The winning theory

                                                                                                                Ankur Bora

Washington, D.C., December 1994: In the ballroom of a downtown hotel, a most unusual auction was in progress. For sale was nothing but air – airwaves that could be used for a new generation of cell phones, pagers and other wireless communication devices. Hailed as the greatest auction ever, the event garnered more than 7 billion, dispensing more than 2,500 licenses, thereby breaking all records for the sale of public groups in America. The brain behind this auction was an unlikely group of economic theoreticians and experts in the in the mathematical field of game theory. These economists had been using Nash equilibrium, as it became known, a conceptually simple but powerful mathematical tool to develop a detailed picture of how bidders would behave in different types of auctions and which strategies work best in such a competitive situation – and the equilibrium theory passed with flying colors, spectacularly.

Assam Tribune , Horizon 23rd June 2017

Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, October, 1994: Carl-Olof Jacobson, the Secretary General was reading the announcement of Economics Nobel Prize to John Forbes Nash, “the greatest moment” – he later said of his twenty year tenure at the academy. The saga of Nash’s Nobel Prize is almost as extraordinary as the lift story of the laureate. Regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians of the 20th century, John Nash was awarded for his seminal work on game theory, or the mathematical study of decision-making. Although , it was his devastating mental illness that has been more familiar to a wider audience thanks to the 2001 Oscar-winning film “A Beautiful Mind” in which he was played by Russell Crowe. In the late 1940s mathematician Nash, then a young graduate student at Princeton, realized that in any finite game there is always a way for players to choose their strategies so that none will wish they had done something else. In his Ph.D. thesis, Nash came up with the notion of a “strategic equilibrium”, a collection of strategies, one for each player, such that if all the players follow these strategies, no individual player has an incentive to switch to a different strategy. Nash's famous equilibrium, perhaps, was the most important idea in economic analysis, though it took several decades to take root. With the Nobel announcement, the Academy have succeeded in its wider acceptance, Today, game theory is applied in a wide range of goods and services, including electric power, timber contracts , online auction services such as eBay and multi-billion-dollar government sales.

University of São Paulo, Brazil, July 2014: An international workshop on game theory and economic applications of the game theory was taking place attended by prominent game theorists and leading economists from around the world including John Nash. Among the participants was a young Assamese Dr. Surajit Borkotokey. Surajit is a Math enthusiast who had the distinction of winning the national award for the Best Research Paper in Mathematical Science at the Indian Science Congress as well as the Indo-US Research Fellowship at Louisiana State University, USA. He is currently a Professor of Mathematics, Dibrugarh University. In the summer of 2014, Surajit was invited to present paper at this workshop. The conferences provided Surajit an excellent opportunity to hear from world-renowned mathematicians – the most memorable was the plenary lecturer by John Nash. “He was by far the most charismatic speaker in the conference”, Surajit was sharing the incredible meeting with the Nobel laureate. “Dr. Nash was warm, easy to approach, and easy to talk to. Our brief conversation covered everything from my work in the Cooperative Game Theory to Assam tea. I am very excited about meeting John Nash in person, moments which I will cherish all my life.”  Over the years, I have been communicating with Surajit who is providing me insight into game theory and how it can be applied to resolve some of the pressing issues of Assam.

Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, Gerukamukh Assam Arunachal border: Despite incurring a staggering 6,600 crore, the hydroelectric project ended up in stalemate. Game theory exponents like Surajit would call it a problem in resource sharing. The opposing party, i.e. Assamese people feels that the other party i.e. mainland India is exploiting the North-East hydel resources for its benefits while it is Assam alone who will suffer ecosystem damage and loss of land. They believe New Delhi, while setting the rules, is not assessing the serious threats to the livelihoods of the hundreds of thousands of Assamese people who depend on small-scale fishing and subsistence agriculture in the downstream areas. As per game theory, it is not a fair game; Assam with the downstream area should have been the dominant player, not the other way around. Surajit conveys his views on the subject – “there should be an alternative set of rules which will take on board the concerns of Assamese people. The people of Assam should be included as players in this game along with the other beneficiaries and given their due share of the resource.”   

Kaziranga National Park: a world heritage site, the park hosts two-thirds of the world's Great One-horned rhinoceros. However, the population of rhinos, of late, is under grave threat because of the poachers on the hunt for the prized rhino horn. Rhino poaching, though, has yet another dimension - the poor socio-economic conditions of the local communities. Many of the poor villagers are lured into working for poachers. “In the present context the poachers have no other better option than poaching.” Surajit feels that there is no solution as long as the problem is treated as law and order alone – “If we provide a better strategy for their livelihood as it is done in some cases where the hunters are assigned with the responsibility of protecting the forest, the equilibrium will shift from stalemate to co-operation and better results would certainly follow.”

