Issuu

24.08.2024–13.07.2025

This work is licensed under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International License. This license enables reusers to copy and distribute the material in any medium or format in unadapted form only, for noncommercial purposes only, and only if attribution is given to the creator. Published by Science Gallery Bengaluru, a not-for-profit public institution. Bengaluru, 2026. All photographs used in this Brochure are attributed to respective individuals and institutions, unless stated otherwise. For a digital version of this copy, please visit: https://bengaluru.sciencegallery.com/

Science Gallery Bengaluru 10-11, Bellary Road, Sanjaynagar Bengaluru-560024, Karnataka, India

*Please note that the images used throughout the brochure are the copyright of the photographer of Science Gallery Bengaluru and are not available under Creative Commons license unless otherwise specified.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 01 INTRODUCTION About Sci560 Overview

09 09 11

10 CONTRIBUTORS

288

11 TEAM

394

02 OPENING EVENT

03 THEMES

04 EXHIBITS

05 PROGRAMMES Public Lectures And Tutorial Masterclasses Workshops Events

120 122 164 172 216

12 PAST EXHIBITIONS OVERVIEW CARBON PSYCHE CONTAGION PHYTOPIA SUBMERGE ELEMENTS

296 300 302 304 306 308 310

13 ABOUT SCIENCE GALLERY BENGALURU

312

06 PARTICIPATORY PROGRAMMES In Your Words Through Your Eyes Film Commision

262 264 264 266

07 FESTIVALS Film Festival Namma Oota

268 270 274

08 TRAVELLING EXHIBITIONS Walk Through A Songline From The Moon To Mars South Asia And The Institute

278 280 281 282

09 LEARNING PROGRAMMES Mediator Programme

284 286

01 INTRODUCTION

A Mediator shows the exhibit Photometer by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) at Sci560, 2024. 8 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

ABOUT SCI560: SCIENCE IN THE CITY Bengaluru is India’s most recognised military-industrial-academic complex today. Sci560 is one way to question why that may be so. Bengaluru is a rather distinct microcosm of India. Over time, we have known Bengaluru as India’s garden city, military city, industrial city, and today—as an IT city, hi-tech city, start-up city and at times, India’s own Silicon Valley. A dynamic twentieth century has shaped Bengaluru’s current status as the city of new science and engineering. The confidence in the Indian research-led industry today comes from accomplishments in information technology, biotechnology, and the space programme: little surprise then, that Bengaluru may well be the symbol of a New India. The city, however, has surprises to offer from a rich past in science and engineering, some of which has directly contributed to the three success stories that unfolded during the long twentieth century. Explore, with us, some of the ideas, individuals, and institutions that make science in this city! This exhibition-season is funded by Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies.

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A mediator shows Raman Research Institute’s Historic Harmonics at Sci560, 2024. 10 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

OVERVIEW 2,74,300+ WEBSITE VIEWS

3,25,000+ EXHIBITION VISITORS

224 CONTRIBUTORS* 51 Art and Design 96 Natural Sciences 37 Social Sciences 05 Humanities 08 Entrepreneurs 27 Institutions

EXHIBITION EXPERIENCE

PROGRAMME EXPERIENCE

41 Exhibits 23 Films 38 Artists and Scholars*

177 Programmes 182 Artists and Scholars* 27,431 Programme Participants 2 Live Experiments

MEDIATORS

MEDIA ENGAGEMENT

59 Mediators 368 Training Hours 9799 Student Learning Experience

58,81,700+ Reach 2,81,000+ Engagement 91 Press Mentions

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02 OPENING EVENT

Opening event of Sci560, 2024.

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On 24 August 2024 Science Gallery Bengaluru opened its second exhibition-season in the building, and the seventh exhibition-season overall. The opening weekend featured an exciting lineup of programmes, beginning with guided walkthroughs of the exhibition conducted by the Science Gallery Bengaluru curatorial team. Conducted in both English and Kannada, ‘Scenes from Sci560’ provided visitors with deeper insights into the various themes of the exhibition, exploring stories of science from within Bangalore. The evening featured a quiz conducted by quizmaster, Thejaswi Udupa, taking the audience through some of the curious tales of Bangalore’s rich history, particularly those revolving around science and technology. The second day featured a bilingual lecture in English and Kannada by architect Naresh V Narasimhan. From mapping techniques evolving from ancient symbolic representations to modern Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the lecture investigated how we can understand Bangalore and the challenges of this city’s intricate and constantly shifting landscape. The opening weekend of Sci560 brought together diverse audiences to engage with science, culture, and society in new and meaningful ways. It set the stage for the months ahead, offering a glimpse into the Gallery’s potential to inspire, educate, and spark dialogue through its exhibitions and programmes.

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Opening event of Sci560, 2024. 14 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

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A visitor interacts with the Raman Research Institute’s Historic Harmonics at Sci560, 2024. 1616/ /Science ScienceGallery GalleryBengaluru Bengaluru

03 THEMES MILITARY Bengaluru has a long history of conflict, giving rise to some of the most advanced military systems in colonial India. The barracks, sappers, and the weapons developed here were not merely tools of war but creating means of a city to be built. INDUSTRIAL Watches, telephones, aircrafts, and voting machines–as a city, Bengaluru’s industrial scene was one of the most important spaces in early independent India. The exhibits explore how the earliest days of Bengaluru’s factories paved the way for technological innovations. ACADEMIC For a century, Bengaluru’s laboratories and universities have been exploring the unexplored. When looked closely, the city reveals a story of how curiosity, innovation and rigour for research gave rise to some of the country’s premier research institutions.

Military-Industrial Academic-Military Academic-Industrial Military-Industrial-Academic Alt-Complex

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04 EXHIBITS A Family in Bangalore Air Pressure Sensor Chip Altitude and Azimuth Instrument Bangalore Torpedo Beyond the Visible Universe Biomedical Sustained Release Patch Bheja Fry Brewing in Bengaluru Cosmic Ray Expedition in Bangalore, India Designing for Development Flexible Organic Solar Cells Historic Harmonics In the Satchel Inscribing Theories, Scripting Research Jīvāṇu Kere Chronicles Listening to the Air Waves Mapping Bengaluru Munsell Richter

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Nanorobots for Target Therapy Of Minds and Machines Opto-Mechanical Projector Photometer Physarum Pathways Portraits at the Nano-Scale Revisiting the Bangalore Torpedo Ripples of the Cosmos Simputer Stamping the City Staving Off the Stove The Democracy Console The First Flight The Kolar Quest The Stinger Drone The Tale of the Telephone The Triple Helix Model Time is HMT Time Trading in the Township Transmission Electron Microscope Wind Tunnel Wingbeats and Warbles

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A FAMILY IN BANGALORE Filmmaker: Paul Zils Medium: Video | 00:03:45 Year: 1957 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT A Family in Bangalore (1957) by German-Indian documentary filmmaker Paul Zils, captures the bustling environment at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), where workers are central to the creation of the Hindustan Trainer 2 aircraft. The film shows how precision lathes and giant presses methodically shape each part of India’s first domestically designed aircraft. The grainy, black-and-white footage reveals the factory’s busy assembly hanger and the HT2’s preparation for its test flight. This film highlights the factory’s crucial role in India’s aerospace journey. Copyright: Shell International Limited

ABOUT THE FILMMAKER Paul Zils was a German-Indian documentary filmmaker who played a major role in the development of the Indian documentary filmmaking movement. Born in Germany, Zils moved to India in the late 1940s, where he became involved in the country’s growing film industry, particularly in the documentary genre. He was instrumental in capturing the social and political changes occurring in India in the mid-20th century, focussing on issues such as poverty, agriculture, and cultural heritage.

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A visitor interacts with Paul Zil’s A Family in Bangalore at Sci560, 2024. 22 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

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AIR PRESSURE SENSOR CHIP Contributor: Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) ABOUT THE EXHIBIT Inside an aircraft is the pitot-static system where a series of pressure-sensitive instruments continuously monitor data related to the plane’s speed, altitude, and internal pressure, among other metrics. The exhibit displayed here, developed by Manjunatha Nayak and Krishna Prasad at the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), adds one more safety feature to the mix. On display is a microchip, surrounded by metallic encasing that continuously monitors the altitude data of the helicopter with reference to sea level. The sensor reflects the research and design prowess of CeNSE, the country’s first and largest facility engaged in the manufacture of nano chips.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) was established in 2010 to pursue interdisciplinary research across several disciplines with a focus on nanoscale systems. Their current research includes, but is not limited to nanoelectronics, MEMS/NEMS, nanomaterials and devices, nano-biotechnology, solar cells, and neurobiology.

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ALTITUDE AND AZIMUTH INSTRUMENT Years of use: circa 1850 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT How did people navigate and measure land without contemporary tools? The Altitude and Azimuth Instrument is a portable universal precision device that was used in astronomy and surveying. It was made by Troughton & Simms around 1850, to measure horizontal and vertical angles with great accuracy to determine exact longitude and latitude. This and similar instruments were crucial to the Great Trigonometric Survey (GTS) of India, which used the geometry of triangles to map the entire subcontinent. In 1800, William Lambton established the first baseline in Bangalore, between Agara and Ramamurthy Nagar. This network of triangles not only accurately measured India’s terrain but also the curvature of the Earth. The survey led to the measurement of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. Although primarily driven by the East India Company’s administrative and military interests, the GTS spurred discoveries that are etched in history. Courtesy of the IIA Archives, Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) is an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, with its headquarters based in Koramangala, Bengaluru. It is a premier organisation carrying out research in astronomy, astrophysics, and related physics and traces its origins to an observatory set up in Madras in 1786. The faculty, students, and staff of IIA conduct research in diverse areas of astrophysics ranging from the formation of planets to the origin of the Universe.

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BANGALORE TORPEDO Contributor: Mitter Bedi, Madras Engineer Group Medium: Silver gelatin print Year: 2016 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT The Bangalore Torpedo, an explosive charge in connected tubes, was designed to clear obstacles like barbed wire and booby traps, reducing risk to soldiers in battle. First used in World War I, it was developed in 1912 by Captain R. L. McClintock and other members of the Madras Sappers (now Madras Engineer Group) in Bengaluru. This exhibit highlights Bengaluru’s pivotal role in its creation and enduring impact. The explosive includes a smooth nose, empty sections to adjust length, and pipes filled with explosives. Bangalore Torpedo is emblematic of the innovation and research spurred by the military establishment in Bengaluru, and harks back to the early use of ballistics by the armies of Tipu Sultan. The Bangalore Torpedo remains in use today, a lasting mark of the innovations that come from military enterprises. Courtesy: Madras Engineer Group (MEG), Indian Army.

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS Mitter Bedi was an Indian photographer best known for his industrial photography. He was commissioned by several public and private enterprises, and extensively photographed projects across industries such as steel, oil, mining, hospitality, sugar while also photographing for the film and fashion industry, along with advertising. Madras Engineer Group (MEG), informally known as the Madras Sappers, is the oldest regiment of the corps of engineers of the Indian Army. The group draws its origin from the erstwhile Madras Presidency Army under British rule. The thambis, as the troops of the Madras Sappers are popularly known, have distinguished themselves in battlefields for over two centuries. At present, MEG is headquartered in Bengaluru.

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BEYOND THE VISIBLE UNIVERSE Contributor: Raman Research Institute ABOUT THE EXHIBIT Two teams at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) have been working on problems that are key to our understanding of the cosmos. The Shaped Antenna measurement of the background RAdio Spectrum (SARAS) experiment aims to detect radio waves from before the cosmic dawn in order to explore the early moments of our universe. The X-ray Polarimeter (POLIX), one of two payloads launched by ISRO in the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite, was also developed at the RRI, with the intention of studying cosmic X-Rays, especially those emanating from neutron stars. Courtesy of the Raman Research Institute.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION Raman Research Institute (RRI) was founded in 1948 by the Indian physicist and Nobel Laureate, Sir C. V. Raman, to continue his studies and basic research after he retired from the Indian Institute of Science. The Raman Research Institute is now an autonomous research institute engaged in research in basic sciences. Its main areas of research at the Institute are Astronomy & Astrophysics, Light & Matter Physics, Soft Condensed Matter, and Theoretical Physics.

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A Mediator explains Raman Research Institute’s Beyond the Visible Universe at Sci560, 2024. 32 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

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BIOMEDICAL SUSTAINED RELEASE PATCH Contributor: Indian Institute of Science (IISc) ABOUT THE EXHIBIT This exhibit, developed by the Department of Bioengineering at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is a biomedical patch that can be used to treat diabetic foot ulcers. It works by activating the body’s immune system in a process known as immunomodulation. The Biomedical Sustained Release Patch is an excellent example of the research and development happening at the intersection of medicine, biology, and engineering in the city of Bengaluru.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION Indian Institute of Science (IISc) was established on 27 May 1909 via a visionary partnership between industrialist Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, the Mysore royal family, and the colonial Government of India. Over the last 115 years, IISc has become India’s premier institute for advanced scientific and technological research and education. The institute strives to foster a balance between the pursuit of basic knowledge and applying its research for industrial and social benefit.

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BHEJA FRY Researchers: Hrishikesh Nambisan, Nidhi Gujar, Upinder S. Bhalla Years of use: 2010–2021 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT Can a microscope visualise the inside of our brain? At the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), a team of scientists use a 2-photon galvo-scanning microscope to study how time is encoded in mice brains. Designed and built in-house in the research institution by Ashesh Dhawale and Mehrab Modi, this microscope took two years to develop, and was used in neuroscientist Upinder Bhalla’s laboratory. Using genetically engineered mice, which contain Green Fluorescence Proteins (GFPs), researchers at NCBS can observe when neurons in the brain fire. The microscope uses two photons—bursts of energy in the infrared spectrum—to visualise neural activity in a mouse’s hippocampus. The microscope was rebuilt by Hrishikesh Nambisan, Nidhi Gujar, and Upinder S. Bhalla for this exhibit. Here, you can see how microscopes enable scientists to delve deeper into the brain’s inner workings and expand our knowledge of neural dynamics. Courtesy of the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS).

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION National Center for Biological Sciences (NCBS) is a centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR; an autonomous institute of the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India). Their research focuses on ecology, biodiversity, and conservation, carried out using advanced knowledge and techniques. NCBS houses state-of-the-art facilities among the best in the world and hosts an environment conducive to innovative research and scientific collaborations.

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BREWING IN BENGALURU Contributor: Scoby Lab Year: 2024 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT Bubbles, brews, and bakes! While yeast is commonly used in baking and brewing alcoholic beverages, the newest drink on the market is kombucha. This fizzy, tart beverage is made with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) and reflects Bengaluru’s long history of brewing, which began with the establishment of Castle Breweries in 1857. This was one of the three breweries that eventually merged to become the well-known United Breweries founded in Bengaluru. The exhibit explores the process of making kombucha by sampling this drink at different stages of fermentation. As visitors taste and observe the flavour, texture, and aroma–they recorded the observations in the accompanying logbook, where several interpretations were documented throughout the exhibition season.

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR Scoby Labs is a fermentation kitchen lab founded by Supratim Bhattacharya where they re-establish that cooking is the science, and chemistry of flavours and aromas. They run various fermentation projects, trying and testing recipes and creating an inclusive classroom with a practical understanding of the biology of fermentation and chemistry of cooking sciences. Microbes are a fantastic wonderland of creatures that are so important to us in our day-to-day life. They are the sole drivers of most metabolism on this planet and here at Scoby, they explore their fantastic potential with a fun science approach.

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COSMIC RAY EXPEDITION IN BANGALORE Filmmaker: R. L. Narasimha Medium: Video | 00:03:10 Year: 1940 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT In the 1920s, scientists discovered a mysterious radiation in the Earth’s atmosphere, sparking much debate about its origins, intensity, and nature. By 1925, Robert Andrews Millikan, President of the California Institute of Technology and Nobel Laureate, confirmed that this radiation originated in outer space. Millikan dubbed the phenomenon cosmic rays and described them as “the birth cries of atoms being born in interstellar space.” Amidst competing theories about cosmic rays, Millikan conducted a series of expeditions to study this phenomenon in high-altitude settings and within water bodies. This grainy black-and-white video, shot on the grounds of the Central College, Bengaluru, captures a collaboration between Millikan and Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, India’s first and only Nobel Prize winner in the sciences, as they study cosmic rays using cloud chambers mounted on hot air balloons. Courtesy of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Archives.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Archives was formally established in 1968 to serve as the collective memory of the California Institute of Technology. Our mission is to preserve and make accessible the institutional records, personal papers, documents, artefacts and pictorial materials that tell the school’s history.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKER R. L. Narasimha, a.k.a Roddam Narasimha was an Indian aerospace scientist and fluid dynamicist. He was a professor of Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science (1962-1999) and held various prestigious positions across India. Narasimha was a Clark B. Millikan Visiting Professor and a Sherman Fairchild Distinguished Scholar at Caltech. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2013 for his contributions to advance India’s aerospace technology. Sci560 / 41

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DESIGNING FOR DEVELOPMENT Manufacturers: Application of Science and Technology for Rural Areas (ASTRA) centre at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), National Institute of Design (NID) Year: 1980 onwards ABOUT THE EXHIBIT From the 1970s to 1990s, different institutions were building household and industrial products that could work in low-resource settings. ASTRA centre at IISc, NID, and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) were among such institutions. Building on this, the ASTRA centre also created an Agro-processor dryer, which used discarded wood as a fuel source to dehydrate fruits and vegetables to store it in times of drought. Yet another invention was the Stabilised Mud Block Making Machine, which used soil to create bricks. Many of these objects were developed in Bengaluru, produced in the outskirts of the city, and used in parts of Karnataka, from Unchagi to Sirsi. These machines showcase stories of innovation for the common good, inviting us to reimagine what designing for sustainability in the twenty-first century might look like. Courtesy of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the National Institute of Design (NID).

ABOUT THE INSTITUTIONS Indian Institute of Science (IISc) was established on 27 May 1909 via a visionary partnership between industrialist Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, the Mysore royal family, and the colonial Government of India. Over the last 115 years, IISc has become India’s premier institute for advanced scientific and technological research and education. The institute strives to foster a balance between the pursuit of basic knowledge and applying its research for industrial and social benefit. National Institute of Design (NID) is internationally acclaimed as one of the finest educational and research institutions for Industrial, Communication, Textile and IT Integrated (Experiential) Design. It has been recognised as an ‘Institution of National Importance’ by the Act of Parliament, by virtue of the National Institute of Design Act 2014. It is also recognised by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. Sci560 / 43

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FLEXIBLE ORGANIC SOLAR CELLS Contributor: Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) ABOUT THE EXHIBIT The solar cells featured in this exhibit exemplify the cutting-edge renewable energy research taking place in the city of Bengaluru. Developed by the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), the cells are lightweight, bendable, and made from organic materials. Currently in the prototype stage, they are meant to be used as power sources in wearable electronics and curved surfaces.

