyrmions demolish upon collision. Moreover, the collision result depends on the parameters of the system, such as the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI), which is primarily responsible for the formation of the skyrmion. The researchers also observed that skyrmion-skyrmion interactions strongly depend on current density and the size of the skyrmion.

Using the results of skyrmion-skyrmion interactions, Dr Saha’s team successfully controlled the motion of skyrmions to construct universal logic gates, including NAND and NOR gates. The design of the universal logic gates is shown in Figure 2 (a) and (b). In this design, the researchers introduced a negative DMI in the form of a DMI barrier. They found that the presence of a DMI barrier is necessary for all the logic operations, as it provides more control over the interaction of skyrmions within the structure.

Furthermore, the team has implemented half-adder and full-adder circuits that can perform the arithmetic addition of two and three bits [see Fig. 2 (c) and (d)]. Binary digits called bits are the smallest unit of data that a computer system can process and store.

For this, they utilised the basic principles of skyrmion-skyrmion interaction, nucleation, and merging. The full adder is one of the most complex structures they have worked on in this paper. The successful construction and simulation of a full-adder circuit demonstrate the extent of manipulation that can be achieved using skyrmions.

The binary addition circuits (using skyrmions) bring researchers one step closer to building an arithmetic logic unit for the central processing unit, and the universal logic gates allow for cascading multiple such gates to perform more complex operations.

However, the findings extend beyond logic and computation operations alone. They offer techniques for manipulating and understanding skyrmion-skyrmion interactions, which could lead to numerous possibilities and intriguing simulations/experiments for skyrmionic applications in the future. With continued research, the potential applications of skyrmion devices are vast, and their topological protection is also attracting attention in the world of quantum computing.

- Edited by Dr Yukti Arora and Kangna Verma (Academic Communications, Research and Development Office, 51���)

Reference Article:

, S. Wats and S. Saha, J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 57, 245001 (2024)

Authors: Satwik Vats and Susmita Saha

51���

“Like We are Sleeping and Dreaming the Same Nightmare”: Living with Uncertainty through the Covid-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the lives of millions of people, impacting their basic physical and psychological health. As we know, there were two major waves of the disease, and each had its own sense of uncertainty. The first phase was marked by uncertainty about the nature of the disease, the lockdown, vaccine development etc. As multiple waves of the disease came and went by, daily living became further unpredictable with financial instability, lack of trust in the government and a growing infodemic. Yet, we know very little objectively about what this ‘uncertainty’ entailed psychologically. There has been limited psychological research on uncertainty during the pandemic, specifically exploring the crisis as a collective experience that shaped individual decision-making. In psychological terms, Embodied Uncertainty (EU) refers to the subjective, personal experience of uncertainty which is felt by individuals living in risk. It encompasses how individuals and groups understand and interpret living through natural or man-made disasters.

This was conducted by Sramana Majumdar, Assistant Professor of Psychology at 51��� and her research group. They examined people’s experiences of the pandemic across two phases of the COVID-19 outbreak in India from the theoretical lens of the EU. The objective was to combine conventional psychological theories that explain how people deal with uncertainty, with extensive sociological studies on risk that focus on how cultural factors, government responses, and technology play a part in managing crises. The study took a Longitudinal Qualitative Research (LQR) approach which is useful when examining time-bound changes in the experiences of individual and collective health. The researchers collected and analysed data shortly after the first wave of COVID-19 and a year later, after the second wave in India.

The study design aimed to capture differences in the lived experiences of the pandemic based on social identity, with a focus on the Indian-Muslim experience of the pandemic, who faced disproportionate stigma. It also examined socio-economic differences in health outcomes by recruiting a diverse sample of participants, including domestic workers, small business owners, and individuals from urban, affluent backgrounds (Table 1). Telephonic interviews were conducted in English and Hindi.

EU talks about four themes that capture the embodied experience of an individual; social identity and trauma, co-production of knowledge, social and institutional structures and policy and long-term lived experience of uncertainty. In-depth interviews were conducted to address these four themes. Thematic analysis revealed that immediate anxieties, especially in the first phase, were related to job uncertainty, disruptions in supply chains, rising prices, accessing necessities and a drop in economic productivity. These uncertainties were often more prominent than fears of the disease itself. Yet, the nature of uncertainty shifted by the second wave for those in urban areas and from advantaged socio-economic backgrounds. While these participants spoke about getting used to the pandemic, waiting for the vaccine and adjusting to working from home, pandemic-related uncertainties had only exacerbated for others, thus highlighting the significance of social identity in this experience. Interestingly the study also found that disease-related stigma had been reduced by the second wave (contrary to official predictions) which was a direct outcome of the lived experience of a shared crisis.

Perceptions of governmental responsibility also shifted where anger and confusion about official speeches had transformed into disappointment with evidence of poor planning, ambiguous messaging, and unhelpful resource allocation by the government. There was also fear of misinformation with a gradual movement from government and medical bodies as credible sources, to social media, resulting in an infodemic. However, ultimately the study also revealed active coping among many, and a sense of optimism for life after the pandemic

This study explored how people navigate uncertainty during crises, considering factors like social identity and government responses. Findings can help contribute to the development of a preparedness framework based on community stories which recognise the strengths of lived experiences to alleviate future concerns.

Written by Kangna Verma and Yukti Arora (Academic Communications, Research and Development Office, 51���)

This research paper by Dr Sramana Majumdar won the best paper at the annual convention of the National Academy of Psychology.

Reference article

Majumdar, S., & Tewatia, M. (2024). . Journal of Risk Research, 0(0), 1–16.

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Ashoka Harmonises Sciences, Liberal Arts, and Social Sciences Seamlessly: Anurag Agrawal, Dean, Trivedi School of BioSciences, 51���

When I look around, it’s hard to believe that this University is only 10 years old. In fact, it feels even more surreal when I see the Trivedi School of Biosciences building before me - especially knowing that just two years ago, this space was nothing but level ground.

I think the pace at which Ashoka does things, the way it blends science, liberal arts, social sciences, and education in life, I think it's just an amazing accomplishment. I have never seen any other place do that.

In coming years, I believe Ashoka will show that sciences, whether natural or social and a way of thinking about things is integral to a great education and the path to success.

51���

Challenges of the Copy: Images, Museums, and Relics

Sraman Mukherjee, HoD and Assistant Professor of the Visual Arts Department at 51���, authored the “Bamiyan Comes to Bangkok: Situating the Buddha of the Cave Museum at Wat Saket”. The piece traces the making of the Bamiyan Buddhas beyond the Bamiyan valley in Afghanistan since their protracted destruction by the erstwhile Taliban government in 2001. The methodology combines archival research with ethnographic exploration of this field of visual culture constituted by the destruction, and more significantly by the transnational remaking of Bamiyan Buddhas across shifting material media and forms.

Images, whether as sacred icons or monuments, play a crucial role in shaping and often disrupting communities of belonging. Scholars often see the destruction and recreation of these images as the most physically tangible ways of interacting with them. Dr Mukherjee’s interest in this field grew from working with museums and politics of heritage, and was furthered by exploring how Buddhist relics have moved across different geographical, political, and cultural locations, and how these shifts reshaped their materialities. These interests led him to explore the centrality of copies and replicas in Art History.

Dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries CE, the two colossal Buddha sculptures in the Bamiyan valley—one standing 175 feet tall (Western Buddha) and the other 120 feet tall (Eastern Buddha)—were carved directly on a mountainside. Over the rock surface, layers of stucco were used to shape their robes and ornaments. The Bamiyan and neighbouring Kakrak valleys once housed a large monastic complex with a stupa, several seated and reclining Buddha figures, and man-made caves decorated with frescoes and manuscripts. These remains are considered part of the ancient Gandhara (Greco/Helleno-Buddhist) art and civilization highlighting the region’s importance in premodern networks of trade, pilgrimage, exchange of art, and knowledge. The arrival of Islam in the 8th century CE did not immediately endanger the Buddhas. It was likely not until a brief attack in the 12th century CE that the sculptures’ faces were damaged.

The study of the Bamiyan Buddhas' destruction is a well-developed and complex field. Since 2002, scholars like Finbarr Barry Flood, Jamal J. Elias, and Nile Green have argued against viewing the Taliban's actions as a straightforward case of Islamic iconoclasm. Researchers such as Janice Leoshko, Kavita Singh, and Said Reza Huseini have highlighted the local context of the destruction, noting that the Buddhas were significant to the region’s Hazara minority, who saw the statues as part of their environment, local legends, and identity—believing them to represent the figures of Salsal and Shahmama. Kavita Singh has also shown how, in the immediate aftermath of the destruction in 2001, international heritage organizations like UNESCO and ICOMOS have tried to balance local and national sentiments in discussions about restoring one of the Buddhas, without compromising the site's historical authenticity and "Outstanding Universal Value." As a result, local sentiments and national plans for reconstruction remain indefinitely postponed.
Recreated images of the Bamiyan Buddhas continue to emerge, not only within the Bamiyan Valley but also in many places beyond it. These range from on-site temporary, high-tech 3D holographic projections to various tangible reconstructions, always beyond the territorial limits of Afghanistan, in different material media, form, and scale. These “copies” are always more complete in their details of figurations than the original ruined state of the Bamiyan Buddhas—even before their destruction by the Taliban in 2001. The existing research on these reconstructions is limited, except for an influential study by Birgit Mersmann, who examined the politics and aesthetics of creating new Bamiyan images at the Rambadagalla Temple in Sri Lanka (construction began in 2002) and the Oriental Buddha Park in Leshan in the Sichuan Province of the People’s Republic of China (where the controversial project initiated in late 2001). Inspired by Mersmann's work, Dr. Mukherjee began exploring the aesthetics, politics, and rituals surrounding the creation of new Bamiyan Buddha images in Thailand—at Wat Thipsukhontharam in Kanchanaburi Province (2012) and at Wat Saket in Bangkok (inaugurated in 2017).

Dr. Sraman Mukherjee’s study focuses on the reconstruction of the monastic complex of Wat Saket in Bangkok as a site of long cumulative relics and focuses on one of its new Buddha statues, a 10-metre high glass fibre reinforced concrete Bamiyan Buddha image inside a man made grotto “Bamiyan Guha-Bamiyan Museum” at the base of the Wat’s and Bangkok’s only man-made mount, the “Golden Mount”, locally known as Phu Khao Thong. The Buddha of the cave-museum at Wat Saket is more complete in details of its figuration than any of the original pre-destroyed Bamiyan Buddhas. These recreated Bamiyan Buddhas have become symbols that reference the destroyed originals, appearing in different forms around the world. The creation of Wat Saket’s Bamiyan Buddha fits into broader transnational histories of similar projects that were planned, proposed, rejected, or built. It reflects on artistic decisions around materials, media, scale, and style, considering Thailand’s long and complex relationship with replication and circulation of Buddha images. The cave-museum at Wat Saket, featuring the 10-meter-high Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete Buddha, is a carefully curated space with controlled lighting and temperature. By examining this site in its interplay with other Buddha images, bringing the making of this image into dialogues with the making of the controversial Bamiyan Buddhist Manuscript Collection by the Norwegian collector, Martin Schøyen, the transnational exhibitions from this Manuscript Collection beginning in Thailand before travelling over countries across South and Southeast Asian countries, the “gift” of manuscript fragments from the Schøyen collection to Wat Saket and their displays, and relic galleries across museums in Thailand and India, Dr. Mukherjee explores how the space of the cave-museum challenges traditional boundaries between museum curation, education, aesthetic appreciation, and the complex and changing practices of ritual and leisure.
This has significant implications for understanding the evolving nature of museums, particularly the dissolving boundaries of museums and shrines. It encourages us to rethink museums as archives and spaces for Art History and History, as well as sites for ritual practices of communities of belonging and leisure. This perspective extends beyond museums in Thailand to those in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and India. It prompts a deeper exploration of the nuances of copying, its changing meanings for Art History, and the future of museums as archival, ethnographic, and experiential spaces. This article marks one of the beginnings of this exploration.

Edited by Dr Yukti Arora, Academic Communications, RDO, 51���
Reference Article:
Bamiyan Comes to Bangkok: Situating the Buddha of the Cave Museum at Wat Saket
, Volume 40, Number 1, 2 January 2024, pp. 80-107(28)

51���

Ashoka Professor Seema Alavi Wins the Monsoon Book Prize in Political Economy

Dr Seema Alavi, Professor of History, 51��� has been awarded the prestigious Monsoon Book Prize in Political Economy. Dr Alavi received this honour as a recognition for her extraordinary work in the book Muslim Cosmopolitanism in the Age of Empire, which explores the interconnected histories of the Indian Ocean region, shedding light on the cultural, political, and economic dynamics that shaped its legacy.

The book stood out for its originality, accessibility, and profound exploration of Muslim cosmopolitanism within the imperial context. The committee commended Dr Alavi’s work for enriching Indian Ocean studies and promoting a nuanced understanding of the region's living heritage.

“I  am both thrilled and humbled to receive the prestigious Monsoon Award for my book that showcases the interconnected history of the Indian Ocean world with the spotlight on Indian Muslim men of learning who straddled its vast canvas. I am happy that the book's focus on Delhi, Istanbul, Mecca and Cairo as global hotspots around which world history should be written has been recognised. As has been its message to write global history in non-Eurocentric ways.” - Dr Seema Alavi. 

The Monsoon Book Prizes is hosted by Georgia State University and sponsored by the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech). Along with the prestigious title, the award includes a $4,000 cash prize and an invitation to present her research at the awards ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia, in April 2025.

The book had earlier won an Honourable Mention in the 2016 Albert Hourani Award by the Middle East Studies Association, USA, for bringing South Asian Studies into conversation with the history of the Middle East. 

Dr Alavi’s accomplishment inspires young scholars to explore uncharted territories in historical research and contribute to building a more interconnected world.

51���

CHAIR-India Consortium Reveals Staggering Mortality Impact of Air Pollution in India

The Consortium for Climate, Health and Air Pollution Research in India (CHAIR-India), in a new study published in the Lancet Planetary Health, revealed that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution concentrations higher than the 5 μg/m³ annual average recommended by the WHO is potentially associated with 1.5 million deaths a year in India. According to the findings, 1.4 billion people in India live in areas with PM2.5 concentrations above that recommended by the WHO guidelines.

CHAIR-India consortium comprises of leading Indian academic institutions such as the Centre for Health Analytics Research and Trends (CHART) at 51���, the Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC) and global institutions like Karolinska Institutet (Stockholm, Sweden), Harvard University, Boston University, and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (USA), Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Israel), and the Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Region Health Service/ASL Roma 1 (Italy).

This is the first Indian study to use difference-in-difference method, a causal methodology to isolate the effect of long-term PM2.5 exposure (annual) and all-cause mortality. The study observed that the risk is high even at lower air pollution levels, indicating the need to reduce air pollution levels across the country. It included annual death data reported across all districts and PM2.5 exposure from a spatio-temporal model built for India.

Major findings:

1. Every 10 μg/m3 increase in annual PM2.5 exposure is associated with an 8.6% increased risk for mortality across India. 
2. Unlike previous studies, this study used PM2.5 exposure from a fine spatio-temporal model built for India and annual mortality counts reported across all districts of India. 
3. First Indian study to use difference-in-difference method, a causal methodology to isolate the effect of long-term PM2.5 exposure (annual) and all-cause mortality.
4. During the study period (2009 to 2019), 25% of all deaths (~1.5 million deaths a year) were attributed to annual PM2.5 exposure higher than the WHO guideline value of 5 μg/m3 across the country. 
5. About 0.3 million annual deaths are attributed to annual exposure to PM2.5 above the Indian National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
6. The exposure-response function revealed a higher incremental risk for mortality at lower PM2.5 concentrations and levelling off at higher PM2.5 concentrations.

The evidence supporting the association between long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution and deaths in India is scarce and inconsistent with studies in other countries. The authors of this study thoroughly analysed the annual deaths from 2009 to 2019 at a district level in India and obtained annual PM2.5 concentrations by a machine learning-based model using satellite data as well as ground-monitoring observations of air pollution levels across 1056 locations.   

The results of the study highlight the extent of the mortality burden due to PM2.5 pollution in India, the world’s most highly populated country, and underpin the need for stricter air pollution guidelines to prevent excess mortality due to air pollution. Implementing stronger air pollution guidelines is crucial to reducing this excess mortality and protecting the health of millions of people across the country.

The Centre for Health Analytics Research and Trends (CHART) at 51��� is an important part of the CHAIR-India consortium and plays a crucial role in conducting the research. CHAIR-India is a global network of top academic institutions working together to study the health impacts of air pollution and climate change. Part of 51���’s Trivedi School of Biosciences, CHART is focused on the establishment of a strong repository of evidence-based research on a range of issues impacting population health. The team comprises public health experts, epidemiologists, biostatisticians, social scientists, environmental epidemiologists and exposure science experts, geospatial analysts, health economists, and health system specialists, amongst others.

