Wish you a Jolly New Year 2010!
First thing, I found 2010 most comfortable to type of all the years I have typed so far. So I predict a cracking year for, well welll, some or the other guy. And we will finally stop the awkward practice of putting letters between numbers (remember the 'k' in 2k7 2k8 etc?)
People wishing around new year must be great guys, I never felt like going out of my way to wish anyone. Hey don't groan, I already wished you.
As far as resolutions go, I always thought it wasn't an Indian thing. Who started it at all? Anyways they generally end up being 're'solutions-repeated solutions and I already have too many reminders & sticky notes on me.
Coming to reminders and stuff, I have recently realized the magnitude of my forgetfulness. I had parents reminding me at home and friends surrounding me at college, but I am now out. A poor little innocent forgetful thing in the big busy complicated outside world (Well not exactly, but you get the swing).
I go into a room with something in my hand. If I accidentally find something new or talk about something I didn't plan to, I will surely forget it. No exceptions. This theory hasn't failed once.
I have one for you.
I have to lock the room in which we work(design dept.), before leaving. At first I used to forget to switch off the AC. I then remembered to. Then I to forget to lock. Gradually, I got over it. Then once, I forgot to give the key at the gate while leaving(others come early in morning, so they need it before me). So I made a plan, I kept the key in my hand till I got to my cycle. Then I hanged the key onto the left brake's handle before I got on so that I'll not forget about it after I put my earphones on(I listen to songs on the way home). But tragedy. I still forgot.
I realized there was a key to my brake when I was nearing home, I couldn't even go back (office is 10 km away). This is amazing given fact that from my cycle to the company gate, it is barely 100 metres. What can you call this? Instant memory loss!?
This is just one example. Many already know that during PS, I bought a pendrive. I then went to the ATM and by mistake drew Rs 4000 instead of 400. Consequently, I forgot my new pen drive there. I went and bought a new one next day. And stopped going to an ATM with a pendrive.
Its become so bad that I have started accounting forgetfulness into my daily calculations. While doing stuff I am not particularly interested, I always feel I forgot something and more often than not, I do.
So this new year, may I remember. May I forget forgetfulness. I already wished you a great year right?
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Put 3D models in ppts - Great presentations!
Found a way to put 3D models into presentations. Found it long ago actually, sharing now. Might help someone, who knows.
But it does make presentations attractive!
http://www.esnips.com/web/3Dmodelsinpptpdf .....examples here
Requirements:
1.A 3D modeling software (UG, ProE, CATIA etc) or Google SketchUp.
2.Deep View (Software to embed 3D models by Right Hemisphere)
3.Microsoft Office
You are done!
As soon as you install Deep View (http://www.righthemisphere.com/products/client-products/deep-view), it will go in as a plugin into Microsoft Office Powerpoint(It will appear as 'Deep View' in the main menu on top). This plugin will allow you to embed 3D models into your presentations.
You can insert models of the file extension .rh only.
For this, you have to open your 3D model using the Deep View application and then save it as a .rh file. Check out the file formats which Deep View supports – http://www.righthemisphere.com/_base/static/img/products/callouts/91_deep-view-6.0-supported-file-formats.pdf . You can generally go through the site, http://www.righthemisphere.com
The computer in which this file is present should atleast have Deep View Minimum installed, for the 3D model to work.
I presume you can publish a pdf also using the Deep View Menu in a ppt.
In pdf's you can insert 3D models directly but you'll need Adobe Professional. This feature is there since Adobe Professional 7. But I don't remember about the 3D file formats Adobe Pro accepts.
But it does make presentations attractive!
http://www.esnips.com/web/3Dmodelsinpptpdf .....examples here
Requirements:
1.A 3D modeling software (UG, ProE, CATIA etc) or Google SketchUp.
2.Deep View (Software to embed 3D models by Right Hemisphere)
3.Microsoft Office
You are done!
As soon as you install Deep View (http://www.righthemisphere.com/products/client-products/deep-view), it will go in as a plugin into Microsoft Office Powerpoint(It will appear as 'Deep View' in the main menu on top). This plugin will allow you to embed 3D models into your presentations.
You can insert models of the file extension .rh only.
For this, you have to open your 3D model using the Deep View application and then save it as a .rh file. Check out the file formats which Deep View supports – http://www.righthemisphere.com/_base/static/img/products/callouts/91_deep-view-6.0-supported-file-formats.pdf . You can generally go through the site, http://www.righthemisphere.com
The computer in which this file is present should atleast have Deep View Minimum installed, for the 3D model to work.