Like Surajit Borkotokey , there are a great number of young man and women who are able to draw upon the wealth of basic research into game theory and its applications. John Nash, the founders of game theory would surely have approved. Figuring out the winning strategy, after all, is the name of the game.

                                                                                                ankurbora@hotmail.com

Colors of cosmos

                                                                                                                     Ankur Bora

“Hindu is the only religion in which the time scales correspond to those of modern scientific cosmology. Its cycles run from our ordinary day and night to a day and night of Brahma, 8.64 billion years long.” Carl Sagan, American astronomer, cosmologist, astrophysicist and author.

Assam Tribune Horizon 1st June 2017

Picture a breathtaking clear starry sky, twinkled with ever-changing display of the fascinating objects, from stars and constellations to bright planets, from Mercury to Neptune to our much loved moon. Then, there appears a sudden outburst of shooting stars; a comet; the glorious display of the Northern lights with their swirling curtains of red or green, or even an exploding star. Now, imagine each of these thousands of cosmic creation has a personality; each has its own story to tell!

Human mind is always captivated by the pages of cosmic evolution, framed by the splendid galaxies of space. This quest for space exploration is opening new opportunities – technological innovations, new industries and a vista of   expanding knowledge. The field of study of cosmos, how to navigate the night sky, how to identify the galaxies and exploring what lies beyond our planet is called astronomy. It is an art celebrating the beauty of Gods’ creation and  science that brings in physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology. The word “astronomer” probably conjures up the image of a white bearded man peering through a long telescope. Although today’s astronomer is as likely to be female as male, who would utilize a whole armory of sophisticated and powerful equipment set up around the world which can be operated from anywhere with the aid of a computer.  

Dr. Sanchayeeta Borthakur is an astronomer and scientist at the Johns Hopkins University, USA who has made significant contributions in finding star forming galaxies, thus in understanding how the universe evolved as the first stars were formed. Sanchayeeta  and her co –researchers have identified a galaxy that provides the first observational clues to how light from the earliest stars may have caused a crucial event in the history of the universe  and how matter and energy is spread throughout the universe.  

 Sanchayeeta is originally from  Bongaigaon , Assam  where her father was the Chief Medical Officer at the refinery. Her interest in astronomy started at a very young age. Her father brought the science of learning to life with stories about the sky, the stars and the cosmos. “I remember when I was about 3 years old, my father and I used to go on walks at dusk/night and I would ask him about the stars”. Sanchayeeta recalls how that walking adventure with her father under the panoramic sky along the dark streets of Bongaigaon stirred her interest in space. My father knew Saptarishi and some of the constellations and he would point them out to me. I was absolutely fascinated by the sky. Occasionally, my father wouldn’t know the name of a star. Then, I would say, “When I grow-up, I am going to find out about those stars and will tell you about them just as you are telling me now”. I believe that was when I had fallen in love with astronomy and I never got over it!

In an effort to both attract and involve the world’s best physicists, astronomers and engineers, a large number of universities across United State have devoted significant time and effort in creating stunning observatories. An observatory houses both optical and radio telescopes some of them are whopping eight stories tall. Sanchayeeta has been working at the Bloomberg Center for Physics and Astronomy at John Hopkins. The NASA’s Space Telescope Science Institute, the scientific home of the Hubble Space Telescope, the most famous observatory in history of mankind, is located nearby.  Sanchayeeta’s research primarily involves discerning what the stars were made of, dividing the stars into meaningful categories for further research and finding ways to measure distances between the planetary objects. However, with recent advancement in astronomical data gathering and new tools, she has pioneered a new area of research involving star-forming galaxy.  

The universe, years after its origin through the Big Bang, was populated by neutral hydrogen atoms and was a dark place, devoid of light. The regions in galaxies, at that time, were covered with thick, dense, cold gas, stretching like a blanket. Any ionizing photon or electron produced during the evolution of these galaxies would be expected to be absorbed by this blanket. This presents a challenge for astrophysicists – if they cannot escape, there will be no radiation capable of ionizing the hydrogen and if they cannot ionize there will not be any star formation and if it is, the universe will be in perpetual darkness! Astronomers view re-ionisation as a critical event in the history of the cosmos and Sanchayeeta  and her team of researchers at Johns Hopkins revealed a likely mechanism to solve this mystery. Their experiment is aided by Hubble Space Telescope and by a scientific measurement technique called Spectroscopy, originally developed by Nobel Laureate Sir. C. V. Raman.   

Light is a lot more than just the colored visible rays that we see. In addition to the traditional Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet color spectrum, there are gamma rays, x-rays, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, infrared (IR) radiation, microwaves and radio waves! Just like a prism which can break white light up into the visible light spectrum you can measure the ray that is emitted, absorbed, or scattered by any element.  The spectrum is like a fingerprint which can be used to study, identify and quantify a molecule and the element.

