Who will lead me into that still more hidden and dimmer region where
Thought weds Fact, where the mental operation of the mathematician and the
physical action of the molecules are seen in their true relation? Does not the
way pass through the very den of the metaphysician, steered with the remains of
former explorers?James Clerk Maxwell, 1870
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Monday, June 04, 2007
'Far better it is, to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in the great twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat'
I copied this from Dr. Ranjit's orkut profile
I seemed to like this..because it is the truth!! :-)
I copied this from Dr. Ranjit's orkut profile
I seemed to like this..because it is the truth!! :-)
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Problems in life...
Many a people crib that they have lots of problems in life. But a careful analysis can reveal that the problem is not from outside, but from within. The perspectives they have, the expectations they have are the cause of the problems and nothing else!
The best way, I can think of, is to put it off for a while until the heat is lost and then analyse it leisurely. But this is quite difficult to do. It is very natural for us to react instantaneously. But experience might teach one this very lesson of being calm and composed at emotional situations. But it is still upto the individual to learn this lesson!! Once you have learnt this lesson, I believe, problems are no longer problems, rather, challenges! :-)
Many a people crib that they have lots of problems in life. But a careful analysis can reveal that the problem is not from outside, but from within. The perspectives they have, the expectations they have are the cause of the problems and nothing else!
The best way, I can think of, is to put it off for a while until the heat is lost and then analyse it leisurely. But this is quite difficult to do. It is very natural for us to react instantaneously. But experience might teach one this very lesson of being calm and composed at emotional situations. But it is still upto the individual to learn this lesson!! Once you have learnt this lesson, I believe, problems are no longer problems, rather, challenges! :-)
Monday, May 07, 2007
Solitude
Somewhere I read 'Research is a solitary activity'. But I should say, research alone is not a solitary activity. Many a things in life cannot be shared with our near and dears, partially because they are not physically near you at that time of need and partially because you cannot burden your dear ones with all your cribs. At such circumstances, a lot distrust develops...distrust on ourself, distrust on the near and dears, frustrations become a habit. But a balanced mind should be able to cope up with all these. Develop trust over mistrust, develop hope over despair and try to see the fortunes in reserve when we cross the huge ocean of negativism. I think that is the essence we should learn as we mature...mentally. Many a people say, I take life as it comes, but I cannot think of being without a cause and take life as it comes. Probably this has led me into the problems I face now, internally. I do not get satiated with something mediocre. But at the same time when I see someone with mediocre satisfactions enjoying themselves, I get broken down. Am I undergoing all these tough times which others gain so easily by lowering their standard? Well, that again leads to the question of how one defines 'standard'. Many a things in this world are very subjective. The most popular one is the one that is the opinion of many people, not necessarily the right one, atleast by my opinion. It also leads to the question of what is 'enjoying' mean! A very subjective term indeed!!
well....a very complex web of emotions :-)... All one needs at such a stage is a good companion, one who can atleast listen to you sincerely, if not offer you any suggestions...and I think suggestions are least expected too! Just the comfort of a good companion, a feel-good thought by a moral support and a motivation. :-)
Somewhere I read 'Research is a solitary activity'. But I should say, research alone is not a solitary activity. Many a things in life cannot be shared with our near and dears, partially because they are not physically near you at that time of need and partially because you cannot burden your dear ones with all your cribs. At such circumstances, a lot distrust develops...distrust on ourself, distrust on the near and dears, frustrations become a habit. But a balanced mind should be able to cope up with all these. Develop trust over mistrust, develop hope over despair and try to see the fortunes in reserve when we cross the huge ocean of negativism. I think that is the essence we should learn as we mature...mentally. Many a people say, I take life as it comes, but I cannot think of being without a cause and take life as it comes. Probably this has led me into the problems I face now, internally. I do not get satiated with something mediocre. But at the same time when I see someone with mediocre satisfactions enjoying themselves, I get broken down. Am I undergoing all these tough times which others gain so easily by lowering their standard? Well, that again leads to the question of how one defines 'standard'. Many a things in this world are very subjective. The most popular one is the one that is the opinion of many people, not necessarily the right one, atleast by my opinion. It also leads to the question of what is 'enjoying' mean! A very subjective term indeed!!
well....a very complex web of emotions :-)... All one needs at such a stage is a good companion, one who can atleast listen to you sincerely, if not offer you any suggestions...and I think suggestions are least expected too! Just the comfort of a good companion, a feel-good thought by a moral support and a motivation. :-)
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Friday, April 20, 2007
The two faces of a coin problem!