Insights from Researchers: 

Researchers emphasise the necessity of a comprehensive and systematic approach to addressing air pollution. Suganthi Jaganathan, doctoral researcher, Centre for Health Analytics Research and Trends (CHART), 51���, CCDC and Karolinska Institutet said, “High levels of annual PM2.5 exposures are observed in India causing a huge mortality burden (not limited to cities that are highlighted during the extreme pollution episodes), signalling the need for systematic and not symptomatic approach.“

Commenting on the study, Poornima Prabhakaran, Director - CHART, 51��� and Deputy Director & Head - Environmental Health, Senior Research Scientist at the CCDC and principal investigator from India for the CHAIR-India consortium said, “This study used a new analytical approach to demonstrate the mortality associated with exposure to high annual levels of PM 2.5 beyond the recommended WHO levels. This signals yet again the need to mount stringent air quality management strategies across India.”

“Delhi may get the headlines, but this is a problem all over India, and nationwide efforts are needed. Coal-burning electric plants need scrubbers, crop burning needs to be limited, and most importantly, we need urgent measures to protect population health,” said Joel Schwartz, Professor, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and principal investigator from the US for the CHAIR-India consortium. 

Highlighting the importance of the study, Petter Ljungman, Associate Professor at the Karolinska Institutet and principal investigator from Sweden for the CHAIR-India consortium said, “This nation-wide analysis of air pollution mortality using data from India brings important evidence to policymakers of the striking health impact of ambient air pollution all over the country. The fact that a significant level of mortality was evident for PM2.5 levels far below the current Indian standards is alarming.

The range of PM2.5 pollution exposure was quite large across the years, with the lowest annual PM2.5 concentration of 11.2 μg/m³ observed in Lower Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh, in 2019 and the largest annual PM2.5 of 119.0 μg/m³ observed in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi in 2016. The model estimated an increase in annual all-cause death rates by 8·6% (6·4–10·8) per 10 μg/m³ in annual PM2.5 exposure.
 
The authors further highlighted some limitations of the study, including that - as with all models - there will be some uncertainty in the estimates, but say their results indicate previous estimates of deaths linked to chronic PM2.5 pollution exposure in India are considerably underestimated, stressing the need to progress rapidly and comprehensively towards reducing the levels of air pollution across India.   

Established in 2019, the CHAIR-India consortium serves as a platform to convene researchers working to address the research gaps in the health effects of air pollution in India. 

About CHAIR-India

The Consortium for Climate, Health and Air Pollution Research in India (CHAIR-India) was established in May 2019 as a platform to convene researchers working to address the research gaps in the health effects of air pollution in India.  Exposure scientists and health researchers from across the country came together to explore the scope for collaborative work to enhance the evidence base for the health effects of air pollution in India. 

Logos of CHAIR-India Partners:

51���

Annual exposure to air pollution increases the risk of mortality in India indicating an urgent need to reduce the levels of air pollution across the country

A new study published in the Lancet Planetary Health found that long-term exposure to PM_2.5 increased deaths by 1.5 million deaths per year in India compared to if it met the WHO guidelines. We observed that the risk is high even at lower air pollution levels, indicating the need to reduce air pollution levels across the country. The study included annual death data reported across all districts and PM_2.5 exposure from a spatio-temporal model built for India.  

Major findings:

1. Every 10 μg/m³ increase in annual PM_2.5 exposure is associated with an 8.6% increased risk for mortality across India.��
2. Unlike previous studies, this study used PM_2.5 exposure from a fine spatio-temporal model built for India and annual mortality counts reported across all districts of India.��
3. First Indian study to use difference-in-difference method, a causal methodology to isolate the effect of long-term PM_2.5 exposure (annual) and all-cause mortality.
4. During the study period (2009 to 2019), 25% of all deaths (~1.5 million deaths a year) were attributed to annual PM_2.5 exposure higher than the WHO guideline value of 5 μg/m³ across the country.��
5. About 0.3 million annual deaths are attributed to annual exposure to PM_2.5 above the Indian National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
6. The exposure-response function revealed higher incremental risk for mortality at lower PM_2.5 concentrations and levelling off at higher PM_2.5 concentrations.

Implications:

• The study results highlight the extent of the mortality burden due to PM_2.5 pollution in the world’s most highly populated country.����
• The results underpin the need for stricter air pollution guidelines to prevent the excess mortality due to air pollution.��

The results highlight a huge mortality burden and the need for stricter national ambient air quality standards in India. This research was conducted by members  from the consortium comprising academic institutions in India (Centre for Health Analytics Research and Trends (CHART), 51���, Sonipat, Haryana & Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi), Sweden (Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm), USA (Harvard University, Boston University, Boston, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai), Israel (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev) and Italy (Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Region Health Service/ASL Roma 1).

51���

Sticks and Stones: How can we understand past environments by looking at stone tools?

The study of humanity’s past is rooted in a variety of written and material evidence. Research suggests that stone tools predate our species, Homo sapiens, by at least 2.7 million years. In South Asia, stone tools have been dated back to at least 2 million years ago. Despite the antiquity of such evidence, the oldest known writing is only around 5,000 years old. As a result, much of what is known about early human history depends on prehistoric archaeology—a field that examines the period before the invention of writing. Due to their durability, stone tools serve as crucial windows into this deep past, offering insights into where, when, and how ancient humans lived, what they ate, and even how they thought.

An essential aspect of studying the past involves understanding how humans were shaped by and, in turn, adapted to their environmental conditions. The plants and animals that surrounded them, the weather, available water sources, and even the ground and surfaces they lived on influenced their lives. The types of rocks and stones available directly affected the resources these early populations could utilise. Examining stone tools—their technology and manufacturing processes—provides valuable insights into prehistoric adaptation strategies and the palaeoenvironmental conditions that ancient populations had to adapt to.

Dr. Akash Srinivas, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Archaeological Research (CIAR) at 51���, has worked extensively with stone tool collections from various regions in India. These include sites in Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh; Melghat Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra; the Central Narmada Valley, Madhya Pradesh; and the Deccan Plateau in Karnataka.

His research reveals that ancient stone-tool makers possessed a detailed understanding of their environmental surroundings. They skillfully adapted their mental templates to utilise the available rock resources. For instance, in areas abundant with river cobbles, they innovated ways to exploit these resources, which were otherwise challenging to use with traditional techniques. On the hill slopes of Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, they minimised energy costs by working with naturally disintegrated rocks. In the rich forest lands, they crafted complex tools to hunt swift and agile fauna around them.

These findings underscore the adaptability of early humans and their ability to coexist with and thrive in diverse environments. Akash’s association with CIAR has allowed him to contribute to uncovering the environmental bases for these adaptive strategies, helping piece together the larger puzzle of humanity’s collective past.

Edited by Dr Yukti Arora, Academic Communications, Research and Development Office

Author Bio: Akash Srinivas is a prehistoric archaeologist and his research interests primarily concern Palaeoanthropology and Palaeolithic Archaeology. He is currently engaged in the study of the nature and variability of stone tool technology of the South Asian Lower Palaeolithic region and characterising the nature of Palaeolithic occupation in southern Karnataka.

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Charting the Path Towards Becoming a Research University

With Ashoka stepping into its second decade, the last few years have seen a significant push towards increasing research capabilities across disciplines, and an effort to expand the Sciences at Ashoka. We caught up with Dipankar Bhattacharya (Sunanda and Santimay Basu Chair for Astrophysics and Head of Department, Physics) and Projit Mukharji (Head of Department and Professor of History) to discuss how their respective departments are poised for growth and collaboration in the arena of research.

Q: Both of you have joined Ashoka at a crucial juncture, with the University pivoting to both the Sciences and research. How do you see your department evolving to address both these threads?

Projit: The History Department at Ashoka is widely recognized as one of the foremost in the country. Research has been a part of our profile even before the university-wide pivot. The new direction the University has embarked on will allow us to further amplify our existing emphasis on research. The introduction and expansion of the Sciences is also enabling us to build on existing strengths. My colleagues, Nayanjot Lahiri and Kalyan Sekhar Chakraborty, for instance, have developed a close working relationship with the Department of Biology through their work at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies. Similarly, strong ties have been forged with environmental scientists. My own work in the History of Science resonates with multiple Science departments.

Dipankar: I agree with what Projit is saying. Just like the History Department, the Physics faculty has a strong research focus, with a steady output. At present, two members of the Physics faculty are experimentalists, and they are in the process of developing their laboratory facilities at Ashoka. These labs already engage several PhD scholars and senior undergraduates in ongoing research programs. This activity is definitely poised for significant growth. Going forward, we expect to double the number of faculty members and look forward to a postdoctoral program that can serve as a major boost to our research output. We are also aiming to expand from our current research focus towards areas like quantum science, complex systems, and emergent phenomena.

Q: Ashoka is also one of the first universities to offer Astronomy as a discipline to undergraduate students. Dipankar, could you elaborate on how the department hopes to build and grow the Astrophysics program?

Dipankar: The Astronomy Minor was launched in January 2023, offering a unique curriculum that covers much of modern Astronomy at an undergraduate level. The next step would be to introduce an Interdisciplinary Major in Physics and Astronomy in due course. We are also exploring the development of new course offerings in collaboration with the humanities departments. As our laboratory facilities expand, more hands-on components will be introduced. Over time, we plan to add research activities in emerging areas like exoplanets, observational cosmology with large surveys, and multi-messenger astronomy. In the next few years, researchers in India are poised to gain access to large international astronomical facilities, and it will be our goal to train and involve Ashoka students in using these facilities for state-of-the-art astronomical research.

Q: What are some areas of growth that the Department of History will focus on in the coming years?

Projit: In the longer term, I would love to see us teaching more non-Indian histories, particularly African history and the histories of other parts of Asia. Having worked for two decades in Europe and North America, I have seen how world-class universities like Oxford and Harvard teach histories from various parts of the world. In India, the tendency is to focus almost exclusively on Indian history. However, if we want to attract students from other parts of the world, or produce students who can function in an increasingly globalized world, we must educate them on the deeper – and often shared – histories of India with our Asian and African neighbors.

Q: In your opinion, what makes interdisciplinary research important in today’s context? How is Ashoka equipped to handle this type of work?

Dipankar: Ashoka is well on its way towards cultivating a research ecosystem that transcends disciplinary boundaries, and many of our departments exemplify this. Physics, in particular, offers numerous opportunities to develop collaborative and cross-disciplinary research with other departments. The department already has a significant overlap with Biology through the study of biomaterials and epidemiology. Other developing collaborations include those with the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability, as well as the Departments of Chemistry and Computer Science.

Projit: None of the contemporary global issues that we face today – climate change, global pandemics, increasing war, and violence – can be tackled by any single discipline. By the time today’s students become scientists, policymakers, economists, or business leaders, this trend will be even more pronounced. Given the ever-growing complexity of our socio-technical infrastructures, future challenges will require us to think across disciplines. Ashoka’s unique blend of a liberal arts curriculum and an emphasis on research is ideal for equipping students for this transdisciplinary future. The bane of Indian higher education is over-specialization from an early stage. On the other hand, some efforts to remedy this have led to clubbing many distinct disciplines into a single department. Ashoka’s model avoids these pitfalls.

Interviewee: Dipankar Bhattacharya, Head and Faculty of the Department of Physics and Projit B. Mukharji, Head and Faculty of the Department of History

Interviewer: Yukti Arora (Academic Communications, RDO) and Sreya Roy Chowdhury (Strategic Communication, Development Team)

51���

RayLab@Ashoka: In Search of Brain Mechanisms Underlying Behaviour

Our brains are constantly inundated with vast amounts of information that we process moment by moment to explore the world effortlessly while handling complex tasks in hand, such as driving a car, without conscious thought. This seamless functioning is made possible because our brains are continuously making millions of decisions and planning the course of our actions—both simple and complex—at every moment. At 51���, under the guidance of Dr. Supriya Ray, we have set up a laboratory to explore the brain mechanisms that underlie cognitive and visuomotor abilities, using cutting-edge technologies, at par with the standard of leading institutes across the globe.

While our eyes primarily exist for vision, their motoric functions are heavily influenced by cognitive processes. Our eyes make rapid, jump-like movements—known as saccades—shifting gaze from one point to another to focus specific objects onto the more sensitive areas of the retina. This process enables us to discern finer details in those objects. Interestingly, the trajectories and speed of these saccades are influenced by the cognitive goals set by the viewer. For instance, an artist painting the ocean may observe the beach differently than children collecting shells in the same scene.

In our lab, we create computer-aided real-time experiments where participants view various visual stimuli and make behavioural choices regarding different visual attributes, such as direction, angle, or colour. Participants indicate their choices through eye movements, which we track in the dark using an advanced remote eye-tracking technology by illuminating the eyes with invisible infrared light. This video-based technology allows us to accurately record gaze positions and the size of the pupils of the eyes. Our experiments are designed to capture specific cognitive processes, including attention, action planning and control, and decision-making. By carefully analysing the trajectory and speed of eye movements, we can gain insights into how the cognitive processes manipulated during the experiment influence the choices participants make.

Thanks to extensive research into the neural control of eye movements, scientists have identified the brain regions, pathways, and mechanisms that generate these movements. This understanding allows us to use eye movement patterns observed during experiments to uncover the nature of the cognitive processes under study, as well as the brain mechanisms that govern them. In addition to eye-tracking, we utilise Electroencephalography (EEG) technology in our lab, which measures electrical activity in the brain by placing electrodes on the participant's scalp. By correlating this activity with specific moments or events in the experiments, we can draw conclusions about brain activity in response to certain cognitive and visuomotor processes triggered by our experimental manipulations.

Another intriguing advancement in this field is Pupillometry. The pupils, which regulate light intake, automatically respond to lighting changes by dilating in darkness and constricting in light—a phenomenon known as the pupillary light response (PLR). Beyond these reflexive reactions, pupil size is also affected by cognitive processes such as emotional arousal, imagination, and attention. For example, it has been shown that solving complex math problems leads to pupil dilation, indicating an increased mental load compared to solving simpler problems. Eye trackers provide a continuous measurement of pupil size, reflecting underlying neurophysiological activity, as the brain regions responsible for reflexive pupil control are influenced by higher-order cognitive regions linked to executive functions and decision-making. In our lab, we also measured pupil size using a handheld device called a pupillometer before participants undertook our experiments. The pupillometer emits a brief flash of light into the participant’s eyes, allowing for precise recording of the pupil's contraction response. Throughout the cognitive experiments, we continue to monitor pupil size with the eye tracker, comparing the changes induced by experimental manipulations to the PLR data collected via the pupillometer.

By combining simple psychophysical experiments with eye-tracking, EEG, and pupillometry, we move closer to understanding the brain circuitry behind cognition. Moreover, computational modelling of our behavioural and neurophysiological data can illuminate the mechanisms responsible for the behaviours observed in our studies. We also plan to evaluate whether these computational models accurately predict cognitive and visuomotor capabilities in clinical groups with conditions such as Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Tourette syndrome and Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD) in the future. Insights gained from comparing brain mechanisms in healthy and clinical populations can aid in finding biomarkers for these conditions and potentially facilitate early detection and prevention strategies.

[Written by: Sayali Pethe (Ph.D. Student, Dept. of Psychology]

51���

Archaeological Waste Analysis: Insights into Rural Indus-Era Gujarat

One thing that is well known about humans is how much waste they produce. Have you ever wondered how societies that lived thousands of years ago managed their waste in the absence of modern technologies and kept their settlements clean to prevent illness and unpleasant smells? Archaeological studies revolve around discarded waste like artifacts, food remains, unwanted materials, either lost accidentally or disposed of intentionally. These waste materials are subjected to recycling or possible reuse by different people at different times. By examining these ancient waste, archaeological research gives insight into how humans in ancient societies interacted with their surrounding environment through beliefs, and political and socio-economic practices.

A recent research study led by, Assistant Professor of History, 51��� aimed to discover the waste management practices of the rural settlements of one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations, the Indus Valley Civilization. While much research has highlighted the waste management systems in urban centers of the Indus Valley, there is limited information available about the practices in rural settlements where resources are limited. By bridging this gap of knowledge, our understanding of the differences between urban-rural setup within the civilization can be enhanced. Hence, this study tried to answer some specific questions - What types of waste were produced and how were they disposed of? How does the composition of waste and its disposal practices reflect the settlement’s socio-economic organization? How do these practices differ to those in the urban settlements?

Prof. Nayanjot Lahiri emphasizes the significance of such research: "Hardly any studies in India have been done on archaeology of waste management practices. By recovering the disposal practices at the Harappan site of Kotada Bhadli, Kalyan Sekhar Chakraborty has provided an excellent model which can be followed elsewhere."

To answer these questions, the researchers employed a multidisciplinary and multiproxy approach to understand the ancient ecological conditions and examine the waste disposal at the rural Indus settlement of Kotada Bhadli, located in present day Gujarat. An amalgamation of various archaeological practices consisting of radio-carbon dating, plant and animal residue analysis (phytolith and spherulite analysis) and evaluation of the soil chemistry (elemental and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of soil sediments), the approach helped reconstruct the sources of the waste in Kotada Bhadli during 2300 BCE and 1900 BCE.

The waste in the settlement under study was primarily found to be burned animal feces and vegetation, domestic waste materials such as broken pottery, tools, jewelry, housing materials, and possibly broken furniture and wooden objects, along with dietary wastes like animal bones and plant refuse.