Using observations made with the Cosmic Origin Spectrograph, onboard the Hubble Space Telescope, the research team found a galaxy named J0921+4509, a massive but highly compact star-forming region.  They detected a sea of intense ionising photons and electrons with a significant fraction escaping the gas cloud blanket. This galaxy, by leaking photons to intergalactic space, thus became a nursery for new stars!  “The mystery was, how did these photons of this specific energy leave their galaxies?”  Sanchayeeta, whose research findings appeared in the US journal Science, suggests that a vast proportion of our cosmos is driven by forces that we, as yet, do not understand.    

Dr. Sanchayeeta Borthakur remains dedicated to her research on galaxies and space – “Every day, I try to do my best and not worry about the results. Research and discovery in particular cannot be planned. Sometimes things work out and we discover exciting things, other times we try and learn from our failures. The goal is to enjoy the process. All I want to do is something interesting and challenging.”

                                                                        ankurbora@hotmail.com

Unbowed

                                              Unbowed              

                                                                                                                        Ankur Bora

Often it is only when we are confronted with adversity that our lives are transformed to reveal the radiant power and wonder of human character. There are inspiring stories of people who have been changed by the calamities they’ve faced, emerging stronger, wiser and more alive than they have ever been. Their stories teach us that tragedies, when confronted with faith, courage, and tenacity could be overcome, and that at the depth of adversity lies the height and strength of our nobility as human being.

Assam Tribube , Sunday Edition , April 30th 2017

The story of Birubala Rabha began in 1985 after some of the villagers branded her son, who was suffering from a mental illness, as a witch being possessed by a fairy. Some of the villagers even tried to kill the helpless boy. Her husband took him to a quack who said he would die in three days. Fortunately, Birubala’s son survived and months passed without incident. It was a life changing experience as she witnessed firsthand the fear, ignorance and helplessness of the fellow villagers. Birubala made up her mind to fight the evil practice of witch hunting and educate her community to break the stranglehold of superstition and thus began a rewarding journey of endurance, fearlessness, compassion and hope.

The history of witch hunting goes back to Middle Ages when in Europe thousands of innocent victims,  mostly women, accused of practicing black magic, were burnt at the stake. In India, countless instances of witch hunting have been reported from different parts of the country.  In the state of Assam and North Eastern region of India such beliefs continue to prevail even to this day, in the 21^st century, where gory murders of helpless women often take up newspaper headlines. In a world where technology is rapidly transforming aspects of everyday life, there is still the looming menace of superstition and barbaric crimes committed by humans on fellow humans. The basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled never reaches the remote corners of this world that is still shrouded in the darkest veil of evil acts of inhuman atrocities.

 In Assam’s remote countryside, the prevalence of witch hunting is closely linked to absence of healthcare. Lack of access to hospitals and doctors nearby leads people to treat diseases through medicines prepared by tantric or quacks who makes a living from selling cures and conducting purification ceremonies. When the patients are unable to recover, these medicine hawkers are quick to lay the blame on someone else – often the most vulnerable in the village: unmarried women, widows or elderly people. Branding as witch, these victims are ostracized, even more dangerously, they are beaten, buried alive, or forced to undergo horrific rituals such as being covered from head to toe with a net and the onlookers prodding the body with sharp sticks.

Hailing from a poor family, Birubala Rabha was orphaned at the age of six years. She could study only up to class V, she, however, she got her bearing in cooking, embroidery, weaving and poultry rearing. Married at the  age of 16, she withstood the challenges of raising three sons and a daughter. When things are tough, we draw upon an amazing reserve of inner strength.  Birubala confronted the villagers when her son was called a witch, taking it all in, unbowed, unrelenting and thus she changed the course of events herself, alone. Since than Birubala Rabha has been relentlessly fighting against violence and thus saving dozens of innocent lives. She travels extensively from village to village, speaks out against the evil practices, educates and brings awareness to villagers and school children. She has brought hope to countless victims and aroused fear in the perpetrators by making them accountable for their actions.

Birubala Rabha is a compassionate and kind human being, a woman, whose straight from the heart candor endears her to others.  In the book, `My Half of The Sky` authored by noted writer, columnist, journalist Indrani Raimedhi, she describes her first meeting with Ms. Rabha. “In spite of all the honor and adulation heaped on this feisty woman, her life remains simple, even harsh. The day before she came to meet me in Guwahati from her village, she had worked the whole day at a road-repairing site”. Birubala genuinely cares about and respects other people as evidenced by those known to her. Preetom Saikia, Commissioner and Secretary, Government of Assam offers a glowing recommendation. “During my tenure as Districts Magistrate of Goalpara from 2012-2014, I had the experience of associate myself with this lady of exceptional qualities of vigor and courage.” -The present Deputy Commissioner Goalpara Mr. J.N.V Subramanyam acknowledges her immense contribution – “The brave effort of Smti Birubala Rabha was successful in reducing the evil practice of Witch hunting from the society to a great extent”.

