All Stories

Third Year UG Interviews

A series of interviews conducted by Rahul, a third-year undergraduate at IISc, featuring fellow students across different majors, unveils the beauty and the beast… of what is happening in the lives of third-year UGs. It offers insights into academics, but also their motivation and interest in research, as well as friendships and non-academic activities, which still make the most of it.

Women of March

A reflection on the March sisters from 'Little Women' and how their story continues to celebrate womanhood across generations.

When Exploration Refuses to End - The Opportunity Rover

A look at the legacy of the Opportunity Rover, a mission that redefined our understanding of Mars and the endurance of human curiosity.

The Sixth Sense: Biological right to art

Every human being is blessed with a natural ability to appreciate and interpret art—a 'sixth sense' that is an integral part of being human.

Leap of faith!

The story of Professor Anand Srivastava and the 'leap of faith' that led him from naval architecture to biophysics.

The Journey of Life

A thrilling account of a 1500km road trip across Andhra Pradesh, exploring the 'Grand Canyon of India' and the resilience of friendship.

Away from Home...

An extract from the 2nd edition, reflecting on the last day at home and the love of a mother's cooking before heading to IISc.

The Proof

A gripping fiction piece from the 3rd edition about a mathematician's discovery that challenges the foundations of logic itself.

Logic and Life

A non-fiction piece from the 2nd edition exploring the connection between logic, reason, intuition, and our decision-making processes.

Quarks has seen it all!

Quarks, the IISc UG magazine, stands as a collective voice of undergraduates, capturing their science, stories, struggles, and creativity across generations.

The Sound of Forest in an Urban Rising

An exploration of the rich flora and fauna coexisting within the 400-acre haven of the Indian Institute of Science.

Takeaways from "The Uncertainty Principles of Careers"

Insights from the 4th edition on the unpredictable nature of career paths and the importance of self-discovery in education.

The Old Physics Building

A historical account of the Old Physics Building (OPB) at IISc, tracing its origins, founding departments, and its role in the institute's early controversies.

And the journey continues...

A deep dive into the mindset of a second-year undergraduate student at IISc, exploring the transition from idealism to pragmatism.

Bharathnatyam

A personal narrative on the journey of learning Bharathnatyam and how it shaped the author's life, focus, and happiness.

Anthropology Redefined

Exploring the paradigm shift towards deep ecology, moving from an anthropocentric view to recognizing our place within the web of life.

A Magical Morning at ISKCON Bengaluru

A spontaneous 4 AM cycling trip to the ISKCON temple that turned into an unforgettable experience blending spirituality, art, and culture.

A dozen problems all around

A deep dive into how simulating conversations and analysing conversational parameters can reveal the intricate structure of human interactions.

A first-year perspective

Change is never easy. Each year, around 160 students join IISc, coming together to form a close-knit undergraduate community...

Exploring Skandagiri and Kuntibetta

A thrilling adventure exploring two of Bangalore's most beautiful trekking locations: Skandagiri and Kuntibetta.

AthleticIISM and CulturalIICM

An account on IICM and IISM

FiRST SEM KI जुगलबंदी

A humorous and nostalgic reflection on the chaotic, overwhelming, yet ultimately rewarding experience of the very first semester at IISc.

The Wall

A natural aspect of human life is aging, but coming to terms with it, is a very complicated process. This wonderful piece explores and builds a very beautiful, yet poignant image.

Ramblings on Epistemology, Science, and Cognitive Biases

The appeal to rationality, has become something of a very popular phrase in the recent past. But, in some sense, how do we even know if the basis of such appeals, is logical in itself!

The Importance Of Being Earnest

In this very monotonous life, students require the daily help for myriad of tasks, this article wonderfully elucidates and interviews many such people.

Contentment

In an increasingly hedonistic world, the urge to consume and seek gratification often raises the question: Am I truly happy with who I am or what I have?