It was found that wood for fuel was scarce hence feces was the primary domestic fuel source. The study proposed that waste along with ash residues from domestic and occupational fire related activities was disposed of systematically at specific locations, along the settlement wall as defined by the community. Various wastes including unused feces were also periodically burned in this location. These practices of waste disposal indicate that the inhabitants were concerned with keeping their settlement clean by discarding waste at the edge of the settlement and then burning them to reduce odor and infectious disease.

Ash debris was found on the inner as well as outer face of the settlement wall, but they were completely absent inside the residential area, suggesting communal efforts in maintaining the residential area clean. While regular domestic and agricultural activities could lead to the production of these ash debris, the possibility that ritual or ceremonial activities involving fire within the settlement cannot be ruled out completely. However, it is uncertain whether these ritualistic practices required a special waste disposal that kept the ash debris inside the settlement, rather than disposing them outside the settlement.

Additionally, the presence of large amounts of burned feces and fodder indicates that one of the primary economic activities of the inhabitants was sedentary to semi-sedentary pastoralism. It was also found that unlike the urban settlements of the Indus valley civilization with complex drainage and waste management systems, Kotada Bhadli employed a simpler and systematic waste management approach, organized by the community and households.

Overall, this study reconstructed an understanding of the natural, physical and cultural environment and examined how the residents of the settlement utilized the surrounding landscape to meet their domestic and occupational needs. It gives you a peek into the everyday lives of one of the world’s earliest civilizations, suggesting that rather than mere discarded materials, waste can be a valuable resource for understanding past lives.

Written by Kangna Verma and Yukti Arora, Academic Communications, Research and Development Office, 51���

Reference article :

Authors: Kalyan Sekhar Chakraborty, Sheahan Bestel, Mary Lucus, Patrick Roberts, Prabodh Shirvalkar, Yadubirsingh Rawat, Thomas Larsen & Heather M. -L. Miller

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Bridging Academia and Industry: A Conversation with Prof Partha Pratim Das

Q1. Your career has spanned both academia and industry, with roles ranging from faculty to CEO. What motivated your transition from academics to industry and also a subsequent return to academia?

I’m someone who enjoys exploring new avenues. I joined IIT Kharagpur in 1988 as a Computer Science faculty member and stayed until 1998. In 1993, I co-founded Kernel Computers, the institute’s first faculty-led startup, to bridge the gap between academia and industry. This dual role as an academic and industry professional taught me that it’s tough to manage both simultaneously. So, I left IIT in 1998 and started my own company, A Quaint Technology. Later, I joined Interra Systems as Engineering Head and worked there for 11 years. After realizing that industry thrives on customer focus, I decided to return to academia in 2011 to create industry-relevant courses. Teaching has always been my passion, and even during my industry years, I served as a visiting faculty at Calcutta University for eight years. Both industry and academia have their own charm, and I truly value my experience in both.

Q2. Could you share insights into the differences between managing academic institutions, and leading an organization in the private sector? How did these roles shape your leadership style?

In academia, there are three pillars: Teaching, where you shape students' learning and mentor their personal growth; Research, where you identify relevant problems and work with students and colleagues to find solutions, contributing to your growth as a teacher; and Projects, where you secure external funding to support cutting-edge research.

In the private sector, the focus shifts entirely to the customer. I used to ask newcomers, “Why does a company exist?” The answer is simple: to make money, while providing value to customers. In industry, success is determined not just by creating solutions but by meeting customer requirements with high quality.

This focus on customer-at-the-center influenced my academic approach when I returned to academics in 2011. I viewed students as customers investing their aspirations, but this perspective wasn’t widely accepted in academia. Another key difference between industry and academia is that, in industry, it’s less about how you create a solution and more about whether it meets the requirements. Quality is a crucial factor. Balancing both worlds has shaped my leadership style to be outcome-driven and customer-centric.

Q3. Your areas of interest include data science, software engineering, food computing, digital learning, and digital heritage. What initially drew your interest to these diverse fields, and how do they connect to your current research?

My interest in computer science has always been driven by creating meaningful societal applications. Early in my career, I worked on automating the intricate design process of Indian silk sarees like Baluchari and Banarasi. After transitioning back from the industry, I wanted to explore computing in non-traditional areas. I delved into digital heritage, focusing on Indian classical dance like Bharat Natyam, using AI to create tutoring systems.

My interest in food computing stemmed from the link between food, nutrition, and chronic diseases. At Ashoka, I leveraged the interdisciplinary environment to develop digital food models that personalize nutrition and wellness, addressing why diets often fail. I am collaborating with the Trivedi School of Biosciences on various interdisciplinary projects. The concept involves digitally representing food and managing decisions like recipes, ingredients, nutrition, and wellness. It also looks after matching foods to individuals based on what's beneficial for them. While dietitians recommend food based on health parameters, they often overlook enjoyment, which is why most diets fail after two weeks.

Data Science connects all these interests, allowing me to integrate computing techniques into diverse areas like humanities and social sciences. I’m not solely a data science researcher; rather, I apply its techniques to interdisciplinary fields, with the aim of enhancing the research potential across disciplines at Ashoka.

Q4. Having been at the forefront of software development and entrepreneurship, how do you think India’s tech industry has evolved over the years? What key factors do you believe have contributed to its growth?

India’s tech industry has grown significantly in numbers, but its impact remains debatable. Historically, it has largely been a service industry, learning from others and offering solutions based on those insights. Unique innovations like UPI framework and ISRO’s achievements stand out, but these successes are limited to specific areas.

India’s strength lies in its technically educated workforce with solid mathematical and analytical skills. However, overproduction of software developers has led to a major employment crisis.

During my first start-up in IIT Kharagpur, we had to convince the Board of Governors for several months for why a faculty should start a startup? One of my friends once told me a small story: a couple with two daughters were married. The younger daughter and her husband were highly respected in the society, because the younger daughter's husband worked as a top executive in a company. Whereas, the elder daughter and her husband were not so respected because the elder daughter’s husband ran a company. The bottom line of the story being, the younger son-in-law worked in the company of the elder son-in-law. This story subtly describes the way society looked at startups. Hence, the mindset for entrepreneurship was very different back in the day.

Despite this, there’s been a positive shift in entrepreneurial mindset. In the past, startups were undervalued, but now they are gaining recognition.

I’m particularly hopeful about the potential in AI, where India can take the lead. Although societal perceptions are changing, with startups no longer looked down upon, we still need more leadership and innovation, particularly in the space of Artificial Intelligence, to truly make a mark globally.

Q5. What current projects or research are you most excited about, how do you see 51���’s environment and resources contributing to the success of these initiatives?

Currently, I’m excited about food computing research at Ashoka, adopting an interdisciplinary approach by collaborating with the biology and sociology departments. Given food's multi-dimensional nature, I’m working to make this a university-wide initiative while building partnerships with private, governmental institutions, and NGOs. I believe this is an area where Ashoka has a unique edge compared to other institutions.

Additionally, I’m focusing on interdisciplinary research using data science techniques. We’ve launched a unique outreach program called ‘Data Science for Social Impact’ to promote these efforts. Over the next two years, I aim to grow the Data Science Center at Ashoka, serving as an integrated platform across various departments to streamline data processes and promote better data science practices. This center will elevate our research capabilities and create a collaborative space for impactful projects.

Interviewee: Prof Partha Pratim Das, Professor of Computer Science, 51���

Interviewer: Kangna Verma and Yukti Arora, Academic Communications, RDO, 51���

51���

Research Administrators Driving 51���’s Research Ecosystem Forward

Research administration is crucial to the success of academic institutions, ensuring that research initiatives are managed effectively and efficiently. On National Research Administrators Day, we celebrate those working behind the scenes to support researchers, manage projects, and navigate the complexities of funding, compliance, collaborations, and communications. At 51���, the Research Development Office (RDO), led by Prof. Gautam Menon (Dean of Research) and Prof. Imroze Khan (Assistant Dean of Research), plays an integral role in streamlining processes and supporting an environment where research can thrive.

Gunisha Dhawan
M.Sc. Clinical Microbiology from Glasgow Caledonian University, UK

Gunisha manages scholar management at RDO. She oversees research projects, ensuring compliance with academic standards and funding agency guidelines. Her role includes budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation for PhD programs, while ensuring proper completion of formalities during PhD tenures. Working closely with PIs, she ensures that resource allocation is compliant with funding agencies. Gunisha's experience has deepened her understanding of university operations and strengthened her expertise in research management.

Dr. Hemansi
Ph.D. in Microbiology, Central University of Haryana, India

Hemansi manages the Research Infrastructure Management vertical at RDO, overseeing post-award processes, facilitating collaborations, and procurement for intra- and extramural projects. She recently added patent management to her responsibilities, streamlining applications to protect innovative research. She received an IRMI travel award to attend the 2024 EARMA conference, gaining insights into EU research administration. She finds great purpose in helping researchers navigate complex administrative landscapes, aligning them with resources to achieve their goals. Her vision is to create a seamless, innovative research ecosystem at Ashoka, enhancing infrastructure, promoting intellectual property, and fostering global collaborations while implementing best practices in biosecurity and risk management.

Mukul Layak
M.Com.

Mukul handles post-award grant management and events at RDO. He manages intramural and extramural grants, ensuring financial reconciliation, reporting, and compliance. His responsibilities include updating sanction orders, expenses, and maintaining purchase records across platforms. Through his efforts in streamlining processes and ensuring compliance, he contributes to the effective management and growth of Ashoka’s research ecosystem.

Pankaj Chhabra
MBA (Finance) and CA (Inter)

Pankaj recently transitioned from Ashoka’s Finance team to RDO. He is involved in post-grant management, budgeting, reconciliation and finalisation of UCs, and also serves as the nodal officer for UGC and CSIR, ensuring support for PhD students supported by these agencies. Pankaj’s goal is to bridge the gap between Finance and RDO, delivering real-time grant financial data to improve research financial management.

Dr. Rajat Srivastava
Ph.D. in Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad, India

Rajat’s role encompasses streamlining grant submissions, maintaining comprehensive databases, and overseeing the entire lifecycle of research personnel. He manages the hiring of students and staff, prepares contracts, and handles all aspects of the manpower process. His vision in scholar management is to foster a supportive and efficient environment for researchers, ensuring they have the resources and structure they need to succeed in their projects.

Dr Shruti Shrivastava
Ph.D. in Molecular Cell Biology, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, India

Shruti handles grants management, scholar management, research publications, agreements, and policy implementation. She recognizes that research management in higher education is a specialised field, and her research background has been instrumental in her success. As the global research ecosystem evolves, she sees advanced training in research management and strategic planning as essential for the field's growth and looks forward to further advancing her career. She is also the recipient of an IRMI travel award, which she used to attend the 2024 EARMA conference. Shruti looks forward to continuing her contribution to the evolving landscape of research administration.

Dr. Sidhartha Bhattacharyya
Ph.D. in Geology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, USA

Sidhartha supports Ashoka faculty and departments with research facility setup, maintenance, and operations. He manages lab purchases, coordinates requisitions, and liaises with the Project and Maintenance team on infrastructure, equipment management and lab safety. Looking ahead, he plans to organise and participate in technical meetings with faculty and vendors to procure advanced equipment. He also aims to host vendor roadshows on campus to strengthen collaborations with 51���.

Dr. Yukti Arora
Ph.D. in Material Science, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, India

Yukti oversees academic communication efforts at Ashoka and her work is crucial in strengthening Ashoka's research ecosystem by ensuring that research outputs are effectively communicated and recognized beyond academic circles. She plays a key role in coordinating between the Research, Business and Development, Outreach, and Media Offices, facilitating outreach, fundraising, and partnership-building initiatives. Her contributions have been instrumental in the conceptualization and execution of various communication and public engagement initiatives.

As we celebrate National Research Administrators Day, we recognize the invaluable contributions of these professionals in building a future-ready research ecosystem at 51���. Happy National Research Administrators Day!

Written by Dr Yukti Arora, Academic Communications, RDO, 51���

51���

Academia, Policy and Finance : Prachi Mishra’s insights on Global Economics and Research

Born and brought up in Patna, Bihar, Prachi Mishra, Professor of Economics and Director and Head of the Isaac Center for Public Policy at 51���, completed her PhD in Economics from Columbia University. She began her professional journey in Washington DC at the International Monetary Fund. Despite the global exposure, her drive to come back and contribute to India led her to work with the Indian Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, the Ministry of Finance, and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). She later broadened her experience in the private sector at Goldman Sachs.

One of her most rewarding projects during this time was, developing the intellectual framework and drafting the report of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Committee in 2017. This project addressed the changing global and domestic economic landscapes and the need to revise India's fiscal rules to enhance transparency, flexibility, and credibility.

Historically, India had experienced periods of macroeconomic instability, often caused by unsustainable fiscal policies, such as in the 1980s and during the 1991 Balance of Payments crisis. The government had introduced the FRBM Law in 2003, but by 2017, the economic landscape had shifted. India was becoming more financially connected to the global economy, and new challenges like secular stagnation, uncertainties in the Eurozone, significant debt burdens, and changing fiscal rules worldwide made it clear that India needed to update its approach. Many countries had already adopted fiscal rules with built-in flexibility, transparency, and independent oversight. The time was opportune for a review of India’s fiscal framework.

“I enjoyed both the intellectual challenge of shaping a new fiscal framework for India and the process itself, which involved consultations with stakeholders and lively debates within the committee”, Prof. Prachi shared.

Another key initiative she enjoyed was collaborating with the Human Resource Department at the RBI to establish the Strategic Research Unit. This unit, staffed with both internal personnel and directly recruited PhD economists, was tasked with delivering high-quality research and analysis to address the operational challenges across various departments of the Bank. Human resource management in a large emerging economy like India is indeed significantly more complex compared to countries with more developed institutional frameworks and greater human capital.

At Ashoka, she is working on several research projects. One of them focuses on reducing high public debt and rising debt servicing costs, which are key concerns for policymakers in India and globally. In India, nearly 40% of government revenue goes towards debt servicing, compared to just 10% on average for emerging markets. This high spending on interest payments limits funds available for economic support during crises like COVID-19, as well as for crucial social investments in health and education, where India still spends significantly less than its peers.

In today’s interconnected global economy, decisions made in advanced economies often have significant effects on emerging markets. One of Prof. Prachi’s research areas focuses on how these policy shifts impact financial markets in emerging countries, a topic she has studied for nearly a decade. A key moment in this work occurred on May 22, 2013, when Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke hinted at “tapering” (or the reversal of quantitative easing policies by a central bank to stimulate economic growth). Emerging markets reacted sharply, and as part of India’s G20 delegation to Moscow, the collective concern was raised that while aggressive monetary easing could support recovery in the US, Europe, and Japan by increasing demand for exports, it also triggered “spillover” effects for emerging markets—widening interest rate differentials, increasing capital flows, appreciating currencies, and driving up stock and asset prices. This experience has been central to shaping her research agenda on spillovers.

Having worked in both academic and financial sectors, when asked about the key challenges of each and how to bridge the gap between academic research and practical policy making?

She states, “For academia, especially in India, the big challenge is to attract world class faculty. The intellectual ecosystem is dominated by the West, and all emerging economies face binding resource constraints.

Despite all challenges, engaging with Indian students and faculty is rewarding in several ways. Research and teaching in a large emerging market is way more interesting and challenging too, compared to the West.

The financial industry is very fast paced. The challenges there are different – limited bandwidth of clients, little time for academic rigour.

Engagement at all levels is crucial to bridge the gap between academic research, financial markets, and policy making. 51��� need to boost research on policy relevant questions and proactively present the results to policymakers, enabling them to draw conclusions from evidence-based research.”

For Prof. Prachi, research and academia have always been her passion. When asked about her long term goals and how 51��� can contribute to her professional growth, she mentions, “ I aim to work with colleagues to provide innovative perspectives on key questions global economies face - high public debt, high inflation, monetary transmission, political economy issues, etc.”

51��� and the newly established Isaac Center for Public Policy (ICPP) provide a unique chance to blend policy with academics, teaching, research, and engage with a large dynamic community of young students”

As a final piece of advice for those beginning their journey in economic research or policy, Prof. Prachi emphasises the importance of maintaining a critical mindset: “Summers' Law (named after Larry Summers) states, 'It takes just as much time to write an unimportant paper as an important one.' Read, recognize contributions, but don’t be awed by them, question everything.” This guiding principle, drawn from her own extensive career, encourages aspiring economists to approach their work with a curious mind.

Interview conducted by Kangna Verma and Yukti Arora, Academic Communications, RDO, 51���

51���

The Contemporary Hindu Nationalism and Indian Environmentalism

Prof. Mukul Sharma’s revised edition of Green and Saffron: Hindu Nationalism and Indian Environmental Politics revisits his pioneering study of the intersection between environmentalism and Hindu nationalism. Originally published in 2012, this updated edition with the new title , “Green and Saffron: The RSS, Modi, and Indian Environmental Politics”, continues to explore the ways Indian environmental discourse and policies have been influenced by a Hindu nationalist agenda.

