Do we, holding that the gods exist, decieve ourselves with the insubstantial dreams and lies, while random careless chance and change alone control the world?
- Euripides, Hecuba
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
On Education and Science
I was talking with my supervisor yesterday, as usual a highly energetic conversation! We touched on the topic of education when he quoted this ""Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will eat for a lifetime." Isn't this the crux of education? We shall not give the fish to eat, but teach him how to fish! Translating to the education language; Do not give closed ended questions for which there exists solution; but give open ended questions that allows/makes/trains one to think. I think this IS education. Many people think science is all about exploring the activities and observations around us and making technological advancements. Yes, this is indeed one part of science. But in my opinion, the true contribution of science to the society is the inculcation of the 'thinking process' in an individual, in turn to his family and in turn to the society as a whole. Doing science is not that easy or that fascinating as everybody (or most) think. It is a process that you undergo when you drag out all the intuitions within and spill it rationally and ratify your intuitions. Shortly put, it is extreme skepticism followed by productivity. Definitely doing Science is not the only way for such rational and critical thinking. But it is the best possible way! When you start practising so, you are automatically illuminated with moral and ethical responsibilities, something religion does (as some claim to) but blindly!
Education and Science should teach an individual to be extremely aware of whatever he thinks!
I was talking with my supervisor yesterday, as usual a highly energetic conversation! We touched on the topic of education when he quoted this ""Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish and he will eat for a lifetime." Isn't this the crux of education? We shall not give the fish to eat, but teach him how to fish! Translating to the education language; Do not give closed ended questions for which there exists solution; but give open ended questions that allows/makes/trains one to think. I think this IS education. Many people think science is all about exploring the activities and observations around us and making technological advancements. Yes, this is indeed one part of science. But in my opinion, the true contribution of science to the society is the inculcation of the 'thinking process' in an individual, in turn to his family and in turn to the society as a whole. Doing science is not that easy or that fascinating as everybody (or most) think. It is a process that you undergo when you drag out all the intuitions within and spill it rationally and ratify your intuitions. Shortly put, it is extreme skepticism followed by productivity. Definitely doing Science is not the only way for such rational and critical thinking. But it is the best possible way! When you start practising so, you are automatically illuminated with moral and ethical responsibilities, something religion does (as some claim to) but blindly!
Education and Science should teach an individual to be extremely aware of whatever he thinks!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Science in India
I came across an abstract by Meera Nanda in a conference-to-be-held. It was on "Scientific Temper, Hindu Scientism and the future of Secularism in India". The abstract can be found here. I completely agree with the views presented in the abstract. Science teaches one to think objectively; to believe only after testing and experimentation rather than blindly accepting. Science, or for that matter, education, should teach one to respect each other and accept them for what they are, evaluate tasks objectively for progress. It is this quality that needs to be inculcated in the minds of the people. Leaders like Nehruji probably emphasized on science and education having these ideas in mind. But the so-called Hindu society pushes aside these notions as 'western influence' and is still drenched in old practices of god-men and gurujis. Worst to the fact, even educated people, holding highly respectable positions, fail to understand their duty and are driven by the 'kick' of power and do not work for the progress and development of the people. Well, this is the Indian society...a society that does not respect an individual nor do the people themself have responsibility. Dr. Kalam rightly chose the younger generation to reform!
I came across an abstract by Meera Nanda in a conference-to-be-held. It was on "Scientific Temper, Hindu Scientism and the future of Secularism in India". The abstract can be found here. I completely agree with the views presented in the abstract. Science teaches one to think objectively; to believe only after testing and experimentation rather than blindly accepting. Science, or for that matter, education, should teach one to respect each other and accept them for what they are, evaluate tasks objectively for progress. It is this quality that needs to be inculcated in the minds of the people. Leaders like Nehruji probably emphasized on science and education having these ideas in mind. But the so-called Hindu society pushes aside these notions as 'western influence' and is still drenched in old practices of god-men and gurujis. Worst to the fact, even educated people, holding highly respectable positions, fail to understand their duty and are driven by the 'kick' of power and do not work for the progress and development of the people. Well, this is the Indian society...a society that does not respect an individual nor do the people themself have responsibility. Dr. Kalam rightly chose the younger generation to reform!
Are you fooling yourself?
“I am unworthy of doing a PhD”, “My supervisor is soon going to find out that I am not capable of doing research”, “I am going to be thrown out of the grad school soon”.
