Explore the fascinating world of probability and universality in this engaging lecture by Riddhipratim Basu from ICTS-TIFR. Delve into the phenomenon of universality, where complex systems share large-scale features despite microscopic differences. Discover the central limit theorem and its explanation of the Gaussian distribution's ubiquity. Examine various examples of universality beyond Gaussian models, including both proven mathematical concepts and intriguing conjectures. Learn from Basu's expertise as a probabilist, drawing from his education at the Indian Statistical Institute and experience at UC Berkeley, Stanford, and ICTS. Gain insights into random growth models, random graphs, and interacting particle systems in this comprehensive exploration of contemporary probability theory research.