The book challenges two common claims about environmental politics. First, it questions the idea that environmental ideology and politics always align with progressive views. Second, it disputes the notion that environmental ideology transcends the progressive/conservative, right/left divide. In this context, the book comprehensively analyses how environmental rhetoric has been used to support and extend the reach of Hindutva, a—an ideology central to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its affiliates like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The term “Green and Saffron” metaphorically represents this fusion, with “Saffron” symbolising Hindu nationalism and “Green” indicating environmental concerns.

The updated edition deals in-depth with at least five distinctive new features: the ideological and political expansion of ecological discourse in contemporary India through Hindu nationalist politics and its civil society supporters, the wide-ranging environmental discourse and activities of the RSS and its affiliated organisations since 2014, the role of the BJP government in promoting a religion-centred ecology, the saffronisation of the politics of climate change and renewable energy, and projections of PM Modi as an environmental leader both nationally and globally. This edition has an insightful foreword by Prof. Jonathan Olsen, who has previously published ground-breaking research on right-wing ecology in historical and contemporary Germany. The book’s previous case studies have been updated with ‘postscripts.’

In this new edition, Prof. Sharma refines his argument that contemporary Indian politics reflects both the “Greening of Saffron” and the “Saffronizing of Green.” The former denotes the BJP and RSS incorporating environmental discourse into a nationalist framework, using it to further their cultural and political agenda. The latter describes how parts of the environmental movement have adapted to align with this nationalist discourse, thus blending ecological concerns with Hindu nationalist ideology.

The book’s updated edition retains the core insights of the original while expanding on new developments. The second chapter provides an in-depth look at the ideological evolution of these organisations and their gradual emphasis on environmental issues within their nationalist discourse.

The book’s backbone remains its detailed case studies: Anna Hazare’s watershed management initiative in Ralegan Siddhi, the Chipko Movement leader Sunderlal Bahuguna’s opposition to the Tehri Dam, and the forest revival project in Vrindavan. Prof. Sharma carefully demonstrates how each case illustrates the blending of environmental conservation with Hindu nationalist values. In Ralegan Siddhi, Anna Hazare’s environmental efforts are shown to be influenced by Hindu nationalist ideas, emphasising moral authority and nationalistic rhetoric. Sunderlal Bahuguna’s resistance to the Tehri Dam reflects a convergence of environmental and religious concerns, while the Vrindavan project intertwines environmental policy with Hindu myths and values.

A notable addition in this edition is a chapter addressing India’s response to global climate change. The author critiques how the Modi administration has used climate change initiatives to advance its nationalist agenda while sidelining independent environmental organisations. The Governing party’s embrace of climate action is evaluated as a strategic move to enhance his political standing both domestically and internationally, Prof. Sharma highlights how climate change mitigation has been framed as a continuation of ancient Hindu traditions, intertwining modern environmentalism with nationalist themes.

Overall, the book critically examines how environmentalism and Hindu nationalism have become intertwined in India’s political landscape. By connecting ecological issues with nationalist sentiments, the author reveals the complex ways in which environmental discourse can be used for political purposes. His analysis highlights the potential risks of this convergence, particularly the exclusionary and ideologically driven nature of current environmental policies in India. By highlighting the contemporary features of Hindutva environmentalism and the convergence of Green and Saffron, the book also outlines future areas of research in this field that have hitherto been unexplored.

This revised edition of Green and Saffron not only provides new insights into the relationship between environmentalism and nationalism but also serves as a timely reminder of how political ideologies can shape and influence environmental discourse and policy. Prof Sharma’s book is a valuable resource for understanding the intricate dynamics of environmental politics in contemporary India.

Written by Dr Yukti Arora and Ms Kangna Verma - Academic Communications, RDO, 51���

Reference:

51���

51��� Hosts EU R&I Info Day; Strengthens Global Research and Innovation Collaboration

51��� hosted the EU Research and Innovation (R&I) Info Day on September 12, 2024, in collaboration with the Delegation of the European Union to India and EURAXESS India. This event delved into the strategic partnership between the EU and India in research and innovation, showcasing opportunities for Indian researchers to collaborate with the EU and its Member States. Tailored for the academic community, including students, researchers, and faculty from 51��� and surrounding institutions, the event highlighted funding opportunities and collaborative projects under Horizon Europe, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, and Erasmus Plus, as well as bilateral research and innovation programs and fellowships offered by the Member States.

During the event, participants had the opportunity to engage directly with distinguished representatives from Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Sweden, Norway, and Switzerland. These experts presented opportunities for bilateral cooperation and career development schemes designed to promote collaborative research initiatives. Additionally, attendees gained valuable insights into the support services provided by the EURAXESS network, which facilitates international research collaborations and mobility.

The event commenced with a welcome address from Prof. Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor of 51���, and Mr. Pierrick Fillon-Ashida, First Counsellor and Head of the R&I Section at the Delegation of the EU to India. Keynote addresses were delivered by H.E. Mr. Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to India, and Prof. K. Vijay Raghavan, Former Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India and Chair of the Science Advisory Council at 51���. Additionally, Prof. Gautam I. Menon, Dean of Research at 51���, presented an overview of the university’s research landscape.

n addition to providing valuable insights into the EU-India research collaboration, the event served as a platform for the EU Delegation, EURAXESS India, and EU Member States to better understand 51���’s academic, research, and innovation landscape. Testimonies on existing EU-India cooperation were shared, and representatives from various countries presented research, innovation, and study opportunities in Europe. The panel discussion and Q&A session offered further engagement and dialogue for participants.

Speaking at the event, His Excellency Mr. Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to India, said, “Cooperation in Research and Innovation is an essential pillar of EU-India strategic partnership. Our funding programmes and collaborative programmes bring together bright minds and smart brains- students, top researchers and scientists - from India and Europe around concrete projects of high relevance for our nations. It is a powerful catalyst for the development of new technologies whether in IT tech, biotech, water tech and other domains, and for ensuring the transition from research phase to market uptake. It benefits our research and development ecosystems, our economies and our people”. He added: “It is thrilling to see India standing as a front-runner in the various research exchange and grants programmes of the EU, underlining EU’s attractiveness and potential. Today’s Info Day on EU R&I at 51��� is another such opportunity for Indian students and researchers to choose Europe.”

“We are honoured to host the EU Research and Innovation Info Day at 51���, marking a significant step towards strengthening the bonds between the European Union and Indian academia. This event is more than just an opportunity to explore collaborative avenues; it is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing research and innovation on a global scale. By aligning our goals with the European Union’s research and student mobility programmes, we are not only opening doors for our students and faculty but also paving the way for impactful partnerships that will contribute to the scientific and technological progress of our world”, said Somak Raychaudhury, Vice - Chancellor, 51���, during his welcome address.

51���

Taming the Elephant: Publicly Auditable Yet Privacy-Preserving Electoral Rolls

Election security is a critical concern. While much of the focus is on securing the voting process, electronic voting machines (EVMs) and backend systems, the security and privacy of electoral rolls, or voter lists, are often overlooked. The months-long voter registration process is vulnerable to both administrative errors and active manipulation. Common issues include the addition of ineligible voters, the malicious removal of eligible voters, and duplicate entries. Making electoral rolls public is a common approach to ensure integrity through public audits. However, this raises significant privacy concerns, as voter lists contain sensitive information that can be exploited for targeted manipulation in elections.

Prashant Agrawal, a Research Assistant at 51���’s Centre for Digitisation, AI, and Society, along with his co-authors, has proposed a protocol that provides public auditability of electoral rolls while maintaining voter privacy. This protocol addresses various threats, including electoral roll manipulation, ballot stuffing, voter denials, and privacy violations. This secure electoral roll protocol eliminates the need for a trusted authority to issue eligibility credentials. Instead, it relies on legally mandated criteria such as age and citizenship to determine voter eligibility. It also eliminates the need for voters to safeguard any secrets, allowing them to participate "bare-handed."

The core idea is to publish an electoral roll with encrypted voter identity information and then decrypt and verify a small random sample of these entries. Statistical sampling provides strong guarantees that any large-scale eligibility fraud would be detected efficiently. For an election with million voters, verifying just a few thousand entries is typically sufficient. This approach also prevents voter profiling by revealing the identity information of only a small fraction of random voters.

However, statistical sampling alone cannot detect duplicate entries in the electoral roll. Deduplication is a challenging issue and although systems like Aadhaar exist, their deduplication processes are not publicly verifiable. Nevertheless, even with a trusted deduplicated identity system like Aadhaar, directly using it for electoral processes could compromise voter privacy. Therefore, the proposed protocol introduces a secondary, election-specific identity that is unlinkable to the primary identity system yet retains its deduplication guarantees, ensuring both voter privacy and electoral integrity.

Even with a completely accurate electoral roll, there is no guarantee that votes are recorded only against the names of voters who actually cast their votes. To prevent ballot stuffing, the protocol incorporates a secure liveness detection mechanism, such as capturing a facial photograph of the voter holding a specific placard, attested by a trusted hardware execution module. Alternative liveness detection methods from computer vision literature can also be employed.

Finally, the protocol addresses the issue of eligible voters being wrongly denied registration or the opportunity to vote. Both registration and vote casting are conducted under public oversight, with all voters receiving appropriate receipts. These receipts allow voters to partially verify their validity on the spot, and the correctness of denial decisions can be audited by an independent auditor without revealing voters' sensitive identity information. A random sample of voters verifying their receipts ensures protection against large-scale voter denials while maintaining privacy.

In conclusion, the proposed protocol offers practical protection against electoral roll manipulation, ballot stuffing, and various attacks on voter privacy. It is highly efficient, requiring, for example, the verification of only about 2,500 random voters out of a million to detect eligibility fraud rates of 2% or higher, while exposing the identity information of at most 1% of voters. By ensuring that electoral rolls are both verifiable and privacy-preserving, this protocol sets a new standard for secure and fair elections.

Ref Article:
Publicly Auditable Privacy-Preserving Electoral Rolls

Authors:
Prashant Agrawal, Mahabir Prasad Jhanwar, Subodh Vishnu Sharma, Subhashis Banerjee

Edited by Yukti Arora and Kangna Verma, Academic Communication, RDO, 51���

51���

Qualifying Quality in Higher Education in Kerala

Deepti Sreeram is a PhD scholar in the department of Sociology and Anthropology at 51���.

Policymakers and practitioners discuss the importance of quality in education with enough evidence to suggest that students, faculty members and staff consider quality differently. For example, students might identify teaching excellence as a key aspect of quality education. University administrators on the other hand might identify research output as an important trait. Given these multiple views on quality, Deepti aims to explore how one qualifies a slippery concept such as quality. Her work is pertinent in relation to the question of quality in a state like Kerala. Known for its literacy and education, the state has often been described as an exceptional model for other states in India. Despite this history, there have been claims that the state’s education is in decline. It is in this context that her research question is significant in understanding the shifting dynamics of higher education.

With the generous scholarship support from 51���, she has been able to relocate to the field site and conduct her research. In addition to this, she also maps institutional histories and traces the ways in which the institution where she conducts research conceptualized quality over the years. She actively follows the media discourse on higher education in Kerala to understand the ways in which quality education is discussed among different stakeholders.

Edited by Yukti Arora and Kangna Verma (Academic Communications, RDO)

51���

Using Machine Learning methods to understand factors and processes which affect cancer progression in humans

Bhavesh Neekhra is a Ph.D. scholar working under the supervision of Dr Debayan Gupta in the Department of Computer Science at 51���. His research uses machine learning to study how Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) affect cancer progression, treatment resistance, and recurrence, aiming to develop personalized treatment strategies.

The oldest known medical records, the Egyptian papyri (Hajdu, 2016), written around the Pyramid Age (ca. 2630 to 2500 BC), mention breast cancer. Under the section titled “Therapy”, it reads: “There is none.” (Mukherjee, 2011). Despite this long history, cancer continues to plague human society in its many avatars with one common fundamental feature: the abnormal growth of cells.

For clinicians treating cancer patients, several key considerations guide their choice of treatments: (1) the efficacy and side effects of the treatment, including the potential for resistance (2) the likelihood of cancer recurrence after successful treatment, and (3) the risk of cancer metastasis. The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in each of these factors, making it essential to understand the constituents of this microenvironment.

One of the objectives of Bhavesh’s research is to estimate the type and frequency of stem cells, tumor cells, and immune cells in a given tumor sample. Using machine learning-based approaches, this research aims to analyze the nature of these cells and the critical factors influencing cancer progression. Compared to conventional experimental methods, these computational approaches are faster, less resource-intensive, and cost-effective.

The experiments conducted have highlighted the role of immune cells, stem cells, and tumor cells in cancer progression, treatment resistance, and cancer relapse. The research focuses particularly on Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) and their role in tumor development. By identifying and quantifying different types of CSCs in tumor samples, the research has produced results consistent with those obtained from lab-tested samples, validating the accuracy of these methods.

In conclusion, a better understanding of the role of Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) in cancer progression, recurrence and treatment resistance can aid in developing effective personalized treatment strategies.

Edited by Yukti Arora and Kangna Verma (Academic Communications, RDO)

51���

Breaking the Silence: A Look at Domestic Violence and the Need for Trauma-Informed Support in India

Maitrayee Sen is pursuing her research under the supervision of Dr. Simantini Ghosh at the Department of Psychology at 51���. As a passionate and dedicated researcher in India, Maitrayee is deeply committed to addressing the widespread issue of domestic violence against women. Motivated by a commitment to gender equality and social justice, she aims to unravel the complexities of this problem through rigorous research. Her work focuses on understanding the various forms of relationship violence faced by Indian women, with a special emphasis on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), which remains a grave concern worldwide.

In India, Domestic Violence is a bigger problem than just violence between spouses (Intimate Partner Violence, IPV). Domestic Violence in the South Asian context is deeply rooted in cultural norms that give men more power than women. This is similar to what happens in other parts of the world.
However, the nature of abuse extends beyond the conventional understanding of IPV, as Indian women often cohabit with not just their spouses but also marital relatives who can be perpetrators. Additionally, violence is also perpetrated by the natal family members before marriage or any cohabiting relationship.

Research often frames domestic violence in episodes, which misses the deeper psychological effects of ongoing, repetitive abuse. Maitrayee’s work argues for using a continuous trauma framework to better understand the chronic nature of domestic violence in India. Complex trauma theory, originally developed for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, is a useful way to understand the layered trauma experienced by Indian women. This theory suggests that long-term, inescapable trauma leads to psychological issues beyond those defined by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. For Indian women, a lifetime of control, oppression, and abuse fits the criteria of complex trauma.
Currently, there is no unified or structured program in India to help survivors of long-term domestic violence beyond providing legal aid and temporary relief from anxiety or depression. Once the complex trauma theory is proven effective, several stagewise, structured intervention programs that have been formulated with the help of this theory can be standardized and scaled up to help survivors in a culturally and contextually sensitive manner.

Edited by Yukti Arora and Kangna Verma (Academic Communications, RDO)

51���

The Revolution of Artificial Intelligence : Prof. Lipika’s Journey of Transition and Innovation

Q1. Could you describe your professional journey and share any memorable experiences or insights that have shaped your career?

I am not sure whether a professional journey can be described as a “joy ride”, but that’s how mine has felt – challenging, exciting, and entertaining! Having completed a PhD in Artificial Intelligence in the early nineties, I have lived through the AI winter to enjoy the AI spring. Throughout the eighties and nineties, computing was mostly about numbers. AI was present in laboratories, but was slowly going out of fashion. However, the success of search engines and the introduction of Web 2.0 led to an explosion of non-numerical data in the form of text, images, videos and graph networks. Industries became interested in gathering intelligence from this kind of data, waking Artificial Intelligence from hibernation. I was then teaching at IIT Delhi and saw this as a golden opportunity to move to industry from academia. We worked on generating analytical insights from complex, heterogeneous data. Language processing technologies were maturing, but many problems remained unsolved, keeping our research plates full. Now, with generative AI, we see yet another paradigm shift. AI technologies have moved to the forefront, right into the hands of end-users. The research problems have also shifted. The excitement of it all prompted me to make another shift in my career– this time back from industry to academia! In a nutshell - I have always ensured that there was never a dull moment in my career, even if it meant making unorthodox moves.

Q2. How did your early education in Mathematics and Computer Science at IIT Kharagpur influence your career trajectory in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics? How do you think these areas can help you answer important questions in the fields of healthcare and sustainability analytics?

My training in Mathematics and Computer Science has enabled me to be both an abstract thinker and a problem-solver. Mathematics strengthens logical reasoning, while computer science provides skills in computational theory, algorithm design, software development, and systems understanding. There is no magic in a computer solving a problem, including in Artificial Intelligence, which is grounded in Probability theory, Statistics, Optimization, Information theory, and Machine learning. These theories, applied in data-driven ways, have transformed AI. My journey has been continuous, always learning and integrating new knowledge, and IIT Kharagpur prepared me to be a lifelong learner.

In any organization today, over 95% of data is textual, including communications, project reports, feedback, and training documents. Text is a primary form of communication in healthcare, with data locked in prescriptions, nursing reports, radiology and pathology reports, and extensive biomedical literature. Natural Language Processing (NLP) is crucial here, as it enhances predictive and personalized healthcare applications while adding explainability and interpretability. While numbers record health events, text provides information about causes, interventions, responses, adverse effects, and prognostic pathways.