Meeting with Governor of Assam

Birubala Rabha met the honorable Governor of Assam, Sri Banwarilal Purohit on 15th April in Raj Bhawan and submitted a memorandum to pass the anti-witch hunting bill in Assam. Bihar was the first state in India to pass the prevention of Witch (dayan) Practices Act of 1999. Jharkhand followed with an Anti -Witchcraft Act in 2001. Unfortunately, there is no such law in Assam and there is no legal measure to punish offenders. Since there is no separate anti-witch hunting law in Assam, the accused are booked under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). It is often treated as a routine crime case where the culprit is not brought to justice.  At present there is a crucial need to use the legal system to battle crime against witch hunting. Such incidents are happening even today. We appeal to the Chief Minister of Assam, Sri Sarbananda  Sonowal to take action to prevent such diabolical incidents and pass a law that will hold the criminals accountable with the harshest of punishments.   

As educated members of society it is our duty to groom and prepare our youth and make them aware of their social responsibilities. Life, history, society and power cannot be understood from a single perspective; we need multiple viewpoints to truly see the world. Birubala Rabha  is a text book unto herself  and we implore young men and women of Assam and North East to go through the pages of her life and gain knowledge and wisdom from it.

Birubala Rabha survived because the fire inside her burned brighter than the fire around her. This is the true inspiring story of a woman who when confronted with Life’s extreme adversities , did not cower down but rose up to face them head on , alone, to reveal the wondrous strength of human power and indomitable spirit.  She is our living Hero from which each and every one of us needs to be inspired and draw strength to continue her legacy. That will be our greatest tribute to her.  From caring comes courage, let’s all hold the torch of courage by showing compassion for those marginalized section of society and bring the light of love and protection in their lives.

                                                                                                ankurbora@hotmail.com

The Call of the Entrepreneur

The Call of the Entrepreneur 

                                                                                    Ankur Bora

Oftentimes, we have a tendency to daydream, we wonder soaring through the sky, we imagine being cathartic and powerful. However, most often, we remain on the edge never taking that leap of faith. On the other hand, there are individuals, who had the audacity to jump off the cliff, and who risk everything to follow their dreams. And even if they fail, they have the tenacity to get up, dust off, and take the next venture with renewed energy. They are entrepreneurs, who play the most important factor in national economic expansion of a country. They are instrumental in product innovations; they employ or create new technology and thus bring tremendous economic growth.    

Horizon  Assam Tribune on 7th April 2017

The extraordinary growth enjoyed over the several decades by many East Asian countries has amounted to nothing less than an economic miracle. These countries including Taiwan, Japan and South Korea invested heavily in human capital which transformed East Asia into the economics Juggernauts that it is today.   I have always been captivated by these so called “Asian Tigers” – how those once poorest countries emerged amongst the world most productive and richest large economics. My quest led me to a young Assamese who has been working on research involving the economics of these countries.

Dr Rupakjyoti Borah who is currently a visiting research fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies , Singapore , is a distinguished expert in International Relations. Rupak was conferred the prestigious Australian Studies Fellowship when he was at the Department of Geopolitics and International Relations, Manipal University, India. Prior to that, he was a visiting Fellow at the Centre of International Studies, University of Cambridge, U.K. in 2009 and holds a Ph.D. from the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. Rupak has delivered lectures at various international conferences and has published extensively in journals, books, magazines, newspapers and websites both in India and abroad.

At the Jakarta International Defence Dialogue

The highpoint of his academic life till date was when Rupak was invited as a speaker at the Jakarta International Defense Dialogue 2014 along dignitaries including the former Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Mr. H.E. Mr Xanana Gusmao, Commander of the US Pacific Fleet Admiral Harry B Harris,, former Chief of Navy of Indonesia Admiral Dr. Marsetio,, and the former Australian Defense Minister, David Johnston.

A world away from a small town in Assam where he grew up, Rupak regularly interacts with select international leaders, military heads, academics and policy-makers from all over the world. Between the books and papers, what distinguishes him from others, as I realize, is his worldview. "When I was in school, I used to cycle maybe 14 kms(two-ways) to my maternal uncle's house just to watch BBC.” That spark for learning and innovation is exactly what he had observed when Rupak was working in Taiwan, a country which went from lowest tier of poorest countries into a hi-tech powerhouse, making most of the world's laptops and much of its other consumer electronics.