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HISTORIC HARMONICS Contributor: Raman Research Institute (RRI), International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS), Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) Year of use: 1920 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT How does playing percussion instruments give us insights into the physics of sound? Before his work on optics, the Nobel laureate Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (C. V. Raman) conducted research on acoustics by using two Indian percussion instruments. In trying to understand how sound vibrates when the tabla and mridangam are played, Raman discovered that—unlike other Western percussion instruments—these two could produce different pitches of sound, known as harmonic frequencies. An eminent figure in Bengaluru, Raman’s legacy lives on in the city through the Raman Research Institute. Alongside a tabla donated by the Raman Research Institute, and photos of Raman from the Museum of Art & Photography, you can explore sound through Chladni plates on which sand forms patterns that visualise sound vibrations. Courtesy of the Raman Research Institute (RRI), International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS), and the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP). Gifted by the T. S. Satyan Family Trust.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTIONS Raman Research Institute (RRI) was founded in 1948 by the Indian physicist and Nobel Laureate, Sir C.V. Raman, to continue his studies and basic research after he retired from the Indian Institute of Science. RRI is now an autonomous research institute engaged in research in basic sciences. Its main areas of research at the Institute are Astronomy and Astrophysics, Light & Matter Physics, Soft Condensed Matter, and Theoretical Physics. International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, established in 2007, is a multi- and interdisciplinary centre with three main goals: programmes, research, and outreach. ICTS programmes bring together physicists, astronomers, cosmologists, mathematicians, biologists,

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students and researchers from around the world to collaborate to solve the most challenging questions nature poses. Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) is home to a growing collection of paintings, sculptures, textiles, photographs, popular culture and more, dating from the 10th century to the present day. It spans 6 storeys of art galleries, digital experience centres, and a dedicated research and conservation lab.

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IN THE SATCHEL Contributor: Azim Premji University Year: 1836–1974 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT The textbooks presented here span subjects from astronomy and mathematics to history and chemistry. They offer a glimpse into how education in the sciences has evolved to reflect growing research and knowledge and how access to formal education has expanded to include a wider demographic. Examining historical school books as tools of pedagogy is not only valuable to historians of science or education, but also to contemporary educators interested in tracking pedagogical changes over decades and centuries. Visitors were encouraged to flip through textbooks, explore the School Books Archive, and share their thoughts on what a textbook of the future might look like. Courtesy of the School Books Archive, Azim Premji University.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION Azim Premji University is an integral part of the Azim Premji Foundation’s vision for social change. It was set up in Bengaluru in 2010 and operates from a 110-acre campus today. The University’s mandate is to run teaching programmes and conduct research to contribute to the social sector in India. The institute offers undergraduate programmes in the field of Arts & Science, and postgraduate programmes in Education, Development, Economics, and Public Health. Today, it has opened a second campus in Bhopal, operational from 2023.

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A member of the SGB Team shows Azim Premji University’s In The Satchel at Sci560, 2024. 52 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

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INSCRIBING THEORIES, SCRIPTING RESEARCH Contributor: International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) Year: 2009 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT How crucial is the written or spoken word in inspiring students and researchers in universities? A foundation stone plaque at the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) reminds us of the mission of this institute—to create an interdisciplinary space for the theoretical sciences. These words come from mathematician Michael Francis Atiyah, who played a crucial role in establishing ICTS. Today, this institution in Bengaluru is home to physicists, biologists, and mathematicians alike. Beside the plaque, a green board stands as a testament to the importance of writing in advancing scientific research—whether it’s equations, proofs, or symbolic logic, writing is essential to thinking. Visitors were invited to use the greenboard alongside the plaque to share their thoughts on the exhibition. Courtesy of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTS).

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JĪVĀṆU Researchers: Nayan Chakraborty, Shashi Thutupalli Medium: Laboratory glassware, Chemicals Year: 2023 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT From the 1950s to the 1970s, chemists Krishna Bahadur and S. Ranganayaki conducted experiments at the University of Allahabad to explore the spontaneous origins of life-like properties from simple chemical mixtures or ‘abiotic soups’ containing carbon-based organic molecules, ammonia, phosphates, and mineral salts. Exposing this ‘soup’ to sunlight resulted in the emergence of spherical units, dubbed as ‘Jīvāṇu’. Bahadur and Ranganayaki claimed that the ‘Jīvāṇu’ exhibited properties— metabolism, growth and division—crucial to primitive forms of life. These experiments have largely gone unnoticed and their claims are yet to be established unambiguously which calls for revisiting the research project. While recreating the ‘jeewanu’ experiments in Bengaluru, we invite you to ask: what makes life, and what are the processes that contribute to it? Courtesy of the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS).

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KERE CHRONICLES Artists: Mahesh Bhat, Raghavendra M, Sankalp Singh, Surekha Years: 2004–2023 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT What if saving Bengaluru’s water bodies could restore its lost heritage as the City of Lakes? This photo series captures the complex narrative of restoration at Hesaraghatta, Hebbal-Nagawara Valley, and Jakkur. The images reveal a billboard advertising real estate beside the lakes, earthmovers at work, and community members building dredges—telling a story of both destruction and revival. Through these photographs, four artists highlight the critical importance of lakes, the threats of encroachment, and the efforts to revive these vital ecosystems. Alongside the exhibit is Wingbeats and Warbles, that explores the dependence of birds on these lakes, this series emphasises the interconnected futures of its natural landscapes, and the lives that depend on them.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS Mahesh Bhat is a self-taught photographer, who quit his conventional college education in 1987 and dedicated himself to photography. Over the last seventeen years, he has worked to protect the 5000 acre catchment of Arkavathy river near Hesaraghatta in Bangalore. Raghavendra M is an IT professional, currently based out of Bangalore. He has been a wildlife enthusiast and a bird photographer for the last six years. Sankalp Singh is an electronics and communication engineer, and an audiovisual communication designer. His work centres around contemporary visual practices, and late stage capitalism. He has also worked toward documentation and conservation of the built heritage of the former state of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Surekha is a visual artist who explores artistic forms through installations, video, and photography for the last two decades. Her work investigates how visuality can engage with gender, ecology, socio-political aesthetics, negotiating public and private spaces.

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LISTENING TO THE AIR WAVES Artist: Mitter Bedi, Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), Short Wave Radio Museum & Knowledge Centre Medium: Silver gelatin print Year: 1978 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT From traffic management systems to defence radios, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) today produces electronic products used in India and the world. Established as a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) in 1954, BEL’s foray into communication devices meant that the All India Radio’s (AIR) equipment could be made in the country, rapidly minimising the dependence on imports. The symmetrical and crisp lines of the vacuum tubes in this photograph highlight the precision required to develop an industry centred around electronics manufacturing. Alongside the photograph, tune into a restored short wave radio that uses the BEL vacuum tubes to bring music to you. Together, these objects tell the story of how a PSU in Bengaluru became indispensable to the nation’s public broadcasting. Courtesy of the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), and the Short Wave Radio Museum & Knowledge Centre.

ABOUT THE ARTIST Mitter Bedi was an Indian photographer best known for his industrial photography. He was commissioned by several public and private enterprises, and extensively photographed projects across industries such as steel, oil, mining, hospitality, sugar while also photographing for the film and fashion industry, along with advertising.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTIONS Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) is home to a growing collection of paintings, sculptures, textiles, photographs, popular culture and more, dating from the 10th century to the present day. It spans 6 storeys of art galleries, digital experience centres, and a dedicated research and conservation lab. The Short Wave Museum & Technology Centre is a technology museum in Bengaluru that depicts one man’s love for the radio–Uday Kalburgi. He is an electronics and telecom engineer who has spent his life collecting and restoring old radios which are on display in the Museum. Sci560 / 61

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MAPPING BENGALURU Contributors: Amritha Ganapathy, Priyanka Salunkhe, Sindhura VS, Gagan Ajai, Naresh Narasimhan, Nidhi Bhatnagar Year: 1791–2024 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT How is land divided, developed, and governed? Maps have been essential for understanding the planet, landforms, as well as the evolution of towns and cities. Here, a selection of maps of Bengaluru tells the story of the city’s growth, challenges, and land use patterns. The city is shaped by the boundaries within which local governmental bodies operate—boundaries that vary depending on administrative functions. This collection of maps lays into relief the militaryindustrial-academic complex, mapping Bengaluru’s rich history, its challenges as a growing metropolis, and its changing priorities. Courtesy of the mod foundation.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION mod Foundation is an interdisciplinary urban research and action institute based in Bengaluru. It is a collective of architects, designers, researchers, curators, and practitioners with interests in, and interests for, engagement with the urbanisation process in India.

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A member of the SGB Team shows mod Foundation’s Mapping Bengaluru at Sci560, 2024. Sci560 / 65

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MUNSELL RICHTER Artist: Jenifer Wightman Medium: Plexiglass containers, Soil samples Year: 2019 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT Can the lakes and soil of Bengaluru create art? Artist Jenifer Wightman collected water and mud samples from ten lakes across Bengaluru, which were then left to grow in transparent containers. Since 2019, different bacteria have grown, decayed, and proliferated in the soil and water of each panel. The quality of water from each waterbody has influenced the type of microorganisms that grow in the panel, creating this varied colour palette. Wightman draws inspiration from the Colour Chart series created by artist Gerard Richter on the one hand, and the Soil Chart born out of artist Albert Munsell’s work on defining the characteristics of colours.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION Jenifer Wightman is a science-based conceptual artist and scientist specialising in greenhouse gas accounting of sustainable bioenergy production systems. She began making science-based art in 2002. Working creatively between art and science, Wightman has taught Biodesign and Sustainable Systems at Parsons and is a research scientist specializing in greenhouse gas mitigation at Cornell. Her bioart work is collected and exhibited internationally, stemming from artistic residencies at Djerassi, Sandbox, Center for Book Arts, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Bronx Museum of Arts, Nordic Arts Center Norway, MacDowell.

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NANOROBOTS FOR TARGET THERAPY Contributor: Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) ABOUT THE EXHIBIT At the nanoscale, materials exhibit unique physical and chemical properties which can be leveraged to perform specific tasks that would be impossible at macro or even micro scales. These attributes are particularly useful for the field of medical research and have ushered in a new age of nanorobotics. The exhibit displayed here are nanobots created by Theranautilus, a medical nanorobotics company headed by scientists at the Indian Institute of Science. These nanobots are safely deployed inside living systems, and can be controlled to target specific areas in the body to detect illnesses, deliver medication, and perform surgical procedures. Courtesy of the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), Indian Institute of Science (IISc).

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OF MINDS AND MACHINES Manufacturer: W. H. Burnap Year of Manufacture: circa 1890 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the idea of electrically stimulating the brain gave rise to the Davis & Kidder’s Patent Magneto-Electric Machine. Claiming to treat a host of nervous disorders, this machine was registered in the United States of America in 1854. Indicative of research around mental health and potential treatments, this machine made its way to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS). It was primarily used to treat “shell shock” (now termed Post-traumatic Stress Disorder) in soldiers who went to battle. Alongside is a history of mental health and psychiatry in Bengaluru, but also other parts of India. As public conversations and research around mental health evolve, what does this century-old machine tell us about the brain, and our attempts to understand it? Courtesy of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) and Unmuseum.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTIONS National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) is worldrenowned as a centre for mental health, neurosciences, and allied fields. The vision of NIMHANS is to be a world leader in these areas and to evolve state of the art approaches to patient care through translational research. Unmuseum is a reimagined museum without glass walls but with “cabinets of curiosities.” The visitor plays the role of a curator and archivist who can use various research tools, archives, and clues to uncover intersectional histories of artifacts often considered banal, at the intersection of science, gender, society, and the arts. Most of their collections are sourced from rag vendors, raddi wallahs, hale paper angadis, museum seconds or rejects, and scrap markets in bylanes across the country.

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OPTO-MECHANICAL PROJECTOR Manufacturer: Carl Zeiss Years of use: 1989–2016 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT What if you could bring the sky closer to you? This Opto-Mechanical Projector, officially known as the Carl Zeiss Spacemaster RFP-DP 3, was designed to project the sky onto a dome-shaped structure. Used at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium since its inception, this projector provided a glimpse into the night sky, creating mesmerising experiences for millions of visitors. This towering instrument features two star balls that project stars from the Northern and Southern hemispheres respectively, while the central stem projects constellations and planets. Consisting of 70 to 80 projectors in total, this instrument captures what is visible to the naked eye and using small lenses, projects it onto the dome. An engineering marvel, the Opto-Mechanical projector has gripped this city’s residents with space fever for more than 20 years. Courtesy of the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium (JNP).

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium (JNP) was established in 1989, and since then they have emerged as a premier institution devoted to science popularization and non-formal science education in India. It attracts over 3 lakh visitors annually, majority of whom are students. It is equipped with a large 15 M dome and a state-of-the-art hybrid projection system installed and commissioned in 2017. The JNP organizes several interesting programmes aimed at school students and the general public.

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A Mediator shows Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium’s Opto-Mechanical Projector at Sci560, 2024. 74 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

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PHOTOMETER Manufacturer: Otto Toepfer & Sohn Year of manufacturer: circa 1900 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT How brightly does a star twinkle? This can be measured using this photometer, which was developed by the German astronomer Johannes Franz Hartmann around 1899 and manufactured by the Potsdam instrument company Otto Toepfer & Sohn until World War I. It measures the brightness of a star by comparing a photograph of the night sky, taken through a telescope, to a standard measure of transparency. India’s first astronomical observatory was established in Madras (now Chennai) in 1792 and later moved to Kodaikanal in 1901, where this photometer was used. The success of these observatories in studying astronomical phenomena led to the founding of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bengaluru—charting the city’s contributions to space research. Courtesy of the IIA Archives, Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).

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PHYSARUM PATHWAYS Researchers: Litralson Eluvathingal, Disha Kuzhively, Shashi Thutupalli Year: 2024 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT Inspired by the Tokyo Slime Mould experiment, this live study uses Physarum polycephalum to explore the efficiency of Bengaluru’s metro and suburban railway routes. As the slime mould builds its own network, it prompts us to rethink how our city’s transit systems are designed. Courtesy of the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) and the National Center for Biological Sciences (NCBS).

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, established in 2007, is a multi- and interdisciplinary centre with three main goals: programmes, research, and outreach. ICTS programmes bring together physicists, astronomers, cosmologists, mathematicians, biologists, students and researchers from around the world to collaborate to solve the most challenging questions nature poses. National Center for Biological Sciences (NCBS) is a centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR; an autonomous institute of the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India). Their research focuses on ecology, biodiversity, and conservation, carried out using advanced knowledge and techniques. NCBS houses state-of-the-art facilities among the best in the world and hosts an environment conducive to innovative research and scientific collaborations.

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PORTRAITS AT THE NANO-SCALE Contributor: Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) ABOUT THE EXHIBIT This is no ordinary engraving. Exhibited here is a nanoscale portrait of JN Tata created by the Centre for Nanoscience and Engineering (CeNSE). But just how small is the nano-scale? A nanometer is one billionth of a metre, 0.000000001 or 10-9 metres. A single strand of human hair, measuring about 0.1 mm, is 80,000-1,00,000 nanometres in width. This remarkable feat was achieved using an atomic force microscope (AFM) wherein a sharp tip is brought extremely close to a silicon surface. When a voltage is applied to the tip, it attracts a tiny layer of water between the tip and the silicon. This voltage causes a chemical reaction, making OH−ions (oxyanions) from the water move to the silicon, forming a thin silicon dioxide layer. By carefully adjusting the voltage at each point, different thicknesses of oxide layers are created, producing a height contrast in the image. In addition to paying homage to the institution’s founding patron, the exhibit alludes to the fascinating world of nanoscale which is leading technological innovation today.

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REVISITING THE BANGALORE TORPEDO Filmmaker: Surekha Medium: Video | 00:05:16 Year: 2016 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT Surekha’s short film explores the Bangalore Torpedo, weaving together history, research, and the artist’s own investigative process. This film captures Surekha as she types, searches, and interviews cadres from the Madras Engineering Group (MEG), tracing Bengaluru’s contributions to World War I. In merging personal inquiry with historical narrative, the film invites viewers to reflect on the city’s role in warfare, blurring the lines between the personal and the official.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKER Surekha is a visual artist who explores artistic forms through installations, video, and photography for the last two decades. Her work investigates how visuality can engage with gender, ecology, socio-political aesthetics, negotiating public and private spaces. Surekha creates participatory and interactive works, photo-sculptural installations, and video documentations that connect to the anthropocene and urban ecological issues.

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RIPPLES OF THE COSMOS Researcher: Ikbal Ahmed, Abdul Hakkim, Ajith P Year: 2024 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT Could a simple tank reveal the mysteries of black hole collisions? This fluidfilled tank, with its motorised centre, simulates the rotation of two black holes and the gravitational waves they produce. The wave patterns you see echo the predictions made by astrophysicist Channapattana Venkata Ramayya Vishveshwara in Bengaluru in the 1970s. His theories were validated when gravitational waves generated by two colliding black holes 1.3 billion light-years away were first detected in 2015. Alongside the tank, you will find Vishweshwara’s original research paper. This exhibit links early theoretical research in Bengaluru with a landmark achievement in modern science, showing how past insights have profoundly influenced our current understanding of the cosmos. Courtesy of the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS).

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A Mediator shows International Centre for Theoretical Science’s Ripples of the Cosmos at Sci560, 2025.

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SIMPUTER Manufacturer: PicoPeta, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) Years of manufacture: 2001–2003 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT Before smartphones became commonplace, scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) were working on early versions of a handheld communication device. The Simputer (Simple, Inexpensive, and Multilingual People’s CompUTER) represented the first instance of academic entrepreneurship in IISc, foreshadowing Bengaluru as the technology and start-up capital we know today. Unlike most technology at the time, the Simputer relied on touch instead of a keyboard. Its development was significant enough to be recognised as one of the biggest technological innovations by The New York Times, in 2001. The parent company, PicoPeta Simputers partnered with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to manufacture these nifty devices—underscoring the connection between academia, entrepreneurship, and government in enabling access to research and technology. Courtesy of Manohar Swaminathan, Ramesh Hariharan, Vijaya Chandru, and Vinay Viswanathan.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION Named by MIT Technology Review as one of the seven hottest academic start-ups of 2001, PicoPeta was founded by the co-inventors of the Simputer to make computing affordable and accessible in developing countries. PicoPeta supplied Simputer hardware alongside developer tools, technical documentation, and software development support, as well as consulting and system integration services. Its projects included rural education initiatives and a microfinance programme in Karnataka.

