November 05

Louis Bertrand Castel (1688–1757) was born in Montpellier and became a prominent figure of the French Enlightenment. He made significant contributions to the study of color perception, arguing that color could be understood through mathematical principles. In 1740, he published his influential work 'L'Optique des couleurs,' challenging existing theories of optics. Castel's interest in the harmony between music and light led him to invent the ocular harpsichord, an instrument designed to accompany musical performance with colored lights. He held memberships in several scientific academies and engaged in debates with leading thinkers of his time. Despite controversies around his theories, his interdisciplinary approach left a lasting impact on both scientific and artistic communities.

Bernard-Henri Lévy is a French philosopher and author born in 1948 in Algeria. He emerged in the 1970s as a leading figure in the Nouvelle Philosophie movement, critiquing Marxism and ideological dogma. Lévy has written numerous essays, novels, and films on topics ranging from human rights to geopolitical conflicts. An outspoken activist, he has traveled to war zones and advocated for humanitarian intervention. His engaging writing style and media presence have made him one of the most recognized contemporary thinkers worldwide.

Born in 1952 in Dehradun, Shiva earned her PhD in the philosophy of science before dedicating herself to ecological research. She has been a vocal critic of industrial agriculture and the patenting of seeds, advocating for farmers’ rights and seed sovereignty. In 1991, she founded Navdanya, a movement to protect native seed varieties and promote organic farming across India. Her influential books, including "Staying Alive" and "Biopiracy," have shaped global debates on food security and environmental justice. Awarded the Right Livelihood Award in 1993, she remains a leading figure in ecofeminism and grassroots environmentalism.