With Admiral Harris,Commander of US Pacific+Fleet

The willingness to change and a strong entrepreneurial spirit have helped Taiwan transform itself, despite its small population. As Taiwan’s embryonic development began to unfold, thousands of youths and this does include women, began to set up one-man or youthful-partnership companies. Rupak who spent several years in Taiwan, had a prime seat in witnessing the miraculous growth of that country. He made a brilliant observation in his article ‘A Year in Taiwan’. The people of Taiwan value hard work, patience, humility, friendliness and respect for others and their positive attitudes, particularly amongst the young, toward entrepreneurial effort all over Taiwan are enormously beneficial to its economic achievements. Writing from his firsthand experiences Rupak described with telling stories and portraits from the ground how Taiwan, a tiny nation became one of the richest economies in the world.

Book release in Japan

How did Japan rebuild itself and become an advanced nation and a major economic power in the aftermath of the World War II is a miracle. In the 1940s, start-ups like Sony and Honda helped Japan rise from the ashes of war. Self-reliance, infrastructure, free trade and entrepreneurial profits were keys to Japan’s progress. For Japanese students, choosing to become an entrepreneur becomes more common as a career option. When people are free, Japanese believe, “there is nothing in the world that can withstand man’s courage and intellect.”  Rupak has recently been working as a Research Fellow at the Tokyo-based Japan Forum for Strategic Studies and found a great deal of interest with Japanese people and their culture of being industrious, efficient, committed, disciplined and dedication to work. In his recently published book, The Elephant and the Samurai, Rupak takes readers through the close historical ties between Japan and India, how expanding bilateral economic and the people-to-people relations can be an extraordinary positive force for job creation , growth , harnessing science , technology and enhanced prosperity for both counties.  

The world is entering into an era of international integration, technical diffusion, foreign trade and investment – this powerful force of globalization continue to inspire Dr Rupakjyoti Borah. “What I have learnt from my research in Taiwan, Japan and now in Singapore is the importance of discipline, dedication and determination(3D's)--all these places lack natural resources, are small in size, plagued by natural disasters(especially in the case of Japan), but have managed to beat all odds”. As he studies these areas of research, he also urges Assamese youths to leverage the unique aspects of our culture, entrepreneurial skills and competencies and doing things that have never been done before.

                                                                      ankurbora@hotmail.com

Feedback from readers

From: Amal Borah <amal.borah@gmail.com>

Sent: Sunday, April 9, 2017 4:10 AM

To: ankurbora@hotmail.com

Subject: Request for Information of Dr. Rupakjyoti Borah

Hello Ankur,

I had earlier gone through your Article in the Horizon Section of Assam Tribune on 7th April 2017. It was quite informative and I appreciate your insight on the said topic.

I would be highly grateful if you can share the email address or contact number of Dr. Rupakjyoti Borah since I am interested in setting up an industry based on Taiwanese product technology and know how here in Assam.

Thanks in advance.

Amal Borah

Guwahati

The code of Life

                                                                                                                                                                                              Ankur Bora

Have you wondered why you have black hair or brown eyes while your partner has blue eyes and blonde hair? Or have you come across or observed the animal mule – which is really half horse and half donkey? Have you ever pondered over the question - How are human traits inherited from one generation to the next?

Assam Tribune Horizon 24th February 2017

Whether you have black hair or blue eyes is determined by the genes that you received from your father and mother. These genetic codes or the DNA are instruction manuals which determine all of the traits of living things. Just as blueprints direct the building of a house, DNA molecules contain the genetic instructions used in the development and the functioning of a living organism. There has recently been unprecedented breakthrough in Genetics Engineering and it is said that the 21st century will be the age of genetics. Genetics promises to bring about dramatic changes in almost every area of life: the cure and prevention of diseases; the extension of human life span, the modification of food crops to feed the world’s hungry and even creation of laboratory grown human replacement organs and other body parts. Today, we human beings are gaining insight into a domain that, until now, have been deemed the exclusive sphere of God Almighty! There has been major upheaval in biomedical research and a young Assamese, recently, initiated a new technique, which has spawned a flood of applied research and a new era of treating genetic diseases.

Rubul Mout grew up, in a remote part of Assam, near Arunachal border in Tinsukia district. His parents were farmers who went through huge financial struggles to send him to school and later to college. It was not easy, but Rubul had a promising start. As a boy, in the countryside of Tinsukia, he often found himself not in front of the television or out in the cricket field, but sitting happily before an open book. This was due, in part, because of the absence of scientific milieu in that area as well his father’s emphasis on the value of education. The high school where he studied was a venture school and there was a not a single teacher to impart science and mathematics. His father had no money or resources other than his conviction, which could aid young Rubul in pursuing his studies. He however came to Tinsukia for higher studies and after successfully completing his Masters majoring in Chemistry, he joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai. At TIFR, as a Biotechnology researcher, Rubul discovered something he loved- “Biology is so fascinating! There are thousands of genes in human cells and every gene has hundreds of stories and these stories are real—they have huge impact on life and humanity. By playing with these genes you can change life, forever.” That was his insight and Rubul set his goal and put his heart and soul   to get where he wanted to be in life and his journey took him around the world.  