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STAMPING THE CITY Year: 2017–2024 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT What can a humble stamp and envelope reveal about a city’s history? A collection of special envelopes commemorate significant occasions, while stamps highlight achievements and milestones. The envelopes feature research institutes in Bengaluru, showcase the city’s distinctive foods, and celebrate the country’s first 3D-printed post office. The paper artefacts chronicle the evolving identity of a city as it grows, changes, and transforms. Courtesy of the General Post Office, Bengaluru.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION India Post is an Indian government-operated postal system in India and is the trade name of the Department of Post under the Ministry of Communications. Generally known as the Post Office, it is the most widely distributed postal system in the world. For more than 150 years, the Department of Posts (DoP) has been the backbone of the country’s communication and has played a crucial role in the country’s social and economic development.

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STAVING OFF THE STOVE Contributor: National Institute of Design (NID) ABOUT THE EXHIBIT In the 1950s, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders were expensive, considered highly dangerous, and could not compete with kerosene as a cooking fuel. The energy crisis of the 1970s, which sent shockwaves across the world, prompted India to search for better ways to manage energy consumption. This stove emerged from that effort. Designed by engineerturned-industrial designer Singanapalli Balaram for Indian Oil Corporation, its thermal efficiency was about 70%, compared to 58% in existing stoves. A story of designing for the common good, this stove exemplifies the innovative products possible at the intersection of academia and industry. Courtesy of the National Institute of Design (NID).

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION National Institute of Design (NID) is internationally acclaimed as one of the finest educational and research institutions for Industrial, Communication, Textile and IT Integrated (Experiential) Design. It has been recognised as an ‘Institution of National Importance’ by the Act of Parliament, by virtue of the National Institute of Design Act 2014. It is also recognised by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Government of India as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.

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THE DEMOCRACY CONSOLE Manufacturers: Allwyn Metal Works, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) Year: 1982–present ABOUT THE EXHIBIT The Electronic Voting Machine (EMV) is a key instrument in holding free and fair elections in the world’s largest democracy. First piloted in 1982 in Paravur, Kerala, now EVMs are used in all our elections. But what does it take to develop such a device? The Election Commission of India collaborates with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), the latter based in Bengaluru, to manufacture these machines. Alongside an old ballot box manufactured by Allwyn Metal Works, which reminds us of the contentious nature of older voting methods, this exhibit also features a Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machine. The VVPAT enhances transparency by allowing voters to verify their vote before it is recorded electronically. Together, these objects tell the story of an evolving democratic nation and Bengaluru’s Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in this process. Courtesy of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Unmuseum.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) was established in 1954 under the Ministry of Defence to meet the specialised electronic needs of the Indian Defence. Today, BEL has grown into a multi-product, multi-technology, multi-unit conglomerate empowering the nation’s armed forces to guard the country’s frontiers with state-of-the-art products and systems in the areas of Radars and Fire Control Systems, Missile Systems, Communication and C4I systems, Electronic Warfare and Avionics, Naval Systems and Antisubmarine Warfare Systems, Electro Optics, Tank Electronics and Gun Upgrades, and Strategic Components. Unmuseum is a reimagined museum without glass walls but with “cabinets of curiosities.” The visitor plays the role of a curator and archivist who can use various research tools, archives, and clues to uncover intersectional histories of artifacts often considered banal, at the intersection of science, gender, society, and the arts. Most of their collections are sourced from rag vendors, raddi wallahs, hale paper angadis, museum seconds or rejects, and scrap markets in bylanes across the country. Sci560 / 95

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THE FIRST FLIGHT Years: circa 1930–1990 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT What if the dawn of India’s aerospace industry could be traced back to a single aircraft, born from the ambition of a young nation? In 1953, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Hindustan Trainer-2 (HAL HT-2), the first aircraft designed and built in India, soared into the skies, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s aviation history. Designed by a team led by Vishnu Madhav Ghatage, the first head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), this two-seat military trainer served the Indian Air Force for nearly three decades. The HT-2 symbolises the collaboration between industry, science, and the military. Its legacy lives on in Bengaluru, now a hub for aviation and aerospace, highlighting the city’s crucial role in India’s aerospace journey. The exhibit also features images from Ghatage’s family archive, including early photographs of aeronautical engineers at IISc, a caricature by cartoonist B. V. Ramamurthy, and Ghatage’s own watercolour of an aircraft in flight, as a deeper exploration into this historical achievement.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is an Indian public sector aerospace and defence company, headquartered in Bangalore. Established on 23 December 1940, HAL is one of the oldest and largest aerospace and defence manufacturers in the world. Indian Institute of Science (IISc) was established on 27 May 1909 via a visionary partnership between industrialist Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, the Mysore royal family, and the colonial Government of India. Over the last 115 years, IISc has become India’s premier institute for advanced scientific and technological research and education. The institute strives to foster a balance between the pursuit of basic knowledge and applying its research for industrial and social benefit.

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A member of the SGB team shows Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Indian Institute of Science’s The First Flight at Sci560, 2024. Sci560 / 99

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THE KOLAR QUEST Artist: Basav Biradar Year of experiment: 1948–1965 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT In the early and mid 1900s, cosmic ray research was a rapidly growing field. Leading this wave were scientists such as Homi Bhabha, whose theory of ‘air showers’ served as the foundation of subsequent cosmic ray research. In 1948 Bhabha directed his student, Badanaval Venkatasubba Sreekantan, to conduct experiments on cosmic ray muons in the mine shafts of the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF). A decade later, Sreekantan and his colleagues returned to KGF with a new goal—detecting neutrinos. The depths of the mine shafts were critical for being able to run the experiments, and in 1965 their experiment was the first to provide evidence of the existence of atmospheric neutrinos. This exhibit invited visitors to explore the literal depths of scientific research: transparencies of Sreekantan’s observations are interspersed with archival images and contemporary photographs of the Kolar Gold Fields taken by Basav Biradar. Courtesy of the Sreekantan family.

ABOUT THE ARTIST Basav Biradar is a writer, critic, and filmmaker based in Bangalore. He teaches film at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology. Basav’s writing has appeared in leading Indian publications – Caravan, The Hindu, Outlook India, Film Companion, The News Minute, Open Magazine and many more. He has also contributed an essay to the anthology “Where Gods Dwell– Thirteen temples and their (his)stories.” Basav’s recent film In Search of Gold was selected for screening at several Film Festivals. He is also the founder of a history collective called “Historywallahs.”

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THE STINGER DRONE Manufacturer: VayDyn ABOUT THE EXHIBIT Measuring just 170 mm from rotor to rotor, the Stinger is the second smallest drone in the world. The quadcopter was incubated and developed by VayDyn at the Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Technology Park (ARTPARK) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Capable of autonomous flight and powered by Artificial Intelligence, the Stinger signals a significant moment in India’s drone ecosystem. Its small size, light weight and communication range of 1 km will prove invaluable for a variety of uses, including military reconnaissance, surveillance, and data collection.

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THE TALE OF THE TELEPHONE Manufacturer: Indian Telephone Industries Year: Unknown ABOUT THE EXHIBIT From telegrams to smartphones, we have always looked for easier, faster, and more convenient forms of long-distance communication. This telephone from a bygone era represents one such endeavour. It was created by the Indian Telephone Industries (ITI), the first Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) established in independent India. While ITI has multiple manufacturing facilities today, its first plant was set up in Bengaluru in 1948. While telephones were a key product in the early days of ITI, today’s digital landscape has taken the company to new frontiers, including the manufacture of WiFi equipment and encryption devices. What made this city so ideal for production of this kind? A photo by T. S. Satyan from the 1980s shows the assembly of the iconic telephones by women working at the ITI Factory in Bengaluru. Courtesy of the Unmuseum, and the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP). Gifted by the T. S. Satyan Family Trust.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTIONS Unmuseum is a reimagined museum without glass walls but with “cabinets of curiosities.” The visitor plays the role of a curator and archivist who can use various research tools, archives, and clues to uncover intersectional histories of artifacts often considered banal, at the intersection of science, gender, society, and the arts. Most of their collections are sourced from rag vendors, raddi wallahs, hale paper angadis, museum seconds or rejects, and scrap markets in bylanes across the country. Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) is home to a growing collection of paintings, sculptures, textiles, photographs, popular culture and more, dating from the 10th century to the present day. It spans 6 storeys of art galleries, digital experience centres, and a dedicated research and conservation lab. MAP is a melting pot of ideas, stories and cultural exchange that strives for a deeper understanding of the world, through art.

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THE TRIPLE HELIX MODEL Contributor: Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB) ABOUT THE EXHIBIT Proteins are the building blocks of our bodies and the structure of proteins has long fascinated biologists, physicists, and chemists alike. Exhibited here is a model of the Triple Helix proposed by Gopalasamudram Narayanan Ramachandran in 1995 to describe the structure of collagen, the most abundant protein type in the body. Unlike the more popular Double Helix of the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), collagen has three individual strands of amino acids twisting to form a helix. The Triple Helix structure closely resembles braided hair, a practice that he may have been inspired by. Ramachandran’s use of physics to explain the underlying patterns in biological structures is a reminder of the interconnections between the two disciplines.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB) was established as a non-profit society by the Department of IT, BT, and ST, Government of Karnataka. It is a thriving community of students, and scientists in the fields of bioinformatics and biotechnology. The institute focuses on education, research, and promoting entrepreneurship, the three pillars of its activities.

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TIME IS HMT TIME Filmmaker: John T. C. Sankaramangalam Medium: Video | 00:05:15 Year: 1977 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT What did it mean when Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) named their wristwatch Janata? Established in 1953, HMT was initially founded to manufacture machine tools, but within two decades it became better known for its watches that were primarily produced in its Bengaluru facilities. A watch named after ‘the general public’ became the face of the company. This black-and-white film tells the story of a Public Sector Undertaking that quickly transitioned from relying on foreign expertise and technology to domestic manufacturing. In many ways, HMT’s growth reflected the ambitions of a nation moving towards industrialisation and the sensibilities of an emerging urban middle class.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKER John T. C.Sankaramangalam was an Indian filmmaker and former director of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. He was an executive member of International Association of Film and Television (CILECT) and a renowned teacher in filmmaking and recipient of numerous awards including National Film Award, Kerala State Film Award, and Nargis Dutt Award.

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TRADING IN THE TOWNSHIP Artist: Dipti Desai Medium: Photographs Years: 2014, 2024 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT How do you mark a wrinkle on the face of a city? Artist Dipti Desai shows us the differences in the Hindustan Machines Limited (HMT) township between 2014 and 2024. To support a large workforce, industries often built housing close to the workplace. These townships were designed to foster the social and cultural life of their residents, often including sports facilities, schools, and even theatres. In 2014, the photographs show signs of an active community living in the HMT quarters. By 2024, however, the area appears overgrown and abandoned. In the twenty-first century, this contrast invites us to reflect on the changing nature of work and life arrangements in the city.

ABOUT THE ARTIST Dipti Desai is a photographer based out of Bangalore. Coming from a family of farmers, and having a keen interest in Botany, she is drawn to the relationships of humans with the environment and ecosystem. The themes in her work focuses on the swift erosion of cultural diversity and practices by the force of globalisation.

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A Mediator shows Dipti Desai’s Trading in the Township at Sci560, 2025. 112 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

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TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPE Contributor: Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR). ABOUT THE EXHIBIT What if you could unveil the secrets of materials at the molecular level, revealing the hidden structures that define their properties and potential? In the 1930s, the development of the first Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) by physicist Ernst Ruska and others in Technical University, Berlin, transformed this vision into reality. By directing a high-voltage electron beam to produce highly magnified images, the TEM could enlarge objects up to one million times, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the microscopic world. This breakthrough transformed material sciences by revealing atomic structures and properties, paving the way for the development of new, tailored materials. Today, in Bengaluru’s dynamic research landscape, the TEM remains a cornerstone of scientific research, driving advancements in nanotechnology, metallurgy, and semiconductor research. Courtesy of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR).

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) is an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The institute offers a unique interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment for researchers in cutting edge areas of science and engineering. It offers diploma programmes for undergraduate and postgraduate students to provide research-based learning opportunities.

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WIND TUNNEL Year of manufacture: circa 1965 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT What happens to unsuccessful experiments in science laboratories? This wind tunnel is emblematic of one such experiment in Obaid Siddiqi’s laboratory at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS). Siddiqi, a prominent biologist known for his research on the genetic basis for smell and taste in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster, used this Wind Tunnel as part of an advanced inquiry on how smell and memory influences learned behaviours and decision-making. While this experiment did not yield satisfactory results, Siddiqi’s broader research laid the foundation for our understanding of how sensory perceptions, such as taste and smell, are encoded in the brain. Courtesy of the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS).

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WINGBEATS AND WARBLES Contributor: Nature Conservation Foundation Year: 2024 ABOUT THE EXHIBIT Bengaluru is part of a vast, interconnected ecosystem that spans continents, guided by the migratory paths of various bird species. These birds find temporary refuge in the city’s forests, lakes, and wetlands as they journey across the globe. In this exhibit, a birdsong map highlights the diverse habitats that make up Bengaluru, from parks to rocky hills. Visitors explore the sounds of 20 bird species such as the Laughing Dove, House Crow and Brahminy Kite that inhabit these areas. As one listens, one can think about the habitats around them–what neighbourhood birds can be identified? Courtesy of the Education and Public Engagement Programme, Nature Conservation Foundation.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION The Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) was established in 1996 with the goal of contributing to a better understanding and conservation of India’s wildlife through research, outreach, and on ground action. They work across the span of the country, from coral reefs and tropical rainforests to the high altitudes of the Himalayas. This collaboration with Science Gallery Bengaluru is anchored at NCF’s Education and Public Engagement programme, which works to broaden and deepen people’s connections to nature.

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05 PROGRAMMES Public Lectures And Tutorial Masterclasses Workshops Events During Sci560, programmes played a vital role in showcasing the research, ideas, and perspectives surrounding the exhibition. Expert-led lectures, film screenings, artist-driven events, quizzes, and city walks unpacked the exhibition’s themes surrounding the city of Bengaluru. We also hosted workshops and masterclasses exclusively for young adults, providing them with opportunities to engage directly with scholars, researchers, and artists. These programmes encouraged participants to learn, create, and experiment with innovative ideas, concepts, and technologies that inspired ‘Science in the City’.

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PUBLIC LECTURES AND TUTORIAL 122 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

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THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY: MENTAL ILLNESS IN INDIAN CINEMA From intense portrayals of characters grappling with depression and anxiety to the evolution of therapy on screen, films have a unique power to influence societal beliefs. But are these portrayals helping us break down stigma, or are they reinforcing harmful stereotypes? Anushka Banerjee, Chethan B, and Kadambari Patil examined the impact of cinematic portrayals of public perception and stigma surrounding mental issues.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Anushka Banerjee is a molecular biologist & science communicator with a Masters in Molecular Medicine and prior research experience at NIMHANS. Her work focuses on making science accessible through scientific writing, public engagement, audio-visual content and educational outreach. Chethan B is currently an associate professor of psychiatry at NIMHANS. He has over 50 scientific publications and 10 research projects. Kadambari Patil is a science communicator and illustrator with a background in Zoology and Botany. As the visual communication lead at the Centre for Brain and Mind - NIMHANS, she ensures complex scientific information is accessible and engaging across platforms.

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MENTAL HEALTH: FROM GENES TO ELECTRICAL AND MAGNETIC STIMULATION When something is wrong with the body, the mind recognises the change and motivates us to action. When things start going wrong with the mind itself, what happens? This talk explored the myriad maladies of the mind and how our mind detects or fails to detect a change within itself. Alongside this lecture, Rakshathi Basavaraju offered a glimpse into the types of electromagnetic stimulation in psychiatry, the conditions they treat and their safety. The speakers from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) conducted two short talks followed by an Ask Me Anything (AMA) on mental health.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Suhas Ganesh is a clinician-scientist at the Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS). He has completed post-doctoral training at the Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, examining the intersections of genetic risk and cannabinoid exposure on the risk of developing psychosis. Rakshathi Basavaraju is a psychiatrist who did her MBBS in Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) followed by MD Psychiatry in National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru. She has gained extensive experience in research in Harvard and Columbia Universities, USA.

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FROM ATOMS TO ALGORITHMS: HOW NANOTECH IS DRIVING ENERGY AND AI BREAKTHROUGHS What is the role of Material Science in the AI revolution? Bivas Saha, a researcher at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) conducted this lecture, speaking about Heterostructure and Thin Films, Semiconductor Superlattices, Refractory Plasmonics and Radiative Cooling and Artificial Synapses. The lecture further explored research areas with applications in transistors, energy storage, circuit chips, and solar cells.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Bivas Saha obtained a Ph.D. degree from Purdue University’s (USA) School of Materials Engineering and Birck Nanotechnology Center in 2014, M.S. degree from JNCASR in 2010 and B.Sc. degree from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India in 2007. He joined the Chemistry and Physics of Materials Unit (CPMU) of JNCASR as Assistant Professor.

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BLACK HOLES THROUGH DIFFERENT WINDOWS Made entirely of curved spacetime, black holes are among the most enigmatic objects in the Universe. Although early theoretical ideas on objects like black holes go back to the eighteenth century, the first rigorous mathematical formulation of a black hole was made by Karl Schwarzschild in 1915, based on Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. A variety of astronomical observations made in the last century confirmed that black holes are not just theoretical constructs—the Universe is littered with them. Aided by a host of new technologies, astronomical observations have now started probing the detailed nature of black holes. This talk by astrophysicist Parameswaran Ajith provided a summary of this exciting journey.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Parameswaran Ajith is an astrophysicist at the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, Bengaluru. His research involves the study of the universe using the observation of gravitational waves. As a member of the LIGO-Virgo team that made the discovery of gravitational waves, he is the recipient of a Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics and the Gruber Cosmology Prize.

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Panel discussion From Canvas to Code: Unpacking Arts and Technology in India at Sci560, 2025.

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WHY IS TURBULENCE SO FASCINATING? Turbulent flows are ubiquitous. They are central to natural processes from the depths of the oceans to the heights of our atmosphere, and beyond. And yet, turbulence remains one of the great unresolved problems in classical physics. But what does this statement really mean? In this lecture, Samriddhi Sankar Ray from the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) discussed why turbulence remains an unresolved problem, exploring its importance not just in the macroscopic, inanimate matter but also in how it shows up in microscopic ‘living’ fluids.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Samriddhi Sankar Ray completed his undergraduate studies at Presidency College, Calcutta, and obtained a PhD in Physics from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in 2010. He is an Associate Professor at the International Center for Theoretical Sciences of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (ICTS-TIFR), in Bangalore. As a statistical physicist, his areas of interest include different aspects of turbulent flows and turbulent transport.