- Have you ever lived with any of these fears in mind? If yes, continue reading to know that it is just a common syndrome among highly successful people and is called the ‘Impostor syndrome’.
The condition was first identified in 1978 by the psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes among ‘gifted women’. Slowly, it was realized that this condition is common among people in different walks of life, irrespective of gender.
The impostor syndrome is defined as the inability to internalize success. One feels that he/she is not really successful, competent and smart and is only imposing as such. They are in constant fear that their inabilities would be found out and shall be thrown out soon! They may also attribute success to other external sources (such as a computer error!) or luck and not to their own abilities. This is not an all or nothing syndrome. Some of us may be able to associate our self with a few statements. Some of us may identify with impostor feelings in some situations and not others or may not even identify these feelings but have friends who do. To read more about it and for ways to overcome the impostor feeling, the following pointers may help:
1. http://www.counseling.caltech.edu/articles/The%20Imposter%20Syndrome.htm
2. http://www.news.cornell.edu/chronicle/03/10.30.03/imposter_syndrome.html
3. http://chronicle.com/free/v54/i11/11a00101.htm
“I am unworthy of doing a PhD”, “My supervisor is soon going to find out that I am not capable of doing research”, “I am going to be thrown out of the grad school soon”.
- Have you ever lived with any of these fears in mind? If yes, continue reading to know that it is just a common syndrome among highly successful people and is called the ‘Impostor syndrome’.
The condition was first identified in 1978 by the psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes among ‘gifted women’. Slowly, it was realized that this condition is common among people in different walks of life, irrespective of gender.
The impostor syndrome is defined as the inability to internalize success. One feels that he/she is not really successful, competent and smart and is only imposing as such. They are in constant fear that their inabilities would be found out and shall be thrown out soon! They may also attribute success to other external sources (such as a computer error!) or luck and not to their own abilities. This is not an all or nothing syndrome. Some of us may be able to associate our self with a few statements. Some of us may identify with impostor feelings in some situations and not others or may not even identify these feelings but have friends who do. To read more about it and for ways to overcome the impostor feeling, the following pointers may help:
1. http://www.counseling.caltech.edu/articles/The%20Imposter%20Syndrome.htm
2. http://www.news.cornell.edu/chronicle/03/10.30.03/imposter_syndrome.html
3. http://chronicle.com/free/v54/i11/11a00101.htm
Monday, June 23, 2008
FOOD BLOG!
Well, with loads of work sitting right front of me, I am tempted to go online to chat with friends...well thats something I cannot resist when someone wants to talk!Talking is such a ventilating phenomena...a ventilation for thoughts...be it wanted or unwanted...it is very much necessary that every one wants a patient ear. But given that XY is on the way back home, I have time left until XY reaches home after dinner...and let me finish off the FOOD BLOG...especially for bachelors by a bachelor! My experiences and tips for easy cooking for bachelors outside India.
The first recommendation is that : PLEASE LEARN TO COOK RICE, DHAL and SAMBAR from your dear amma! These are basic stuffs that you must know!
What I am going to give you here are somethings that you can have for a variety.
1. Veg Fried Rice
a. Well, this is one of the easiest stuff in the world!
Must requirements : Onion, Spring onion leaves, Rice and atleast one veggie.
b. Preferably I usually use these veggies : Carrot, Beans, Cauliflower...but its left to your imagination as to what else u want to add.
c. Fry onion (for three persons, I use 2 medium sized onions..but it doesn't matter) in the pan (after thalichufying with kadugu, curry leaf, cumin seeds). Once the onion is fried, add one veggie at a time and fry well until all the veggies are well cooked.
d. In the meantime, cook rice separately. See to that you give a little less amount of water so that rice does not 'kolanjufy'.
e. Now, add the veggies into the cooked rice and mix well. For efficient mixing purposes, u can add veggies little by little to rice. (If you haven't added salt, don't forget to add that too!).
f. Now fry Spring onion leaves in the pan...and when the smell of the leaves come, stop frying and add it to the rice and mix again.
g. READY TO SERVE!!
Its so simple! If you have agenomoto, u can add it to the rice while mixing veggies...add only a little.
NOTE: You can use the veggie so prepared with chappati/bread or anything. You can use pototoes too and make it like bhaji (for pav).
2. Thakkali Pachadi.
This is another most easy-to-make item.
