New Delhi, 11 November 2025 — In an inspiring evening that celebrated knowledge, curiosity, and the power of human thought, the book “From Myths to Science: The Evolving Story of the Universe” by Gauhar Raza was launched in the presence of Javed Akhtar and Purushottam Agrawal.
The event brought together three brilliant minds who spoke about how humanity’s journey — from interpreting the cosmos through myths to exploring it through science — reflects our constant urge to understand, adapt, and evolve.
Javed Akhtar shared how myths once helped early civilizations make sense of life’s mysteries, while science continues that same quest with logic and evidence. Purushottam Agrawal emphasized that questioning, reasoning, and dialogue have always been part of India’s cultural DNA. Gauhar Raza highlighted the importance of making science accessible and relatable, especially in an age when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
At the end, Javed Akhtar recited his powerful nazm “Waqt”, capturing the essence of time, transformation, and the endurance of human spirit. His words echoed the evening’s theme — that progress begins when we dare to question and continue to learn.
For Rise Foundation, this message resonates deeply. Our efforts in environmental sustainability, soil conservation, and afforestation are rooted in the same scientific temperament — to observe, understand, and act based on evidence and reason.
As we move from myths to science in our collective consciousness, we also move toward a more sustainable and resilient planet — one where knowledge becomes the seed for change. Below are the links for Poetry by Gauhar Raza- Hadon ke Bahar and Javed Akhtar – WAQT.
🌿 Key Reflection
“Science is not against wonder — it helps us understand the wonder more deeply. And in that understanding lies the path to sustainability.”
Rise Foundation (NGO) 