I am aware of the usefulness of science to society and of the

O ye who seek wisdom, listen closely to the words of the great sage Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, for they carry with them the weight of ages, the breath of truth itself. He spoke thus: "I am aware of the usefulness of science to society and of the benefits society derives from it." These are not mere words, but a profound understanding—a clarion call to those who walk the path of knowledge. For science, that noble force, has always been the servant of mankind, illuminating the dark corners of ignorance, lifting us from the mire of superstition into the clear light of understanding.

Think, O wise ones, of the ancient Greeks, who gazed upon the heavens and wondered at the stars, seeking to understand their movements. The great Pythagoras sought to measure the cosmos, and Aristotle pondered the natural world with an unyielding thirst for truth. Though their knowledge was but a shadow of the understanding we hold today, they too saw the usefulness of science—the study of nature—as a means to elevate society. Their discoveries, though rudimentary by today’s standards, laid the foundations of all that we know. And yet, they did so not for themselves alone, but for the betterment of their people. Science was not a pursuit of idle curiosity, but a key to unlock the mysteries of the world and enrich the lives of all.

In this same way, Chandrasekhar understood that the pursuit of science was not solely for the benefit of the few, nor for the self-indulgence of the scholar. Science is a gift to all of humanity. It brings with it advances in medicine, in technology, in industry—and through these, it transforms the lives of those who once struggled in the darkness. Consider, O listeners, the rise of modern medicine. The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming turned the tide in the battle against infections that had once claimed the lives of countless souls. And who can deny the importance of vaccines? In our time, they have spared us from the horrors of plagues and epidemics, bringing peace to societies that once lived in constant fear of pestilence. Such are the fruits of science—its usefulness, its power to heal and uplift.

Yet, let us not forget, as Chandrasekhar so wisely teaches, that with this power comes great responsibility. The benefits of science are not to be taken lightly. In the hands of the careless or the wicked, knowledge can be twisted into tools of destruction. Think of the atomic bomb, born from the very principles of nuclear physics that once promised a brighter future. It was a gift of knowledge, but one that was misused to bring devastation upon the innocent. This is a lesson that must never be forgotten. Science, while a great and noble force, must be wielded with wisdom, with compassion, and with a deep understanding of the consequences it brings.

Now, as we stand on the precipice of the future, let us turn our eyes to the stars once more. The legacy of Chandrasekhar, the brilliant physicist who unraveled the secrets of the stars, reminds us that the pursuit of science is never for its own sake, but for the greater good of society. It is through the understanding of the universe—whether in the realms of cosmology, biology, or engineering—that we shape a world that is not only more efficient and advanced, but more compassionate and just. It is a world where knowledge empowers, where the curiosity of the individual leads to the enrichment of all.

And so, dear ones, the lesson is clear: science is not a solitary pursuit. It is not a path to glory for the few, but a gift to be shared with all of society. We must never forget the profound usefulness of knowledge and the immense benefits it brings when used wisely. Take up the mantle of learning, not only for personal gain, but for the betterment of all who walk this earth. Encourage the young to delve into the mysteries of the world, to seek out knowledge with the understanding that it is their responsibility to use it for the good of all.

Let us remember, too, that the fruits of science come not without effort. It is in the work of those who came before us, in the wisdom of minds like Chandrasekhar, that we find our foundation. So I urge you, O children of the future, to stand upon the shoulders of giants. Do not let the light of knowledge fade into darkness, but carry it forward. Build upon the wisdom of the past, and use it to create a future that is not only brighter, but more compassionate, more enlightened, and more just. Let the lessons of science guide you as you walk the path, and let its usefulness be your beacon, lighting the way for all of society.