Basic Requirement: Tomatos and Onions.
a. Thalichufy stuffs (kadugo, seeragam, curry leaf, green capsicum etc.)
b. Fry Onions very well(how much ever you want).
c. Add equal amount of well-cut tomatos and fry in the pan until the oil comes up. (If you have left less oil, fry until the entire stuff becomes like jelly-like.
d. READY TO SERVE!
NOTE 1: This item, when preserved well, can be used for abt a week. Care must be taken so that no wet spoon or anything wet doesn't get in.
Note 2: You can mix this item with rice and get tomato rice...or can use it as a bread/chappati spread...or even as a side dish for Thayir saadham!
Thats all for now... will try to post more!
Well, with loads of work sitting right front of me, I am tempted to go online to chat with friends...well thats something I cannot resist when someone wants to talk!Talking is such a ventilating phenomena...a ventilation for thoughts...be it wanted or unwanted...it is very much necessary that every one wants a patient ear. But given that XY is on the way back home, I have time left until XY reaches home after dinner...and let me finish off the FOOD BLOG...especially for bachelors by a bachelor! My experiences and tips for easy cooking for bachelors outside India.
The first recommendation is that : PLEASE LEARN TO COOK RICE, DHAL and SAMBAR from your dear amma! These are basic stuffs that you must know!
What I am going to give you here are somethings that you can have for a variety.
1. Veg Fried Rice
a. Well, this is one of the easiest stuff in the world!
Must requirements : Onion, Spring onion leaves, Rice and atleast one veggie.
b. Preferably I usually use these veggies : Carrot, Beans, Cauliflower...but its left to your imagination as to what else u want to add.
c. Fry onion (for three persons, I use 2 medium sized onions..but it doesn't matter) in the pan (after thalichufying with kadugu, curry leaf, cumin seeds). Once the onion is fried, add one veggie at a time and fry well until all the veggies are well cooked.
d. In the meantime, cook rice separately. See to that you give a little less amount of water so that rice does not 'kolanjufy'.
e. Now, add the veggies into the cooked rice and mix well. For efficient mixing purposes, u can add veggies little by little to rice. (If you haven't added salt, don't forget to add that too!).
f. Now fry Spring onion leaves in the pan...and when the smell of the leaves come, stop frying and add it to the rice and mix again.
g. READY TO SERVE!!
Its so simple! If you have agenomoto, u can add it to the rice while mixing veggies...add only a little.
NOTE: You can use the veggie so prepared with chappati/bread or anything. You can use pototoes too and make it like bhaji (for pav).
2. Thakkali Pachadi.
This is another most easy-to-make item.
Basic Requirement: Tomatos and Onions.
a. Thalichufy stuffs (kadugo, seeragam, curry leaf, green capsicum etc.)
b. Fry Onions very well(how much ever you want).
c. Add equal amount of well-cut tomatos and fry in the pan until the oil comes up. (If you have left less oil, fry until the entire stuff becomes like jelly-like.
d. READY TO SERVE!
NOTE 1: This item, when preserved well, can be used for abt a week. Care must be taken so that no wet spoon or anything wet doesn't get in.
Note 2: You can mix this item with rice and get tomato rice...or can use it as a bread/chappati spread...or even as a side dish for Thayir saadham!
Thats all for now... will try to post more!
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Some tips on Oral presentations
After observing a few oral presentations by notable professors, I thought there are atleast two important aspects which display one's authority or profoundness in that partcular field:
1. Relate your current work (the small step you have taken) to the overall picture/broader objective of yours.
2. Acknowledge the importance of the other parts of the big picture that you probably haven't done. (This also shows that you know about it...and that you are humble! :-) )
After observing a few oral presentations by notable professors, I thought there are atleast two important aspects which display one's authority or profoundness in that partcular field:
1. Relate your current work (the small step you have taken) to the overall picture/broader objective of yours.
2. Acknowledge the importance of the other parts of the big picture that you probably haven't done. (This also shows that you know about it...and that you are humble! :-) )
Sunday, May 11, 2008
I don't remember why and under what circumstances I wrote my previous blog on Ageing...but today, I read the same in the book : "The Alchemist"!
Here is the paragraph from the book: " Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realise their Personal Legend."
Isn't this pretty much the same I had tried to convey earlier in my blog?! But ofcourse, this is very well-written. :-)
Here is the paragraph from the book: " Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realise their Personal Legend."
Isn't this pretty much the same I had tried to convey earlier in my blog?! But ofcourse, this is very well-written. :-)
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Ageing
Ageing - I believe everyone will agree to me if one defines ageing as a "A transition from idealistic thinking to pragmatic thinking". As time rolls by, we learn a lot about the people around us, the working of the world, and identify ourselves as part of the huge world.