In sustainability analysis, besides energy consumption and generation data, sales and marketing numbers, and pollution data, much supplementary information is locked in company reports, media and public forums, and regulatory agency reports. These sources offer insights about actions, risks, threats, and opportunities. NLP technology unlocks these insights. Previously, my focus was on seamlessly integrating multi-source heterogeneous information for decision-making. Now, with generative AI, we envision generating possible futures, analyzing them from multiple perspectives, and choosing the best one for realization.

Q3. Receiving the Distinguished Scientist award by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in 2012 is a significant achievement. What does this recognition mean to you and your work, and can you also share insights on your involvement with the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)?

Being recognized by peers is a tremendous morale boost and inspires one to push boundaries. Working at TCS Research was highly rewarding for the opportunities to tackle diverse real-life problems, making the experience invaluable.

The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) is the world's largest educational and scientific computing society. ACM (India) advances computing within the country in collaboration with the global body. As an Eminent Speaker, I disseminate knowledge in my research areas and organize academic conferences. I've also been actively involved with ACM(W) in India since inception, supporting women computing professionals.

Q4. What led you to be actively involved in activities related to promoting women in STEM? Why do you think this is significant?

Coming from a privileged background, it took me time to realize the world was not as fair as I thought. As a faculty member at IIT Delhi, I met female students and colleagues who faced severe hurdles in pursuing their careers. While balancing a demanding job and a small child was tough for me, I had the freedom and strength to persevere— something many girls lacked. In the industry, the situation was similar. Very few women had the grit and mental make-up to continue against adversarial social circumstances, compounded by inadequate training and workplace adversities.

When ACM(W) was formed in India in 2013, a few of us were invited to be founding members. Unlike in the West, studying science is not a taboo for Indian girls, but they struggle with managing careers, households, and social expectations. Our goal was to design programs that instill self-confidence and the desire to be self-reliant, providing equity before equality. We have seen positive changes, but some issues persist and new ones arise. We continually evolve programs to address these challenges.

Q5. How do you think 51��� will contribute to your professional trajectory as you continue your academic journey?

As AI reshapes the landscape of technology, it is also changing the core fabric of society. Future technologists must focus on human-centric system design, as technology will be widely used for solving day to day problems. From education to health, no aspect of human life is likely to be immune from its effects. This has necessitated scientists to take a relook at this technology from philosophical, social and cultural points of view. 51��� with its strong footing in liberal arts can be the ideal catalyst to nurture this process.

AI will change existing socio-cultural and economic norms, behavioral patterns and the design paradigms. However, ethical concerns about indiscriminate use of AI technology are significant. Like all powerful technologies, it has the potential to play havoc. Content created with malintention can wreck the society. As it becomes difficult to segregate the real from the fake, security concerns are on the rise. Data-driven technologies also threaten copyrights. AI is now not only about science, but also about ethics, responsibility, social insights and humanity. I believe Ashoka stands perfectly poised to help me explore deep into the applications of AI, its effects and thereby also shape the future of AI.

Interviewee: Lipika Dey, Professor of Computer Science, 51���
Interviewers: Ms Kangna Verma and Dr. Yukti Arora (Academic Communications, RDO, 51���)

51���

What explains Ford Foundation’s success in India?

In the mid-1960s, as many as 152 Western private foundations were active in the field of international development. Among these, the Ford Foundation stood out as the largest and most influential, forging extremely close ties with India from the mid-1950s onwards. The Ford Foundation played an intimate role in India’s development journey, leaving a significant mark on the country's policies and practices.

Understanding the success of the India-Ford Foundation relationship involves delving into how this foundation shaped India’s development trajectory and what this partnership reveals about both independent India and private foundations. Historians of the modern world often rely on archives to uncover such intricate stories, and the Ford Foundation's archives, housed at the Rockefeller Archives Center in Sleepy Hollow, USA, have been a treasure trove for researchers. However, for a comprehensive view, it is essential to supplement these with materials from national and state archives, private papers, and other institutional records in India. This research led by Gaurav Garg, Assistant Professor of History at 51���, also aims to explore how ordinary Indians perceived the Ford Foundation and similar organisations.

This investigation is part of Dr. Garg's ongoing book project, which he plans to complete after finishing his current work on Calcutta’s urban-economic decline and business community.. Preliminary findings indicate that the Ford Foundation became truly influential and successful only after the Ford family withdrew from direct involvement, allowing experts to manage the endowment. This aspect of the Foundation’s history highlights the complex dynamics between founders, donors, and the professionals who run non-profits.

In terms of India-Ford Foundation relations, the research indicates that India preferred collaborating with the Foundation over the US government. This preference stemmed from a belief that India could better exercise managerial control and retain autonomy when working with the Foundation. Despite occasional challenges, this relationship remained robust throughout much of the 20th Century, setting the standard for other foundations operating in India.

Dr Garg’s ongoing research has attracted attention and partial funding from the Washington DC-based think tank, the Urban Institute, on behalf of the influential US philanthropic funder, Open Philanthropy. Through this work and the example of the Ford Foundation in India, Open Philanthropy aims to develop more effective and intelligent donor strategies. This research contributes to a broader shift in the USA’s philanthropic landscape, moving away from an obsession with quantitatively measurable outcomes. Particularly, the study of the Ford Foundation’s role in shaping India’s economic reforms in the late 1980s and early 1990s supports the idea that some of the most crucial development interventions cannot and should not be measured solely by "return on investment."

Furthermore, this research underscores the importance of archives, especially in a context like India, where there is significant suspicion around maintaining and accessing archives. The Ford Foundation exemplifies how comprehensive archives can enhance scholarly understanding of an organization's nature and activities. While the Foundation was once seen as a front for the CIA and the US State Department, recent research, including this one, has complicated and even challenged this view, demonstrating that the Ford Foundation often operated independently of such entities.

It is hoped that Indian businesses, foundations, and universities will take inspiration from the Ford Foundation and commit to maintaining robust archives. Rather than implicating them, good archives are more likely to dispel simplistic narratives and offer a nuanced understanding of their roles and contributions.

Edited by Dr Yukti Arora, Senior Manager, Academic Communications, Research and Development Office, 51���

Reference Article:
Ford Foundation–India Relations in the 1950s: A Recipient Country Perspective
Author: Gaurav C. Garg

51���

51��� students shine at the Asia Pacific Worm Meeting 2024

Attending global conferences like the offers students invaluable opportunities for academic and professional growth. These events provide exposure to cutting-edge research, networking opportunities, and insights into the state-of-the-art practices in their fields. Students receive feedback on their research and the methodologies they are employing to address specific research questions; this helps them refine their work and enhance the quality of their research. Furthermore, they have the opportunity to identify and connect with potential reviewers for their work, fostering relationships that can lead to mentorship and collaboration.

Various competitions such as oral/poster presentations, science illustration/art, science slams, etc. help students hone multiple skills, which are invaluable when communicating their research. For students at 51���, such experiences have proven immensely beneficial.

51��� congratulates Debodyuti Mondal for winning the best poster prize and Divyashree A N for winning the worm art competition at the APWM 2024. This conference brings together C. elegans biologists from various research areas around the world.

Debodyuti Mondal investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between cell-cell adhesion and cell division using C. elegans embryos as a model system. APWM 2024 allowed Debodyuti to broaden her understanding of the field and receive valuable feedback from co-participants, which she is incorporating into her work as she prepares for publication. As a final-year PhD student, the conference also exposed her to potential career opportunities, enhancing her professional trajectory.

Divyashree’s fascination with how tiny microbes create havoc in higher organisms led her to study the role of the intestinal epithelium during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection at Ashoka. Her curiosity and dedication to research were complemented by her emerging interest in Science Art, sparked by a beautiful picture of a firing neuron during her master's. This dual passion for science and art found a perfect outlet at the Sci-Art competition at the APWM 2024, where she presented her work, "Melting Into The Oblivion," winning the best artwork prize.

Divyashree believes that incorporating such opportunities in more meetings and conferences can make science more engaging and visually appealing. The Ashoka Bioimaging Facility played a crucial role in nurturing both her Sci-Art passion and her research endeavors. Among the best in the country, this state-of-the-art facility has enhanced our understanding of sub-cellular phenomena at nanometer resolution through advanced light microscopy.

Alongside the PhD scholars, Promiti Mitra and Diya Anand, undergraduate students at 51���, and Sanjna Kartik, a graduate of the Ashoka Scholars Program (ASP) presented their research at the meeting. Sanjna presented her ASP thesis work at the conference, studying the role of specific sugars in the intestinal epithelial cells of C. elegans during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Sanjna recalls how her experience at 51��� sculpted her research career, emphasizing the importance of access to diverse labs, talks, symposiums, and student-run events like the Ashoka Science Research Festival. These experiences have equipped her to pursue her masters at Oxford University, UK.

51��� extends its heartfelt congratulations to the participants at the APWM 2024. Their successes highlight the benefits of attending global conferences, such as gaining subject-specific knowledge, building networks, and exploring career opportunities. These experiences not only enhance their research skills but also prepare them for future endeavors in their respective fields.

Debodyuti and Divyashree are part of the working with Dr. Anup Padmanabhan, Assistant Professor of Biology at 51���.

Written by Kangna Verma and Yukti Arora, Academic Communications, RDO, 51���

51���

Exploring the role of topology in biological phase transitions

Phase transitions where matter changes from one form to another due to altering parameters such as temperature, are common in nature.  At a fundamental level, many phase transitions can be understood as a competition between energy and entropy  (disorder). Because of these underlying universal properties, physical theories once developed for phase transitions in non-living matter, turn out to be very effective at describing biological processes as well. One such biological process is the melting of DNA, where the two strands making up the double helix unwind and separate from each other. 

Circular DNA (cDNA), found in viruses and bacteria, behaves differently from linear DNA in humans due to its complex topology. cDNA is more stable and has a higher melting temperature. Topology, a branch of mathematics, examines the connections between geometric shapes that can be smoothly transformed into each other without cutting or tearing – as an old joke goes, a donut and a coffee mug look the same in topology, because they both have one hole. Souradeep aims to understand DNA melting in circular DNA, and specifically how the topology of circular DNA affects the melting phase transition. 

Using statistical physics models and dynamical simulations run on Ashoka’s High-Performance-Computing cluster, Souradeep’s research investigates how DNA melting is affected by basic topological constraint – gluing the two ends of a DNA chain together and making it circular. He found that in the absence of any further twisting (known as supercoiling), circular DNA behaved similarly to linear DNA, when the DNA molecule was very long. Just as the Earth appears flat to us instead of curved due to its immense size, simple circular DNA also could not recognize its own curvature if it became very long. 

Biological systems are enormously complex and hard to grasp in their totality – this is where interdisciplinary approaches from physics can help delineate the importance of different aspects of biological systems.  It helps provide a generalized framework, e.g. how much of any biomolecule’s behavior can be understood from its geometry and topology alone? Souradeep aims to contribute to the interdisciplinary effort to unravel the mysteries of our biology.

___________________________________________________________

Edited by Yukti Arora and Kangna Verma (Academic Communications, RDO)

51���

Access to Rural Road Infrastructure and Fertility in India

Expanding access to public infrastructure can drive economic development through various pathways. For example, previous research has shown that better road connectivity can increase employment, improve livelihoods, expand public and private transport, and reduce poverty. Higher employment rates, especially among women, could raise the opportunity cost of having a child, encouraging households to have fewer children.

However, the overall impact of road-building programs on demographic transition is theoretically unclear. Demographic transition refers to the shift from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as a country or region develops. Improved infrastructure could lead to economic growth and higher household incomes, making childcare more affordable and potentially prompting families to have more children. Conversely, as returns to human capital goes up, households may prefer to have fewer children where they invest more on each child. There is evidence from both developed and developing countries that fertility rates decline during economic downturns and rise during periods of economic growth.
Therefore, it is not obvious how fertility would respond to better road infrastructure, as the outcomes depend on the relative influence of these mechanisms. Thus, the overall effect on the rate of demographic transition remains an open empirical question.

Aparajita Dasgupta, Associate Professor of Economics at 51���, and her team studied how road access impacts fertility decisions and investments in child health. Their objective was to identify how improvements in local road connectivity affect fertility. To evaluate how fertility changes in response to the availability of paved roads, they analyzed variations in road access in India, utilizing data on access to the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) both over time within districts and between districts.
Launched in 2000, the PMGSY is a large-scale road construction program aimed at providing paved roads to previously unconnected habitations in Indian villages, prioritising those above specific population thresholds. Dr. Dasgupta and her team specifically examined the fraction of villages in any given region that were above the relevant population cutoff at the baseline, using this as an instrument for actual road construction. They combined this measure with extensive administrative data to explore the effects of rural roads on demographic transition and the mechanisms involved.

The study revealed that increased access to paved roads at the district level reduces fertility rates, enhances investments in children, and decreases infant mortality. By examining the underlying mechanisms, the researchers found that local roads improved access to healthcare facilities, leading to higher immunization rates and further lowering infant mortality. Interestingly, the study identified improved access to healthcare facilities as the primary driver behind reduced fertility rates, rather than changes in female employment. While it might be expected that rural roads could create employment opportunities for women, thus reducing the demand for children, road connectivity was found to widen the gender gap in employment. However, it also allowed mothers more time, if not resources, for childcare.

Additionally, the study found that contraceptive use remained unchanged, despite historically being a dominant factor through which other infrastructure projects, such as electrification and access to televisions, have influenced fertility rates.

Overall, the evidence indicates that rural roads play a significant role in accelerating demographic transition by impacting fertility and infant mortality rates. Beyond enhancing healthcare demand, the study suggests that rural roads also improve households' access to formal healthcare services, thereby addressing supply-side constraints in delivering health inputs to children in remote areas.

Edited by Dr Yukti Arora and Ms Kangna Verma (Academic Communications, Research and Development Office, 51���)

Reference article:

"Road Access, Fertility, and Child Health in Rural India." Population and Development Review (2024).

Authors: Aparajita Dasgupta (Associate Professor, Economics, 51���)
[ to her research page]
Anahita Karandikar (PhD student at The University of British Columbia)
Devvrat Raghav (2023 McNamara Fellow at the World Bank)

51���

“Like we are sleeping and dreaming the same nightmare”: Living with Uncertainty through the Covid 19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the lives of millions of people impacting the basic physical and psychological health. As we know, there were two major waves of the disease, and each had its own sense of uncertainty. The first phase was marked by uncertainty about the nature of the disease, the lockdown, vaccine development etc. As multiple waves of the disease came and went by, daily living became further unpredictable with financial instability, lack of trust in the government and a growing infodemic. Yet, we know very little objectively about what this ‘uncertainty’ entailed psychologically. There has been limited psychological research on uncertainty during the pandemic, specifically exploring the crisis as a collective experience that shaped individual decision making. In psychological terms, Embodied Uncertainty (EU) refers to the subjective, personal experience of uncertainty which is felt by individuals living in risk. It encompasses how individuals and groups understand and interpret living through natural or man-made disasters.

This was conducted by Sramana Majumdar, Assistant Professor of Psychology at 51��� and her research group. They examined people’s experiences of the pandemic across two phases of the COVID-19 outbreak in India from the theoretical lens of the EU. The objective was to combine conventional psychological theories that explain how people deal with uncertainty, with extensive sociological studies on risk that focus on how cultural factors, government responses, and technology play a part in managing crises. The study took a Longitudinal Qualitative Research (LQR) approach which is useful when examining time bound changes in the experiences of individual and collective health. The researchers collected and analyzed data shortly after the first wave of COVID-19 and a year later, after the second wave in India.

The study design aimed to capture differences in the lived experiences of the pandemic based on social identity, with a focus on the Indian-Muslim experience of the pandemic, who faced disproportionate stigma. It also examined socio-economic differences in health outcomes by recruiting a diverse sample of participants, including domestic workers, small business owners, and individuals from urban, affluent backgrounds (Table 1). Telephonic interviews were conducted in English and Hindi.

EU talks about four themes that capture the embodied experience of an individual; social identity and trauma, co-production of knowledge, social and institutional structures and policy and long term lived experience of uncertainty. In-depth interviews were conducted to address these four themes. Thematic analysis revealed that immediate anxieties, especially in the first phase, were related to job uncertainty, disruptions in supply chains, rising prices, accessing necessities and a drop in economic productivity. These uncertainties were often more prominent than fears of the disease itself. Yet, the nature of uncertainty shifted by the second wave for those in urban areas and from advantaged socio-economic backgrounds. While these participants spoke about getting used to the pandemic, waiting for the vaccine and adjusting to work from home, pandemic related uncertainties had only exacerbated for others, thus highlighting the significance of social identity in this experience. Interestingly the study also found that disease related stigma had reduced by the second wave (contrary to official predictions) which was a direct outcome of the lived experience of a shared crisis.