Getting admission in the University of Massachusetts, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, was the proudest moment of his life. The University operates Vincent Rotello Group, one of the world’s leading research groups in Nano-biotechnology.  Rubul has been working on this lab for the past several years and is currently leading an innovative gene-editing technology known as CRISPR. This technology provides a quick, easy and effective way to edit the genes of any species including humans. The technique takes advantage of the sophisticated immune systems of bacteria. Researchers essentially trick bacteria into cutting strands of DNA and then using nanoparticles usher them across the membrane and into the cell nucleus. "We have delivered them into the nucleus without getting it trapped on its way and able to watch the delivery process live in real time using sophisticated microscopy", Rubul explains.

There are 3 billion letters that make up the human genetic code, which reveals the astronomical complexity of God’s creation, packed with mysteries and surprises. Genetics, as a discipline, thus requires creativity and imagination. While science provides the blueprint, it is the imagination which gives genetic research its life and purpose. Rubul who recently published a collection of short stories in Assamese believes that science and literature have a very common theme – which is imagination. He would often brainstorm with colleagues or friends to develop a mental picture drawing on his unique traits, abilities and on his passion. Imagination ignites greatness. Today his work on CRISPR is breaking new ground and building momentum to unlock the complexities of living systems.    

Sadly, Rubul’s own father suffered from an incurable genetic disease called Parkinson and died helplessly last year. “I understand the emotional agony and burden of helplessness”. After his father’s demise, Rubul delved further to understand the genetic material that controls hereditary characteristics.

Rubul’s work at University of Massachusetts is expected to serve as a guide for major pharmaceutical firms who have been trying to develop new ways of treating cancer and other ailments that have plagued humanity. Knowing the identity and location of genes, for instance, enables researchers to study their patterns of expression — when they turn on and off. These clues have already yielded useful information and researchers can study how genes and proteins function in both healthy people and those with deadly diseases. This holds great promise and Rubul is optimistic of a stunning outcome.  “What will come out of this is a complete redefinition of human biology; I would strongly recommend young generation of Assam and North East to take biology research seriously to solve human problems.”

Rubul Mout grew up in a small village but was able to make it all the way to the top of his class. The story teaches us that no matter the odds are or even the consequences you need to find your dreams and what fuels you and make them come true. If you believe in yourself like Rubul did and put your mind towards achieving your goal with unwavering faith and focus you can accomplish anything you could ever dream of doing.      ankurbora@hotmail.com                                                                               

Response from readers

Thank you very much for giving us the opportunity to know about Rabul Mout and his significant discoveries and researches. Hats off to him. We are also proud that he hails from our part of India. Wishing him further successes,

Nirode Barooah , Germany

Rubul, Congratulations for the work you've done so far and best wishes for many wonderful stories in the future! Krishanu  Kaushik , USA

 This is a very inspiring story! Kudos to Rubul for the work you are doing

Rasika Saikia , USA

t's a great news for us. Congratulations Rubul

 Anamika baruah , Assam

Rubul, I remember, when I was working in a University in Ethiopia, one of my Biology colleagues often visits jungles and search for something. Out of curiosity when I asked what he actually does, he said they are researching for plant extracts which could  retard cell degeneration leading to aging.

He did research in Karolinska Institutet, which houses the Nobel Committee in Physiology or Medicine.

You are in  such a wonderful field and target, and since at this age you already built your confidence, definitely you will achieve newer dimensions in Science. And that would contribute to the humanity, as well as inspire thousands back here in Assam.
 I consider it not over-enthusiastic to look an Assamese in Nobel run in future. 
Do let us know when you plan to visit Assam, so that we could request for some of your local times for delivering lectures/interactions with students/researchers/teachers of Assam.

Regards.

Prof. Shikhar Kr. Sarma

Registrar and Professor, Dept. of  Computer Science & Information Technology ,

Cotton College State University

Searching for the First Zero

                                                                                                                                 Ankur Bora

Science is a passionate search for knowledge which propels human beings to a continuous learning.  This is where lies it’s subtle magic and this is how we reconceive the world time and again.  Human beings have built the modern world through scientific enterprise by overthrowing the order of things, by broadening our knowledge and giving life the freedom to flourish and grow. This scientific temper must be sought in what can be called the most important scientific advances in human history – the invention of zero.