As children, we aspired to become something and believed that one and only 'I' am eligible for that and one and only 'I' can make it happen. All wonders would be within our hands of reach. But as we start interacting with the world, we understand that the world is not the ideal place we thought of, that the wonders are not at hands' reach. Will this understanding be a linear increase with time? If so, then here is the recipe for being young: Think ideally!
Ageing - I believe everyone will agree to me if one defines ageing as a "A transition from idealistic thinking to pragmatic thinking". As time rolls by, we learn a lot about the people around us, the working of the world, and identify ourselves as part of the huge world.
As children, we aspired to become something and believed that one and only 'I' am eligible for that and one and only 'I' can make it happen. All wonders would be within our hands of reach. But as we start interacting with the world, we understand that the world is not the ideal place we thought of, that the wonders are not at hands' reach. Will this understanding be a linear increase with time? If so, then here is the recipe for being young: Think ideally!
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Richard P. Feynman
Being a great admirer of Feynman, I think it is injustice not to have any of his quotes in my blog...Here are two of his poems that I/many like:
Being a great admirer of Feynman, I think it is injustice not to have any of his quotes in my blog...Here are two of his poems that I/many like:
I wonder why, I wonder why.
I wonder why I wonder.
I wonder why I wonder why
I wonder why I wonder!
I stand at the seashore, alone, and start to think...
There are the rushing waves
mountains of molecules
each stupidly minding its own business
trillions apart
yet forming white surf in unison.
Ages on ages
before any eyes could see
year after year
thunderously pounding the shore as now.
For whom, for what?
On a dead planet
with no life to entertain.
Never at rest
tortured by energy
wasted prodigiously by the sun
poured into space.
A mite makes the sea roar.
Deep in the sea
all molecules repeat
the pattern of one another
till complex new ones are formed.
They make others like themselves
and a new dance starts.
Growing in size and complexity
living things
masses of atoms
DNA, protein
dancing a pattern ever more intricate.
Out of the cradle
onto dry land
here it is
standing:
atoms with conciousness;
matter with curiosity.
Stands at the sea,
wonders at wondering: I
a universe of atoms
an atom in the universe.
-- Richard P. Feynman (1955)
Friday, February 29, 2008
கனா காணும் காலங்கள்
- ஆம், நிச்சயமாக நம் பள்ளி நாட்கள் தாம்!
மிகுந்த சுவையுடன் அசை போடும் நினைவுகள்.
குடும்பம் என்ற வட்டத்திற்கு அப்பாற்பட்டுக் கிடைத்த முதல் அன்பு: நண்பர்கள்.
அவர்களுடன் விளைந்த சிறு மோதல்கள், அதனைத் தொடர்ந்த அன்புப் பரிமாற்றங்கள், அரும்புக் காதல்கள் என்று பல நினைவில் நீங்கா எண்ணங்கள்; இலட்சியங்களை சாதிக்கும் குணங்கள்,நம்மை அறியாமலேயே விதையிடப்பட்ட பருவம்: பள்ளிப் பருவம்.
இத்தகைய அருமையான பள்ளிப் பருவத்தை மையமாகக் கொண்ட "கனா காணும் காலங்கள்" என்னும் விஜய் டிவி நிகழ்ச்சி நான் விரும்பிப் பார்க்கும் ஒன்று.
அத்தியாயம் 267-ல், நண்பர்களுக்கிடையே நிகழும் மோதல்களினால் ஏற்படும் வலியை அற்புதமாக ஒரு கவிதையின் மூலம் சொல்லி இருந்தார்கள்; இதோ உங்களுக்காக்:
பள்ளி பருவத்தில் நமக்கு நம்மீது இருந்த நம்பிக்கையை நினைவூட்டுவதாக அமைந்தது மற்றொன்று:
- ஆம், நிச்சயமாக நம் பள்ளி நாட்கள் தாம்!
மிகுந்த சுவையுடன் அசை போடும் நினைவுகள்.
குடும்பம் என்ற வட்டத்திற்கு அப்பாற்பட்டுக் கிடைத்த முதல் அன்பு: நண்பர்கள்.
