This 18-Year-Old Becomes The Youngest Member To Be Elected For UK’s Royal Astronomical Society

The Royal Astronomical Society of Britain has selected a class XII boy named Amal Pushp studying in Delhi Public School, Patna for his research on black holes as the youngest fellow of their society. This prestigious society based out of London promotes research and study in the field of astronomy, geophysics and closely allied subjects. Amal Pushp received the fellowship post being nominated by Lord Martin Rees, an Emeritus Professor at the University of Cambridge.

His research paper on Black Hole astrophysics has been applauded by other physicists and they have shown keen interest in publishing his research paper in the scientific journal. At the society, the royal fellowship has been mostly conferred to PhD-level professionals, post-graduates and retired scientists; Amal’s selection speaks of his talent and merit which he has displayed at quite a young age.

Background

Amal Pushp finds great interest in physics and cosmology and he has always wanted to learn more about this field. Hailing from the land of Aryabhatta, Patna, he has made everyone proud and many famous physicists have been amazed at this young talent. He had sent his paper to the eminent physicist Partha Ghose, who had endorsed his paper and later sent it for publication. Former professor at the SN Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Calcutta, Partha Ghose, applauded his work and shared that such young talent needs to be encouraged. He is thankful for Partha Ghose’s endorsement without which it would have been difficult to attain the fellowship.

Nominated by Lord Martin Rees, an emeritus professor at Cambridge, Amal is elated at this achievement. While speaking with The Logical Indian, he shares, “It really feels awesome to be the youngest fellow at this internationally acclaimed scientific society. The Royal Astronomical Society is the oldest Astronomical Society in the world. The fact that I was nominated by Lord Martin Rees gives me more happiness and I am really honoured by this recognition from a very learned and esteemed council. Sir Martin is the top Astrophysicist & Cosmologist, The Astronomer Royal of Britain.”

Amal‘s father Sanjay Kumar, who works in Central Board of Indirect Taxes and his mother Pushpa Kumari, a homemaker has been supportive of his interests and want him to pursue his research in the field. He has even credited his success to his physics teacher, Mr Devashish Bharat, who helped him in gaining a nuanced understanding of the subject. He plans to study physics for his undergraduate studies and he has been looking forward to get admission in colleges in India, as well as abroad. His school principal B Vinod also confirmed that he has been working hard for his board exams and his teachers encourage him to pay attention to each subject as he has to appear for his boards soon in March.

Sharing his research interests with The Logical Indian, he said, “I became interested in Black Hole Astrophysics when I came to know about Hawking Radiation. I was reading a book on it and developed ideas to do research immediately. At first, I was not convinced with this idea. But later as I read more such research articles, I decided to explore this field.” Fascinated with Astrophysics and Cosmology since Class 9, he is determined to go ahead with his research and study about it in his college.

His work has caught the attention of many prestigious Indian physicists and he wishes to continue working in the field of astrophysics in near future. He wants to utilize his membership to learn more about related fields. Talking about his fellowship with The Logical Indian, he shares, “There are many benefits of this Fellowship. In future, I could get research grants. I have got access to RAS’s library in London. Also, I would attend scientific meetings free of cost access journals of this society. Workspace would also be provided for research in central London. This fellowship will provide me with newer opportunities to learn about cosmology and astrophysics”.

Young Science prodigies like Amal Pushp makes us question the Indian education system where the entire focus is on rote learning and getting highest marks in an examination is the only parameter of success. Such young minds need motivation from parents as well as their schools to go beyond the classroom texts and pursue their passion. “Don’t judge yourself or others on the basis of marks. Be unique and if needed, standalone to stand apart,” said Amal Pushp when asked about his success-mantra.

The Logical Indian salutes the young talent for his efforts and wishes him luck to attain greater heights in his upcoming academic career.

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