The article has been published in Horizon , Assam Tribune dated February 3rd 2017

In everyday life, zero  is used to do arithmetic as well as to algebraically define negative or  positive numbers. However, the specialty and the magic of zero lies in defining our base-10 number system.  Earlier, it was the Roman numerals which were prevalent in Europe until as late as thirteen century. This system employs Latin Letters for numbers (I for 1, X for 10, L for 50, C for 100, M for 1,000).  These letters had to be repeated, for example, the number 3,373 is represented as MMMCCCLXXIII. For a bigger number, Roman system will need tens of hundreds of letters and if you have to write it in a blackboard, it will, probably cover the length and breadth of the whole board! An enormous number, perhaps, will occupy the four walls and the ceilings of a classroom.  To our rescue came the base-10 number system and it is the zero that enables our modern world to work efficiently and seamlessly.  Because of zero, the same ten numerals can be used over and over again, at different positions. Thus, a 3 in the units location is a 3 but the same symbol in the thousands location makes it a 3000. This is exactly what makes zero so special and powerful, without that little zero we would be stuck in mediaeval period!

Zero is one of the most influential inventions of all times, but who invented the zero? The ZerOrigIndia is a Foundation which is leading a global campaign to re-discover the origin and invention of zero. The foundation is providing a platform to academicians, scholars, researchers from the field of pure and applied sciences across the world as well as to various stakeholders and partner organizations who are passionate about finding the origin of zero and for a deeper understanding of the philosophy of emptiness and life. Wahid Saleh, a prominent member of the Advisory Board in Netherland, describes the objectives, “Finding the oldest zero would of course be very welcome and exciting.  But finding an older zero only means that there may be others even older.  What we are after is to finding the origin of the zero digit, but more in the socio-cultural context such as the possible / likely ‘bridge’ between philosophy and mathematics.  Finding an older zero is not the end of the Zero Project. Our aim is to conduct a systematic study into the origin of zero, taking all previous evidence into account as well as finding fresh evidence.  Then piece it all together in order to pinpoint the epicenter of zero”

The base-10 number system owns its origin to India, where for the first time the concept of numerology had originated. This numeral system reached the western countries through Arabia and thus became known as Arabic numeral. At the beginning, the digits 1 to 9 had evolved from the Brahmi numerals which came into being during the middle of the third century BC. The Brahmi symbols were used for a long span of time. Aryabhatta, the Indian mathematician, is popularly known as the inventor of zero, while Brahmagupta, another mathematician, who is known to formalize arithmetic operation representing the zero as ‘dot’, which was adopted in Brahmi numerals during A.D.650.  

The inscriptions of Brahmi symbols are found in a number of caves and coins in different regions of India.  Such an inscription containing the numeral zero was found at the at the Chatur-bujha temple in the city of Gwalior , which is considered as the oldest known zero . However, a recent finding of an inscription at the Golaghat district in Assam might recast this most significant event in history and bring world’s attention to the antiquity of the Kamrupi civilization.

One of the things that makes the story of ZerOrigIndia so fascinating to us is that the members are active participants in multiple fields: Archaeology, social History, Philosophy , religion and Mathematics. Wahid Saleh, a native of Jorhat, who is playing a defining role in this project, is able to connect with a wide spectrum of people across Europe, America and Asia. I had the privilege to Mr. Saleh’s legendary email correspondence with his peers. It is Dr. HN Dutta, former Director of Assam Archaeological Society, who in his thesis ‘Art and Archaeology of Doiyang-Dhansiri Valley of Assam’ mentioned about the finding of a stone slab in Golaghat district. Ashok Sarma, a language history researcher and Dr. Dharmeshwar Chutia, a retired professor of the Department of Sanskrit, Gauhati University, were able to decipher the Brahmi script. The stone slab measuring 15x 9 centimeter, contains inscriptions and the numerical zero is one of them, thereby pointing to the use of zero in Assam. The written script is believed to be between 2nd and 3rd century and if the date of the epigraphical noting and the genuineness of the stone can be determined with the help of modern dating techniques then Assam will be in world history. Wahid Saleh elaborated further, “If our assumption is correct that the slab contains the numerical zero, then Assam will occupy world history status. Earlier, we knew only about such a slab to be in Assam but now, with the newfound location will help us to take up the matter with the Government of India which has acknowledged the project and we hope to get support in the future.”

Understanding how and why the great inventions were made that made modern science and technology possible, concerns all mankind and the invention of zero certainly ranks among the greatest. The ZerOrigIndia project is an accelerated march of human understanding; we now see the web of relationship that connects to epic changes in science, belief and society. Aamir Hazarika , a journalist in Joraht , fondly reflects on his association – “ (ZerOrigIndia  is ) responsible for igniting that zeal of investigative journalism that led to the search of the stone slab lying isolated in a dark corner of the Jorhat district museum.

The world is still ripe for radical change, for new ways of sharing ideas or organizing human life. And how could it not also be cause for hope?          ankurbora@hotmail.com 

Further Notes

Peter Gobets ,Secretary General ZerOrigIndia recently received the following communications from Mrs. Neelam D Sabharwal , former Ambassador of India to the Netherlands and Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO in Paris – “I am so happy to see the great progress in your research on the Assam connection. It is also heartening to see Wahid Saleh in his usual form , determined to leave no stone unturned when he has to get to the bottom of the matter.”