I presume you can publish a pdf also using the Deep View Menu in a ppt.
In pdf's you can insert 3D models directly but you'll need Adobe Professional. This feature is there since Adobe Professional 7. But I don't remember about the 3D file formats Adobe Pro accepts.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
'Quantum' by Manjit Kumar - Book Review
‘For those who are not shocked when they first come across quantum theory cannot possibly have understood it’ - Niels Bohr
‘God does not play dice’ - Einstein
The book’s name is Quantum by Manjit Kumar. I was literally compelled to write a review, I could not keep it within myself.
Before you go on, assuming you are even remotely interested in science, take my word and go read it. It is a thrilling experience to say the least. It is worth many times over its price. If I were in college, I would have irritated every guy to hell till they read it.
Warning: There are some spoilers below.
A friend suggested me that the book was an awesome read. I chanced upon it at a bookstore in Bangalore. After getting used to reading pirated ebooks, I was still contemplating on buying it when I opened a random page. This was the excerpt that caught my eye.
(On first discovering transformation of one element to another due to radioactivity)
“ ......Soddy recalled how he stood stunned at the thought and let slip, ’this is transmutation’. ‘For Mike’s sake, Soddy, don’t call it transmutation’ warned Rutherford. ‘They’ll have our heads cut as alchemists’. ”
That pretty much sealed it. I bought the book. The humour and intensity in it caught my attention. I sat on it first thing I was free.
‘Quantum’ potraits a journey of discoveries that reinvented physics starting late in the nineteenth century, ushering in a scientific revolution that dispelled long-standing notions about matter and sparked off a new age. And this was when physicists started resigning to the thought there was nothing worthwhile left to discover. The shock was yet to come. It starts with discovery of quantum, quanta in plural by Max Planck. It depicts how it led physics, especially theoretical physics in a quest to define reality. It was a wonder world, following a genius that was Newton. 'Newtonian' was a religion and it changed. Frankly, it sped light-years ahead.
Learning concepts about atomic structure, electrons etc during school and college is one part. Getting to know what was behind all these things, how big they actually were and their immense influence on future generations is an altogether exquisite experience.
What the author has done exceptionally well was to give space for the role of each scientist depending on relevance. It gets you up and close with their personalities, their achievements and transports you to that place and time. Their long-lasting and game-changing influence on coming scientists also is well depicted. It is something you savour bit by bit. You sometimes wonder at how people really were. We generally expect scientists to be boring people coming out with amazing results from laboratories that propel them from obscurity to fame. That they do overnight miracles. But it is pleasantly surprising to see how personal or emotional it is for them. It is their life.
The book maintains the intensity throughout. There was not a single paragraph I felt was boring or avoidable. All this is amazing given the fact that it is just an assortment of history interspersed with attractive description, not a piece of fiction. This is something everyone as a kid would have wanted or will want to read. There is no physics jargon to confuse and tire the reader. Even a layman can read it but if you know about what is discussed, which students generally do, it will be a fantastic experience.
It is also stunning that most of the instrumental discoveries and significant works were by the young men of that age. You just can’t imagine how much youth weighed in. Fuelled by fresh imagination. This was also another notion about scientists that was found untrue.
And these weren’t single-man achievements who found out the secret key. It progressed with essential contributions from bright minds at each and every step. No wonder Einstein once said that he was seeing beyond standing on the shoulders of the giants of science.
At its heart lies the debate about reality between Einstein and Bohr, the two giants of modern science who had unimaginable significance on it in their own contrasting ways. Bohr said that physics was a description of ‘what we see’ while Einstein stubbornly stressed upon the fact that physics was knowledge of ‘what is’. It is a celebration of Einstein, the greatest genius since Newton, and Niels Bohr, the father of quantum mechanics. Also astonishing is the fact that the person who propelled all this by discovering quantum, Max Planck, was a staunch believer in Classical Physics. Any further description will be foolish, lest you should form a premature opinion. Prejudice is something that will be thrown out of the window by reading this book.
I am tempted to put in excerpts from the book to fire your interest but my sane half suggests me that you would enjoy better on reading the book, I really don’t want to spoil it. Just that you know, I can put in just a few lines and you will go running for a read. For anyone who is actually into physics, it would be a gross deprivation if they did not know what was already in the book. Its almost a duty.
