British Indian academic and nuclear physicist, Professor Nawal K. Prinja, who is also an advisor to the UK government on nuclear policy, was recently awarded the Donald Julius Groen Prize for his outstanding contribution to the field of physics.
Given by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the award recognises scientists for outstanding contribution to the respective fields. With its first president being George Stephenson - popularly known as the ‘Father of the Railways’ for making the first ever steam engine – ImechE is one of the oldest and earliest professional bodies with a long and prestigious history.
iGlobal reached out to Prof. Prinja to talk about his latest accolade.
“We all strive to excel in our chosen profession, but I firmly believe that this trait is rooted in our culture,” said Prof. Prinja.
“In our culture people are encouraged to excel in their professional careers and there is a lot of respect for education. It is believed that giving our all to our professions and careers is, in fact, a way of performing our Dharma [Hindu concept of righteous conduct]. There is a sense of duty to offer back to the society we live in.”
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Prof. Prinja, who holds honorary professorships from four universities across the UK, is a well-known figure in the diaspora for his contributions towards the community and his efforts in promoting Indian heritage. Being the co-founder of the cultural organisation ‘Vedic Organisation for Indian Culture and Education’ (VOICE), he teaches young people of varying ages GCSE Hinduism and Vedic Math in the organisation’s weekly classes.
“I believe teaching Hinduism and Vedic Math has helped me in my professional career. It is a great thing for youngsters to take interest in their cultural roots as that will only help them succeed in their career and life.”
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