We either see the good or the bad of a person. Not all get a chance to see both faces of a person/colleague. And even when we see both faces, it is difficult to stop ourselves from getting out of our prejudices! The best option, as it seems to me, is to live in an isolated world!! But that again is not possible... The practical solution could be not to judge anyone...but just accept. But the human brain always tends to infer based on the information passed on to it. This nature has indeed led mankind to question things around him resulting in advances in technology! Phew! How different things form a web of complexities!
We either see the good or the bad of a person. Not all get a chance to see both faces of a person/colleague. And even when we see both faces, it is difficult to stop ourselves from getting out of our prejudices! The best option, as it seems to me, is to live in an isolated world!! But that again is not possible... The practical solution could be not to judge anyone...but just accept. But the human brain always tends to infer based on the information passed on to it. This nature has indeed led mankind to question things around him resulting in advances in technology! Phew! How different things form a web of complexities!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Please hear what I am not saying
Don't be fooled by me
Don't be fooled by the face I wear
For I wear a mask, a thousand masks,
masks that I'm afraid to take off,
and none of them is me.
Pretending is an art that's second nature to me
but don't be fooled.
For God's sake don't be fooled.
I give you the impression that I'm secure,
that confidence is my name and coolness is my game,
that the water's calm and I'm in command,
and that I need no one.
But don't believe me.
My surface may seem smooth but my surface
is my mask, ever-varying and ever-concelaing.
Beneath lies no complacence.
Beneeath lies confusion and fear and aloneness.
But I hide this. I don't want anybody to know it.
I panic at the thought of my weakness and fear being exposed.
That's why I frantically create a mask to hide behind,
a nonchalant sophisticated facade to help me pretend,
to shield me from the glance that knows.
But such a glance is precisely my salvation
My only hope , and I know it.
That is, if it's followed by acceptance,
if it's followed by love.
It's the only thing that can liberate me from myself,
from my own self-built prison walls,
from the barriers I so painstakingly erect.
It's the only that will assure me
of what I can't assure myself
that I' really worth something
I don't like to hide.
I dont't like to play superficial phony games.
I want to be genuine and spontaneous and me,
but you've got to help me.
You've got to hold out your hand
even when that's the last think I seem to want,
only you can wipe away from my eyes
the bland stare of the breathing dead.
Only you can call me in aliveness.
Each time you're kind and gentle and encouraging,
each time you try to understand because you really care,
my heart begins to grow wings, very small winds,
very feeble wings,
but wings!
With your power to touch me into feeling you can breathe life into me.
I want you to know that.
Who am I , you may wonder.
I am someone you know very well,
for I am every man you meet,
and I am every man you meet!
--Charles Finn
Don't be fooled by me
Don't be fooled by the face I wear
For I wear a mask, a thousand masks,
masks that I'm afraid to take off,
and none of them is me.
Pretending is an art that's second nature to me
but don't be fooled.
For God's sake don't be fooled.
I give you the impression that I'm secure,
that confidence is my name and coolness is my game,
that the water's calm and I'm in command,
and that I need no one.
But don't believe me.
My surface may seem smooth but my surface
is my mask, ever-varying and ever-concelaing.
Beneath lies no complacence.
Beneeath lies confusion and fear and aloneness.
But I hide this. I don't want anybody to know it.
I panic at the thought of my weakness and fear being exposed.
That's why I frantically create a mask to hide behind,
a nonchalant sophisticated facade to help me pretend,
to shield me from the glance that knows.