Perceptions of governmental responsibility also shifted where anger and confusion about official speeches had transformed into a disappointment with evidence of poor planning, ambiguous messaging, and unhelpful resource allocation by the government. There was also fear of misinformation with a gradual movement from government and medical bodies as credible sources, to social media, resulting in an infodemic. However, ultimately the study also revealed active coping among many, and a sense of optimism for life after the pandemic

This study explored how people navigate uncertainty during crises, considering factors like social identity and government responses. Findings can help contribute to the development of a preparedness framework based on community stories which recognize strengths of lived experiences to alleviate future concerns.

Written by Kangna Verma and Yukti Arora (Academic Communications, Research and Development Office, 51���)

This research paper by Dr Sramana Majumdar won the best paper at the annual convention of the National Academy of Psychology.

Reference article

Majumdar, S., & Tewatia, M. (2024). Embodied Uncertainty and COVID-19: Social identity, stigma, trust and coping through the pandemic. Journal of Risk Research, 0(0), 1–16.

51���

Developing Battery-Free Biodevices Powered by Body Movements

Using biomechanical energy, which is the energy generated from the movement of the human body, to create electricity is seen as the future of modern medicine. In recent years, driven by rapid advancements in electronic technology, a plethora of portable, wearable and implantable medical devices like pacemaker, neurostimulator, and insulin pumps have emerged for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring various diseases, thereby enhancing people’s living standards. Ensuring a sustainable and body-friendly long-term energy supply for these devices is paramount. While batteries currently address this need, they don’t last very long and need to be replaced often through surgery. To circumvent this hurdle, wireless charging inside the body is emerging as a potential solution.

Recent discoveries have shown that electrical stimulation (ES) can regulate a variety of cellular phenomena, such as cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, migration, and programmed cell death, indicating its potential therapeutic effects. For instance, the electric field plays a crucial role in guiding cellular processes that contribute to the orderly healing of wounds.

However, current clinical interventions involving ES often rely on large extracorporeal devices, requiring trained clinicians for operation and thus necessitating patient hospitalization. Hence, implantable electronics hold the promise of stabilizing hearts, alleviating tremors, and facilitating wound healing.

Yet, their current bulky size and intrusive nature, often due to batteries and wires, present serious obstacles. The pressing need, therefore, is for soft, flexible, and miniaturized battery-free devices to overcome these obstacles.

Piezoelectric materials can convert mechanical stress or pressure into electrical energy, and vice versa. They are emerging as promising candidates for various applications. The human body, with its constant movements such as body motions, heartbeats, jaw movements, and blood circulation, serves as an abundant source of mechanical energy. Piezoelectric materials can harness this mechanical energy from such subtle motions and efficiently convert it into electrical energy.

However, most of the piezoelectric materials currently in use are derived from toxic lead-based (Pb) materials, rare-earth elements or heavy metals. These materials are non-biocompatible, brittle, fragile, and require a high temperature processing. Conversely, synthetic polymer-based piezoelectric materials can release toxic components both during their synthesis and decomposition processes. Thus, these materials are neither environmentally friendly nor suitable for use in implantable electronics and biomedical applications, thus limiting their practical utility.

These limitations of existing piezoelectric systems have spurred research efforts aimed at developing naturally flexible, nontoxic, and biocompatible alternatives that can seamlessly integrate with the human body. Piezoelectric properties have long been observed in many natural systems, such as bone, tendon, skin, and hair. These biological tissues exhibit inherent piezoelectric properties. In a recent review article, Santu Bera, Ramanujan Faculty Fellow in the Department of Chemistry at 51���, and his co-author, provide an overview of the latest advancements in synthesizing biological materials such as proteins, peptides, amino acids, spider silk, fish scale, and bacteria. These materials serve as mimetic-based piezoelectric platforms with potential applications in biomedicine.

Currently Dr. Bera’s research group is focused on developing new biomimetic piezoelectric peptides with high efficiency for building self-powered scaffolds and biodevices that can be safely integrated with biological systems. His research emphasizes the design and synthesis of short helical peptides, coiled coil and cross-α amyloid proteins. Helical conformation is particularly promising due to the organized hydrogen bonds within its structure, which result in an inherent dipole moment—a key determinant of piezoelectric properties. This inherent dipole moment makes helical peptides better candidates compared to other protein structures for developing efficient piezoelectric platforms.

Collagen, the most prevalent protein in the human body, is also piezo-active. Its helical structural motif endows it with a variety of important physical properties, such as mechanical strength and flexibility, which are advantageous for nanogenerator applications. However, due to the large size and complexity of collagen, Dr. Bera’s research group aims to design minimalistic, simple peptide sequences that can mimic collagen both in structure and function. By understanding the molecular mechanisms and engineering such systems, they aim to fine-tune the piezoelectric output of these designed biomaterials, to suit specific applications.

In a nutshell, researchers at Ashoka are trying to create new devices using specially designed peptides that can generate their own electricity (nanogenerators). These devices produce electric pulses that can help speed up healing processes, such as wound healing and bone regeneration. Special attention has been given to the biodegradability of these systems, ensuring that they can safely dissolve in the body fluid once their function is complete. The researchers believe that these new nanotechnology will have potential applications in biomedicine, making it possible for all medical devices within the body to operate without the need for batteries.

Edited by Kangna Verma (Intern, Academic Communications, RDO)

Reference Article:
Recent approaches in development of bio-based artificial piezoelectric constructs for biomedical applications. Giant Volume 17, March 2024, 100214,

Authors: Rohit Kumar, Santu Bera

51���

Inclusion, Language and Pedagogy: Insights from CWC’s Study at 51���

The Centre for Writing and Communication (CWC) at 51��� is a crucial hub for developing critical thinking, writing, and communication skills across the university community. CWC works with undergraduate and postgraduate students, research scholars, faculty, staff, and other specialized centres to ensure the development of an inclusive academic environment. The CWC team, a vibrant mix of scholars, writers, professionals, and researchers, actively contributes to Ashoka's interdisciplinary engagement.

When the university was founded in 2014, CWC began as a smaller centre with a limited role, primarily offering one-on-one tutorials for an introductory writing course. Over time, CWC expanded into a multifaceted centre that is now involved in teaching, research, and outreach across different levels—undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral. The centre's work involves teaching academic writing and communication, particularly supporting students who need help with English language skills. CWC also dedicates significant effort to developing learning materials to support teaching at Ashoka.

Through interactions with teachers and students at Ashoka, CWC found that teaching methods and the institutional mechanisms in the university could be exclusionary. Students frequently approached CWC seeking help to understand and engage with their academic work, including writing critically about assignment topics and presenting their ideas effectively. Those lacking English fluency faced significant challenges, as some were encountering basic language acquisition for the first time.

This significant gap was evident, as students’ (own) language and experiences were rarely acknowledged in formal or informal university communication. Many students struggled to participate in class and experienced social isolation. CWC recognized the need to respond and sought ways to develop pedagogical tools and practices tailored to these learners' needs.

Initially, CWC tried providing more learning support through additional one-on-one tutorials, materials, and exercises. However, this approach created new problems for both CWC and the students, who were already at a disadvantage. The university lacked policies to accommodate these needs, and even though mechanisms were in place to partially support students, many did not take advantage of them. CWC questioned whether this indicated a rejection of its efforts toward inclusion.

These challenges posed a heavy burden on individual teachers, who struggled to support specific students or small groups. At the centre, mentors had to consider a variety of factors, including students' backgrounds, university policies, curriculum offerings, and infrastructure support. These issues converged in CWC's work and informed the following research project which examines inclusion, particularly through the lens of language, and aims to provide recommendations that support Ashoka's pursuit of inclusive education. It seeks to move beyond merely providing access to education and instead focuses on facilitating meaningful academic participation.

Research Questions and Methodology

The study addressed five primary research questions:

• The academic challenges faced by students in different levels and disciplines, and the impact of using English as a medium of instruction.
• How language teaching and use at school and home during schooling years influenced students' preparedness for academic engagement in an English-medium higher education context.
• Students' reflections on the debates around the medium of instruction in higher education, with a focus on academic participation and future aspirations.
• Teachers' understanding of students' challenges and their perceived role in supporting students' struggles with language, academic reading, and writing.
• What informs the teachers’ process of designing programmes; also teachers' engagement with language in their teaching interactions with students at Ashoka.

Data were collected from two groups within the university: students and teachers. A survey was administered to students representing different programs and levels, followed by in-depth interviews with key informants. Teachers (at CWC and other departments) were also interviewed regarding their educational journey, views on language and pedagogy, and perceptions of students' challenges. The project findings are based on the responses from 254 students (via questionnaires), and in-depth interviews with 25 students and 9 teachers at Ashoka.

Key Findings

Students' Challenges:

1. The most frequently reported challenges faced by students (irrespective of their English language fluency) are participating in classroom discussion, reading assigned texts and academic writing.
2. Students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, encountered challenges due to limited exposure to English and a lack of preparedness in school. Students expressed a desire for more time for readings and writing assignments and clearer guidance on academic tasks.

Teachers' Perspectives:

1. Teachers emphasised the importance of university-wide conversations on inclusion and the necessity for greater awareness and support for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
2. The need for more collaboration between departments in the university and CWC.

Recommendations

Based on the findings, the study provided several recommendations to enhance inclusion in academic practices at 51���:

Improved Classroom Practices: More care to be taken while assigning readings. Important for the teachers should provide more time for readings, offer guidance on how to approach texts, and facilitate classroom discussions focused on comprehension and diverse perspectives.

Enhanced Writing Support: The study suggests developing rubrics for feedback on writing tasks and offering more workshops on academic writing.

University-wide Initiatives: Encouraging multilingual classroom conversations, strengthening academic bridge programs, and supporting multilingual reading clubs could nurture a more inclusive academic environment.

Pedagogical Training: Teachers should receive training on sensitivity to context, language, and inclusion to better support students.

Relevance of this study:

1. This is the first study of its kind within Ashoka which collects data of students and teachers across disciplines and levels on this theme. It helps identify patterns, challenges and common assumptions about the university’s academic experience.
2. In the larger context of higher education in India, this is perhaps one of the first empirical studies on this theme. Most existing studies on language and pedagogy in the Indian context are with reference to school education.
3. This study highlights the importance of writing centres in a university and the possibilities of their scope of work - to engage with questions of language, inclusion and academic work and their larger socio-political context.

The research project led by CWC sheds light on the challenges and opportunities for enhancing inclusion in higher education, especially in the context of language use. The recommendations provided aim to create a more supportive and inclusive academic experience for all students at 51���.

Reference Report:
Language, Pedagogy and Inclusion in Higher Education: A Case Study of 51���, Sonepat
PI: Dr. Kanika Singh, Director, Centre for Writing and Communication
Co-PI: Dr Shivani Nag, Assistant Professor, School of Education Studies, Ambedkar University, Delhi

Research Assistants:
Anasuith Pridhvish, M.A. English, 51���
Ragalika Veeranala, B.Sc. Psychology, 51���

The report is available in English & Hindi. This work was funded by the Office of Research and Development, 51���.

51���

Celebrating a Research Milestone: Ashoka’s First Science Ph.D. Graduate from the Department of Biology

51��� proudly celebrates the graduation of Basabi Bagchi from the Department of Biology, marking her as the first graduate from the sciences. Under the supervision of Prof. Imroze Khan, Basabi conducted research in the field of Evolutionary Immunology. Since childhood, she has been fascinated by the natural world and its mechanisms, particularly intrigued by the interplay between pathogens and their hosts, with a specific focus on Evolutionary Biology, the study of how species evolve and adapt over time.

Prof. Imroze Khan’s research in Evolutionary Immunology instantly resonated with Basabi’s interest. Her eagerness to understand various facets of immune system evolution led her to choose 51��� for her Ph.D. As one of the pioneering students in the Department of Biology, Basabi encountered unique and sometimes challenging experiences during the initial months of her Ph.D. She played a key role in setting up a new laboratory space, an initially overwhelming task that proved immensely valuable for her. This opportunity allowed her to grasp the intricate details associated with establishing a new lab from scratch, from equipment set up to ensuring safety standards. This experience not only enhanced her practical laboratory skills, but also deepened her appreciation for the logistics involved in creating a research environment.

The immune responses of our body against harmful diseases can cause unintended damage to the healthy tissues and cause mutations in the DNA sequence. Basabi’s research focused on studying the transgenerational inheritance of genetic errors. She worked with a species of beetle, Tribolium castaneum, infecting them to observe how mutations induced by infection could be passed down to future generations. This work showed how infection in parents can lead to progressive decline in progeny fitness over generations

She then delved deep to understand whether evolution could offer a solution to mitigate these harmful effects? Further experiments with Tribolium lines subjected to intense pathogen exposures over multiple generations helped answer this question. Astonishingly, she found that the evolved lines exhibited a significant reduction in mutation transmission to subsequent generations and continued to produce healthy offspring despite facing infections. This suggested a rapid evolution of germline repair mechanisms to counteract the infection. Thus, her study revealed the transmission of mutations could have an unrecognized cost of immunity. It also demonstrates the ability of organisms to adapt to adverse conditions.

She recalls her research journey as a Ph.D. scholar at 51��� to be immensely fulfilling. The university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning has played an instrumental role in shaping her academic journey. The faculty and peers at Ashoka helped cultivate a supportive research environment with a strong emphasis on open communication and collaboration. During Basabi’s time at Ashoka, she had the opportunity to attend various seminars, workshops, and conferences held on campus, which greatly expanded her perspective on different areas of interdisciplinary sciences.

Additionally, the Research and Development Office at 51��� empowers Ph.D. scholars to participate in conferences and workshops at both national and international levels. This support enables Basabi and her peers to connect with leading researchers in their respective fields.

Currently engaged in post-doctoral research at the University of Montana, Basabi's doctoral experience has equipped her to explore new projects and deepen her understanding of Evolutionary Biology. With a passion for both research and teaching, she aspires to pursue a career in academia. 51��� extends heartfelt congratulations to Basabi Bagchi and wishes her continued success as she embarks on this exciting new chapter.

Written by Kangna Verma (Intern, Academic Communications, RDO) and edited by Yukti Arora (Senior Manager, Academic Communications, RDO)

51���

Many of the world’s most pressing problems can be solved through interdisciplinary collaboration

Satyajit Ray's famous creation, Professor Shanku, sparked Anirban Sen's interest in science. Anirban, an Assistant Professor of Computer Science (CS) at 51���, initially never considered a career in Computer Science. However, he chose the field initially for its promising job prospects. His genuine interest in Information Technology emerged in college when he learned programming and discovered CS as an active area of research. It was during his Master’s that Anirban was introduced to Natural Language Processing (NLP) and media analysis, which became central to his research focus.

He continued his academic journey with a Ph.D. in Computer Science, during which he was introduced to Computational Social Science (CSS). His advisor once told him, “there are hundreds of problems that are immediately relevant to society. You just have to read a newspaper to know which ones!” The statement stayed with him guiding his research focus in the CSS domain. He explains that CSS is an interdisciplinary field that operates at the intersection of CS, social sciences, and political sciences. A research focus in CSS provided him the opportunity to address pressing societal issues through computer science.

‘The most pressing problems in the world await solutions, and these solutions require the active sharing of ideas, tools, and methods across multiple disciplines. Interdisciplinary research gains its importance from this need. Problems in various domains like Applied Biology, Astrophysics, Cognitive Science, Economics, Social Sciences, and Political Sciences (to name a few) demand the attention of interdisciplinary researchers. Additionally, Anirban believes that achieving each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals requires increased collaboration among experts from various fields. ‘This collaboration could benefit the marginalized communities worldwide and promote overall development’, he emphasized, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration.

Reflecting on his time as a postdoctoral fellow at Microsoft Research India, Anirban spoke about his experience working with the Technology for Empowerment (TEM) team. His work at MSRI enhanced his understanding of how misinformation and hate speech communities operate, evolve, and overlap over time.

Elaborating on his future research plans, Anirban explains, “Media is one of the richest sources of information on development, policy, and society. It plays a key role in shaping and influencing public opinion. My exposure to large scale data analysis spawned from my affinity to study media data. I have worked extensively on Political Economy analysis using media data, and on analysis of misinformation and propaganda in social media. I intend to carry these threads forward to Ashoka”.

Anirban's research at 51��� focuses on building a Knowledge Base (KB) from large-scale data collected from Indian web-based mass media sources. This work will facilitate the analysis of the media landscape in India, providing policy researchers, journalists, academicians, students, and citizens gain an authentic overview of socio-political events across the country. He stresses the importance of using these computational methods to study societal challenges, such as the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, where millions were adversely affected by the spread of fake news. He is also interested in audio-based deep-fake detection, climate study using computational methods, and web data analysis around health.

“With the unprecedented volume of digital data generated daily, appropriate insights can be drawn on crucial social science topics like gender, culture, law, politics, migration, democracy, privacy, security, misinformation, economic growth, and inequality. These are major issues affecting human lives but have received limited attention in traditional CS research until recently. It's vital to apply computer science and engineering methods to understand these problems using large-scale data’, he shared.

Anirban acknowledged the challenges of his research, which include data accuracy, gaps, cleaning, deduplication, when collecting data from various sources. Addressing these hurdles involve relying on established methods and conducting bottom-up studies to measure the social impact of developed solutions.