அவர்களுடன் விளைந்த சிறு மோதல்கள், அதனைத் தொடர்ந்த அன்புப் பரிமாற்றங்கள், அரும்புக் காதல்கள் என்று பல நினைவில் நீங்கா எண்ணங்கள்; இலட்சியங்களை சாதிக்கும் குணங்கள்,நம்மை அறியாமலேயே விதையிடப்பட்ட பருவம்: பள்ளிப் பருவம்.
இத்தகைய அருமையான பள்ளிப் பருவத்தை மையமாகக் கொண்ட "கனா காணும் காலங்கள்" என்னும் விஜய் டிவி நிகழ்ச்சி நான் விரும்பிப் பார்க்கும் ஒன்று.
அத்தியாயம் 267-ல், நண்பர்களுக்கிடையே நிகழும் மோதல்களினால் ஏற்படும் வலியை அற்புதமாக ஒரு கவிதையின் மூலம் சொல்லி இருந்தார்கள்; இதோ உங்களுக்காக்:
நண்பா!
நீ பறவை, நான் மரம்.
என் கிளையை காயப்படுத்திவிட்டு உயர எழும் உன் கால்கள்;
உயர உயர நீ பறப்பாய், காயப்பட்ட நானோ கண்ணீருடன்;
எல்லைகளைத் தொட்டுக் களைத்து நீ திரும்பி வருவாய் இளைப்பாற
என் கிளைகள் எப்போதும் காத்திருக்கும்.
பள்ளி பருவத்தில் நமக்கு நம்மீது இருந்த நம்பிக்கையை நினைவூட்டுவதாக அமைந்தது மற்றொன்று:
நான் மலையில் கல்லுடைப்பதாக எண்ணி
அணைவரும் என்னை அலட்சியமாக பார்த்தார்கள்
அவர்களுக்குத் தெரியவில்லை நான் மலையை
உடைத்துக் கொண்டிருக்கிறேன் என்று.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
A Horribe Choice
Whoever said PhD is tough is 200% correct.
When I took up graduate studies I had the opinion that this student didn't enjoy science. But now I realise that a PhD is not only about learning to do science but also understanding and managing people...working to meet their expectations and imaginations!
My first recommendation to anyone who sees this blog: DO NOT OPT for PHD. Instead, take up a masters course by research, and if you still survived, then opt for PhD (at your own risk again).
For those who have already gained admission, please do not choose a project which involves two PIs. You are likely to suffer as much as I do...or even more. The ideas, experiences, expectations of X and Y being different, you are more likely to get trained in managing these people rather than doing any work. Particularly when X discusses things and Y simply works things it is lot lot lot lot lot more difficult.
The other suggestion I would like to give someone who has got an admit, choose a group that is established, dynamic and lively. Do not choose to be supervised by professors who are in the senior-most cadre (administrative jobs)...and even if you choose to, make sure he/she has a big group working. Do not get stuck as a single person driving your project.
Whoever said PhD is tough is 200% correct.
When I took up graduate studies I had the opinion that this student didn't enjoy science. But now I realise that a PhD is not only about learning to do science but also understanding and managing people...working to meet their expectations and imaginations!
My first recommendation to anyone who sees this blog: DO NOT OPT for PHD. Instead, take up a masters course by research, and if you still survived, then opt for PhD (at your own risk again).
For those who have already gained admission, please do not choose a project which involves two PIs. You are likely to suffer as much as I do...or even more. The ideas, experiences, expectations of X and Y being different, you are more likely to get trained in managing these people rather than doing any work. Particularly when X discusses things and Y simply works things it is lot lot lot lot lot more difficult.
The other suggestion I would like to give someone who has got an admit, choose a group that is established, dynamic and lively. Do not choose to be supervised by professors who are in the senior-most cadre (administrative jobs)...and even if you choose to, make sure he/she has a big group working. Do not get stuck as a single person driving your project.
Friday, November 23, 2007
The Awful Unresponsiveness of Death
This phrase 'awful unresponsiveness of death' has been haunting me ever since I read it in 'The English Teacher' by R. K. Narayan. What a painful feeling it must be...a feeling of emptiness. Nothing more can be more sorrowful than an unexpected, untimely demise of a dear one. But life has to go on....painfully though.
This phrase 'awful unresponsiveness of death' has been haunting me ever since I read it in 'The English Teacher' by R. K. Narayan. What a painful feeling it must be...a feeling of emptiness. Nothing more can be more sorrowful than an unexpected, untimely demise of a dear one. But life has to go on....painfully though.
Are your words holding you back?
well...seems like I am blog-freak today!