But such a glance is precisely my salvation
My only hope , and I know it.
That is, if it's followed by acceptance,
if it's followed by love.
It's the only thing that can liberate me from myself,
from my own self-built prison walls,
from the barriers I so painstakingly erect.
It's the only that will assure me
of what I can't assure myself
that I' really worth something
I don't like to hide.
I dont't like to play superficial phony games.
I want to be genuine and spontaneous and me,
but you've got to help me.
You've got to hold out your hand
even when that's the last think I seem to want,
only you can wipe away from my eyes
the bland stare of the breathing dead.
Only you can call me in aliveness.
Each time you're kind and gentle and encouraging,
each time you try to understand because you really care,
my heart begins to grow wings, very small winds,
very feeble wings,
but wings!
With your power to touch me into feeling you can breathe life into me.
I want you to know that.
Who am I , you may wonder.
I am someone you know very well,
for I am every man you meet,
and I am every man you meet!
--Charles Finn
Friday, November 03, 2006
About Me
I just thought will catalogue whatever I had in the 'about me' section in my orkut profile...
I just thought will catalogue whatever I had in the 'about me' section in my orkut profile...
The Truth is just out there to be experienced, not analysed. ;)
Indeed it is tough to give a short description about me...still, in the pursuit, I have collected some quotes, which reflect some of the dimensions in me...and here they are!
============================================
karmaNi Eva adhikArah mE mA phalEshhu kadAchana
mA karma-phala hEtuh bhavAmi mA mE sangah astu akarmaNi
I have a right only to my duties, never to their fruits / results.
I shall neither manipulate my results nor fall a victim to inactivity / laziness.
--Bhagawad Gita
===========================================
நகுதற் பொருட்டன்று நட்டல் மிகுதிக்கண்
மேற்சென்று இடித்தற் பொருட்டு.
Friendship is to be practised not for the purpose of laughing but for that of being beforehand in giving one another sharp rebukes in case of transgression
--Thirukkural
===========================================
u either choose to remain in denial or accept that this is ur destiny..btw.,.PhD is not the end of the world...whatever u do..u will get ur PhD...its just the beginning of an endless journey of multiple saturations, frustations and nonchalance! thats how it is!
--Suhasni, my Senior!
===========================================
I am, the facts I can't deny.
--Shmilona,NCBS
=========================================Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high
Where knowledge is free
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls
Where words come out from the depth of truth
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit
Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake
-- Rabindranath Tagore (Gitanjali, 1913)=========================================================
Words and Hearts should be handled with care. Words when spoken and hearts when broken are the hardest thing to repair
--somebody
-----------------------------------------------------
If somehow my expectations and experience dont match with others' it doesnt mean I am on the road to perdition or paving way for someone else's. Excusez moi! Thats why these are part of life's choices and not laws.
--Suhasni (My senior)================================================================================================
வெள்ளத் தனைய மலர்நீட்டம் மாந்தர்தம்
உள்ளத் தனையது உயர்வு.
The stalks of water-flowers are proportionate to the depth of water;
so is men's greatness proportionate to their minds.
--Thirukural
Thursday, November 02, 2006
A Successful Life
I came across some tips my supervisor (Prof. Raj Rajagopalan) had offered to the graduating students of our department, and here they go:
• Never underestimate your own potential. Never give up.
• Aim high and set the highest standards in whatever you do.
• Never be afraid of failure, but do learn from any failure.
• Be compassionate towards others, but be very demanding on yourself.
• Always ask yourself what you can do to improve the lives of others around you.
• Be a leader – and lead by example.
• Remember that no one can be too generous or too humble.
I felt that each and every sentence has profound meaning and following them will definitely lead to a successful and a happier life. Each and every advise has come out treasures of experience over the years. Not all experienced people reach out to others and share their rich treasure in the form advises (at the right moment!).
I am truly glad that I have Prof. Raj in my life!
