As part of the 36th Mid-Year Meeting of the Indian Academy of Sciences, the scientific community and the general public are invited to experience two thought-provoking lectures by eminent scholars whose work bridges science, society, history, and sustainability. Hosted at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, these special sessions celebrate the Academy’s commitment to fostering scientific curiosity and interdisciplinary dialogue.

The day begins with a Special Lecture by Prof. Pradip Dutta (IISc Bengaluru), who will explore the pressing relationship between digital transformation and environmental sustainability. As technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and data centres rapidly reshape our world, the lecture will examine their hidden environmental footprint and discuss the challenges of building a sustainable digital future.

In the evening, the Academy presents a Public Lecture by the distinguished historian Prof. Seema Alavi (Ashoka University) on “Entangled Histories: Unani Medicine, Religion and Politics in British India.” Blending history, medicine, religion, and colonial studies, the lecture will reveal how indigenous medical traditions evolved during British rule and offer fresh perspectives on the diverse pathways of medical modernity in India.

Whether you are a researcher, student, educator, history enthusiast, or simply curious about the world around you, these lectures promise engaging discussions that connect the past, present, and future through the lens of science and scholarship.

 Venue: Faculty Hall, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru

 Date: Friday, 3 July 2026