Professor Shrinivas Kulkarni, a distinguished Indian-origin astronomer based at Caltech, has recently been awarded the Royal Astronomical Society's (RAS) Gold Medal for 2026, the highest honor from the 200-year-old organization. This places him among scientific luminaries like Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking. In an exclusive interview with ET Education, Kulkarni discussed not only his illustrious career and contributions to time-domain astronomy but also weighed in on critical aspects of history, science, and education. He underscored the importance of intellectual honesty, particularly when interpreting historical narratives. While encouraging Indians to celebrate their genuine historical achievements and view their past through their own lens rather than a colonial one, Kulkarni firmly stated that this must not lead to the falsification of facts. He specifically cited claims of ancient Indian civilizations possessing knowledge of flying airplanes or plastic surgery as examples of what he considers 'intellectual dishonesty,' if not supported by verifiable evidence. The interview also delved into the significance of scientific curiosity and the need for societal support for research careers. Kulkarni argued that while professions like medicine, law, and engineering have clear practical benefits, pursuing research, music, or art is a personal and cultural choice. He suggested that societies that actively support these endeavors tend to be more prosperous. Kulkarni, who earned his Master's from IIT Delhi and PhD from UC Berkeley, has made groundbreaking discoveries, including the first millisecond pulsar and contributions to understanding gamma-ray bursts. His insights provide a valuable perspective for Indian students considering careers in science and highlight the ongoing global dialogue about balancing national pride with scientific rigor. The news is particularly relevant to India, given Kulkarni's origin and the context of his remarks on Indian history.