An article that appeared in Lifestyle MSN: Are your words holding you back? again caught my attention. No man is unworthy...he is what he believes is! Read it to find more!
well...seems like I am blog-freak today!
An article that appeared in Lifestyle MSN: Are your words holding you back? again caught my attention. No man is unworthy...he is what he believes is! Read it to find more!
The New Marriage Rules
Today seems to be blog day! :-D
This article, The New Marriage Rules, captures the changes in the outlook towards marriage in today's world. Adjusting, compromising with each others attitude seem to be needed for a happier life! (I cannot comment on this more, without experiencing it ;-)
Today seems to be blog day! :-D
This article, The New Marriage Rules, captures the changes in the outlook towards marriage in today's world. Adjusting, compromising with each others attitude seem to be needed for a happier life! (I cannot comment on this more, without experiencing it ;-)
Reciprocity
An important problem among friends, though not always explicitly stated is ' Reciprocity'. Recently I read another article wherein person A had raised this problem to a counsellor: I have been there for my friend in all her so-and-so things, but for my so-and-so things, she doesn't reciprocate at all. This hurts me. For which the counsellor suggested that the friend is probably having her own problems that she doesn't really share with you..blah blah blah....What really caught me was this statement:
An important problem among friends, though not always explicitly stated is ' Reciprocity'. Recently I read another article wherein person A had raised this problem to a counsellor: I have been there for my friend in all her so-and-so things, but for my so-and-so things, she doesn't reciprocate at all. This hurts me. For which the counsellor suggested that the friend is probably having her own problems that she doesn't really share with you..blah blah blah....What really caught me was this statement:
It's better if we're "there for people" simply because we choose to be.Damn true ain't it? Why care for a return...but enjoy what you do! :-)
ARRANGED MARRIAGE!
Being born and brought up in India, one doesn't find the idea of 'Arranged Marriage' so different. But for many people out of the Indian sub-continent, arranged marriage is something very interesting and sometimes funny! How could you marry someone whom you do not know? is a common question I have encountered while talking to people. Recently, my supervisor brought to our attention (in lieu of my labmate's wedding) an article in MSN. Anjali Mansukhani married a guy working in the US, arranged by the parents. She discusses the pros of arranged marriage in the article and finally punches in the essence of Indian culture:
(Indian-born love-married couples: No offense intended...and perhaps this might not be the true in all cases!)
Being born and brought up in India, one doesn't find the idea of 'Arranged Marriage' so different. But for many people out of the Indian sub-continent, arranged marriage is something very interesting and sometimes funny! How could you marry someone whom you do not know? is a common question I have encountered while talking to people. Recently, my supervisor brought to our attention (in lieu of my labmate's wedding) an article in MSN. Anjali Mansukhani married a guy working in the US, arranged by the parents. She discusses the pros of arranged marriage in the article and finally punches in the essence of Indian culture:
Had I found my own mate, I'm sure my parents would have come around, but I'd have to live knowing that they wouldn't be truly emotionally invested in the success of the marriage.Every individual aspires for social integration or social recognition. Indian tradition and culture, I believe, is designed to facilitate achieving it, paving way for a happier life! Not to undervalue the western system, Anjali highlights the pros of the American culture too. A good combination of the Indian and western culture for a happier life!
(Indian-born love-married couples: No offense intended...and perhaps this might not be the true in all cases!)
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
A pep blog!
As I prepare for my mock presentation tomorrow, I cannot help thinking of the comfort, moral support, reassurance, confidence that I had while preparing for competitive exams at home. The physical presence of my parents, sisters have had a very positive influence on all my performances, knowingly or unknowingly. Sitting here all alone, across the seas, I miss the warmth of my home. But this experience teaches me to be self-motivated. As I grow up in my profession, I believe, self-motivation, sustainment, perseverance are qualities that would be necessary to keep me in the front. Reassured by the thought of the warmth at home, getting back to work! :-)
As I prepare for my mock presentation tomorrow, I cannot help thinking of the comfort, moral support, reassurance, confidence that I had while preparing for competitive exams at home. The physical presence of my parents, sisters have had a very positive influence on all my performances, knowingly or unknowingly. Sitting here all alone, across the seas, I miss the warmth of my home. But this experience teaches me to be self-motivated. As I grow up in my profession, I believe, self-motivation, sustainment, perseverance are qualities that would be necessary to keep me in the front. Reassured by the thought of the warmth at home, getting back to work! :-)
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