A time to remember

                                                                                                    Ankur Bora

There are individuals who choose to act with courage and kindness no matter how daunting the task is. We have seen, time and again, how considerate and kind actions not only have the capacity to change the world, but our very consciousness. More than a decade ago, I met such an individual who introduced me to the joy of a “life in service”. Lukose  Cheruvalel was born in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Young Lukose decided to move to Assam, a path yet untrodden. With courage and passion for serving, he dedicated himself with grace and compassion, to the service of street children.

In the year 2006, Father Lukose  visited  America on work purposes  and I was fortunate to meet him in person . He came to our residence in Dallas and it was one of the most memorable moments for me. I was totally impressed by his fluent colloquial command over the Assamese language. He spoke Assamese like a native would. A very humble and delightful man with love as if radiating from his very being, Father Lukose exuded his mission to save street children from the horrific clutches of desolation and abandonment. Our conversation led to many memories and reflections of his past stirring experiences. There were a number of people who helped shape his life and destiny and notable among them were Mother Theresa – “It was at Mother’s funeral that I resolved to start the Snehalaya homes.”  Father Lukose truly believes that the search for God ultimately leads to children, as they are His most precious gifts to humanity and thus he founded the Snehalaya Homes in Guwahati in 2001. With unwavering patience and persistence he led the organization which became a caring home for homeless and lost children.

Every child of Snehalaya has his or her own tales. “They face harsh realities of life. It will be of great help to them if they get the opportunity to expressing their feelings and emotion in a creative way. It's our duty to heal their pains and make them happy," Father Lukose was narrating some of the heartrending stories while seeking donation and support from the expatriate Assamese of America. One was the saga of a mother and a father and their agonizing wait of ten years to find their long lost daughter. 

Ramua and Savithri used to struggle every day to meet their ends. They were too poor to provide their daughter Bakuli two meals a day. Thinking of a better future for her, the parents with a heavy heart, agreed when an effluent family came and offered to keep Bakuli as a domestic help.  To part with their little daughter was heart wrenching to say the least but hoping that their little one would not only receive shelter but also avenues for basic education and a better future they tearfully bid their farewell goodbyes. Little did they know that their five year old daughter would be treated harshly which would eventually cause her to run away. This incident happened almost ten years ago; no one including police helped them to locate their daughter. Bakuli was almost forgotten by all who knew her in her village, but not by her parents. Her mother would weep for hours every day remembering her little one.

As the story goes, Bakuli escaped from that family and landed in the Guwahati railway station. There she wandered around   for several miserable and haunting days, alone and vulnerable, frightened and hungry. Then one beautiful day, as if God came and lifted her up, offering hope and comfort, when she got rescued and brought into Snehalaya. Thus Bakuli moved from the dark and sordid days in the railway station where her future would be doomed and bitter to a place of love, warmth and security. She was provided with education, support and opportunity throughout her long ten years stay in Snehalaya. However, Bakuli was not able to forget her family. She would cry for hours remembering her parents and her little sister. Father Lukose tried all means to locate her lost family. He even called a press conference requesting popular newspapers to publish her story with the hope that someone from her family would come forward to own her. Fortunately, the news was picked up by the parents and finally the family was reunited. It is a true story of courage, hope, compassion and persistence with a reinforcing message that such miracles can happen even in the most unfortunate circumstances. 

Visitors to Snehalaya ( Biju Barbarua , Lanu Aimol , Debojit Bora , Bidyananda Barkakoty . Late Kaushik Das)

This story simply demonstrates how human beings when given the most basic emotions of love and attention, find significant transformation and discover their humanity , dignity and happiness. I, personally, am moved by two things in that story of Bakuli. One is the courage shown by Father Lukose – the bravery in his decision to open a free residential care for exploited children and his determination to eliminate trafficking of young children from labor and abuse. The other thing that lives within me is his compassion – compassion so profound that Father Lukose still inspires us even a decade later.   

In the last fifteen years Snehalaya, through various initiatives, is taking the young at risk off the street and making them self- reliant through education and skills training. They continue to reunite lost and run-away youth with their parents. However the institute itself is going through a difficult phase. “At present we have about 230 children both boys and girls. With rising expenditure, it is becoming increasingly difficult to provide for all the children” – We recently received a communication from a staff of Snehalaya seeking donation and financial support.    

As a child, my grandmother used to tell me, “Whatever you give to another will return to you ten times.” At this Festive Season of the Year, when abundance rejoices, let us remember that there are many among us who are in want of common necessities and there is no surer way to attaining infinite joy than giving back to society. Let’s give your time, your talents, and your donations to make a difference in other people’s lives. By giving, you express abundance and let your thought, word and action be the reality of your life. 

                                                                                    ankurbora@hotmail.com