The geologist and palaeobiologist talks about the importance of fossil preservation and the need to encourage young minds to explore this novel field.
As published in Nature inFocus on July 9, 2021.
In 1993, when Steven Spielberg gifted Jurassic Park to the world, he essentially changed the way we made movies. But beyond that, he changed our imagination forever. Suddenly it was possible for us to visualise the giant terrestrial vertebrates that dominated our planet in the Triassic and Jurassic period. The fascination grew to the extent that palaeontology became a sought after discipline of science, and funding grew for the same, leading to the term ”Jurassic Park Effect“.
While we all agree that palaeontology is one of the most exciting professions, how many of us can name an Indian palaeontologist? Think about it. In India, not only are there few takers for the subject, there are even fewer who continue to research in the field. As famous Indian palaeontologist, Dr Ashok Sahni stated, “There is plenty to be found if only there are people available to look. But they are not there.”
But it looks like one young palaeontologist is trying to change that narrative. Kolkata-based Sanjukta Chakravorti is showing the country and the world that there is a lot to explore when it comes to palaeontology in India. A geologist and palaeobiologist, Chakravorti is currently a researcher at the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata. She has contributed significantly to integrating mathematical and statistical concepts in palaeobiology, thereby recognising areas that are vital for fossil-related research. She has also worked on improving techniques for the study of fossils in India. She has represented India in various museums and institutes abroad like the University of Opole in Poland, the Teylers Museum in the Netherlands and the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle (MNHN) in Paris, among others. Today, she is an ardent voice for science education, encouraging children and adults to value fossils and partake in protecting them.
In this interview, Chakravorti talks about her unusual career choice and how she is working towards getting more and more people aboard the palaeontology bandwagon.
Read the complete sory here. — > Sanjukta Chakravorti: Placing India On The Global Palaeontology Map