100 Years of General Relativity

November 4, 1915 was one of the greatest days in the history of physics. It was the day when Albert Einstein submitted a paper which changed the way we understand the gravity to a whole new level. General Theory of Relativity is one of the most brilliant work of physics theories human mind has ever produced.

Bichah is celebrating 100th year of General Theory of Relativity, this November. We are organizing a talk session to commemorate its centenary year.

"100 Years of General Relativity" is 12th episode of Bichah's talk sessions. After the huge success of entrepreneur Sujeev Shakya's talk, we have invited three outstanding personnel for this talk. The talk will be devided into three corresponding sessions:

1. Mr. Tulsidas Maharjan (Science writer, Editor in emulyankan.com)

"Albert Einstein is undoutedly one of the most influential scientists of all time. Until his emergence as a scientist, how used to be his daily life? Until Einstein, physics was totally guided by Newton's theories of mechanics and gravitation. Philosophy and the way of thinking were all viewed through the window of Newton's theories. But after Einstein formulated the two theories of relativity, one of which is General Theory of Relativity, the situation changed. That was when Newton's era ended and Einstein's era began. How did it happen? Finally, how does a layman take Einstein as a great person with his relativism."

2. Prof. Dr. Uday Raj Khanal (Professor, Central Department of Physics, Tribhuwan University)

"In this talk, the basic underlying unity of Nature will be explored. The origin of the atomistic theory, culminating with the standard model of particle physics will be briefly reviewed. The relativistic unity of matter, energy and spacetime, has drastically changed our view of Nature. Similarly the quantum duality of Nature, vacuum energy, its fluctuation, and the origin of the Universe thereon, has even impacted the social and cultural aspects. These points will be highlighted, and the case for humanism as the only way forward will be emphasized."

3. Prof. Dr. Shree Krishna Shrestha (Professor, Central Department of Public Administration, Tribhuwan University)

Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity has multi-faced implications upon social sciences. His theories of relativity were used by philosophers, politicians, and activists to turn moral philosophy upside-down. Relativity fueled postmodernism and philosophical relativism. Prior to relativity, philosophers such as Aristotle, Kant, and Mill argued that there was an absolute truth and an absolute way of approaching various aspects of life. The theory of relativity provides a new of looking things such as facts are no longer absolute, but instead dependent upon own’s viewpoint or frame of reference. It is viewed that right and wrong vary from person to person, an idea which was so readily accepted because that now meant that each one of our viewpoints could be considered valid, as there was no absolute truth that to be had. 

Event

Venue : Kirtipur Hotel Hillside and Resort, Kirtipur

Date : 21 November, Saturday

Registration time : 3:30 pm (sharp)

Event time : 4:00 pm

Registration fee : Rs. 50 (for tea)