In taking us through those two cruelly painful World Wars, depicting the predicaments science faced and the effects it had on its development, the author has done a truly commendable job. It is an exhilarating experience.
The tint of humour and drama are inherently present. You would have known many books on physics but would have never come across such lucid historical description on what has been its golden age. At every page I gaped and wondered. Sometimes I would stop reading, still drinking in the whole essence of what I read. I generally don’t re-read a book while its still incomplete. I did it while reading this, several times. I still revisit parts of it. The final quotation is more than worth its place, summarizing brilliantly and succinctly the quest of Einstein. Accolades to the author for compiling this compelling narrative.
The book went as far as permanently changing my outlook in many fundamental aspects. Brilliant, entertaining, informative, insightful and thought-provoking are only a few words that come to my mind. Sit back and enjoy. It will be on the list of ten best things you did this year.
And as one review on the cover says, ‘A super collider of a book’.
PS:Check out the net for more reviews and info.
‘God does not play dice’ - Einstein
The book’s name is Quantum by Manjit Kumar. I was literally compelled to write a review, I could not keep it within myself.
Before you go on, assuming you are even remotely interested in science, take my word and go read it. It is a thrilling experience to say the least. It is worth many times over its price. If I were in college, I would have irritated every guy to hell till they read it.
Warning: There are some spoilers below.
A friend suggested me that the book was an awesome read. I chanced upon it at a bookstore in Bangalore. After getting used to reading pirated ebooks, I was still contemplating on buying it when I opened a random page. This was the excerpt that caught my eye.
(On first discovering transformation of one element to another due to radioactivity)
“ ......Soddy recalled how he stood stunned at the thought and let slip, ’this is transmutation’. ‘For Mike’s sake, Soddy, don’t call it transmutation’ warned Rutherford. ‘They’ll have our heads cut as alchemists’. ”
That pretty much sealed it. I bought the book. The humour and intensity in it caught my attention. I sat on it first thing I was free.
‘Quantum’ potraits a journey of discoveries that reinvented physics starting late in the nineteenth century, ushering in a scientific revolution that dispelled long-standing notions about matter and sparked off a new age. And this was when physicists started resigning to the thought there was nothing worthwhile left to discover. The shock was yet to come. It starts with discovery of quantum, quanta in plural by Max Planck. It depicts how it led physics, especially theoretical physics in a quest to define reality. It was a wonder world, following a genius that was Newton. 'Newtonian' was a religion and it changed. Frankly, it sped light-years ahead.
Learning concepts about atomic structure, electrons etc during school and college is one part. Getting to know what was behind all these things, how big they actually were and their immense influence on future generations is an altogether exquisite experience.
What the author has done exceptionally well was to give space for the role of each scientist depending on relevance. It gets you up and close with their personalities, their achievements and transports you to that place and time. Their long-lasting and game-changing influence on coming scientists also is well depicted. It is something you savour bit by bit. You sometimes wonder at how people really were. We generally expect scientists to be boring people coming out with amazing results from laboratories that propel them from obscurity to fame. That they do overnight miracles. But it is pleasantly surprising to see how personal or emotional it is for them. It is their life.
The book maintains the intensity throughout. There was not a single paragraph I felt was boring or avoidable. All this is amazing given the fact that it is just an assortment of history interspersed with attractive description, not a piece of fiction. This is something everyone as a kid would have wanted or will want to read. There is no physics jargon to confuse and tire the reader. Even a layman can read it but if you know about what is discussed, which students generally do, it will be a fantastic experience.
It is also stunning that most of the instrumental discoveries and significant works were by the young men of that age. You just can’t imagine how much youth weighed in. Fuelled by fresh imagination. This was also another notion about scientists that was found untrue.
And these weren’t single-man achievements who found out the secret key. It progressed with essential contributions from bright minds at each and every step. No wonder Einstein once said that he was seeing beyond standing on the shoulders of the giants of science.
At its heart lies the debate about reality between Einstein and Bohr, the two giants of modern science who had unimaginable significance on it in their own contrasting ways. Bohr said that physics was a description of ‘what we see’ while Einstein stubbornly stressed upon the fact that physics was knowledge of ‘what is’. It is a celebration of Einstein, the greatest genius since Newton, and Niels Bohr, the father of quantum mechanics. Also astonishing is the fact that the person who propelled all this by discovering quantum, Max Planck, was a staunch believer in Classical Physics. Any further description will be foolish, lest you should form a premature opinion. Prejudice is something that will be thrown out of the window by reading this book.
