Agni in the Rig Veda and entropy in thermodynamics are asking the same question about transformation. Dr. Mrittunjoy Guha Majumdar shows how.

In episode two of his physics-IKS series, the Cambridge-trained quantum physicist explores thermodynamics and statistical mechanics through the lens of Bharatiya Gyan Parampara. He maps entropy’s randomness to the concept of deva — the unpredictable divine will — and explains how modern physics treats heat purely statistically while Indic traditions treat agni ontologically: as the cosmic mediator that transforms material offerings into spiritual reality in yajna. Vaisheshika’s dravya-guna framework is compared with contemporary particle interaction models. The deeper argument: the laws of thermodynamics and the laws of Vedic cosmology aren’t analogies — they’re parallel investigative traditions that arrived at deeply related conclusions.

About The Speaker:
Dr Mrittunjoy Guha Majumdar is an Adjunct Professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, and an Assistant Professor at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Delhi NCR. He holds a PhD from the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge. He has conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard University, the Indian Institute of Science, and with Nobel Laureate Prof. Brian Josephson. His research spans quantum information, entanglement, and quantum machine learning. A recognized science communicator and policy advisor, he has worked with UNESCO, the G20, and the Government of India. He is the author of the bestselling book From Shiva to Schrödinger (Penguin) and National Convenor of Mandala, a platform integrating science and Indic knowledge systems.

Debasis Sarkar is an Anchor at The Sangam Talks and an independent researcher in Indology.