I came across some tips my supervisor (Prof. Raj Rajagopalan) had offered to the graduating students of our department, and here they go:
• Never underestimate your own potential. Never give up.
• Aim high and set the highest standards in whatever you do.
• Never be afraid of failure, but do learn from any failure.
• Be compassionate towards others, but be very demanding on yourself.
• Always ask yourself what you can do to improve the lives of others around you.
• Be a leader – and lead by example.
• Remember that no one can be too generous or too humble.
I felt that each and every sentence has profound meaning and following them will definitely lead to a successful and a happier life. Each and every advise has come out treasures of experience over the years. Not all experienced people reach out to others and share their rich treasure in the form advises (at the right moment!).
I am truly glad that I have Prof. Raj in my life!
Rethinking the notion of Leadership
I recently came across an article in Times of India, Mumbai (Lack of Values)
The article clearly brings out how people in India lack fundamental values! India was supposed to be a nation of rich culture, from whom the world can learn! But now it is in a pitiable state! Who cares for the people around thems? Who cares for a common property? People, if not all, have come more selfish! They think, as the writer says, "that rules are made to discipline the uncivilised common man; and that people higher up in society need not be inconvenienced by these rules".
Here is one incident quoted by the writer:
Time is precious for every human...and no one can deprive the fellow men owing to his alleged superior status!
The writer then gives his perspective on Leaders and integrity. He stresses that we define leadership based on fundamental values rather than attributing to their 'star status'. The following is the paragraph by the writer:
In my view, this kind of leadership with integrity defined in the above two perspectives applies to any kind..be it leader of the nation or the leader of a small social group or simply a teacher and his class of students.
In all the cases, the leader is expected to have uncompromising values and principles and is also necessary that he/she reaches out to the 'wider society' in an appealing way. There is no point in having high standards of values and not being able to reach out the 'wider society'!! And such a person will not set an example for anything!
I strongly encourage you to read the article: Lack of Values
I recently came across an article in Times of India, Mumbai (Lack of Values)
The article clearly brings out how people in India lack fundamental values! India was supposed to be a nation of rich culture, from whom the world can learn! But now it is in a pitiable state! Who cares for the people around thems? Who cares for a common property? People, if not all, have come more selfish! They think, as the writer says, "that rules are made to discipline the uncivilised common man; and that people higher up in society need not be inconvenienced by these rules".
Here is one incident quoted by the writer:
Who knows whose time is most precious? For whose convenience are others to wait? Many years ago, a senior executive of a Tata company rushed to Santa Cruz airport at the last minute, his bags having been sent ahead and checked in beforehand. The flight to Delhi was held up for him. When he entered the plane he found an irritated J R D Tata who had checked in with other passengers asking the steward, “Who is this VIP for whom we all had to wait ?”
Time is precious for every human...and no one can deprive the fellow men owing to his alleged superior status!
The writer then gives his perspective on Leaders and integrity. He stresses that we define leadership based on fundamental values rather than attributing to their 'star status'. The following is the paragraph by the writer:
We yearn for more integrity in our leaders. Integrity is a composite of two qualities. On one hand, integrity is the quality of being honest and uncompromising of values and principles. Many leaders of our times, in business and government in India and elsewhere, fail this test. On the other, integrity also means the quality of being integrated, of being in tune with and connected with wider society, which is something business leaders in India and elsewhere need to think about.
In my view, this kind of leadership with integrity defined in the above two perspectives applies to any kind..be it leader of the nation or the leader of a small social group or simply a teacher and his class of students.
In all the cases, the leader is expected to have uncompromising values and principles and is also necessary that he/she reaches out to the 'wider society' in an appealing way. There is no point in having high standards of values and not being able to reach out the 'wider society'!! And such a person will not set an example for anything!
I strongly encourage you to read the article: Lack of Values
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Monday, August 07, 2006
I have been thinking that it was only my behaviour to get a feedback volunteerily to know about my performance in something..but alas! it seems to be the desire for anyone...some take it constructively and some otherwise!