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MATHS FOR THE MASSES: EXPERIMENTS IN PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Public Engagement plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between academia, science, and society, transforming specialised knowledge into accessible narrative that inspire and inform. This discussion brought together Marcus du Sautoy and Jahnavi Phalkey, to explore the transformative power of public engagement. Together, they unpacked the fundamental questions–What problems does public engagement address? Why do we pursue it? How can we measure its success? And most importantly, how can we do it better?

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Marcus du Sautoy is the Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science and Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford. He is author of two plays including I is a Strange Loop (Faber 2021), which was performed at the Barbican in London in which he was also lead actor. His play The Axiom of Choice has toured India for five weeks. He has presented numerous radio and TV series including a four part landmark TV series for the BBC called The Story of Maths. Jahnavi Phalkey is the Founding Director of Science Gallery Bengaluru. She is a historian of science and technology, with research spanning the twentieth century history of science, public history, public policy and public engagement. Prior to this, she was the faculty at King’s College London. She started her academic career at the University of Heidelberg, following which she was based at Georgia Tech-Lorraine, France, and Imperial College London.

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STICKY FLOORS, GLASS CEILINGS AND LEAKY PIPELINES: UNDERSTANDING TRENDS IN WOMEN’S EMPLOYMENT IN INDIA Why are so few of India’s women employed? What does it mean to be counted as employed? What kinds of employment do women predominantly engage in, particularly in our cities? Until recently, the proportion of employed women has steadily declined in rural areas and stagnated in urban areas. There have been several explanations for the low and declining rates of participation of women in the workforce. Rosa Abraham explored how labour force surveys measure employment and discuss the implications for measurement of women’s work.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Rosa Abraham is a faculty member at Azim Premji University where she is a part of the Economics group. Her research focuses on issues relating to India’s labour market including informal work and women’s employment. Her recent research examined the impact of major life events including marriage and childbirth on women’s employment outcomes, and the challenges in capturing women’s employment.

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BUILDING THE CITY: MANAGING MOBILE LABOURS IN BENGALURU’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Over the last several decades, Bengaluru’s urban environment has been dramatically altered by high-rise apartment complexes, glitzy business parks, and new infrastructure such as the metro-rail line. This construction boom has relied on the supply of thousands of workers sourced from distant states such as Bihar and Jharkhand. The precarious working conditions of migrant workers in Indian cities became starkly evident during the Covid-19 lockdown of 2020, spurring the central and state governments to initiate or enforce policies and welfare schemes for the protection of migrant workers. Carol Upadhya explored the contracting system of labour supply management in the construction industry and the responsibilities of employers and the state of ensuring the implementation of laws and policies for migrant workers.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Carol Upadhya is a social anthropologist, who has researched and published widely on a range of social transformations related to development, economic change, urbanization, capital and labour, and migration in contemporary India. She is Visiting Professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, where she leads the Urban & Mobility Studies Programme.

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IS THE DWELLING WITHIN THE FIELD OR IS THE FIELD WITHIN THE DWELLING? Is the Dwelling Within the Field or is the Field Within the Dwelling? In the hyperconnected world that we live in, which has become more and more complex by the day, how do we see the multiple worlds (pluriverse) that we reside in? How do we conserve our cities by conserving different habitats? What are the short-sighted politics that come in the way of conservation? Do we need to find new meaning to the word Development? Mahesh Bhat explored all of these questions in his lecture.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Mahesh Bhat is one of the senior-most photographers of India, with nearly forty years of experience. He is an educator in the domain of visual arts and design for over a decade. He is also a ONE (Open Natural Environment) conservationist. His work resides in the confluence of society, economy, nature and politics.

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‘BANGALOREAN’: READING AND PUBLIC LECTURE Bengaluru is a melting pot of cultures, people, traditions, professions and lifestyles. In a city so diverse which has undergone rapid changes within the recent decades - who are Bangaloreans? In this reading and lecture, Kaveri Sinjhi explored the essence of Bengaluru as captured in the book Bangalorean. This book, being a product of countless interviews and hundreds of photographs, is a telling of the city’s dynamic social fabric through individual portraits and stories.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Kaveri Sinjhi is an anthropologist and cultural researcher known for her work exploring identity, heritage, and urbanization in India. In 2009, Kaveri founded Culture Rings, offering innovative solutions to integrate Diversity & Inclusion into organizational operating models, enhancing team performances in companies and academic institutions. The Bangalorean—a collaboration with designer Tania Singh Khosla, Melissa Parkerton and Farrah Gillani (Writers) Katya Antoni and Chris Page (Photographers)—celebrates Bangalore’s diverse cultural fabric.

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TRANSIT BEYOND TRAFFIC: MANAGING BENGALURU’S TRANSPORT SYSTEMS People travel and goods move. Where? When? Why? How? and How much? These questions encompass the study of travel behaviour. How does this behaviour then inform us in modelling and managing city-scale transportation systems? Abdul Rawoof Pinjari answered these questions, helping the audience understand how travel in cities is analysed. The lecture explored how transportation models can be used to decide what type of transportation infrastructure to provide, where to provide it and how much. Especially, in the context of Namma Bengaluru.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Abdul Rawoof Pinjari is a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering and the Centre for Infrastructure, Sustainable Transportation and Urban Planning (CiSTUP) at the Indian Institute of Sciences. His research is on modelling human choice (consumer) behaviour in transportation systems, with applications in human mobility and travel behaviour analysis, travel demand forecasting, public transportation systems, and landuse–transport interactions.

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HISTORY OF SCIENCE THROUGH INSTRUMENTS AND EXPERIMENTS Scientific instruments are the backbone of science. They help us observe, experiment, measure, calculate, and model the world around us. These tools sit at the intersection between the history of science and the history of technology, and negotiate between scientific knowledge and processes, innovation and industrial production. They are not only tools of scientific research but also tools of science dissemination and teaching. Roland Wittje spoke about historical scientific instruments and experiments, and how they relate to the nature of science and the relationship between science and society.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Roland Wittje is an Associate Professor in History of Science at the Museum of University History of the University of Oslo, Norway, and President of the Scientific Instrument Commission of the Division of History of Science and Technology / IUHPST. Roland has studied physics and history of science at the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Germany, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, and taught at the University of Regensburg and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. His research focuses on the history of the physical sciences and technology in the 19th and 20th centuries.

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Panel discussion from the event Superconvergence at Science Gallery Bengaluru, 2024. Sci560 / 139

HOW DO INSECTS FLY (AND WHY DOES IT MATTER)? Both in terms of biomass and diversity, insects are the most successful animals from an evolutionary viewpoint. Much of this success owes to the fact that they were the first animals to evolve flight about 350-400 million years ago. This meant that they could access remote habitats and traverse greater distances than other animals. They could also evade predators, chase prey and guard territories. Insect flight occurs at extremely rapid timescales, and their fine movements are often invisible to us because they occur too fast. It is fascinating therefore to understand how the insect body and nervous system cope with the need to be both fast and precise. In this lecture, Sanjay P Sane explored these themes with a focus on the research in his lab.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Sanjay P Sane completed his Bachelor’s from St Stephen’s College, Delhi followed by a Master’s in Physics from the University of Poona, Pune. Although originally interested in astrophysics, he became fascinated with insect flight— particularly in the question of how insects generate aerodynamic forces with their flapping wings. He studied the sensory system of moths as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Washington, Seattle, in Prof Tom Daniel’s lab. He then returned to India to start his own lab at the National Centre for Biological Sciences in 2007.

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GRASPING THE GENES: ON BIOMARKERS IN MEDICINE How is novel research in medicine redefining our process of diagnosing and treating diseases? Biologist Kshitish K Acharya took the audience through current research which attempts to quantify and characterise biological molecules. Taking the example of specific diseases, Acharya described and contextualised the process of biological research in identifying ‘biomarkers’. The lecture was conducted in Kannada.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Kshitish K Acharya has 30 years of research experience across various approaches including molecular biology and bioinformatics. He completed his PhD in Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. He founded and served as a director of the ‘Shodhaka’ company for 10 years. At Shodhaka, he has guided several omics data analysis projects and computational product developments, and brought the company to a self-sustenance mode.

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THE MACAQUE IN THE CITY: OUR COMPLEX COEXISTENCE WITH URBAN MACAQUES Nonhuman life has traditionally coexisted rather peacefully with human communities across the Indian subcontinent. However, this coexistence is now under severe threat from rapid urbanisation. This has led to widespread environmental loss, seriously affecting the lives of most primate populations, even within protected forests. Anindya Sinha shared fascinating stories of how bonnet and rhesus monkeys in Southern and Northern India are adapting to rapidly changing environments. The lecture also explored how urbanisation is reshaping their behaviours, forcing them to navigate human-altered habitats in ways that make them human-like.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Anindya “Rana” Sinha is primarily based at the National Institute of Advanced Studies and the Transdisciplinary University, Bangalore. His principal research, over the last three decades, has, however, been on the behavioural ecology, cognitive ethology, population and behavioural genetics, evolutionary biology and conservation studies, primarily of nonhuman primates.

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THE FUTURE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY: FLEXIBLE SOLAR CELLS What if solar panels weren’t just rigid structures on rooftops, but lightweight, bendable materials that could wrap around buildings, power wearable devices, and generate energy in remote locations? Flexible hybrid perovskite solar cells are making this possible by combining high-efficiency perovskite materials with lightweight, flexible properties. With power conversion efficiencies exceeding 25% and low-cost, solution-based fabrication, these solar cells can adapt to curved and dynamic surfaces, opening up new possibilities for energy harvesting. In this lecture, Laxman Gouda explored the world of flexible hybrid perovskite solar cells, uncovering their potential, challenges, and role in shaping a more sustainable future.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Laxman Gouda is a Ramanujan Fellow and Technology Scientist at Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), Indian Institute of Science and CEO/ Co-Founder of ABX3PV Private Limited. His research focuses on renewable energy, climate change mitigation, and green chemistry, particularly in solar energy harvesting, energy storage, and electrochemistry for green hydrogen, ammonia synthesis, and CO2-neutral technologies. Gouda has held postdoctoral roles at renowned institutions, contributing to the scaling of hybrid perovskite solar cells and electrochemical synthesis.

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Public lecture as part of Sci560, 2024. 144 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

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FANTASTIC VOYAGES WITH NANOBOTS The idea of tiny vessels roaming around in human blood vessels, and working as surgical nanorobots was first proposed by Richard Feynman. The idea was later popularised in the media over several decades. With current advances in nanotechnology, there have been several strategies to realize this dream of a “nano voyager,” which is of both fundamental and technological interest. In this lecture, Ambarish Ghosh explored the research and technological processes by which we are realizing this grand vision.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Ambarish Ghosh was an undergraduate student of Physics at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. He completed his PhD in Physics from Brown University, where he worked on bubbles in superfluid helium. In 2009, he joined Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India as a faculty member. His research interests include the study of quantum fluids, plasmonics, driven colloidal systems and their medical applications.

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KOLAR NEUTRINOS: WHAT (NOT) TO EXPECT FROM PARTICLE EXPERIMENTS The mines at Kolar Gold Fields were home to various intriguing experiments in particle physics between the 1960s and 1990s. India, and in particular the research groups based in Kolar, played a leading role in detecting and measuring neutrinos that are made in the atmosphere. Nirmal Raj explored the physics of neutrinos, and the long-standing and futile hunt for the decay of protons. He also highlighted the anomalous ‘Kolar events’, unexpected observations in the detectors for which no satisfactory explanation exists till date.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Nirmal Raj uses math to find out how the universe was born, grew up, and got to have galaxies, stars, and physicists. A large fraction of his time is spent trying to fathom the nature of dark matter, an invisible and mysterious substance that makes up five-sixths of the mass of the cosmos. He teaches at the Centre for High Energy Physics at the Indian Institute of Science and writes layperson articles at The Hindu and The Print.

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COGNITION AND ITS DECLINE: INSIGHTS FROM DEMENTIA RESEARCH What distinguishes humans from other organisms? Cognition, perhaps? As an important function of the human brain, identifying the various risk and protective factors of dementia over time helps us to understand and identify strategies to protect and promote cognitive health. Thomas Gregor Issac and other teams at the Centre for Brain Research are conducting longitudinal aging cohort studies to understand more about the genesis and evolution of neurodegenerative disorders. In this lecture, they shared their insights from their studies, and worked towards developing and deploying meaningful interventions.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Thomas Gregor Issac completed his M.B.B.S training from M.O.S.C Medical College (Mahatma Gandhi University), Kerala from 2003-2009. Subsequently, he got selected for Ph.D. in Clinical Neurosciences Programme under the ICMR MD-PhD Talent Search programme which he pursued from August 2011 till July 2016. He was later selected for the MD Psychiatry course at National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) Bangalore, and is presently a faculty at Centre for Brain Research.

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STUDYING MEMORY AND COGNITION: AN EXPLORATION OF OUR MENTAL PROCESSES Memory and cognition are integral to our identity. The loss of memory is one major aspect that impacts the quality of life in the aging population. Several factors affect memory, and understanding them can help us delay memory loss and dementia, and improve quality of life. But how do we study memory, and how can it help in treating dementia? Ravi Muddashetty explored the various factors that affect memory and unpacked the model systems that are used to study memory, cognition, and dementia.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Ravi Muddashetty is a neurobiologist interested in cellular and molecular aspects of memory and cognition. Ravi also works on synaptic dysfunctions leading to memory and cognitive defects during development and ageing using animal, stem cell models and human ageing cohort studies.

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Public Programmes during Sci560, 2024.

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DESIGNING FOR A CRISIS: STORY OF THE STOVE What is design? Is it merely cosmetic? Or is it where art and science meet? Singanapalli Balaram explored these ideas with a focus on a national awardwinning design for the gas stove–which is as elegant as it is fuel efficient. In this lecture on the stove and other objects, he recounted how a devastating global crisis brought together the National Institute of Design and the Indian Institute of Petroleum to create solutions.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Singanapalli Balaram received his training as a mechanical engineer who then became a designer and professor of industrial design. He has designed and patented several award winning products and has authored many papers and books on design. He is one of the pioneers in Indian design and design education in India, at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. He has been teaching design for nearly six decades.

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BEHIND THE BUZZ: RETHINKING DATA SCIENCE TODAY Data Science has become a buzzword as a way of providing solutions to all kinds of problems. Today, there is a lot of speculation around technology, especially data science. However, is data science still festering older biases? How much can we trust the solutions provided? How dependent are we becoming on data science? Jayant Haritsa conducted this thought-provoking lecture, pushing the conversation around data science in the contemporary world. This programme was conducted in collaboration with Infosys Science Foundation.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Jayant Haritsa has been on the faculty of the Department of Computational & Data Sciences and the Department of Computer Science & Automation at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, for the past three decades. He is a Fellow of all four Indian science and engineering academies, and a recipient of Swarnajayanti Fellowship, the Bhatnagar Award, the Infosys Prize, and the Distinguished Alumnus of IIT Madras.

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WATER CALAMITIES: STUDYING HYDROLOGICAL EXTREMES Land surface hydrology is a collection of complex interactions between soil, vegetation, and weather patterns. Satellite remote sensing offers a broad spatial and repeat temporal view of the land surface and can provide observations for use in hydrology, such as soil moisture, surface temperature and vegetation density. The variability of the water cycle causes extremes such as droughts, floods, landslides, permafrost thaw and wildfires that have a tremendous impact on society. Venkataraman Lakshmi explored how earth observations and modelling together provide critical insights into hydrological extremes and their growing impact on society.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Venkataraman Lakshmi is the John L. Newcomb Professor of Engineering in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Virginia. He earned his Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from the University of Roorkee (1987) and a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Princeton University (1996). He worked as a research scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center from 1996 to 1999. His research focuses on catchment hydrology, satellite data validation and assimilation, land-atmosphere interactions, and water resources.

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COMMONS ACROSS SCALE AND SPACE The territory of Bangalore is a complex composition of rocky outcrops, high grounds, flat lands and valleys. The process of occupation is premised on the idea of effective management of water and its associated infrastructure—both manmade and natural. The natural capacity of the land finds varied expressions in human use—from settlements to sacred groves, from seasonal and perennial agriculture to grasslands. Mohan S Rao unpacked the complex mosaic of Bangalore’s landscape, where markers of culture and belief—both sacred and everyday—are deeply embedded.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Mohan S Rao is an Environment Designer and Landscape Architect, and the principal designer at Integrated Design (INDÉ), a leading multidisciplinary consultancy based in Bangalore. His expertise spans environmental design, regional planning, and landscape architecture, with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices, disaster management, heritage conservation, and master planning. He has worked on research and design projects across South Asia, China, France, Italy, Morocco, and Libya.

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Anjal B delivering his lecture Bangalore Music Strip at Sci560, 2025. 156 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

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STUDY OF THE COMMONS Speakers took the audience through case studies of how to engage with the commons in the real world. Through a documentation of the Tanks and Kaluves of Anekal, Kaustubh Rau shared insights from the work being done to preserve the Anekal wetlands. Nirmala Gowda explored how climate change policies affect commons. Tackling ideas of inclusive climate justice by looking at the drying of the Hemanthi river and hydropower projects in the western ghats. This programme was in collaboration with Integrated Design (INDÉ).

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Kaustubh Rau teaches Biology and Climate Studies at Azim Premji University. He is interested in urban ecology and transformative education. Nirmala Gowda is an activist-researcher who has been working on environmental issues for over a decade in Bengaluru. She has worked extensively to prevent industrial pollution of the Vrishabhavathi and Arkavathi rivers. She holds an M.Sc. in Environmental Management from the University of San Francisco. She is now working on a new initiative, Mapping Malnad, a knowledge platform focused on the commons—rivers, mountains, and forests— of the Western Ghats.

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THE STORY OF THE GREAT TRIGONOMETRICAL SURVEY This lecture by Meera Iyer and Shruthi Rao took the audience through the story of one of the most astounding projects in the history of science. From its origins in Bengaluru all the way to the heights of the Himalayas. It explored why exactly these surveyors had to tramp across the country, brave wild beasts, monsoons, and disease in their quest for inch-perfect maps. The talk touched upon some of the most famous surveyors in the GTS, including William Lambton and George Everest, and some of the forgotten Indians who were a part of this extraordinary work.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Meera Iyer is a writer and researcher. She received a PhD in Forest Ecology but has been immersed in history and heritage ever since. She is the Convenor of the Bangalore Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage. Shruthi Rao is the author of 20 fiction and nonfiction books for children published in India and the US. She has a masters degree in energy engineering and worked for a few years in tech before becoming a writer. Originally from Bengaluru, Shruthi now lives in California.

