Renowned Mathematician Speaks Against Nationalism in Scientific Research
Chandrashekhar Khare, a distinguished professor of mathematics at the University of California Los Angeles, made strong statements about the role of nationalism in science. He spoke during the Indo-European Conference on Mathematics held at Savitribai Phule Pune University.
Global Ideas Over National Pride
Professor Khare clearly stated that false nationalistic pride has no place in scientific endeavors. He emphasized that researchers must incorporate ideas from across the world. Scientific progress depends on global collaboration rather than narrow national interests.
"We need to differentiate between real science and what is not," Khare told The Indian Express. "Money should go toward genuine scientific research." He addressed concerns about research funding going to questionable projects instead of useful science.
Questioning Indian Knowledge Systems Focus
The mathematician raised questions about the University Grants Commission's mandate regarding Indian Knowledge Systems. UGC requires 5 percent of total curriculum credits for IKS courses. Khare wondered why IKS should receive such primacy in education systems.
He acknowledged India's historical contributions to mathematics. Madhava developed calculus concepts centuries before Newton. Srinivasa Ramanujan became a global mathematical star. India has many great achievements worth teaching.
"I am a big fan of Indian classical music," Khare noted. "But that does not mean we are where we should be in mathematics. We are much behind." He believes India held a stronger position in mathematics during the 1960s and 1970s compared to today.
Background of the Mathematician
Chandrashekhar Khare was born in Mumbai in 1967. His educational journey took him across continents:
- Bachelor's degree from University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom
- Master's and PhD from California Institute of Technology in the United States
- Worked at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in India from 1995 to 2005
- Returned to the US to teach at University of Utah and later at UCLA
Khare specializes in number theory and recently published a memoir titled Chasing (a) Conjecture. His career reflects the international nature of modern mathematics that he advocates for.
Conference Details
The Indo-European Conference on Mathematics brought together mathematical minds from different regions. The European Mathematical Society and The Mathematics Consortium of India jointly organized the event. Savitribai Phule Pune University and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Pune hosted the conference.
This gathering provided a platform for discussing mathematical advancements beyond national boundaries. It exemplified the kind of international collaboration that Professor Khare values for scientific progress.
