Science beyond Medical & Engineering

Man is condemned to be free. Condemned because he did not create himself, yet is nevertheless at liberty, and from the moment he is thrown into this world he is responsible for everything he does - Jean Paul Sartre

A 16-17 year old child declares he is interested in Science and wants to pursue the same. A million dollar question is hurled on him- "Medical or engineering?" An epoch-old tradition- he is even accustomed to it now. He knows he might even be forced to choose one of the two "only" options. Why? Why do most people think a term as broad as Science is confined only to medical and engineering? Why is the education system in India becoming more and more of a routine and a formality? A child is not even born and parents dream of making him or her an engineer or a doctor. Is our horizon that narrow? Or are we merely ignoring the plethora of opportunities that exist. 

There are irrefutable advantages in medical and engineering, no doubt, but if a student is not even interested in it, what's the point? Studying medical demands a lifelong devotion. Can we afford to sacrifice our young minds in doing something half-heartedly their whole lives? 75% of Indian engineers are not even pursuing engineering. Medical & Engineering are NOT the be-all end-all. Every hour, one student commits suicide in India. This distressing chapter starts right from the competitive exams. Even before. An ocean of students cram day in and day out for a drop of seats. They feel bogged down in no time, because of parents' expectations, because of fear, or because of their own expectations- a reputation which they think will fade away if they don't achieve something. This fall of grace is given more importance than the literal fall itself. 

Eventually when the brain is tired, the heart gives up too. The fight, the solitude frightens us- what we fail to understand is death is even more lonely.

You have to present yourself. You have to know how to talk about your vision, your focus, and what you believe in — Anna Wintour.

You will be responsible for what you are, what you become- make sure it was your choice. Know what you want, know what you want to become. The universe has got a lot of options for you. Science has got a lot of options for you. 

Here's a small insight-

Biomedical engineering: The world of medical science goes beyond the four walls of a hospital. You can combine medical and engineering and design an artificial limb. 

Aviation- the perfect mix of science, technology and travel.

Forensic science- Crime scene investigators- the term itself gives us the chills. This area goes beyond that and is more demanding now considering the fact that criminals are now smarter than our cops.

Astronomy- "For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream". You can be a part in discovering things that nobody have seen ever, you can be a part in building up a picture of the universe- now and what it was like billions of years ago- back to the Big Bang. Not to be partial or anything but I have spent few hours with a telescope and it still remains my most magical "few hours". It was in those moments when I truly found peace.

Biotechnology- It assimilates physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology. The diverse concepts developed are applied to biological matter. As stated in the Forbes, major inefficiencies in the biopharmaceutical industry are now being recognized due to the global failure in quickly recognizing the initial outbreak of COVID-19, producing a cure, creating a vaccine, or even repurposing an existing treatment. This area is now even more demanding than ever. 

Nautical Science- adventurous, exciting, financially rewarding and honourable.

Agronomy- A multi-disciplinary field that is focused on using plants for food, fuel, fibre, and land reclamation. Starts in the fields of plant genetics, plant physiology, meteorology. Extends to field or lab research, soil conservationist and beyond. 

This is a mere fraction. Times will change now with the New Education Policy where rigid demarcation of streams/subjects will be removed. There will be flexibility to choose one subject from suppose science and one from arts. But how long will it take for parents and students alike to embrace it- that remains a question. Nevertheless you have to know what your heart truly desires. Once you start, the opportunities never end. You just have to put your heart and brain in anything that you do. No career is big or small. It is you who define it. 

Your life is a story. You are the author. Make sure you write it on your own terms. Make sure you are pleased when you read it at the end. Moments before death, our whole life flashes before our eyes. Make sure it's worth watching it, again.

There is a universe lying right in front of you. Step back, close your eyes and ask yourself, "what do I want?" Then, as Paulo Coelho said, when you really want something, the whole universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. 

[Pictures taken from Pinterest]