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The Science of Everything: In what ways has the world and the universe been shaped by women

Science and philosophy in the universe, as well as in our thought processes, coalesce into a single entity and as such, can be found at every single nook and corner of the universe. It is not an isolated discipline, but instead part of a grand puzzle that incorporates everything from the rhythm of music to the movement of galaxies and the healing practice of yoga. For centuries, these realms have been influenced by people who not only tried to make sense of the world, but were also trying to comprehend existence in its entirety. This includes women who have always worked in the background and achieved marvellous things, from integrating science and philosophy to uncovering the secrets of the universe.

Mathematics: The Skeleton of the Universe

The enigma surrounding polygons and calculations has always been mesmerizing, an intrigue that goes beyond what is captured within textbooks. It is a form of communication that encapsulates the single smallest atom as well as the gargantuan universe. In the past, Hypatia of Alexandria was one of the first to break the fences of mathematics by combining philosophy with geometry and astronomy. She paved the path to science and aided in the discovery of the universe, demonstrating the fact that numbers have patterns and the sole purpose of the universe is to reveal them. (Hypatia of Alexandria)

Now, let us talk about Shakuntala Devi, the “Human Computer” who could solve problems of the highest degree of mathematics in just a few seconds. She was never an ordinary person; her skills illustrated how mathematics is more than abstract numbers but a way of philosophically seeking patterns and order in nature. Katherine Johnson, the exceptional mathematician at NASA, was the one who calculated the paths of the flights that took humans to the moon, which proved that math is not only the backbone of the cosmos but our world as well.

Art and Music: The Science of Creativity

Art and music have traditionally been observed as expressions of creativity; domains where emotions and instinct reign. But the present age has its reasons for doubting such perceptions because the science of these art forms is crystal clear. There is a structure in the beautiful combination of notes, rhythms and colours, a structure that exists in the universe. The renowned M. S. Subbulakshmi, the legendary Carnatic singer did not just sing; she wielded the mathematics present in the ragas and understood how each note has frequency patterns that touch the soul.

A great example of using a modern approach to ancient Tibetan music is Nun Ani Choying Drolma, who’s not only a nun but also a musician. She and others like her treat this form of art as a form of science, blending ancient practices with the modern world, in such a way that it creates a healing bridge uniting the mind, body, and spirit. Choying’s music acts as a modern day science, spiritually setting the world in harmony. Sowing the seeds of a greater movement, Drolma and her peers exemplify the beauty that exists at the intersection of art and science

Yoga: From Rishis of the Past to Women Masters of Today

Rishis, also known as sages, utilized everything including Yoga to comprehend the essence of humanity. Yoga was once exclusive to Rishis as it was intended to be a sacred practice. This is now a tale of the past because over the years, much like everything else, it has evolved and been accepted as a global practice. The introduction of women into the field enables them to take on multiple roles as teachers, researchers, and primary healers. The first Western female disciple of Krishna Macharya, Indra Devi is credited with planting seeds for the modern day global trend of Yoga. Along with that, Geeta Iyengar utilized her philosophical viewpoint to portray yoga’s science behind healing, especially to women.

Women yoga practitioners like Dr. Hansaji Yogendra and Seane Corn are still working to demonstrate that yoga does have physical and mental healing properties using a blend of ancient philosophies and contemporary science. Yoga is as much about self-discovery as it is about physical exercise. It is this self-reflection that proves yoga is a mixture of philosophy and science; a tethering of the internal and external worlds.

Medicine and Science: Female Healers and Creators

Women have always been the healers who knew the miracle cures which nature has to offer. The advent of radioactivity by Marie Curie is one of the pivotal moments that defined the trajectory of science and medicine. The invention further made X-ray and cancer treatment a possibility. Curie’s work went beyond pure scientific basis and dived into the philosophy of healing which serves as a source of inspiration for all scientists.

Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, who served the WHO as a Chief Scientist and Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, founder of Biocon are great examples of current day wonders in the biotechnology domain seeking to cut down the cost of quality health care. Their work is a brilliant example of how philosophy and medicine go hand in hand with innovation serving the purpose of bettering humanity.

Women in Space and Technology: The Horizon Seekers

The intersections of space and technology have always been a man’s world. However, women have played an important role from the very beginning of space race to today’s age of Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology. Dr. Tessy Thomas, the first woman missile scientist from India, and Dr. Ritu Karidhal, the ‘Rocket Woman of India,’ have spearheaded the ambitious space missions of India which shows that one can be a philosopher and a scientist too.

In the same manner, Divya Gokulnath, the co-founder of BYJU’S has changed the face of education technology for the better, showcasing how her understanding of life transcends surface level data material. She proves that learning is both deeper and philosophical.

Women Leadership in Yoga Research and Education at Kaivalyadhama

Kaivalyadhama, a pioneer in blending yoga’s ancient wisdom with modern scientific rigor, stands as a testament to the transformative leadership of women in advancing holistic knowledge. Today, the institution is guided by visionary women leading its key divisions: the Scientific Research Department is headed by Dr. Praseeda Menon, Gordhandhas Seksaria College of Yoga is led by Dr Bandita Satapathy, and Mrs. Bharati Kawade is the principal of the school, Kaivalya Vidya Niketan. These leaders embody the institute’s mission to harmonize tradition and innovation, ensuring yoga’s therapeutic and philosophical depths are validated through cutting-edge research and accessible education 216.

The Unified Science of Everything

The women determine the development of science, philosophy, and art. They have not only added to our comprehension of the world, but have also illustrated to us the art and science of how everything works hand in hand. From the mathematics found in nature to the transformational power of yoga, the advancements in the fields of medicine and technology, science is indeed looking for the truth and philosophy brings life to science by seeking the origin thereof.

In their findings and imparting of knowledge, these women have inspired us not only to pursue it at a higher level but also demonstrated that knowledge is muddled and ranges from personal to discipline. The universe does not only surround us with a bunch of facts, but there lies immense beauty waiting to be explored for those who indeed want to understand it thoroughly. The women above and beneath all of us continue to seek the truth and show us the correct path towards achieving a more peaceful but deeper understanding of everything.

~ Written by Ms. Deepa Yadav
(An MA student at Gordhandhas Seksaria College of Yoga, Kaivalyadham)