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Visitors at the event Bangalore Music Strip at Sci560 2025. 160 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

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THE HEFTIEST THINGS EVER: TELESCOPING SHARP ONTO GIANT BLACK HOLES Modern technology enables us to reach far, far into the cosmic depths of our universe to unravel the unknown. Among the many discoveries that have followed are the heftiest things we know, namely giant black holes that inhabit the middles of galaxies. The early evidence for these intriguing objects that emerged in the middle of the last century effectively rested on the Sherlock Holmes argument. Today, however, we have the most direct evidence possible for black holes, discovered through telescopes—the sharpest eyes that technology can make. In this lecture, physicist Prajval Shastri shared the story of understanding black holes.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Prajval Shastri is an astrophysicist of over four decades and investigates the physics of giant black holes using earth-based and space-based telescopes that operate across the electromagnetic spectrum. After a PhD from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and post-doctoral research in the University of Texas at Austin, University of California at Berkeley and Harvard, she served on the faculty of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics for 23 years.

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INDUSTRIAL DREAMS AND DIGITAL REALITIES: SELF RELIANCE IN BENGALURU In recent years, slogans to ‘Make in India’, harnessing a desire to become Self Reliant or Atmanirbhar Bharat have become ubiquitous. As ambitious as they are, they are not new. The early years of newly decolonized India, much like many other nascent nations across Asia and Africa, embraced self-reliance as a way of achieving economic and political independence from imperial powers. A number of these technological and industrial projects were located in the city of Bengaluru, making it a true city of Science and Technology. At different points these projects enrolled key actors, from the model citizen-worker to the ‘tech entrepreneur’. Historian and political scientist Aditi Dey traced these episodes of Bengaluru’s history and the emergence of the celebrated figure of the ‘tech entrepreneur’.

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MASTERCLASSES 164 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

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TELLING THE STORY OF KGF—PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE The gold mining industry in Kolar Gold Fields was established during the British Colonial rule in 1880. This labour-intensive industry grew rapidly into a highly profitable venture. Today, while the mining has long been stopped and the families of workers who toiled in the mines have moved on, the industrial equipment and the mining infrastructure stand as a stark reminder of a time when the mining work defined every life in the town. In this Masterclass, writerfilmmaker Basav Biradar discussed the technological, historical, cultural, and political aspects of the KGF Story, deliberating on the many ways to tell the story of the remarkable town.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Basav Biradar is a writer, critic and filmmaker based in Bangalore. He teaches film at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology. Basav’s writing has appeared in leading Indian publications like The Caravan, The Hindu, Outlook India, Film Companion, The News Minute, Open Magazine and many more. He has also contributed an essay to the anthology “Where Gods Dwell– Thirteen temples and their (his)stories”. Basav’s recent film In Search of Gold was selected for screening at several Film Festivals. He is also the founder of a history collective called “Historywallahs”.

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EXPLORING THE UNIVERSE SINCE 1786: A HISTORY OF MODERN ASTRONOMY IN INDIA THROUGH IIA’S EYES From a private observatory in Chennai in 1786 to the establishment of the Madras Observatory by the East India Company in 1792 and its century of achievements, India’s astronomical journey is captivating. The founding of the Kodaikanal Observatory in 1899 to study the Sun led to the formation of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in 1971, now located in Koramangala, Bengaluru. Facilitators from the IIA explored the rich and diverse roots, shaped by colonial endeavours, European scientific advancements, indigenous knowledge, and the global spread of scientific practices. This masterclass was a journey through key milestones, focusing on IIA’s role, from the Madras Observatory’s discoveries to the two instruments from the 1800s loaned to Sci560.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Aditi Dey is a PhD candidate in the Politics Department at New School for Social Research in New York. She studies the history of public sector industrialisation, labour and urbanisation in Bengaluru. She has been trained previously as a historian at Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and later worked at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements as an urban historian. BS Shyalaja is the former director of Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Bengaluru. She earned her PhD from Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in 1987. She works on the history of astronomy in India among other topics. She writes extensively on astronomy for students and the general public in Kannada and in English and has published 22 books and more than 500 popular articles.

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Nitya Gowda facilitating the masterclass Bengaluru’s Climate Resilience through Geospatial Data at Sci560, 2025. 168 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

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WHAT ARE THE COMMONS? Commons refers to shared resources that are not privately owned or managed by the government on behalf of a community. They transcend the urban and the rural and have become integral in today’s environmental discourse. In the masterclass, the facilitators unpack the idea of the commons through engagement with private and state property, open-access resources and the process of ‘commoning’. It explored why in this day and age why thinking about land, water, air—rural and urban—and even digital spaces such as the internet commons from the perspective of commons is integral if citizens are to take back control over resources that rightfully belong to them and to prevent exploitation in the current neoliberal world order. This programme was in collaboration with Integrated Design (INDÉ).

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Amit Kurien is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, RV University, Bengaluru. He is an environmental social scientist interested in the multidimensional issues at the intersection of environmental change and rural societal dynamics in hill and mountain landscapes. He has field experience from India and countries in Southeast Asia and serves as an editorial member of the Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences. Rahul Paul is an Architect from the KLS Gogte Institute of Technology, India, with a master’s in Landscape Urbanism from the Architectural Association School of Architecture, London. Rahul has an experience of a decade and a half. He is a senior associate at Integrated Design (INDÉ), a multi-disciplinary consultancy practice based in Bangalore. With a keen interest in academia, he is engaged both as an advisor and faculty in institutions and contributes avidly through seminars, juries, and journalistic writings.

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WORKSHOPS 172 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

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THE JĪVĀṆU EXPERIMENT REDUX What is life? Can it spontaneously arise from a mixture of chemicals? Facilitators from the National Centre for Biological Sciences explored these questions, with participants using laboratory equipment and chemicals to recreate an experiment that examines the origins of life. The workshop delved into the live experiment displayed at Sci560, inspired by the pioneering work of chemists Krishna Bahadur and S. Ranganayaki. Between the 1950s and 1970s, they conducted groundbreaking experiments at the University of Allahabad, focusing on the spontaneous emergence of life-like properties from “abiotic soups” of carbon-based molecules, ammonia, phosphates, and mineral salts. They claimed that when these mixtures were exposed to sunlight, they produced spherical units called ‘jeewanu,’ which exhibited basic life properties such as metabolism, growth, and division.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Shashi Thutupalli is affiliated with the Simons Centre for the Study of Living Machines at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Bangalore, India. In 2011, he earned his Ph.D. in physics, specializing in active matter, from the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization in Germany. Following this, he undertook a postdoctoral fellowship at Princeton University. Nayan Chakraborty is a postdoctoral fellow at the National Centre for Biological Sciences. His diverse interests guide him through various fields in search of intriguing patterns. Nayan focuses on the enigmatic origins of life and complex systems. Alongside his academic endeavors, he serves as a chemistry consultant for law firms collaborating with the Third World Network, a global NGO dedicated to enhancing access to medicine.

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PATTERNS IN NATURE: MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE What hidden complexities underlie pattern formation in the natural world? From the branching of trees to the spirals of galaxies, patterns are everywhere. Science Communicator Rupsy Khurana explored the visualisation of these fundamental patterns—fractals, spirals, and symmetry. Through hands-on activities, participants gained a deeper understanding of how these patterns emerge and influence the natural world around us.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Rupsy Khurana is an ecologist turned science communicator. As a writer and visual illustrator she explores and practises science and nature communication. Based in Bengaluru, she experiments with storytelling and visuals to translate complex scientific concepts and explore ways to bridge the gap between science and the public. Currently she leads the science communication and outreach initiatives at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru.

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BIOTECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE FOR IMPROVING PLANT HEALTH This workshop delved into the fascinating realm of invisible relationships between plants and microbes. Through engaging, hands-on activities, participants explored the applications of biotechnology in agriculture and witnessed firsthand the wonders of plant-microbial interactives. The workshop aimed to inspire participants to see plants and microbes in a new light, sparking curiosity and appreciation for these unseen connections.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Amey Redkar is a faculty at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru. Amey’s research focuses on genetic and cellular mechanisms of plant-microbial interactions, specifically dissecting the molecular dialogues between plant roots and microbes that drive the disease outcomes.

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UNCOVERING THE HIDDEN LAKES OF BENGALURU Bengaluru, once known as the city of a thousand lakes, has witnessed its surface water bodies disappear over time. Can we track these disappearances? Using old and new, physical and digital maps, hydrologist Shashank Palur took participants through the process of finding some of these lost lakes. Participants learnt to use toposheets and digital tools to create maps, and trace the slowly vanishing presence of the lakes around us.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Shashank Palur is a Senior Hydrologist with the Urban Water programme at WELL Labs. He has more than five years of experience of working on water resources across different terrains. Currently, he is working on water and wastewater issues in Bengaluru and its surroundings. He previously worked extensively on urban lakes of Bengaluru, which included hydrological modelling, maintaining the citizen lake dashboard and training volunteers for data collection.

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Participants at artist Balan Nambiar’s Studio Visit during Sci560, 2025. 178 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

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OPTIMISING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS Can Bengaluru untangle its traffic chaos and build a smarter, sustainable future? With its ever-growing population and infamous traffic jams, Bengaluru faces complex transportation challenges. Tarun Rambha navigated the intricate dynamics of traffic systems driven by the independent actions of millions of commuters. Participants discovered how paradoxes emerged in urban transit, and explored innovative solutions to ease congestion. They also examined the public transportation network, the backbone of sustainable mobility, and discussed strategies to maximise resources while transitioning to a cleaner, greener future for the city.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Tarun Rambha is an Assistant Professor at the Center for Infrastructure, Sustainable Transportation and Urban Planning (CiSTUP), Indian Institute of Science (IISc). He received his bachelor’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and his MS and PhD degrees from The University of Texas (UT) at Austin. His current research areas include public transportation, electric mobility, logistics, and smart parking systems.

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OUR ENVIRONMENT IN DATA How can technology help us understand our cities? Can Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning help us make sense of our changing environment? In this interactive workshop, participants used spatial analyses to understand the implications of unplanned urbanisation, the status of our lakes and their water quality.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR T V Ramachandra is the Coordinator of Energy and Wetlands Research Group (EWRG) and Convener of Environmental Information System (ENVIS) at Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES), IISc. He is also a member of several governmental committees such as the Karnataka State Wetland Authority, Kerala Wetland Authority, National Wetland Committee, Western Ghats task force and in many committees of National Green Tribunal (NGT) related to the wetlands of Bangalore.

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PAINTING SCIENCE: ART + SCIENCE FOR EDUCATION Can science be effectively communicated through art? Where do the two fields intersect, and how can they offer us new ways to interrogate existing knowledge? Ravi Jambhekar led this hands-on exploration of how visual media can bring scientific concepts to life. Through the lens of natural history painting, he took participants on a journey that brings science and art together.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Ravi Jambhekar is a researcher and a natural history illustrator. He works with the Indian Institute For Human Settlements studying the impacts of urbanization and climate change on butterfly and bird populations in the cities.

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DIGITAL DEMOCRACY: LEVERAGING OPEN SPATIAL DATA FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT In today’s data-driven world, geospatial technologies are transforming how citizens engage with public issues. How then can we use publicly available data to promote transparency, inform decision-making, and empower citizens and communities to actively contribute to governance? In this workshop, Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) Geospatial Lab trained participants on how to access and use freely available geospatial tools to visualise local issues, enhance public awareness, and contribute to civic initiatives. This workshop welcomed tech enthusiasts, students, and concerned citizens—providing practical skills to harness the potential of digital mapping for public good.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Amruth Kira is an ardent technology enthusiast with diverse interests that include Big Earth Observation (EO) data, cloud computing, UI/ UX development, spatial data management, and integrating computer science with remote sensing and GIS. He is part of IIHS Geospatial Lab and the faculty that teaches GIS and Survey Design in the IIHS Urban Fellows Programme, covering both foundational and advanced coursework. Dhananjayan M has over a decade of professional experience on geospatial analysis for diverse thematic areas such as Monitoring Global Urban Expansion, Land Use/Land Cover Classification and Urban Infrastructure mapping. He provides Geospatial analysis support to Research and Practice projects at IIHS and is part of the faculty that conducts GIS courses for the IIHS Urban Practitioners Programme and the IIHS Urban Fellows Programme.

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Participants at the event Decoding ‘Birds in the City’: A Board Game for Engaging with Urban Nature at Sci560 2024. 184 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

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BECOME A NET ZERO HERO: DEMYSTIFYING BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY How can you make your home more energy efficient? What is a net-zero building? In this workshop by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) tailored to young adults and renters, these questions were explored. Through hands-on activities and practical examples, the workshop explored easy ways to reduce energy demand and how renewable energy can play a role in a sustainable future.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Amanda Thounaojam is a Senior Technical Associate at IIHS. She conducts research that integrates passive approaches with IoT-based controls, working in the areas of thermal comfort, affordable cooling, visual comfort, net-zero energy and water design, sustainability dashboards, and calibrated simulations Arijita Gupta is a Technical Associate at IIHS’ Sustainable Energy Lab. She conducts research that integrates net-zero energy and energy analysis. Arjita manages student communication at Solar Decathlon India, the largest net-zero building challenge in the world.

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PAPER AND PLAY: HANDS-ON MATHEMATICS Does Mathematics seem scary and difficult to you? Can it be fun? This workshop explored games, cutting and folding paper, and observing the patterns emerging from it. In this process, participants engaged with the mathematics that can be encountered in these activities.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR K Subramaniam was Professor and former Centre Director of the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, India. His main research interests are the design and organisation for learning of core topics of the middle grade mathematics curriculum such as fractions, proportional thinking, geometric measurement and algebra, and the specialised knowledge that teachers need to teach effectively at this level.

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OMG: ONE MILLION GALAXIES— INTERACTIVE DEMO OF A CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAMME Ever wondered how to analyse galaxy features from deep imaging surveys? This exciting “OMG: One Million Galaxies” workshop allowed participants to work with real data from the 8-meter Subaru telescope. This citizen science project, developed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in collaboration with the Pune Knowledge Cluster and led by Sudhanshu Barway, was an invitation to dive into the cosmos. With telescopes worldwide generating terabytes to petabytes of data every night, astronomy is more accessible than ever. Citizen science empowers anyone with a passion for space to explore multi-wavelength data, contributing to groundbreaking discoveries. OMG, one of India’s key initiatives, engages volunteers in understanding the science behind galaxy pattern recognition.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Sudhanshu Barway is an Associate Professor at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA). His research focuses on the morphological transformation of galaxies, the co-evolution of supermassive black holes with galaxies, and the study of astronomical transients. Notably, he was part of the team involved in the discovery of the electromagnetic counterpart to gravitational wave transients.

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DEMOCRATISING DATA: STORIES FROM EVERYDAY OBJECTS How might we democratise tools to represent and have conversations about data? How can we welcome personal data stories and why are they important? In this hands-on workshop, participants explored the concept of data through the lens of everyday household objects. By encoding personal stories and experiences into these items, it aimed to highlight how individual narratives reflect broader social realities. Participants learned simple techniques to transform familiar objects into data carriers, fostering a deeper understanding of personal and collective data stories. The workshop further engaged in meaningful conversations about data’s role in our lives and how we can make it more accessible and relatable.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Arundhati Rajan is a final year student of Exhibition Design at the National Institute of design, Ahmedabad. She is currently pursuing her final year degree project titled, “Reinventing Interactions Between Humans and Data”. Her work surrounds life as we know it and ties it to a traditional sense of data interpretation, exploring the scope of tangible data visualisation as we renegotiate our relationships in today’s data driven world.

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Participants at the workshop Fold and Create: The Art of Origami facilitated by Krishna Thyagarajan at Sci560 2024. 190 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

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FROM NUMBERS TO NARRATIVE: EXPLORING INFORMATION DESIGN In today’s world, the truth is defined by facts, and facts are strengthened by data. Nowadays, storytelling has moved on from just its fictional form to databased narratives. Not only verbal or written ones but visual stories weave a more compelling picture for people. Tangible proof holds an even higher value in the viewer’s eyes. In this workshop, the Information Design students from the National Institute of Design (NID) Bengaluru, guided participants through the process of making physical data visualizations that tell stories and make a true statement. They took a deep dive into the UN Sustainable Development Goals and their significance in the present day.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Information Design Department NID is a group of individuals from diverse backgrounds across the country brought together by their shared passion for data-driven design. While they met while enrolling in the Information Design course at the National Institute of Design, each one of them has developed a unique approach to understanding and translating data.

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PIXEL TO PLAY: DIGITAL GAME DESIGN WORKSHOP This workshop dived into the fascinating world of video games—how they blend technology and art to create unique experiences enjoyed by millions worldwide. In this hands-on session, participants learned how digital games are made and brought to life using GDevelop—a free and easy-to-use game-making tool.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR The Digital Game Design Department at the National Institute of Design (NID) focuses on the design and critical analysis of play experiences within digital environments. This multidisciplinary program combines insights from computing, fine arts, and social and cognitive sciences to craft games and interactive experiences. Through a blend of technical skills and creative exploration, students learn to design and develop games that engage players meaningfully, preparing them for diverse roles in the dynamic field of game design and interactive media.

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EXPLORING MODERN MATHEMATICS THROUGH ART OF TILING Tiling is the fascinating art of covering a surface with geometric shapes that fit together seamlessly, leaving no gaps or overlaps. Most tiles we encounter— like those in kitchens or bathrooms—form periodic, repeating patterns. Ever wondered what mathematicians really do? How their work uncovers hidden patterns, solves intricate puzzles, and drives advancements in fields like computer science and materials research? This workshop was a deep dive into some of these questions, through the art of tilling.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Disha Kuzhively coordinates, and occasionally facilitates mathematics and science outreach programs at the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS), Bangalore. Having studied physics and mathematics at National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) Bhubaneswar, she is passionate about education and science communication. Her work connects academia and the public, fostering engagement through her coordination and facilitation of programs like Maths Circle India and PrISM.

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BENGALURU IN FOCUS: GAME WORKSHOP Visual artist Surekha led this workshop where participants discovered ways of responding to urban issues and possibilities, to become more aware of interactions with the city and creatively react to it. Surekha’s presentation and workshop will be around her continued artistic engagement with the city of Bangalore for two decades, focussing on a few specific projects specific to Bangalore. She addressed the functional, aesthetic possibilities and problems that the urban issues of the city faces.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Surekha is a visual artist from Bangalore, has been exploring artistic forms through installations, video and photography for the last two decades. Her works investigate how visuality can engage with gender, ecology, socio-political aesthetics, negotiating public and private spaces.

