Academy Lecture by Prof. Gadagkar at the Faculty Hall

"Go to the ant, thou sluggard;

                              Consider its ways, and be wise."[Proverbs-6:6]

              "गच्छन् पिपीलिको याति योजनानां शतान्यपि |
          अगच्छन् वैनतेय: अपि पदमेकं न मुञ्चते ||"

Ants, bees and some other well-known insects have been one of the perennial sources of inspiration for folklore and worldly advice. The general perception about ants and other social insects is that of some tirelessly, fearlessly hardworking organisms when observed from a narrow outlook, the incentive of whose broadening was provided by the Academy lecture by Prof. Gadagkar at the jam-packed Faculty Hall, brimming with people with largely diverse interests, united by the thread of considerate thought and careful contemplation.

The lecture was indeed aimed at diverse backgrounds- theory, erudition, engineering vitality and many more. There was a constant flux of  newer and newer perspectives in each one of us as we were shown the multifaceted, panoramic view of the mannerisms and tactics of bees, ants and other social insects within their activities of foraging, communication, conviviality and loyalty. It was exceptionally thrilling to know more about them and how their actions correspond with our societal practices. Some marvelous examples among them include their sense of the world around them as a collective unit, along with the way in which they have maintained their agriculture for millions of years, i.e. the agriculture of fungi by ants for food! We were gladdened to know about the several ways in which ants have inspired people, efficient "routing algorithms" being one of them!

Indeed, it was a memorable experience to know, contemplate on and explore the vast variety within which nature has poised us in a very fascinating and overwhelming way.