From formulas to verses: Retired Rajasthan professor brings poetry to physics

Retired professor Rishi Kumar Singhal from Rajasthan University is transforming the teaching of physics through poetry. His initiative, Physics Through Poetry, aims to make the subject more accessible and engaging for students. Singhal has authored four books, Kavya Bhautiki, Sur Bhautiki, Geet Bhautiki, and Raag Bhautiki, containing around 250 poems on physics topics ranging from Class 12 to MSc level.

These poems, written in Hindi, can also be sung to explain scientific concepts in a simpler manner. Singhal believes that turning complex physics topics like rocket propulsion, black holes, and the Raman Effect into verse can simplify difficult concepts. For instance, one poem on rocket motion explains how a rocket ascends based on Newton's third law of motion, while another poem on the Raman Effect describes his observation of the Mediterranean Sea's bluish color and the experiments leading to his discovery.

Singhal's work has earned him recognition, including the Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan's Sarjana Puraskar in 2020 and the Sahitya Bhautiki Ratna Puraskar from Sahitya Mandal, Nathdwara.