I have observed this in myself..that I would like to present myself well and get GOOD feedbacks from seniors in acknowledgement...but it is the attitude of certain superiors, though they note the excellence, do not acknowledge it so easily!
but though this is just to get the best out, and i too understand it...it still gives a longing to get the admonition and acknowledgement!
But does this longing/yearning quench after one?? NO!!
May be that is the cause for us to keep going on and on! :-)
Sometimes I wonder, if this is what is called "research". Trying to be recognised among peers, by way of doing new things...and "discovering" new things!
I am really convinced now that, after reading an article on Einstein in the recent TIME magazine (July 2006), that there is nothing called a true passion towards science...but just the inherent desire to be getting recognised!
On the basis of this, i find that there can be two categories of scientists/researchers...
Those who aim at a recognition on a global scale...and the others who are satisfied with a recognition locally!
I have observed this in myself..that I would like to present myself well and get GOOD feedbacks from seniors in acknowledgement...but it is the attitude of certain superiors, though they note the excellence, do not acknowledge it so easily!
but though this is just to get the best out, and i too understand it...it still gives a longing to get the admonition and acknowledgement!
But does this longing/yearning quench after one?? NO!!
May be that is the cause for us to keep going on and on! :-)
Sometimes I wonder, if this is what is called "research". Trying to be recognised among peers, by way of doing new things...and "discovering" new things!
I am really convinced now that, after reading an article on Einstein in the recent TIME magazine (July 2006), that there is nothing called a true passion towards science...but just the inherent desire to be getting recognised!
On the basis of this, i find that there can be two categories of scientists/researchers...
Those who aim at a recognition on a global scale...and the others who are satisfied with a recognition locally!
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Transport phenomena and life!
today i was reading a blog by one of my seniors, wherein she said ppl belong to differnet co-ordinate systems and they shift their frame of reference so often. (http://do-angels-sleep.blogspot.com/)
after reading it, i just lied down on my bed thinking of it...
i see that there is a dynamic shift in the frame of reference...and the frequency of it is sometimes the order of which we cannot even imagine nor predict!
Suddenly some similarity striked between solving problems in transport phenomena and life....dont think i am a nerd...i am studying for my exams and i think thats why my cerebrum correlated like this now!
well...coming to the similarity...
While we are going wrong in solving the problems what happens most of the time is that...
we tend to overlook certain terms in the NS equations or other standard equations...making robust assumptions...and cling on to certain other terms, tying to solve the equations with those terms...but the answer willbe vice versa! we should have actually neglected the terms that we are cling on to and use the terms we neglected to arrive at the solution!!
In life too, sometimes we do the same. We overlook certain issues which might have to be given utmost attention and cling on, brood, lament, frustrate on issues which have to be overlooked!!
In the problems of transport phenomena we realise that what we do is wrong when we see the solution...but in life???
today i was reading a blog by one of my seniors, wherein she said ppl belong to differnet co-ordinate systems and they shift their frame of reference so often. (http://do-angels-sleep.blogspot.com/)
after reading it, i just lied down on my bed thinking of it...
i see that there is a dynamic shift in the frame of reference...and the frequency of it is sometimes the order of which we cannot even imagine nor predict!
Suddenly some similarity striked between solving problems in transport phenomena and life....dont think i am a nerd...i am studying for my exams and i think thats why my cerebrum correlated like this now!
well...coming to the similarity...
While we are going wrong in solving the problems what happens most of the time is that...
we tend to overlook certain terms in the NS equations or other standard equations...making robust assumptions...and cling on to certain other terms, tying to solve the equations with those terms...but the answer willbe vice versa! we should have actually neglected the terms that we are cling on to and use the terms we neglected to arrive at the solution!!
In life too, sometimes we do the same. We overlook certain issues which might have to be given utmost attention and cling on, brood, lament, frustrate on issues which have to be overlooked!!
In the problems of transport phenomena we realise that what we do is wrong when we see the solution...but in life???
Saturday, April 08, 2006
today we had the NUS-Indian Grad meet!