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River Landscapes Showcase at Science Gallery Bengaluru, 2025. 196 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

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CHITTARA: DISCOVERING THE ART AND CULTURE OF KARNATAKA’S DEEVARU COMMUNITY Have you ever wondered how art can reflect the traditions, beliefs and practices of a community? This workshop was a hands-on exploration of Chittara, the traditional mural art of the Deevaru community from Shimoga district, Karnataka. Participants got an exclusive walkthrough of the stunning Chittara mural created outside the Science Gallery Bengaluru building. The session delved into the symbolism behind designs, about the natural colours and eco-friendly materials used, and into the cultural stories that shape this unique art form. This programme was part of BLR Hubba 2024.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Geetha Bhat is the Programme Director, IJCCI, Artistic Director, IKSA, ikebana and Origami artist. She has curated many Indian and International Exhibitions ranging from French Silk Painting, Bonsiki, Indo-Japanese paintings, Shakuhachi & Sitar, Sume-I, Japanese Woodblock Printing, Taiko drums and Scure Souffle. As the Founder of CFRIA, she has dedicated two decades to preserving and promoting Karnataka’s Chittara folkart, organizing exhibitions, workshops, and lectures. Namrata Cavale is a multi-disciplinary designer with a focus on social impact in the craft and textiles space. She works with NGOs and social enterprises to develop their products and systems keeping sustainability at the core. Namrata has engaged with Chittara since 2018 and is an active part of CFRIA projects, having designed products and murals for the organization. Pavitra Mohan is a Deevaru artist who has been practicing Chittara for the past 15 years, an integral part of CFRIAs workshops.

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FOLD AND CREATE: THE ART OF ORIGAMI What are the immense possibilities hidden in a simple sheet of paper? How can mere paper transform into birds, flowers, shells and complex mathematical shapes? This workshop by Krishna Thyagarajan introduced participants to the amazing art of origami and its applications in the fields of science and technology.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Krishna Thyagarajan is a multicultural educator with more than four decades of experience as a Professor of Physics at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Delhi, where he has played multiple roles across teaching, research, and administration. His research has focused on the fields of fiber optic communication and quantum photonics. He strives to bridge cutting-edge scientific research and STEM education to motivate future generations of scientists to pursue their passion in science and technology.

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GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGIES: TRANSFORMING DATA INTO ACTION How does geospatial technology leverage data to drive decision-making and how are these technologies used? In today’s data-driven world, geospatial technology is transforming how we analyse information, make decisions, and address public challenges. From urban planning to disaster management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a crucial role in shaping a smarter and more sustainable future. PG Diwakar explored the powerful applications of GIS in our country and discussed how these innovations will benefit future generations.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR PG Diwakar served as a senior scientist at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for more than three decades. He has participated in diverse activities of ISRO at various levels and contributed to various scientific forums both national and international. He has been superannuated as a Distinguished Scientist and presently ISRO chair professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru.

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COFFEE THROUGH THE SENSES Is brewing coffee a mundane ritual or a daily highlight? What stories does a cup of coffee hold? Shriya Dinesh from Native and Natural explored the intersection of coffee with nature, society, cultivation and much more in this hands-onworkshop. Participants explored the science and the stories around coffee through the human senses of taste, vision, texture and sound.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Native and Natural Coffee Plantation as a brand is conceptualised to educate and experience coffee through multiple dimensions. They focus on the experience of making everyday coffee which can be a subjective experience and is yet a mundane ritual. They embody slow living practices, bring an appreciation for smaller details and that these details bring value to everyday life. They are into understanding, learning and communicating about all things coffee.

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Visitors at the Sci560 Film Festival, hosted at Bangalore International Centre, 2025

WATER560 How can we rethink Bengaluru’s water crisis? Can we take action to create a more sustainable future? We often take water for granted—until a crisis strikes. Too much water leads to floods, too little causes droughts, and contamination threatens the health of both humans and ecosystems. How can we shift our mindset to prioritise water security before it’s too late? This interactive discussion and debate explored the different threats to our water systems and participated in a unique role playing exercise that puts participants in the driver’s seat to solving these issues for the city.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR the echo network is a social innovation partnership with the specific focus of increasing trust between sectors, increasing the value of science for society, and instilling a sense of responsibility in everyone for human and environmental ecosystems. They have built a 2300-member international community spanning 45 countries that connects communities, organizations, businesses, and academia to establish communities of practice.

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RETHINKING URBAN FLOODING: TOWARDS A RESILIENT BENGALURU What makes a city resilient to floods, and what role does technology play in predicting and managing urban floods? Rajarshi Das Bhowmick delved into the complexities of urban flooding, with a focus on Bangalore’s unique challenges and mitigation strategies. He explored the urban flood dynamics and introduced the Bangalore Urban Flood Model, demonstrating its role in forecasting and risk management. Participants engaged in hands-on-activities using Google Earth Engine to analyze flood-prone areas and evaluate mitigation measures.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Rajarshi Das Bhowmick is an Assistant Professor at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Water Research, Indian Institute of Science. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA. His research focuses on urban floods, extreme weather events, and hydrologic forecasting. Currently, he leads the semi-operational flood forecasting model for Bangalore.

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FUTURE BENGALURU: DESIGNING A PEOPLE-CENTRIC SUSTAINABLE CITY Bangalore is evolving rapidly, but how can we ensure it remains livable, green, and congestion-free? In this hands-on design thinking workshop, participants will become urban visionaries, reimagining the city’s future using Troy Blocks. Through an interactive design challenge, participants created 3D-models of Bangalore, integrating sustainable and people centric architecture, integrated transport solutions, and smart urban designs. Guided by real-world case studies from cities like Tokyo, Singapore, and Copenhagen, participants explored innovative urban design solutions, eco-friendly infrastructure, and people centric public spaces.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Farah Ahmad is the visionary founder of Troy, a venture dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation through imaginative play and design thinking. With a deep passion for education and sustainability, she has developed Troy’s unique wooden block systems to inspire problem-solving and critical thinking among children and adults. Renjin Cherian brings over a decade of diverse experience as an architect, urban designer, and academician, having worked on a wide range of projects across India. He currently serves as the Course Coordinator for the M.Arch (Urban Design) program at BMS School of Architecture, Yelahanka, Bengaluru. Renjin is deeply involved in knowledge-sharing and mentoring at the postgraduate level, with a particular focus on urban design education.

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TOO MANY COOKS SPOIL THE BROTH: PLANNING FOR BENGALURU Bengaluru’s Master Plans have tenuously shaped its spatial development between paradigms of outward growth and compact city, since 1995. A city straddling multiple players and no clear owners so far, has long awaited revision to the 2015 Master Plan, as it struggles to deal with multiple contingencies. This workshop looked at structural challenges and collectively revisited the planning process through tangible methods, in hope for a better Bengaluru.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Champaka Rajagopal brings over twenty-five years of experience of having worked with national, state and local governments in India and abroad on urban policy, planning and governance. She is Professor Affiliate, Urban School, SciencesPo, Paris and Founder, Director, The Entrepreneurship and Partnerships Lab. She is also a fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi.

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Champaka Rajagopal facilitating the workshop Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth: Planning for Bengaluru at Sci560, 2025.

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DECODING ‘BIRDS IN THE CITY’: A BOARD GAME FOR ENGAGING WITH URBAN NATURE Birds in the City: Bengaluru Edition is a board game designed to explore bird diversity and ecological change in urban areas. Created through a researchdriven, iterative design process, the game is used as an educational tool for sparking dialogue about wildlife in cities like Bengaluru. This workshop invited participants to experience the game firsthand and hear from the creators at ‘Play in Nature’ about how they blended research, design, and storytelling to create this game. It also explored how serious games can be designed to support environmental awareness and learning.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Priti Bangal is an ecologist who has spent much of the past decade studying ecological interactions, with a particular focus on birds. She now works at the Nature Conservation Foundation, where she is part of a programme that fosters public engagement and education to help people connect with the natural world. Prasad Sandbhor is a game designer and researcher who specialises in creating digital, tabletop, and hybrid games for various fields, including education, healthcare, social safety, sustainability, and science outreach. He is the co-founder of the ‘Play in Nature’ initiative that crafts playful experiences to connect people with nature around them. Nicole Elsa Daniel is a multidisciplinary visual designer and filmmaker with a practice in storytelling through 2D animation, stop motion and illustration. Her work explores themes of everyday life, people, and memories through a documentary-style lens, using experimental and mixed media techniques.

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MECHANISM DESIGN: ALIGNING DIVERGENT STAKEHOLDERS This workshop is a sequel to Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth: Planning for Bengaluru, focussing on ‘mechanism design’, towards accomplishing shareddesirable outcomes for the city. Drawing on existing practices and models, the workshop explored how to creatively craft multiple partnership arrangements among stakeholders with competing interests at different scales of decisions, in our endeavour for meeting shared desirable outcomes for Bengaluru.

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560 MINUTES OF SCI560 Marking the conclusion of the Sci560 Exhibition, a special day-long workshop led by the Science Gallery Bengaluru team members, guided participants through an immersive exploration of the entire exhibition. Through curated walkthroughs and hands-on activities woven across different zones of the gallery, participants explored the full spectrum of science, art, and culture that the exhibition brings together. It was an invitation to engage deeply, slowly, and expansively–with space to pause, play, and participate.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Gokul Prabhu is a postgraduate from Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) Thiruvananthapuram, where he studied Ecology and Evolution. He previously worked in science communication building an online platform called ‘Into Their Minds’ and was a Sci560 Mediator at Science Gallery Bengaluru. Anuhya Mahesh graduated from the Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology. Her area of interest is primarily in education and curriculum design in informal spaces and how learning and storytelling constantly overlap. At Science Gallery Bengaluru, she helped create and design learning materials for Sci560.

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LINGUA FRANK-AH!: AN EXPLORATION OF LANGUAGE AND SCIENCE What stories emerge when we approach science through the lens of language? Could our relationship with science be any better if we approach the language used and its style with more ease and curiosity? In this interactive walkthroughcum-workshop of the Sci560 exhibition, participants explored language in the context of electoral politics, astronomy, technology, education, and big-problems of our age. Language became the main focus for activities around reading, writing, translating, zine-making, and discussions.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Vignesh K was a Sci560 Mediator at Science Gallery Bengaluru. He is interested in storytelling in all its forms. He believes we all have a story of our own with language that matters in the world, and it may be more important than what policy-makers write. He holds a postgraduate degree in English with a background in Journalism from St. Joseph’s College.

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Workshop showcase during Sci560, 2024. 214 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

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EVENTS 216 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

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BANGALORE BYTES Garden city or tech metropolis? How did this growth, which shaped the city, come about? What decisions transformed Bengaluru from a pensioner’s paradise into the science powerhouse it is today? Bangalore Bytes was a quiz featuring intriguing questions that highlighted some of the curious tales from Bangalore’s rich history, particularly those revolving around science and technology. Thejaswi Udupa guided participants through a series of thoughtprovoking questions, exploring the evolution of Bangalore, its achievements, and its advancements in science and technology.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Thejaswi Udupa has been quizzing and conducting quizzes for over two and a half decades across India and outside too. As a quizzer, he has won Mahaquizzer (India’s most competitive solo open quiz), and also appeared on BBC’s Mastermind. He has written columns on culture, history, and technology for multiple Indian and international publications. He also leads the Video AI team for an American sports streaming company.

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KERE CURIOSITIES: LAKE WALK AT JAKKURU Can a lake be revived socially, ecologically, and functionally in a metropolis? Can the community be at the heart of the revival, with institutions managing the reconstruction? Can treated wastewater become a resource? In this walk around Jakkuru Lake, participants explored the questions, contentions, and qualms around water bodies in Bengaluru. In tracing the ecology of this lake, explore the encroachments, disappearances, and revivals of lakes in this city.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Vishwanath Srikantaiah aka Zerainman believes that in an era of climate change, water is one natural resource to be directly impacted. It will take all matters of innovation involving individuals, community, state and the market to adapt to its impacts. Water is both a local resource and a global resource simultaneously and therefore through a socio-hydrological lens of understanding and an adaptive management framework of working he seeks to find some solutions for the water challenge facing us in India and Bengaluru. Karthikeyan S is a wildlife enthusiast with nearly 40 years of experience, specializing in birdwatching and butterflies. As an amateur photographer, his work spans diverse subjects and has appeared in notable publications including Deccan Herald and Sanctuary Asia. He has authored and co-authored several influential guides and booklets, such as Discover Avenue Trees and Explore Spiders of India.

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RIDING THE SOUND WAVE: CREATING MUSIC, ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTICS AND THE TABLA What can we learn about the science of sound from the rhythm of the tabla? This captivating lecture and performance explored the acoustics in instruments, architecture, and natural rock formations. Participants heard from researchers at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), discovering how sound shapes our world.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Biman Nath is a Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the Raman Research Institute (RRI). His current research interests involve diffuse gas in the universe (intracluster and intergalactic medium) and interactions between galaxies and diffuse gas. He has also worked on cosmic rays, X-rays, and the evolution of galaxies. Shayan Garani received his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta. Garani has held senior engineering positions within Broadcom Corporation, ST Microelectronics and Western Digital. Prior to joining the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), he was leading various research activities, managing and directing research and external university research programs within Western Digital. Srikumar Menon is an architect specialising in ancient and early architecture of the Indian subcontinent. After graduating from the Department of Architecture, T. K. M. College of Engineering in 1993, Srikumar spent 6 years in architectural practice at Bangalore as well as research on the design of astronomical observatories at the Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune. Currently, he is Associate Professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS).

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ASTRONOMY ON TAP: WHY THE MOON? Why do we need a lunar orbiter? Why is the far side of the moon special? This special edition of Astronomy on Tap explored the questions and efforts made in piecing together the puzzle of the very first stars and galaxies in the universe. Alongside, the facilitators drew upon their own experience to discuss the importance of the moon for us, while also talking about the possible origins of the moon. This event was a collaboration between Astronomy on Tap and the Raman Research Institute (RRI).

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Mayuri Rao is an Associate Professor-I at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bangalore. She works on studying the early Universe by building custom radio telescopes. V. Girish is Deputy Director at the Space Science Programme Office, ISRO and is responsible for the astronomy programmes of ISRO and managing AstroSat India’s first mission dedicated to astronomy.

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Outreach events during Sci560, 2024. Sci560 / 223

SCI560 READING CIRCLE Have you ever wondered how the essence of a city can be captured through words? This event was an iteration of Science Gallery Bengaluru’s reading circle of Sci560, inviting participants to explore Bangalore’s rich military history and uncover the stories that have shaped this dynamic city.

SGB TEAM Science Gallery Bengaluru is a public institution for research-based engagement at the interface between the human, social and natural sciences, and engineering, art and design. We do so through Living Exhibitions, Public Engagement Programmes, Mentorship Initiative, and a pioneering Public Lab Complex.

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MARCHING ON: EXPLORING BENGALURU’S MILITARY HERITAGE As part of the military-themed weekend, Arun Pai, founder of BangaloreWALKS led a 3-hour journey through the city’s rich defence heritage. Starting right at the heart of Bengaluru, at MG Road, this tour uncovers the hidden military landmarks and stories that have shaped the city. Participants explored Bengaluru’s military heritage to see the city in a whole new light.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Arun Pai is the Founder of BangaloreWALKS and has been conducting city walks and tours since 2005. He curates and conducts themed walks for varied audiences–from corporate leaders and visiting ministers/diplomats to groups of scientists & technologists to college and school students - from those on their first visit to the country to those who consider themselves hard-core Bangaloreans.

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AFTER THE GOLD | DOCUMENTARY SCREENING ON KGF More than a century ago, large scale gold mining was begun at Kolar Gold Field, Mysore. At its peak, the mines employed 36,000 workers who braved the dangerous labour and built a new life in the mining camp. Today, many third and fourth generation gold miners face the threat of not just unemployment but displacement from the area they have made their own. This film is a tribute to the “labouring lions” of Kolar Gold Field, a historical reconstruction of their work, culture and rich political traditions.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKER Janaki Nair was Professor of History at Jawaharlal Nehru University, India, until her retirement in 2020. She has written on the social, cultural and political history of modern India. Her publications include Women and Law in Colonial India (1996) and Miners and Millhands: Work, Culture and Politics in Princely Mysore (1998). She is also known for her documentary on the Kolar Gold Fields, After The Gold (1997).

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INTO THE COSMOS: THE ULTIMATE ASTRONOMY QUIZ The Facilitators of Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) conducted this quiz for all participants—from astronomy enthusiasts to passionate stargazers. The quiz challenged the understanding of the cosmos, featuring questions of the latest astronomical discoveries, iconic telescopes, renowned astronomers, and famous celestial objects.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) is an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, with its headquarters based in Koramangala, Bengaluru. It is a premier organisation carrying out research in astronomy, astrophysics, and related physics and traces its origins to an observatory set up in Madras in 1786. The faculty, students, and staff of IIA conduct research in diverse areas of astrophysics ranging from the formation of planets to the origin of the Universe.

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Participants at the workshop Decoding ‘Birds in the City’: A Board Game for Engaging with Urban Nature at Sci560, 2025.

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SYNTHESISING SOUND AND VIDEO WITH AI How can we create videos electronically, without a camera? How to manipulate audio signals to create sound? Robert B. Lisek conducted a hands-on session where he opened up the art of video and sound synthesis using open-source software such as Pure Data/Max MSP, SuperCollider, Hydra, JavaScript, and shader programming. It delved into programming and AI-driven code generation methods for producing sound, visuals, and video content tailored for performances, installations, interactive media, and networking.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Robert B. Lisek is an artist, mathematician, and composer who explores the intersections of systems, networks, and processes—computational, biological, and social. His art delves into themes such as artificial intelligence, bioengineering, information theory, and quantum physics, incorporating elements like computer code, algorithms, artificial neural networks, and genetic sequences to investigate randomness and order. Lisek is a pioneer in art based on machine learning and artificial intelligence, prompting critical reflection on AI’s implications for privacy, agency, trust, creativity, and culture.

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SIGH-ENCE AND BENGALURU: QUIZ Sigh-ence dwelled on the stories, on the rare thrills and the frequent spills that are part of the history of Bengaluru as a science city. Arul Mani from St. Joseph’s University conducted this quiz where participants—in teams of two—explored and learned about the city.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Arul Mani has been involved with quizzing in the city since the 1980s via KQA. He also teaches English at St. Joseph’s University, Bengaluru.

