The Rhythm of Relativity: How One Retired Professor is Turning Physics into Poetry

For many students, physics is a daunting labyrinth of abstract formulae, complex calculus, and intimidating theories. However, for Rishi Kumar Singhal, a retired professor from the University of Rajasthan, the subject is not merely a collection of rigid laws—it is a symphony waiting to be composed. Through his innovative initiative, “Physics Through Poetry,” Singhal is bridging the gap between the arts and sciences, transforming dense academic material into accessible, lyrical Hindi verse.

Bridging the Science-Arts Divide

Singhal, who spent his career teaching at the university level, noticed early on that students often struggled to grasp the “soul” of physical phenomena. To combat this, he began transmuting core scientific principles into Hindi poems and songs.

His extensive portfolio includes four published books: Kavya Bhautiki, Sur Bhautiki, Geet Bhautiki, and Raag Bhautiki. Together, these works feature approximately 250 poems that span the curriculum from Class 12 up to the MSc level, covering everything from nuclear physics and thermodynamics to the mysterious depths of quantum mechanics.

“Topics like rocket motion, black holes, and the Raman Effect may appear difficult, but through poetry, these concepts can be explained in a much simpler manner,” Singhal explained in an interview.

Science in Stanzas

The brilliance of Singhal’s approach lies in his ability to maintain scientific accuracy while adhering to the structure of poetic meter. For example, he illustrates Newton’s Third Law of Motion through the trajectory of a rocket. His verse describes the rapid combustion of gases and the resulting change in momentum, explaining how the force of action and reaction propels the vessel into the cosmos.

Similarly, he tackles the Nobel Prize-winning work of Sir C.V. Raman. By recounting the story of Raman observing the deep blue hue of the Mediterranean Sea, Singhal’s poetry turns a technical lesson on light scattering into a compelling narrative of discovery. Even complex concepts like molecular formation—where atoms undergo rotational and vibrational changes before being bonded by energy—are demystified through his rhythmic verses.

A Recognized Pedagogical Tool

Singhal’s unique methodology has garnered significant acclaim within the academic and literary communities. His work, Kavya Bhautiki, was honored with the “Sarjana Puraskar” by the Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan in 2020. Furthermore, the Sahitya Mandal, Nathdwara, has recognized his contributions with the “Sahitya Bhautiki Ratna Puraskar.”

Beyond the accolades, Singhal views his work as a vital contribution to modern pedagogy. He believes that by integrating literature with science, educators can lower the psychological barriers students often build against technical subjects.

As the landscape of education continues to evolve, Singhal’s “Physics Through Poetry” serves as a reminder that the universe’s most complex mysteries—from the gravitational pull of black holes to the atomic dance of molecules—can be understood more deeply when they are set to music. By finding the rhythm in the laws of nature, this retired professor is ensuring that physics education resonates with students far beyond the confines of a traditional classroom.