It ws simply wonderful...though it cud have still been made more lively and eventful...i hope it becomes so in the years to come!
basically it served as a platform to know that there is such a big community of Indians from all over the country doing their grad studies in singapore. The strength of this community is so assuring for the freshers like me!
And morever there were alumni of NUS too who had come for the meet!
That is again reassuring the freshers that jobs are available for the best minds of the world!
Oh...and I should not forget to say about th dinner!It was simply excellent! all the items...no exceptions at all!!! i wish we had a meet frequently atleast for this sake..!!
This is just to say that it is difficult to get good Indian foods in Singapore.
NUS canteens have Indian stalls, but they seem to have adapted some practices from here...and otherwise, some hotels like komala vilas etc...are bit too costly for a student to afford! but nevertheless, if one is a good cook, he can get all that he wants to and cook excellently as he would do in India.
It ws simply wonderful...though it cud have still been made more lively and eventful...i hope it becomes so in the years to come!
basically it served as a platform to know that there is such a big community of Indians from all over the country doing their grad studies in singapore. The strength of this community is so assuring for the freshers like me!
And morever there were alumni of NUS too who had come for the meet!
That is again reassuring the freshers that jobs are available for the best minds of the world!
Oh...and I should not forget to say about th dinner!It was simply excellent! all the items...no exceptions at all!!! i wish we had a meet frequently atleast for this sake..!!
This is just to say that it is difficult to get good Indian foods in Singapore.
NUS canteens have Indian stalls, but they seem to have adapted some practices from here...and otherwise, some hotels like komala vilas etc...are bit too costly for a student to afford! but nevertheless, if one is a good cook, he can get all that he wants to and cook excellently as he would do in India.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
i am waiting for a call from India...a friend promised me to call me this weekend...and i am still waiting...while the weekend for this week is about to end in another 7hrs!
I guess he tried to April fool me!
mm...
But the expectation of a call from an old friend of yours...particularly when you are out of your native land on a 'mission' is really taunting..
Apart from this friend, there are lots others who dont realise that people away from home long for mails/calls from friends and relatives.
It is true that they most of the time do not realise it...and very few cant do it!
In that the friend I am waiting to call, mails me and so he falls into the category who realises the expectations...but doesnt call due to variuos other reasons which I realise and understand :-)
I guess he tried to April fool me!
mm...
But the expectation of a call from an old friend of yours...particularly when you are out of your native land on a 'mission' is really taunting..
Apart from this friend, there are lots others who dont realise that people away from home long for mails/calls from friends and relatives.
It is true that they most of the time do not realise it...and very few cant do it!
In that the friend I am waiting to call, mails me and so he falls into the category who realises the expectations...but doesnt call due to variuos other reasons which I realise and understand :-)
Thermodynamics...I am sure that everyone who stepped into their college will have come across this word..
All the processes in this world are indeed governed by this 'Thermodynamics'.
So must it be interesting to learn thermodynamics for a person who actually doesnt know what people learn in what is called "Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics" with module code CN5030.
Its all about fugacity, fugacity coefficients, activity, activity coefficients and Gibbs energy. Whichever chatper you turn into, you will certainly find more than a word in the above lists.
If its all about these 5 words wahts difficult...could be a naive question!
how many equations..how many calculations! mm...i wonder how one can expect a student to learn whatever research has been done for over past 100 years in about 4 months of coursework!
Courseworks should be really banned throughout the world!
All the processes in this world are indeed governed by this 'Thermodynamics'.
So must it be interesting to learn thermodynamics for a person who actually doesnt know what people learn in what is called "Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics" with module code CN5030.
Its all about fugacity, fugacity coefficients, activity, activity coefficients and Gibbs energy. Whichever chatper you turn into, you will certainly find more than a word in the above lists.
If its all about these 5 words wahts difficult...could be a naive question!
how many equations..how many calculations! mm...i wonder how one can expect a student to learn whatever research has been done for over past 100 years in about 4 months of coursework!
Courseworks should be really banned throughout the world!
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