His commitment to continuous learning keeps him motivated. What brought him to Ashoka?

“51��� is a unique hub for interdisciplinary research and promotes an environment that actively encourages research collaboration across departments. Having worked in an interdisciplinary research area (CSS) for some time now, it will provide me a platform to perform and promote my research effectively. Moreover, the University through its state-of-the-art facilities and research funding acts as a source of inspiration for researchers like me to explore newer directions of work. While most of my research previously has been in the media space, I am looking forward to collaborating with multiple other departments to explore areas like computational biology, climate and environmental studies.”

“The supportive and knowledgeable colleagues within the CS Department and beyond, make teaching and research enjoyable. Finally, I have till date formed some of my best moments in the classrooms at Ashoka, where the dynamic group of intelligent and forever curious students make teaching and research an effervescent experience. I'm excited to be part of this vibrant research community and pursue impactful work.”

(Interview Conducted by Dr Yukti Arora, Senior Manager RDO; Edited by Kangna Verma)

51���

Go home mosquito, you are confused!

We often experience confusion when faced with too many options. For example, imagine you entered a hypermarket to buy a jar of jam but came back without buying anything as there were more than twenty options to choose from and you just couldn’t decide. It turns out that mosquitoes too, get overwhelmed by an overload of choice when they set out to decide where to lay eggs.

A study conducted by researchers from 51��� and the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, tested how large choice repertoires impact decision-making in the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes aegypti.

This study investigated the mosquitos’ egg-laying behaviour and revealed that when overwhelmed with too many choices, mosquitoes stop paying attention to the presence of predators. Instead, mosquitoes may adopt alternative strategies for egg-laying, such as bet-hedging where they distribute eggs in multiple pools. Bet hedging is a strategy used by organisms in uncertain or variable environments to increase their chances of survival and reproductive success over time.

This finding has important implications for mosquito control strategies. Currently, biological control methods, such as the release of mosquito fish, Gambusia affinis, in water bodies, are thought to be effective in preventing mosquitoes from laying eggs. However, we might need to consider how choice overload affects mosquitoes and test how effective these biological control methods really are.

The researchers also explore a broader question about animal behaviour. They challenge the predictions from rational choice theory, which states that options presented to a chooser have fixed reward values and are independent of the context in which the choice is made.

In other words, this concept of rational choice theory from economics and decision theory is often used to understand human behaviour. It assumes that individuals make decisions based on a rational evaluation of available options, aiming to maximise their utility or satisfaction. However, there is now a growing body of evidence which suggests that animals fail to choose the options predicted by rational choice theory in multiple contexts – females choosing mates or foraging honeybees choosing flowers for nectars.

Lead author Manvi Sharma, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at 51���, explains that animals need to acquire information for making decisions, and in complex environments, this can be a costly exercise. These costs may lead to the evolution of bet-hedging in mosquitoes, i.e., spreading eggs in multiple pools. But we have no clue if other animals also use bet-hedging strategies.

The experiments done in the study also demonstrate that frugal science can contribute to the progress of scientific knowledge. The researchers conducted choice trials in the backyard of the field research station using plastic tubs and a microscope to count eggs. If we had known about foldscopes back then, we could have saved more resources, says the lead author.

The project was funded by the Department of Biotechnology – Indian Institute of Science (DBT-IISc) partnership grant.

(Edited by Dr. Yukti Arora, Senior Manager, Academic Communications, RDO, 51���)

Reference Article:
Spoilt for choice: Do female mosquitoes experience choice overload when deciding where to lay eggs?

Authors: Manvi Sharma and Kavita Isvaran

51���

Investigating the Impact of Prenatal Temperature Variability on Children’s Education in India

The most critical period of a child’s development is during their time in the mother’s womb. This is when humans undergo the most rapid physiological growth. Consequently, researchers have increasingly shown interest in studying how exposure to certain shocks in utero can affect the foetus and have sustained effects throughout the child’s lifetime.

Exposure to environmental shocks such as droughts, floods, heat waves, and temperature variability in utero also has sustained effects on the child's life, impacting their educational attainment, labour market participation, cognition, and more. This work aims to investigate how exposure to temperature change during pregnancy can affect a child’s later educational outcomes in India.

India, as a developing country experiencing rising temperature fluctuations, offers an interesting case study for this work. The study uses temperature data collected by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the two waves of the Indian Human Development Survey of 2004-2005 and 2011-2012 for analysis. These two nationally representative datasets together offer a comprehensive and holistic view of the effects across India. Using statistical analysis and a practical approach, the research investigates how exposure to temperature variations before birth affects children's academic performance in math, reading, and writing.

Prior research indicates that exposure to high temperatures during pregnancy can harm cognitive abilities. This decline affects human capital, lowering overall productivity in the economy. Thus, temperature fluctuations during pregnancy not only diminish children's cognitive abilities, which can persist throughout their lives but also hinder overall productivity, negatively impacting the economy.

Thus, it is crucial for policymakers to understand how prenatal exposure to temperature variations affects children's education and learning outcomes. This work contributes to the policy discourse by emphasising the importance of strengthening healthcare systems and assisting pregnant women in mitigating challenges posed by rising temperature variability, such as crop loss and heat stress. Given the reality of climate variability in our times, this work also sheds light on how climate change can influence a country's growth.

Various weather and climate change events, including excessive or insufficient precipitation, temperature fluctuations, natural disasters, and unusual weather phenomena, can affect both the economy and individuals' health. In recent years, climate change has caused a rise in temperature variability- the global average change of a heat wave has increased from 5% to 28% in a span of 30 years from 1981-2010. Additionally, surface temperatures have been rising year by year, indicating an overall increase in ambient temperature.

These fluctuations in temperature, induced by climate change, significantly impact economic and health outcomes such as productivity, output, and heat-related stress. Therefore, studying the effects of prenatal temperature variability on education and learning outcomes becomes increasingly relevant.

(Written by Nandini Krishnan, ASP 2024, Economics)

51���

Exploring the Historical Landscape and Ecological Significance of the Oxbow Lake in Kundli, Sonepat

This research aims to utilise various sources to investigate and comprehend the historical landscape of the environment in an area not very far from the Ashoka university. Two approaches have been employed to analyse the geomorphology of Kundli, Sonepat. The rationale behind this project stems from the inquiry into what the ancient surroundings of our inhabited place resembled. By utilising historical satellite imagery from Google Earth, archival map materials such as the Survey of India open series maps (OSM), and geographic information systems (GIS), the potential existence of a geographic feature—an oxbow lake—was explored. Oxbow lakes in the Indian subcontinent are areas with rich biodiversity. They also provide important information about the past climate and historical settlement patterns of the region.

There is no doubt that the surroundings of the district harbour significant archaeological material spanning from the protohistoric to the early modern periods. This prompts the question: what were the potential spheres of interaction between the humans who inhabited this area in the past and the oxbow lake? How did this interaction impact settlement patterns? These inquiries form the basis of a study on the history of the oxbow lake.

In addition to utilising remote sensing methods to decode the path of the erstwhile feature, an on-site study was conducted at Kundli to understand the modern condition and usage of the parts of the lake that still exist today. Presently, most sections of the lake are occupied by industries, commercial ventures, or residential buildings. The surviving segments have been adversely affected by urban pollutants originating from nearby anthropogenic activities.

Accompanied by on-site pictures, it was possible to reconstruct the trajectory the lake would have followed if it were still present today. This study also addresses the cause of its disappearance—the rapid growth of industries around the area. Similarly, it can be inferred that no thorough risk assessment or pre-construction archaeological surveys have been conducted in the study area. The proliferation of industries and residential areas near the water body might put the natural environment and possible archaeological material at risk.

Nonetheless, this study represents one of the pioneering efforts in the Yamuna River basin, specifically in the Sonepat district. For future research endeavours, determining the precise age of the lake could provide insights into its seasonal exploitation by settlements in its vicinity through the past. Conducting a paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the areas surrounding the lake would shed light on the age of its formation and the species that inhabited its surroundings over time. Additionally, it is recommended to core available spots near the oxbow lake in Sersa Kundli. Such an approach would facilitate a multidisciplinary archaeological study, providing crucial information on the palaeoenvironment and organic remnants present.

(Written by Aneesh Sriram, UG 2025 (History), Student Intern (CIAR) and Edited by Dr Yukti Arora, Senior Manager, Academic Communications, RDO, 51���)

Reference Article:
Emerging from the Yamuna – studying an erstwhile oxbow lake in Sersa, Haryana, India Current Science, Vol. 126, NO. 2, January 2024

Author: Aneesh Sriram

51���

Ashoka Biology Ph.D. Scholar Awarded the Prestigious American Society of Naturalists Student Research Award 2024

Biswajit Shit, a third year Ph.D. student working under the supervision of Prof. Imroze Khan in the Department of Biology, 51���, has been awarded the . Notably, he is the only Indian student to receive this prestigious award, with the other winners hailing from major institutions, including Ivy League universities. This distinction highlights the impactful research taking place at 51���.

His proposal titled “Tracking the evolution of immune responses and mutation rates during adaptation to chronic thermal stress and pathogenic infection,” has received high praise from the jury members. Biswajit’s research focuses on the evolution of immunity and germline maintenance in response to current global warming scenarios. Germline maintenance refers to the processes that preserve the integrity of genetic material in reproductive cells across generations. It ensures the accurate transmission of hereditary traits to offspring.

The rise in global temperatures pose a critical concern for global health, particularly regarding infectious diseases. Temperature variability can disrupt host immunity, increase host cytotoxicity, and lead to more DNA damage, resulting in the accumulation of more deleterious mutations in the germline. Under such conditions, organisms need to evolve an efficient immune system and implement better post-infection germline maintenance strategy. Biswajit is exploring this area using an experimental evolution approach while also investigating its mechanistic basis.

The grant will support Biswajit's research by funding critical components such as laboratory tools and materials. It will provide essential backing for data collection, analysis, and dissemination, contributing to a fundamental understanding of research on global climate change.

The American Society of Naturalists (ASN) is the oldest scientific society focused on the exploration of ecology, evolution, and behavior. Its goal is to promote and disseminate knowledge of organic evolution and other fundamental biological concepts, aiming to strengthen the conceptual integration of the biological sciences. ASN is considered to be one of the renowned ecology and evolutionary biology societies.

51��� congratulates Biswajit for this remarkable achievement. His recognition by the ASN exemplifies 51���'s commitment to research excellence. His impactful work underscores the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing pressing environmental challenges. As he continues his scientific journey, Biswajit's contributions promise to further enrich our understanding of the complex interplay between climate change and biodiversity.

(Written by Dr Yukti Arora, Senior Manager, Research and Development Office, 51���)

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Cellular Chronicles: Unravelling the role of Mitochondria in Ageing and Related Diseases

Akshara Kulkarni�� is from the ASP batch of 2024 pursuing research under the supervision of Prof. Kasturi Mitra at the Department of Biology. Mitochondria, known as cellular powerhouses, also influence various cellular processes, such as cell division, cell death, calcium and redox signalling. Senescence, where cells permanently stop dividing, contributes to ageing and age-related diseases. Malfunctioning mitochondria are a key factor in this. Exploring the role mitochondria could play in senescence, then, becomes an important question to further the understanding of age-related diseases, their mechanism and potential treatments.

Mitochondria form a dynamic network within cells, continually undergoing fission (fragmentation) and fusion (joining) events that affect their structural configuration (shape). Maintaining a nuanced balance between these processes is crucial for a cell's optimal functioning.�� Quantitative methods are necessary to grasp any nuanced cellular property. Prof. Mitra’s research group, having developed quantitative single-cell level analyses of mitochondrial structure-function (MitoSinCe²), is now extending this approach to investigate this relationship at the level of single mitochondria (MitoSiM²). An exploration at this level is expected to uncover the heterogeneity that mitochondria display even within a single cell, further refining the understanding of the nuanced links between mitochondria and various cellular processes.

The primary objective of Akshara’s project is to gain quantitative insights into how mitochondrial structure influences the establishment of the senescent cell fate (when cells permanently cease further division). This will be achieved through the use of the MitoSiM² approach, which involves monitoring single mitochondria.

In this research project, Akshara aims to first develop a quality control pipeline for MitoSiM² images to yield most accurate results, and then apply the method to study the role of mitochondria in senescence. The lab has defined a pipeline for MitoSiM² on live-cell images; she aims to similarly validate the approach for fixed-cell images so that she can link mitochondrial structure to levels of various protein expressions in cells. Using high-resolution fluorescence microscopy techniques, Akshara plans to measure structural details of mitochondrial networking properties with senescent markers and other relavent proteins in senescent cells. In her experiments, senescence will be induced using strong oxidising agents in human keratinocytes (skin cells).

Additionally, Akshara aims to analyse the data generated from experiments performed. Quality-approved images will be analysed using the MitoSiM² approach. This will help studying; senescence in a quantitative manner. The group expects to address questions such as whether mitochondria in senescent cells tend to be longer or shorter, more connected, or less, and how a particular structural configuration affects the senescent properties of the cell.

Disease characterisation at the cellular level is the first step towards advancing care and treatment. Consequently, long term research goals involving the refinement of the understanding of cellular workings could pave the way for treatment innovations. By using a quantitative approach, Akshara and the larger research team, aim to explore the factors that drive senescence, thereby deepening the understanding of the specific role mitochondria may play in aging and diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer, where there are high numbers of senescent cells.

Prof. Mitra expects this work to contribute to the larger field of mitochondrial biology by quantitatively illustrating the specific configuration of mitochondria that enable a certain cellular state, like they have already demonstrated for a mitochondria-primed stem cell state. Therefore, this line of work is expected to have significant impact in studying the nuanced role of mitochondria in healthy as well as various diseased states.����

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Edited by Dr Yukti Arora

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How restaurants can help protect India’s endangered species

Elasmobranchs are a group of cartilaginous fish, encompassing all species of sharks and rays. Over one third of elasmobranchs are at a risk of global extinction. The northern Indian Ocean particularly require urgent elasmobranch conservation efforts due to high fishing pressure, largely fueled by demands from the East Asian market for shark fins. To address this, India has imposed a ban on live-finning (the cutting of fins from live sharks) as well as a ban on exporting fins. Furthermore, some species in India are completely protected from fishing or trade. However, India remains the world's third-largest exploiter of elasmobranchs and this is mainly because their meat is used for human consumption.

Research led by Prof. Divya Karnad at the Department of Environmental Studies, 51���, has now advanced our understanding of elasmobranch meat consumption in India and suggests ways to transition to alternatives. Prof. Karnad’s research team identified the hotspots of shark meat consumption in India, with a particular focus on coastal states. Within each of the ten states, they selected cities with large populations and a culture of seafood consumption. They categorised restaurants serving elasmobranch dishes in each city based on their price range and cuisine, and thoroughly examined them.

Restaurants in cities across 10 coastal states (including Puducherry, a Union Territory) serving seafood and elasmobranch meat

Through interviews, it was discovered that Goa had the highest proportion of restaurants selling elasmobranch meat, followed by Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Interestingly, elasmobranch meat was predominantly sold in restaurants offering regional cuisine, as it was regarded as the symbol of traditional coastal dishes, appealing to customers seeking authentic flavours.

The study revealed that various shark species are being sold as “baby shark”, including smaller species such as milk shark, and others. The demand for small-bodied species and juvenile sharks leaves them particularly vulnerable to this trade. This threat to the juveniles is particularly alarming, as it could lead to the decline of large-bodied species. Hence, targeted conservation efforts or regulations focused on restaurants in these hotspots could potentially yield benefits. One such measure could involve removing shark meat from restaurant menus.

However, this approach faces challenges. In Goa, for instance, most of the restaurants rated shark meat as among their more popular dishes, both in terms of profitability and customer demand. Some respondents also expressed concerns that substituting shark meat would result in a notable negative effect on profits. Particularly, restaurants located in high tourist zones acknowledged the potential financial consequences of removing sharks from their menus, and anticipated a significant impact on their business.

Nevertheless, the study also revealed that the majority of the restaurants believe that excluding elasmobranchs from their menus would not have a significant impact on their profits. Additionally, about one-third of the participants expressed openness to alternatives, such as Spanish mackerels (Scomberomorus spp.), Snappers (Lutjanus spp.), and Sea catfish (Ariidae).

The study also revealed that restaurant owners were unaware of the health risks associated with shark meat, particularly its high levels of metal toxicity. Raising awareness among restaurants and consumers about these health hazards associated with consuming sharks could potentially lead to voluntary changes in consumer consumption patterns.

Furthermore, the study suggests that policy interventions should focus not only on shark conservation specifically, but also on enhancing the overall health of marine fisheries. Ongoing research by Prof. Karnad and her team explores the role of local markets and household consumption on fueling the trade in shark meat. Policy makers need to step in to implement specific measures to reduce the affordability and accessibility of elasmobranch meat in restaurants. Further research is also essential to address crucial gaps in understanding elasmobranch fishing drivers.