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SUPERPOSITION: A DIVE INTO THE QUANTUM WORLD Can exploring quantum physics through art change the way we experience reality? Participants witnessed a visionary performance that explored the intersections of quantum physics, artificial intelligence, human cognition, and artistic expression, merging these fields into a unique experience that is both philosophical inquiry and experiential art. The immersive installation encouraged participants to experience multiple states of being, perceiving layers of reality beyond ordinary perception. This programme was part of Studio Quantum, supported by Quantum Delta and V2.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Robert B. Lisek is an artist, mathematician, and composer who explores the intersections of systems, networks, and processes—computational, biological, and social. His art delves into themes such as artificial intelligence, bioengineering, information theory, and quantum physics, incorporating elements like computer code, algorithms, artificial neural networks, and genetic sequences to investigate randomness and order. Lisek is a pioneer in art based on machine learning and artificial intelligence, prompting critical reflection on AI’s implications for privacy, agency, trust, creativity, and culture. Dayita Nereyeth is a co-founder of 206 Dance Collective, senior editor for The Clean Copy, and an Alexander Technique teacher based in Bangalore, India. For her work, she draws inspiration from text, music, identity, relationships, and principles of the Alexander Technique. Dayita creates through improvisation and play, curating movement experiences by pulling from practical realities of the self.

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LAB VISIT AND DEMONSTRATION AT JAWAHARLAL NEHRU CENTRE FOR ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH Why is the sky blue? How does magnetic levitation work? Participants explored answers to these questions and more through live demonstrations at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR).

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Vinayak Pattar is currently working as an Assistant Coordinator at the Education Technology Unit, CNR Rao Hall of Science at JNCASR. He holds an M.Sc. in Physics from Christ University, Bangalore, and is now pursuing a Ph.D. He has served as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bengaluru, a Research Fellow at Bangalore University, and an R&D Assistant at the International Centre for Materials Science at JNCASR.

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Scenes from the event Bangalore Bytes at Sci560, 2024. Sci560 / 235

BENGAL-URANIA: QUIZ ON BENGALURU Urania is the muse of astronomy, and hence the muse of science. Is Bengaluru the muse of Indian Science and Technology? Bengaluru is a hub of education, technology and startups. It also hosts a wide range of science and technology museums, galleries and research institutions. Participants tested their knowledge of Bengaluru in this quiz.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Urmila Lakshmanan has worked in a bank, a school and more than one consultancy, newspaper and software company. She likes puzzles of various kinds and is also a quizzer and a quizmaster.

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STUDIO VISIT TO PAGAL CANVAS Participants undertook a trip to Pagal Canvas Studio to get an exclusive glimpse into their creative process, from showcasing their publications to demonstrating diverse printing techniques. This immersive experience included a handson Mono-printing workshop using unique botanical prints inspired by nature, experimenting with textures and patterns to craft a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Mohit Mahato is a Bangalore based visual artist and the co-founder of Pagal Canvas, an independent, non-profit, artist-led publication platform where artist books, comics, graphic novels, and zines are printed. He also operates a selfrun alternative print studio, Pagal Canvas Backyard, where the majority of Pagal Canvas’s comics are published and produced through hand-pulled printing, particularly limited edition comics using screen printing techniques.

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THE PHYSICS, NEUROBIOLOGY AND ECOPHYSIOLOGY OF INSECT FLIGHT This event was a visit to Sanjay P Sane’s lab at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), where the scientist is interested in questions around insects, specifically insect flight and more recently, termite mounds. The lab combines inputs from physics, engineering, biomechanics, neurobiology, muscle mechanics and behavioural biology to address diverse flight-related phenomena. To study these questions, they use diverse techniques such as high-speed videography, behavioural measurements, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Sanjay P Sane completed his bachelor’s from St Stephen’s College, Delhi followed by a master’s in Physics from the University of Poona, Pune. Although originally interested in astrophysics, he became fascinated with insect flight— particularly in the question of how insects generate aerodynamic forces with their flapping wings. He studied the sensory system of moths as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Washington, Seattle, in Prof Tom Daniel’s lab. He then returned to India to start his own lab at the National Centre for Biological Sciences in 2007.

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WHAT IS IN BENGALURU’S WATER AND SOIL? How do we examine pollution of water and soil through a scientific lens? How can monitoring pollution levels help address urban challenges? Priyanka Jamwal and her team at the Water and Soil Laboratory at Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) explored the scientific methods used to monitor and analyse water and soil pollution. Participants got a glimpse into the lab to learn how data on pollution is collected, processed, and used to tackle environmental problems. The lab visit also demonstrated how this data is applied to plan, design, and evaluate solutions aimed at improving water and soil quality.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Priyanka Jamwal is a Programme Leader and Senior Fellow at the Water and Society Programme. She received a Research Associateship fellowship from IISc Bangalore to pursue her interest in groundwater quality management in rural areas. Priyanka works at the intersection of science and policy, with key areas of interest including water quality management, urban lake restoration, nature-based solutions, wastewater management, and public health.

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Visitors at the workshop Upcycling Flavour: Transforming Spent Grain into Delicious Possibilities at Sci560, 2024. 240 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

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QUIZ: SPILLING THE ‘BEANS’ ON BENGALURU From urban myths about its name to misconceptions about which areas and localities are a part of Bengaluru—the city is a quizzer’s paradise. Participants in teams of two joined for a quiz that attempted to ‘spill the beans’ on a city that is in many ways a mix of surprise, contradictions and unpredictability.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Shelwyn James holds a master’s degree in Development from Azim Premji University, Bangalore. As a Teach For India fellow for four years, he worked as a Mathematics and Science teacher at Government High School, Byatarayanapura, Bangalore. At Science Gallery Bengaluru he runs the mentorship initiatives for young adults and supports the design of learning experiences.

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CAUVERY: RIVER OF LIFE This is the story of the mighty Cauvery River, a lifeline shaping extraordinary ecosystems and nurturing an astonishing diversity of wildlife. Set amidst the captivating and lesser-known habitats of MM Hills and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuaries, the documentary takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey across all seasons, revealing how creatures great and small engage in a dramatic dance for survival. Through stunning visuals and unexpected encounters, the documentary reveals marvelous adaptations and uncovers nature’s hidden wonders—some bizarre, others deeply mysterious—all intricately woven into a vibrant tapestry of life. Against the backdrop of this harsh landscape, Cauvery: River of Life portrays the fragile balance of existence, where survival hinges on this crystal thread that sustains countless lives.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Sara is an award-winning wildlife filmmaker who has worked on numerous projects with international broadcasters including Netflix, National Geographic and the BBC. He has also produced and directed numerous conservation films that have helped raise awareness about some critical issues in the country. Sanjay Gubbi is one of India’s premiere wildlife biologists and conservationists. He has won worldwide acclaim for his conservation work and also for his work with the communities and towards mitigating human-wildlife conflict. He is the founder of Holématthi Nature Foundation which focuses on conserving the Cauvery landscape.

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Visitors at the Sci560 Film Festival, hosted at Bangalore International Centre, 2025.

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OPEN MIC AT NAMMA OOTA Food is more than just sustenance; it symbolises unity, culture, and nostalgia. Just like food, music has the power to bring people together. Participants came together for an open mic session, sharing treasured family recipes, a comical culinary mishap, or a story about trying new flavours. Food lovers, musicians, storytellers, and poets came together to take the stage, and celebrate the magic of flavours and melodies.

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UPCYCLING FLAVOUR: TRANSFORMING SPENT GRAIN INTO DELICIOUS POSSIBILITIES In this hands-on, tasting-driven workshop, participants took a grain-to-plate journey. They were allowed to feel, taste, and experiment with spent grain in its different forms—sampling upcycled treats like cookies, granola, and even cheese ages with spent grain. Putting their creativity to the test, the session allowed an interactive ideation challenge, where participants could dream up new ways to upcycle an overlooked ingredient.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Elizabeth Yorke is a chef turned food researcher, writer and an advocate for sustainable food systems. She is the co-founder of Edible Issues, a collective that is fostering thought and conversation on the Indian Food System, and the founder of Saving Grains, an upcycling food initiative inspired by the historically circular relationship between brewers and bakers.

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FERMENTATION 101: MICROBES IN SCIENCE AND CULTURE What role has fermentation played in food preservation? How to get started on making your own ferments? Payal Shah, founder of Kobo fermentary conducted an exciting introduction to the world of fermentation. In this hands-on-event, participants could learn the basics of lacto-fermentation—a natural and timehonoured way to preserve food while enhancing its flavour and nutritional benefits. They also explored key ingredients and tools in fermentation, engaging in a live demonstration of delicious ferments.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Payal Shah is a fermentation futurist, flavour strategist, and microbial evangelist, with a deep passion for exploration—of ideas, ingredients, and cultures. As the founder of Kōbo Fermentary, she works at the intersection of science, craft, and experience design, helping chefs, brands, and curious minds unlock the transformative power of fermentation.

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XENKAT LIVE AT NAMMA OOTA The headliner for the Open Mic at Namma Oota 2025 was Xenkat. A musician with a deep fascination for the role of bacteria and fungi in our lives, Xenkat performed a series of short numbers spread over an hour. The performance was marked by the use of various ancient tribal instruments like the Didgeridoo, and mouth harps, creating an atmosphere of exploration through music.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Siddharth Venkat (Sidd) is a musician working with reviving ancient, indigenous instruments. Under his live moniker, Xenkat, he plays Carnatic-style guitars, along with electronic music and live looping of these same ancient instruments. Sidd’s music is a reflection of a holistic, open-ended approach coming from his work with education, sustainability and communities.

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Xenkat Live at Namma Oota at Sci560, 2024. Sci560 / 251

EARTH HOUR: READING AND ZINE MAKING Earth Hour, started by WWF in 2007, is a global movement where people switch off non-essential lights for an hour to raise awareness about climate change. In this session, the Sci560 Mediators invited participants to slow down, reflect, and engage with themes of nature and sustainability through a reading circle and zine-making session. They began by exploring an excerpt on the presence of nature in one of the world’s busiest urban spaces. The zines produced in this session were showcased in the Reading Area for public viewing.

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GREY MATTERS: A PEEK INTO AGING BRAIN RESEARCH Participants undertook a unique lab tour at the Centre for Brain Research to sneak a glimpse into the fascinating world of research into the aging brain. This lab tour offered a close look at the state-of-the-art infrastructure and some insights into the important work being done to understand healthy and pathological brain aging. Participants also had the chance to interact with researchers and learn about the ongoing studies that aim to understand protective and risk factors for cognitive impairment. This lab tour provided an exploration of strategies for prevention, early detection, and better management of age-related neurological conditions.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Centre for Brain Research (CBR) was established in 2014 through a philanthropic endowment from the Pratiksha Trust founded by Mr Kris Gopalakrishnan and Mrs Sudha Gopalakrishnan. Hosted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the goal of CBR is to preserve cognitive functions during aging and to minimise the burden of neurodegenerative diseases through early diagnosis, prevention, and innovative, scientifically proven interventions.

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VISIT TO THE ARTIST’S HOME STUDIO In this event, participants had the opportunity to visit artist Balan Nambiar’s oneof-a-kind studio, where vibrant enamel jewellery and paintings on copper and silver come to life. Shaped by decades of material exploration, documentation, and cultural inquiry, the studio is a rare site of artistic innovation. Balan’s multidisciplinary practice spans jewellery enamel, sculpture, photography, and ethnographic research. Through this visit, participants encountered a living archive—where artistic practice becomes a site of cultural memory, experimentation, and hybrid knowledge systems.

ABOUT THE ARTIST Balan Nambiar is one of India’s leading contemporary artists and also a research scholar on ritual art forms of the west coast of South India. His sculptures are in mild steel, concrete, stone and stainless steel—monumental sculptures are his hallmark. His enamel paintings are done with jewellery enamel colours, silver and gold on copper base. He has received awards both for creative works and academic research.

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RIPE FOR CHANGE: A SENSORIAL TASTING OF MANGOES, MEMORIES AND THE SHIFTING LANDSCAPES OF FOOD What does a mango mean to you? Is it the smell of a summer afternoon, the feel of sticky fingers, or the story of a seed carried across generations? Ripe for Change was a tasting experience that explored mangoes through senses and stories. Guided by Sopan Joshi in conversation with Tanveer Hussain and Syed Ghani Khan, and hosted in collaboration with the food and climate collective Edible Issues, the programme was a tasting experience and conversation around mangoes.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS Edible Issues is a food systems collective fostering thought and conversation on the Indian food system through public participatory events, research projects, meetups, and more. Sopan Joshi is an independent journalist and author in Delhi. He entered journalism in 1996 after an M.A. in English literature. He has written and edited for a variety of publications. Joshi has reported on land and agriculture, water and forestry, public health and science, indigenous peoples and the environment. Tanveer Hussain is the visionary Managing Director of TASA Foods Pvt Ltd, a leading Manufacturer and Exporter of Mango Pulps, Purees and Concentrates. With over 30 years of experience in the field of mango trading and processing. He has been instrumental in driving TASA’s growth and success. Syed Ghani Khan is a renowned organic farmer and seed conservator from Karnataka, celebrated for his pioneering work in preserving traditional paddy varieties. He has safeguarded over 900 indigenous rice strains and more than 1,200 rice varieties, along with 116 mango types at his ancestral farm, now fully organic. He has also curated a living rice museum and a seed bank, supplying free seeds to over 7,000 farmers.

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Participants at the event Ripe for Change: A Sensorial Tasting of Mangoes, Memories and the Shifting Landscapes of Food at Sci560, 2025.

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K100 CITIZENS WATERWAY | A 2023 DOCUMENTARY Join us for the screening of K100 Citizens’ Waterway, a 2023 documentary that chronicles the transformation of a neglected stormwater drain in Bengaluru into a functional, flood-resilient public space. The film captures the people, processes, and challenges behind this pioneering urban infrastructure project. Conceived and steered by mod Foundation, the K100 project is an example of how data, design, and inter-agency collaboration can redefine public infrastructure and urban life.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Naresh V Narasimhan is an architect, urbanist, and creative entrepreneur with over 38 years of experience. As the managing partner of Venkataramanan Associates, he has led award-winning projects and strategic urban interventions. He co-founded the Bangalore Agenda Task Force and Mod Foundation, which recently launched the BLR Design Centre to foster design-driven dialogue.

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SPECIMENS AND STORIES: A VISIT TO NATURAL HISTORY COLLECTIONS Participants visited the Natural History Collections at National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) to discover the fascinating world of specimens, how they are collected, preserved, and studied. This visit was an opportunity to see how the scientific processes work, and to understand the story of our planet’s biodiversity. From pressed plants and drawers full of insects to preserved bird specimens, every item offers clues about biodiversity, evolution, and environmental change. Participants also learnt how these collections support research, education, and conservation, and hear the stories behind them.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Pritha Dey is Head of Research Collections at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS). Trained as an ecologist, she completed her Ph.D. at the Wildlife Institute of India and Zoologische Staatssammlung Munich, followed by postdoctoral research at the Indian Institute of Science and the Finnish Museum of Natural History. Her research focuses on the evolutionary ecology of moths.

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BIRD WALK AT HAROHALLI KERE Participants undertook a birdwalk around Harohalli Kere, spending the morning spotting and learning about the many birds that call our city and its lakes home, learning to identify these birds by sight and sound.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR Ashwin Viswanathan is a mechanical engineer turned ecologist, and a longtime birdwatcher. In his early research, he studied plant biology. He later became increasingly fascinated by the power of public participation in science. His research now focuses on monitoring bird populations in India, primarily via nationwide birdwatcher groups and citizen science.

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SO MUCH TO SAY: MEDIATOR SHOWCASE Over 12 months of the Sci560 Exhibition season, Science Gallery Bengaluru’s mediators engaged with the exhibition in a way no one else had the opportunity, donning many hats in the gallery. Out of this close relationship, comes a rich experience that touches every nook and cranny of life. This mediator showcase was a collection of curated segments, talks, performances, and activities showing their journey through the year.

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06 PARTICIPATORY PROGRAMMES

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IN YOUR WORDS As part of Sci560, we invited aspiring writers aged 18 to 30, based in Bengaluru, to respond to a series of writing prompts drawn from contemporary literature exploring textures of urban life—real or imagined, remembered or reimagined. Participants were encouraged to submit short pieces, essays or poetry, that engage with their own experiences of a city. Shortlisted writers were mentored by Jayapriya Vasudevan, literary agent and founder of Jacaranda Literary Agency, in a series of workshops. As an outcome of the programme, a public reading was hosted on 19 July 2025 and the pieces were also published in the Sci560 Reader.

THROUGH YOUR EYES Sci560 Through Your Eyes was a photography mentorship programme for young and aspiring photographers aged 18 to 30. It invited participants to look closely at Bengaluru—not through its skyline or headlines, but through its details and daily choreography. Through an Open Call, participants were invited to respond, explore and imagine the city through six prompts: Adjust, Forth, Dust, Raste, Mane, Put Scene. Selected participants were mentored by documentary photographer Sameer Raichur, in further refining the submissions. They got the chance to exhibit their work at a public showcase in Science Gallery Bengaluru, and were published in the Sci560 Reader.

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FILM COMMISSION Science Gallery Bengaluru invited proposals for the Sci560 Film Commission, looking for multilingual films which tell the story of the intricate role played by science and engineering in making Bengaluru the city we know today. Filmmakers were encouraged to pitch ideas that involve a layered and multidisciplinary interpretive approach. We were looking for stories that were deeply rooted in the city, evoking its sense of place through well-defined visual language. After several rounds of evaluation, filmmaker Nitya Misra was selected for the strength of her proposal and her filmmaking experience. Over the next six months, she developed the short film with mentorship from our team on both technical and conceptual aspects. The resulting film, ‘Down the Drain’, is a documentary fiction that explores the story of Bengaluru’s sewage through the perspective of a woman who accidentally flushes her watch down the toilet. The film premiered at the opening of the Sci560 Film Festival. Based on the success of this format, the film commission and mentorship will be a recurring participatory programme for all our exhibitions moving forward.

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07 FESTIVALS

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Sci560 FILM FESTIVAL On 1 and 2 February 2025, we hosted the Sci560 Film Festival, inviting audiences to journey through this rich history, exploring not only Bengaluru’s scientific legacy but also the diverse urban narratives that have shaped its unique identity. This event was hosted in collaboration with the Bangalore International Centre. With 20 films in four languages, spanning a variety of genres—from documentaries and narrative features to experimental and animated shorts— there was something for everyone. The festival also featured a range of engaging programmes, from interactive quizzes to insightful panel discussions, further enriching the experience. In the end, the film festival was a celebration of the many stories that make Bengaluru the city it is today. Day 1 began with the screening of ‘Down the Drain’, a film commissioned by Science Gallery Bengaluru. It was followed by a panel discussion with the filmmaker Nitya Misra and socio-hydrologist Veena Srinivasan. Day 2 featured documentaries, panel discussions, a quiz, and a scavenger hunt to wrap up the festival.

