The university auditorium witnessed an extraordinary lecture by Prof. Ashok Vudayagiri from the School of Physics, University of Hyderabad, titled “Bridging Science and Art: From Mundane to Profound.” The event, a mesmerizing blend of poetry, mathematics, architecture, and astronomy, left the audience in awe of the hidden connections between seemingly disparate disciplines.
Prof. Vudayagiri began by exploring the interplay of science and poetry, citing The Cyberiad by Stanislaw Lem, where a machine composes tragic, alliterative verses and love poems in the language of tensor algebra and topology. The audience was spellbound by lines like “Seduced, shaggy Samson snored” and mathematical love stanzas such as “Our asymptotes no longer out of phase, / We shall encounter, counting, face to face.”
The lecture then journeyed through ancient Indian wisdom, showcasing how poets like Kalidasa (4th century CE) and mathematicians like Bhaskaracharya (12th century CE) wove science into verse. The Lilavati problems—posed as lyrical riddles—demonstrated how art could illuminate mathematical concepts, such as calculating the depth of a lake using the displacement of a lotus flower.
A highlight was the segment on sculpture and architecture, where Prof. Vudayagiri revealed the scientific precision behind India’s temples. From the Ramappa Temple’s corbel arches to the Vidyashankara Temple’s zodiacal pillars aligned with solstices, he illustrated how art encoded astronomical knowledge. The Konark Sun Temple’s chariot wheels, doubling as sundials, and the Shulba Sutras’ geometric fire altars further underscored this synergy.
The lecture culminated with William Blake’s depiction of “God the Geometer” and floor plans of temples, symbolizing the union of creativity and logic. Prof. Vudayagiri’s closing remark—“The mundane becomes profound when viewed through the twin lenses of science and art”*—resonated deeply.
This lecture, a testament to interdisciplinary brilliance, inspired attendees to see the world anew. Our gratitude to Prof. Vudayagiri for this enlightening experience!