Written by Kangna Verma (M.Sc. Biology, 2024) and Edited by Yukti Arora (Senior Manager, RDO, 51���)

Reference Article:
Regional hotspots and drivers of shark meat consumption in India. Conservation Science and Practice, 2024; 6: e1306
doi.org/10.1111/csp2.13069

Authors:
Divya Karnad, S. Narayani, Shruthi Kottillil, Sudha Kottillil, Trisha Gupta, Alissa Barnes, Andrew Dias, Y. Chaitanya Krishna

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Ashoka’s ASP Scholar publishes Photographic Field Guide to Mukteshwar Valley’s Trees and Shrubs

Soham Kacker (ASP 2023) is passionate about plants. As a former student at 51���, he majored in Biology with an Environmental Studies minor. His undergraduate thesis, conducted under the guidance of Prof. Ghazala Shahabuddin and Prof. Shivani Krishna, focused on the factors influencing tree and shrub regeneration in mid-Himalayan oak forests, sparking a profound interest in Himalayan flora.

During his fieldwork in the Mukteshwar landscape (Uttarakhand), Soham began developing a field guide to the region's flora. His efforts have culminated in the successful publication of this field guide titled "A Photographic Field Guide to the Trees and Shrubs of Mukteshwar". The guide introduces readers to a selection of 88 common tree and shrub species with over 250 colour photographs and key identification features. Covering the oak and pine forests of the Mukteshwar region, ranging from 1700 m to 2200 m in elevation, the guide features commonly seen species and provides insights into their characteristic features, habitat preferences, and uses. This guide is intended to be a trusted companion for nature-lovers and local residents alike, helping them better understand this ecologically important landscape.

Currently pursuing an MSc in Biodiversity Conservation and Management at the University of Oxford, with a focus on plant ecology and conservation, Soham remains deeply committed to promoting awareness and conservation of natural habitats.

51��� congratulates Soham on the publication of the university’s first-of-its kind field guide. The unique guide will not only promote nature engagement but will also contribute to forest research and restoration efforts in the Mukteshwar landscape, which is already a hub for conservation activities such as nature-based tourism and ornithological research.

The project received support from Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, The Nature Conservancy, and 51���.

The field guide is now available on Amazon India: .

(Written by Dr. Yukti Arora, Senior Manager, Academic Communications, Research and Development Office 51���)

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Sisters Shaping Futures: Exploring the Impact of Mary Ward’s Vision on Girls’ Education in India

Mary Ward was born more than 400 years ago, but her life and her vision still have an impact on the world today, specifically on girls’ education in India. Ward was a Catholic born in post-Reformation England. She consequently left her homeland for Continental Europe, where she founded a new group for Catholic women. This group allowed them to be active in the world instead of staying secluded in a convent. During her lifetime, Ward often fell afoul of the Church due to her radical ideas. By the end of her life most of the houses she had founded in Europe had shut down, after a period of house arrest, she died back in England.

However, Ward’s vision of education for Catholic girls lived on in the Sisters of Loreto, founded by Sister Frances Mary Teresa Ball in the early 19th century. Ball named this new convent Loreto House, in honor of Ward’s devotion to the shrine of the Virgin Mary in Loreto, Italy. It was this Irish offshoot of Ward’s mission that came to India in the 19th century due to the efforts of a committee of Irish, Portuguese, Armenian, and Dutch women, known as the Ladies of the Nun Committee, who raised money to start a Catholic school for girls in Kolkata, India. After an exhausting four-month trip from Ireland around Cape Good Hope, the sisters arrived in Kolkata on 30 December 1841, greeted with some fanfare. In the years that followed, they set up the Loreto Schools, a network of educational institutions that became some of the most respected schools for girls in India.

When I came to India in 2018, my research background in early modern England drew me to the continued presence of Mary Ward in North India. While she remains largely a marginal figure in academia, with just a few scholarly books devoted to her, I discovered that she had a tangible presence in the minds of Loreto pupils. Many of my students and colleagues at 51��� had studied at Loreto schools, which prominently displayed pictures of Ward on their walls, and her life history was taught. However, while I had known Ward as a radical figure, challenging the norms of her religion and the patriarchal Catholic Church, I discovered that her role in India was more nuanced. On one hand, her schools provided quality education for women; but on the other hand, they also propagated colonial values, imposing "ladylike values" on Indian girls and erasing aspects of Indian heritage.

Working with my colleague Yashaswini Chandra, who is now a lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, I co-authored an article that delved into records of the Loreto sisters—comprising histories and school magazines—alongside Rumer Godden’s 1939 novel about nuns in the Himalayas, Black Narcissus. Our aim was to explore how the portrayal of nuns compared in Godden’s fictional India and the historical reality. What we found surprised us. While Godden’s novel is often praised for its anti-imperialist stance, our analysis revealed that it still retains significant elements of orientalism, portraying the East in a manner that romanticizes and exoticizes it. Meanwhile, the Loreto Schools, while they did exhibit racist and colonialist tendencies, they also helped in giving education to Indian girls early on, which was a step towards women's rights. By reading a novel alongside Loreto’s historical archives, we found that the standard portrayal of nuns— as regressive and lacking agency— does not always hold up. Our research invites readers—both in academia and outside—to look beyond our assumptions about the past; it also prompts us to examine our present and consider how our institutions have been shaped by complex histories that continue to influence our lives.

(Edited by Dr Yukti Arora, Senior Manager, Academic Communications, Research and Development Office, 51���)

Reference Article:
Sister acts: Nuns in Rumer Godden's Black Narcissus and at the Loreto Convents in India
https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-0424.12759

Authors: Yashaswini Chandra, Alexandra Verini

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Understanding Pandemic Uncertainty: Ashoka Research Wins M.B Sharan Best Paper Award

The Department of Psychology at 51���, represented by Drs Simantini Ghosh, Sramana Majumdar, Annie Baxie, and Ph.D. scholars Mohona Roy and Maitreyee Sen, participated in the 33rd Annual Convention of the National Academy of Psychology (NAOP), organised by the Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management, Visakhapatnam.

Dr Majumdar’s paper on 'Embodied Uncertainty through the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Mixed-Method Study' was nominated for and won the prestigious M.B. Sharan Best Paper Award at the convention. Dr Girishwar Mishra, who chaired the scientific committee, presented the award, mentioning that the paper was selected out of 32 initial submissions for this category.

This research, spanning three years of qualitative interviews and survey data, examined the lived experiences of the pandemic and the meanings of uncertainty as embodied in that experience. The paper starts with the simple question, “How do we describe and measure uncertainty as lived and experienced in an unprecedented health emergency?” and looks at individual coping, dynamics of stigma and sharedness, trust in state action, and information consumption during this time. The second part of the study aims to propose a measurable comprehensive framework to assess dimensions of uncertainty in similar health emergencies. The work is currently under review for publication. Several Ashoka undergraduate and MLS students made significant contributions to this research from 2020 to 2022.

The team also organised a symposium on Gender Identity and Gender-based Violence in Contemporary India: A Social Psychological Lens, which included engaged discussions around papers on domestic violence and trauma, online social identity performance, the growth of the ‘manosphere’, and a critical review of literature on sexual violence in India. Some of these papers are part of larger Ph.D. research projects being undertaken at the department.

Sharing her experience, Prof. Majumdar said, “The convention was organised by GITAM University, which boasts a wonderful location by the Rushikonda beach in Visakhapatnam. In addition to savouring the many local delicacies, the proximity to the beach and the sea view further enhanced the experience. The beach was clean, the air fresh, and the weather perfect for our three-day stay at the convention.”

The National Academy of Psychology is a three-decade-old meeting ground for academics, practitioners, and scholars across India. The academy also publishes one of India's leading psychology journals, Psychological Studies. It was deeply encouraging for Prof. Majumdar to receive appreciation and encouragement for her paper and the interest it sparked among peers. Overall, the event proved to be an excellent networking platform, enabling the team to showcase the research they are doing at 51��� and connect with potential collaborators and senior psychologists for future endeavours. The department hopes to attend future conventions of NAOP and develop stronger networks with academics in psychology across the country.

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Charting Paths in Public Health: Insights and Aspirations

Could you provide some insights into your professional journey and what motivated you to pursue a career in Public Health?

My journey began three decades ago with a medical degree from Bangalore Medical College. Initially aiming to become a practising paediatrician, I explored various roles in hospitals in Bangalore and Delhi after failing to secure a residency in Pediatrics. In 1997, I secured a position as a Research Officer in the Department of Endocrinology at AIIMS, New Delhi. This opportunity exposed me to recruiting patients, recording data, and conducting trials on anti-diabetic drugs, sparking my research interest.

Subsequently, I gained invaluable experience at the Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Inspired by this experience, I pursued formal training in epidemiology and health research methods. Encouraged by my spouse, who advocated for preventive and social medicine, I enrolled in the Master's programme in Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Later, I was selected for a doctoral programme in the School of Social Medicine at the University of Bristol, UK, laying the foundation for my research career.

Your earlier research focused on a life course approach to chronic diseases. How has this background influenced your current work in environmental health research?

I have spent nearly 15 years working in pregnancy and birth cohort studies. These longitudinal investigations start by enrolling pregnant women at different stages of pregnancy and follow their offspring from birth into childhood, adolescence, and sometimes adulthood. Through these studies, we delve into how parental experiences, such as nutrition, psychosocial factors, and environmental exposures, influence the health and disease profiles of their offspring.

This work brought me back into the space I had always wanted to be in – working around childrens’ health albeit from a different lens! The work has allowed me to focus on children's health from a holistic perspective, examining how various factors in their immediate surroundings impact their long-term well-being. This lies at the core of epidemiology, allowing us to unravel the intricate interplay of different risk factors on health outcomes and identify strategies to prevent or address these risks for improved health outcomes. Moreover, it provides a unique opportunity to translate research findings into policies and programs aimed at enhancing population health.

It was during one of the conferences of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DoHAD) that I realised a significant gap in research among birth cohorts in India. Despite the presence of several research groups, few were investigating the environmental determinants of child health and disease. In contrast, this area of research was rapidly expanding in other countries, with studies highlighting the significant impact of factors such as air pollution, chemical exposures, and poor sanitation and hygiene on child health.

During my involvement with the New Delhi Birth Cohort, established in 1969 with around 8000 pregnant women, I gained invaluable experience in conducting cohort studies using a life course approach. However, I noticed a gap in environmental research among birth cohorts in India. Inspired by growing global research on the environmental determinants of child health, such as air pollution and poor sanitation, I initiated the first workshop on children's environmental health in 2015, with support from the WHO Collaborating Centre for Children’s Environmental Health, University of Queensland, WHO SEARO office, India and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics. This collaborative effort sparked a new wave of research in this area among various groups, signalling a shift towards understanding and addressing environmental influences on children's health. With climate change increasingly on the agenda, there is growing interest in studying its impacts on health, not just for children but for adults as well, following the endorsement of the Paris Agreement in the same year.

What pressing issues are you addressing at CHART, and what impact does your research have? How do you integrate data analytics and research trends into epidemiology to shape public health policies?

Currently, in CHART, our research involves assessing the impact of air pollution on child and adult health through collaborations with reputed national and international groups, with funding support from the Swedish research agency. We have bridged the gap in air pollution exposure assessment by developing an "ensemble" model that surpasses traditional methods, integrating satellite data, ground monitoring stations, road transport networks, emission inventories, and industrial locations. This unique model allows us to investigate associations between particulate matter (PM 2.5) exposure and various health outcomes in both children and adults, contributing to India's evidence base on air pollution's health effects.

Funded by DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance, our second project explores coincident nutritional, environmental, and psychosocial determinants of child growth and development in urban Bengaluru and rural Haryana. Additionally, we evaluate a significant government-led programme in Andhra Pradesh, facilitating the transition of 6 million farmers to organic, pesticide-free farming, aiming to document the health co-benefits of this shift by studying both children and adults in farming households.

In the climate change arena, I spearheaded the research sub-group of the WHO civil society working group on climate and health. Our efforts culminated in a report released at the WHO pavilion during the Glasgow COP 26 in 2021, shedding light on global trends in climate and health research from 2009 to 2019. This experience has stimulated more work in the climate health space and motivates us to expand our focus to vulnerable groups, particularly coastal communities, impacted by acute climate events.

Overall, my medical and epidemiological background informs our nuanced approach to not just individual research questions but also to build the vision of our work at CHART. Understanding air quality's diverse health impacts, from respiratory to cardiovascular effects and child growth, guides our rigorous epidemiological methods and shapes our future research vision. We are also scaling our efforts to document the health impacts of climate change in India.

What challenges do you face in your epidemiological studies on environmental determinants such as air pollution, climate change, water, sanitation, etc., and how do you approach them?

Translating evidence into effective policy-making remains challenging. Closing feedback loops with policy-makers involved in creating new programs/policies or revising old ones is often difficult due to the absence of health or public health representatives in technical consultations. However, things are steadily changing, and we hope our research finds a suitable use case in India promptly. An important and pervasive problem for researchers in India is access to data. Availability and access to high-quality datasets for contextual and timely research must receive the greatest focus at all levels—administrative, technical, and government machinery—to enable us to leverage optimum mileage from national datasets.

What role do you foresee Ashoka playing in shaping your professional journey, and could you also elaborate on your vision and plans for the future of the Centre?

Finding a home at Ashoka could be a turning point for me and my team. We have been fortunate to build a passionate and dedicated group of researchers, with a strong representation of women. We are excited about the diverse opportunities within Ashoka to grow our dialogues and research questions with multi-disciplinary experts from social sciences, economics and molecular biology besides leveraging the power of big data. The rich academic environment, the opportunity to work with young and inquisitive minds among the growing pool of undergraduate and graduate students besides the opportunity to stimulate trans-disciplinary Ph.D.s holds great promise. I am excited about the prospects awaiting us in the Trivedi School of Biosciences and the larger Ashoka community to do impactful work. Looking ahead, I envision CHART becoming a hub for impactful research, leveraging digital solutions for integrated analytics in health, genomics, economics, and environmental health. We also aim to build capacities for future researchers through structured training programs. We welcome discussions with fellow Ashoka colleagues to join us on this journey!

(Interview conducted by Dr Yukti Arora, Senior Manager, Academic Communications, Research and Development Office, 51���)

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Beyond Calories: The Impact of Macronutrient Composition on Life History and Ageing

Food is more than just fuel for our bodies; it is essential for our health and well-being. The various macronutrients present in our diets, including proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, play important roles in maintaining our health and can even influence the ageing process. Sometimes, though, what we eat might not match with what our bodies really need, which can cause problems. Our research looks into how organisms cope with these mismatches, blending the study of nutrition with understanding disease to see how diet impacts our lives in big ways.

Our study explored how different proportions of protein and carbohydrates in diets with consistent calorie content affect various aspects of organismal health and performance. We aimed to discern how these dietary imbalances impact various aspects of life, such as how quickly organisms develop, their chances of survival as juveniles, their ability to reproduce successfully, how long they live, as well as their functional abilities such as locomotion and gut health in later stages of life. This research is important because it helps us understand how diet changes, particularly protein and carbohydrate imbalances, affect overall health and performance. This understanding is important in the context of two global challenges. First, changes in the environment due to factors like climate change are affecting the quality of food (in terms of nutrition content) available to animals, leading to rapid ecological shifts. Second, people are eating in ways that our bodies may not be well adapted to, leading to health problems like obesity and related cardiometabolic disorders, including diabetes.

In our approach, we formulated diets with varying amounts of protein-to-carbohydrate ratios and monitored a large group of Drosophila melanogaster commonly known as fruit flies. We assessed the performance of these flies under the experimental diets through a wide range of demographic, physiological and health indicators. The different factors that we investigated are developmental time, juvenile mortality, sex ratio, body size, how many offspring they had (reproductive output), locomotor activity, and the health of their digestive system (gut health). Additionally, we studied how these diets affected the activity of genes (diet-induced changes in gene expression) by analysing their RNA.

Our results demonstrate that low-protein diets, even with the same caloric content, delayed the development and reduced the number of offspring produced without significantly impacting juvenile mortality or body size. On the other hand, diets high in carbohydrates shorten their lifespan, leading to early decline in function, reduced movement, and digestive problems. When we compared the gene activity in flies on high-protein diets to those on high-carb ones, we found interesting differences, particularly in the way they handle fat. This finding is intriguing as it points to the flexibility of genetic responses to dietary changes, opening up new avenues for research into how diet influences health and ageing.

In essence, our study illuminates the complex relationship between diet and life processes, offering valuable insights into how organisms might adapt to changing dietary landscapes. This knowledge is not just academically intriguing but has profound implications for wildlife conservation and public health. It informs conservation strategies in changing environments and underscores the need for a deeper examination of modern diets' role in public health, particularly the rising tide of metabolic diseases. By linking dietary composition to health outcomes, our research emphasises the critical importance of nutritional balance, laying the groundwork for strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of dietary mismatches and promote healthier lives and ecosystems.

Reference Article
Diet‐induced plasticity of life‐history traits and gene expression in outbred Drosophila melanogaster population. Ecology and Evolution, 14(2), p.e10976. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10976. Authors: Mudunuri, A., Chandrakanth, M., Khan, S., Sura, C., Kumar, N. and Tung, S.

(Edited by Dr Yukti Arora, Senior Manager, Academic Communications, Research and Development Office, 51���)

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