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Scenes from the Sci560 Film Festival at Sci560, 2025. Sci560 / 273

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FOOD FESTIVAL - Namma Oota On 1 and 2 March 2025, Science Gallery Bengaluru hosted Namma Oota, a unique festival that delved into the science and stories behind the food we eat. Designed to complement Science Gallery Bengaluru’s ongoing exhibitionseason Sci560, the festival celebrated Bengaluru’s rich scientific history while exploring the intricate relationship between food, science, and sustainability. The festival took a closer look at how science and innovation shape our food systems, uncovering the connections between farming practices, cooking methods, and lifestyle choices. A key focus was on fermentation—an ageold culinary technique that blends tradition with science, offering insights into microbial activity and its transformative role in food. Namma Oota invited audiences to rethink the future of food systems.

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Scenes from Namma Oota at Sci560, 2025.

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08 TRAVELLING EXHIBITIONS

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WALK THROUGH A SONGLINE 18.07.2024–18.08.2024 Partners: Australian High Commission, National Museum of Australia

The Australian High Commission in India, presented the immersive multimedia installation Walking Through a Songline (WTAS) in Bengaluru. Based on the National Museum of Australia’s acclaimed exhibition Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters, this digital experience highlighted ancient Australian First Nations knowledge through innovative multimedia and immersive displays. We hosted two screenings of Songlines on Screen, a series of six short films celebrating the historic and cultural knowledge of Indigenous communities from remote western, northern, and central Australia.

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FROM THE MOON TO MARS 14.11.2024–25.01.2025 Partner: Consulate General of Italy in Bengaluru

From the Moon to Mars, celebrated the growing collaboration between Italy and India in space exploration, which began with a 2005 Framework Agreement and recently gained momentum. Highlights included ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 Lunar module, models of LVM3 and PSLV launchers, a Habitat Pod by Aakaa Space simulating extra-terrestrial living, and a Prada-designed spacesuit in partnership with Axiom Space.

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SOUTH ASIA AND THE INSTITUTE 26.01.2025–31.07.2025 Partner: MIT South Asian Alumni Association

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South Asia and the Institute: Transformative Connections explores MIT’s 140-year relationship with South Asia. From the first Indian student in 1880 to post-independence collaborations and a growing South Asian diaspora, the exhibition highlights how MIT has shaped and been shaped by South Asian scholars, engineers, and nation-builders.

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09 LEARNING PROGRAMMES

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MEDIATOR PROGRAMME 03.07.2024–31.07.2025

During Sci560, the Mediator Programme was divided into full-time and part-time versions. Full-time mediators worked daily throughout the exhibition-season, while part-time mediators came in during the weekends. Science Gallery Bengaluru Mediators are the public face of the gallery. Primarily, a mediator’s role is to converse with visitors about the exhibition and the topics explored in our themed seasons. Mediators are selected through an application process from our target age group of 18 to 28 years. Since they are often the first and only point of contact for visitors to the Gallery, mediators must be able to listen, provoke questions, tell stories, and drive visitor experiences throughout the exhibition season. Speaking to a mediator also provides the opportunity for each visitor to bring their personal insight and experiences into a conversation sparked by the exhibits, events, and programmes. Both versions of the programme started with a training series with scholars, researchers and artists, which introduced them to the various aspects of Science in the city.

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10 CONTRIBUTORS

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ACADEMIC ADVISORS Naresh Narasimhan Roland Wittje

FUNDING PARTNER Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS Azim Premji University Indian Institute of Astrophysics Indian Institute of Science International Centre for Theoretical Sciences Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium National Centre for Biological Sciences National Institute of Design National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences Raman Research Institute CONTENT PARTNERS Bharat Electronics Limited California Institute of Technology Archives India Post Indian Music Experience Museum Madras Engineer Group Mod Foundation Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) Nature Conservation Foundation Scoby Labs Short Wave Radio Museum & Knowledge Centre Unmuseum Zeiss Archives

PROGRAMME PARTNER Infosys Science Foundation

ARTISTS, CONTRIBUTORS, AND CONTRIBUTING INSTITUTIONS Azim Premji University Basav Biradar Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Archives

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Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) Dipti Desai Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) India Post Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) Indian Institute of Science Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB) International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCSAR) Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium Jenifer Wightman John Sankaramangalam Madras Engineer Group (MEG) Mahesh Bhat Mitter Bedi Mod Foundation Museum of Art & Photography National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) National Institute of Design (NID) National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) Nature Conservation Foundation Paul Zils R. L. Narasimha Raghavendra M Raman Research Institute Sankalp Singh Surekha The Short Wave Museum & Technology Centre Unmuseum

SPEAKERS AND FACILITATORS Abdul Rawoof Pinjari Aditi Dey Ambarish Ghosh Anindya “Rana” Sinha Anushka Banerjee Bivas Saha Carol Upadhya Chethan B Jahnavi Phalkey Jayant Haritsa Kadambari Patil

Kaustubh Rau Kaveri Sinjhi Kshitish K Acharya Laxman Gouda Mahesh Bhat Marcus du Sautoy Meera Iyer Mohan S Rao Nirmal Gowda Nirmal Raj Parameswaran Ajith Prajval Shastri Rakshathi Basavaraju Ravi Muddashetty Roland Wittje Rosa Abraham Samriddhi Sankar Ray Sanjay P Sane Shruthi Rao Singanapalli Balaram Suhas Ganesh Thomas Gregor Issac Venkataraman Lakshmi

WORKSHOP FACILITATORS Amamda Thounaojam Amey Redkar Amit Kurien Amruth Kira Anuhya Mahesh Arijita Gupta Arul Mani Arun Pai Arundhati Rajan Ashwin Viswanathan Balan Nambiar Basav Biradar Biman Nath BS Shyalaja Centre for Brain Research (CBR) Champaka Rajagopal CSTEP Dayita Nereyeth Dhananjayan M Digital Game Design Department, NID Disha Kuzhively Edible Issues Elizabeth Yorke

Farah Ahmad Geetha Bhat Gokul Prabhu Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) Information Design Department, NID Janaki Nair K Subramaniam Karthikeyan S Krishna Thyagarajan Manasdeepika Mayuri Rao Mohit Mahato Namrata Cavale Naresh Narasimhan Native and Natural Coffee Plantation Nayan Chakraborty Nicole Elsa Daniel Nithya Goeda Pavitra Mohan Payal Shah PG Diwakar Pradeep M S Prasad Sandbhor Pritha Dey Priti Bangal Priyanka Jamwal Rahul Paul Rajarshi Das Bhowmik Ravi Jambhekar RC Kapoor Renjin Cherian Robert B. Lisek Rupsy Khurana Sahil Matthew Sanjay Gubbi Sanjay P Sane Sara Shashank Palur Shashi Thutupalli Shayan Garani Shelwyn James Siddharth Venkat Sopan Joshi Srikumar Menon Sudhanshu Barway Surekha Syed Ghani Khan T V Ramachandra

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Tanveer Hussain Tarun Rambha the echo network Thejaswi Udupa Urmila Lakshmanan V. Girish Vidya S Vignesh K Vinayak Pattar Vishwanath Srikantaiah

FILMMAKERS AND SCHOLARS Basav Biradar Carol Upadhya Devadri Bhattacharya Ekta Mittal Gautam Sonti Group4 Jayavartheni Krishnakumar Manishaa Meera K Namrata Narendra Nirmal Raj Nitya Mishra Nitya Misra Palahalli Vishwanath Pankaj Bhutalia Paul Zils Pooja Saxena Rehan Diaz Sharan G C Shrivathsa Srikanth Singeetam Srinivasa Rao Surabhi Sharma Suraj Devaraj Usha Rao Veena Srinivasan Vishnu Tenk Yashaswini Raghunandan

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11 TEAM

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CURATORIAL TEAM Ashank Chandapillai David Verghese Gayatri Manu Jahnavi Phalkey Siddharth Ganesh Vasudha Malani COMMUNICATION AND DOCUMENTATION Anupama K T Arjun S Krittika Bhuiya Sandhya Ramesh Vikas Gotla EXHIBITION DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Aaiushi Beniwal Anjal B Milena Stuck Pooja Das Choudhary R Ashwini Kumar Iyer Shaunaq Madan Shubhani S Shubhika Malara Shweta Jangir MEDIATOR PROGRAMME Harsha Jagadeesh Shelwyn James S

MEDIATORS (Part-time) Abhijeet Singh Akshatha Chandrashekhar Anusha C Bhairaddy Anushka Tiwari Athul Jayan Devika B M Diya Mathur Hariharan BK Hitha Muthirakkal L Aishwarya Lasya Digvijay Lavika C Patil Likhith Chandragiri Maansi Sharan Manjuvarshini R Megha V Mytripriya Muralidhar Nagakishan V J Nikhitha N Nirmala Devi R C Ria Gurung Sangeetha V Sanjana BL Sheryl Varghese Swaradaa Raghuram Upasana Patgiri Vaishnavi Subramanya Vanessa Sarah Sunil

PUBLIC PROGRAMMES Bindu B S Devika P Jagath V MEDIATORS (Full-time) Aarushi Susheel Aditi Rajesh Narayanan Akshad Somnathe Akshad Somnathe Fathima Aslaha T R Gaayatri Chandrasekharan Gokul Prabhu C Kavana Kiran Pravallika Krishna Patnam Sandhra Sajeevan Vignesh K Vishwas Solagi

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12 PAST EXHIBTIONS OVERVIEW

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Exhibition

Duration

Exhibition Visitors

Sci560

24.08.2024–27.07.2025

3,25,600+

CARBON

09.08.2023–15.07.2024

2,66,000+*

PSYCHE

01.04.2022–15.05.2022

1,71,300+

CONTAGION

30.04.2021–31.12.2021

3,67,000+

PHYTOPIA

21.08.2020–30.08.2020

10,400+

SUBMERGE

15.12.2019–30.01.2020

5,700+

ELEMENTS

05.10.2019–11.10.2019

2,200+

*The numbers here include visitors to our touring PSYCHE exhibition at The Wellbeing Summit, Bilbao, Spain and Nlighten, Kochi, India.

298 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

Programme Viewers and Participants

Participating Artists and Scholars

Social Media Impressions

Social Media Engagements

27,000+

182

58,80,000+

2,80,000+

9,700+

167

25,00,000+

65,000+

6,500+

116

7,60,800+

43,000+

8,100+

107

26,05,000+

40,844

3,600+

5,66,737

24,401

1,400+

2,37,000

34,000

500+

1,32,996

5,838

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CARBON 01.08.2023 – 14.07.2024

A mediator shows a visitor Andrea Rassell and Jacob Martin's Carbon Nanoverse at CARBON, 2023.

“ “

Having an exhibition on carbon is extremely timely, it's relevant, it relates to pressing challenges that we face as humanity." - Jonas Brunschwig, Consul General, Swissnex in India

Exceptional, experiential and refreshing to the mind and body - the way that it's set up and and built is astonishing to see in this tech city." - Kit Srinivasan, Senior Manager, Global Engagement at Aalto University

SCIENCE GALLERY BENGALURU

300 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

OUR IMPACT

EXHIBITS

PROGRAMMES

335 DAYS

2,66,000+ VISITORS

9,700+

PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS

PRESENCE IN MEDIA

25,00,000+ IMPRESSIONS

65,000+

ENGAGEMENTS

MEDIA MENTIONS

EXHIBITION EXPERIENCE

91%

86%

94%

Visitors rated the experience 4 and above out of 5

Visitors were exposed to a new way of thinking

Visitors said they would like to visit again

CALORIE | EXHIBITION NOTE

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PSYCHE 01.04.2022 – 15.05.2022

May Abdalla's Playing with Reality exhibited at PSYCHE, 2022.

“

The mind is surely the most complex aspect of our lived experience but also the least understood and, often, misunderstood. The PSYCHE exhibition offers a unique opportunity to generate awareness and conversations which can help us bridge the chasm between science and society on this fascinating subject.” - Vikram Patel, The Pershing Square Professor of Global Health, Harvard Medical School

“

I had not really thought about how interesting the brain is and I think the exhibition opened so many little doors to explore the brain and how it works.” - Manasa Ramesh, visitor on PSYCHE

100

SCIENCE GALLERY BENGALURU

302 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

OUR IMPACT

EXHIBITS

PROGRAMMES

DAYS

1,76,000+

EXHIBITION VIEWS

2,300+

LIVE PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS

PRESENCE IN MEDIA

7,60,800

43,000+

33,09,00,000+

IMPRESSIONS

MEDIA MENTIONS

ENGAGEMENTS

MEDIA REACH

EXHIBITION EXPERIENCE

92%

91%

67%

Visitors rated the experience 4 and above out of 5

Visitors were exposed to a new way of thinking

Visitors said they would like to visit again

CALORIE | EXHIBITION NOTE

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CONTAGION 30.04.2021 – 31.12.2021

Sarah Craske's THERIAK | The Disease Map exhibited at CONTAGION, 2021.

“ “

When it took shape, it became an expansive examination of the spread not only of diseases, but also of the transmission of behaviours, ideas, and emotions in culture and society.” - The Lancet on CONTAGION

Whether online or not, I think the quality, the scale, the depth, comprehensiveness, timeliness of this programme, I find it hard to choose another one at any museum or equivalent institution anywhere in the world.” - Mukund Thattai, Biologist

102

SCIENCE GALLERY BENGALURU

304 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

OUR IMPACT

EXHIBITS

PROGRAMMES

MONTHS

3,67,000+

EXHIBITION VIEWS

8,100+

LIVE PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS

PRESENCE IN MEDIA

26,05,000+

40,844

92,70,00,000+

IMPRESSIONS

MEDIA MENTIONS

ENGAGEMENTS

MEDIA REACH

EXHIBITION EXPERIENCE

92%

93%

96%

Visitors rated the experience 4 and above out of 5

Visitors said they were exposed to a new way of thinking

Visitors said they would like to visit again

CALORIE | EXHIBITION NOTE

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PHYTOPIA 21.08.2020 – 30.08.2020

Lim Kok Yoong and Roopesh Sitharan's Operasi Cassava exhibited at PHYTOPIA, 2020.

“ “

I am so impressed with the programme. It is so rich and diverse and I loved that the organisers wove together a beautifully complicated understanding for viewers to understand the role that plants play in the society.” - Gabriela Soto Laveaga, Historian of Science

The vast diversity in the type of exhibits reflected the diversity in nature and the plant world itself. As an ecologist and an artist, it was an extremely engaging exhibition.” - Sambita Modak, Visitor on PHYTOPIA

104

SCIENCE GALLERY BENGALURU

306 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

OUR IMPACT

EXHIBITS

PROGRAMMES

DAYS

10,400+

EXHIBITION VIEWS

3600+

PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS

PRESENCE IN MEDIA

5,66,737

24,401

80,00,000

IMPRESSIONS

MEDIA MENTIONS

ENGAGEMENTS

MEDIA REACH

EXHIBITION EXPERIENCE

95%

93%

81%

Visitors rated the experience 4 and above out of 5

Visitors said they were exposed to a new way of thinking

Visitors said they would like to visit again

CALORIE | EXHIBITION NOTE

105

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SUBMERGE 15.12.2019 – 30.01.2020

Dorota Borowa conducts her workshop “Ice Painting” at SUBMERGE, 2019.

“

SUBMERGE explores water and all things water, from glaciers to water currents, or eddies which are depicted on a larger-than-life canvas….one might be forgiven for imagining that this was but a reimagining of Vincent Van Gogh’s The Starry Night”

“

- Business Standard on SUBMERGE

Science does not have to be something that you can’t understand and can’t interpret. When you see it as a part of an installation, it’s more interesting, it’s more interactive.” - Poonam V, visitor on SUBMERGE

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SCIENCE GALLERY BENGALURU

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OUR IMPACT

EXHIBITS

PROGRAMMES

DAYS

5700+

VISITORS

1400

PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS

PRESENCE IN MEDIA

2,37,000

34,000

10,75,20,000+

IMPRESSIONS

MEDIA MENTIONS

ENGAGEMENTS

MEDIA REACH

EXHIBITION EXPERIENCE

90%

89%

76%

Visitors rated the experience 4 and above out of 5

Visitors felt they were exposed to a new way of thinking

Visitors said they would like to visit again

CALORIE | EXHIBITION NOTE

107

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ELEMENTS 05.10.2019 – 11.10.2019

Visitors interacting with NS Vidhaydhiraja and Divya Chalapathy's Through the Looking Glass exhibited at Rangoli Metro Art Centre, ELEMENTS, 2019.

“ “

There were so many new elements that I never knew existed. Now I am excited to explore the larger world of chemistry.” - Visitor on ELEMENTS

It was interesting to see how one can approach cooking through a scientific lens. To know how food items pair well with each other based on the elemental composition and its position in the periodic table. Overall it was a great experience and I’m looking forward to more such events.” - Participant at Edible Elements

108

SCIENCE GALLERY BENGALURU

310 / Science Gallery Bengaluru

OUR IMPACT

EXHIBITS

PROGRAMMES

DAYS

2200+

VISITORS

500

PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS

PRESENCE IN MEDIA

1,32,996

5,838

24,70,500+

IMPRESSIONS

MEDIA MENTIONS

ENGAGEMENTS

MEDIA REACH

EXHIBITION EXPERIENCE

90%

45%

Visitors rated the experience 4 and above out of 5

Visitors left the exhibition with a new question to think about

Minutes, the average time spent by visitors

CALORIE | EXHIBITION NOTE

109

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13 ABOUT SCIENCE GALLERY BENGALURU

312 312/ /Science ScienceGallery GalleryBengaluru Bengaluru

Science Gallery Bengaluru is a public institution for research-based engagement at the interface between the human, natural, and social sciences, and engineering, art, and design. We do so through exhibitions-led Public Engagement, a Mentorship Initiative, and a pioneering Public Lab Complex. Our founding partner is the Government of Karnataka. We draw on the intellectual capital of three of India’s leading research institutions: the Indian Institute of Science is our lead academic partner, and the National Centre for Biological Sciences, and International Centre for Theoretical Sciences are our collaborating academic partners. Science Gallery Bengaluru is Asia’s first, India’s only, and the world’s largest member of the Global Science Gallery Network with sister galleries in Melbourne, and Monterrey. We are the only free-standing gallery in the network located outside the walls of a university. WHAT WE DO SCIENCE Open Research at our Public Lab Complex that encourages open-ended experiments with young adults and experts, presenting a framework for intergenerational co-inquiry through interdisciplinary thinking and collaboration. CULTURE Shape Culture with our Public Engagement Programmes that contribute to building a society with a critical appreciation for the rigour of science, the ability to ask good questions, and participate in better-informed public discourse. EXPERIMENT Build Capacity through our Mentorship Initiative for young adults (15-30) that encourages non-evaluative, open-ended, and hands-on learning, nurturing a generation of future research pioneers and active citizens.

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