I am tempted to put in excerpts from the book to fire your interest but my sane half suggests me that you would enjoy better on reading the book, I really don’t want to spoil it. Just that you know, I can put in just a few lines and you will go running for a read. For anyone who is actually into physics, it would be a gross deprivation if they did not know what was already in the book. Its almost a duty.
In taking us through those two cruelly painful World Wars, depicting the predicaments science faced and the effects it had on its development, the author has done a truly commendable job. It is an exhilarating experience.
The tint of humour and drama are inherently present. You would have known many books on physics but would have never come across such lucid historical description on what has been its golden age. At every page I gaped and wondered. Sometimes I would stop reading, still drinking in the whole essence of what I read. I generally don’t re-read a book while its still incomplete. I did it while reading this, several times. I still revisit parts of it. The final quotation is more than worth its place, summarizing brilliantly and succinctly the quest of Einstein. Accolades to the author for compiling this compelling narrative.
The book went as far as permanently changing my outlook in many fundamental aspects. Brilliant, entertaining, informative, insightful and thought-provoking are only a few words that come to my mind. Sit back and enjoy. It will be on the list of ten best things you did this year.
And as one review on the cover says, ‘A super collider of a book’.
PS:Check out the net for more reviews and info.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Surreality of Telangana? Its here dude....
Perfect case of atrocious governance leading to a state with worse government. My take and I blurt.
I would like to not to bore you with long thought passages about the latest buzz in every Gult, the new state of Telangana(believe me, they are long and keep getting longer). Everyone must have had a mental image of it. Real for some, surreal for others. Its all real now.
But among the myriad thoughts erupting numerously every second regarding its cause and effect, I have some pressing ones I would like to present.
First thing. Pain. Everyone without prejudice would want our state united. Telangana should not have happened. Who knows.
May be its not so painful after all. Should we take it in the stride?
States were divided on linguistic basis, now its ethnicity? Is the country disintegrating? Where might this go?
And most importantly to serve Telangana's actual purpose, must we not make sure that this does not turn into a hate state, fighting for resources etc.? The most glaring (though highly exaggerated) example of hate lies right beside us, not in principle but in emotion. The fact that Telangana issue even reared its head was because of glaring injustice meted out to them by greedy politicians. So the enmity should end right here. Even its existence is unimaginable.
And it is true that smaller states mean better governance, so you have got hope. The most indigestible fact was about the person who will be its CM! Come on guys, you know of what kind he is. Can you believe hailing him as the father of Telangana, his statues in the state! Comparing him to the indomitable great Potti Sreeramulu! And God seriously forbid, asking for a district on his name! Horrific! I forced my mind to stop such atrocious thoughts. I wouldn't like to see that day. Opportunistic is only a decent word to describe him. All politicians are so, but here is the most audacious example of them. He did fast, but what other option did he have to survive? Another heist and people would have buried him. He also made sure everyday of his fast created inexplicable unrest in the state, claiming innocent lives. Let Telangana form but atleast you should have let him starve for a few more days(some may even say die).
That students were a part of this 'revolution' worries me to no end.
And we should remember that Telangana has to pay for all the new ministries and ornaments created, so does Andhra.
Also ethically and culturally, is Hyderabad really a part of Telangana? Some might say yes, but I was thinking not. Then, suddenly among this haze I struck upon the heart of my misery.
"Where do I stand??!!"
I was dumbstruck. Not exactly an identity crisis, but very very.... you know. Coming back to Hyderabad, I have never seen myself as more than a Hyderabadi. And that too I realised now (I only knew about the Indian feeling till now). Ancestry in Andhra, born and brought up in Telangana and living now in Rayaseema(technically its Vadodara now but..). Moreover all reasons that justify Telangana are not in the context of Hyd. No, I don't want a separate UT, thats too messy. But am sad Hyd got into all of it. It is as much Andhra as Telangana.
Given I have never been affected and it would be unfair for me to undermine the effort and sorrow of millions. But the point is that I am on their side.
Also you have the grave danger of Maoists proliferating in the ensuing confusion. One of the most pressing issues given AP has been the role model in efforts to halt this menace.
Focus will be shifted from development issues no doubt but it has to get back on track asap. And if Telangana fails? Separated states haven't succeeded you know. Well those are thoughts we should not entertain at this time. Its a time for positivity.
Is politics all about sensing opportunities and playing with people's minds? It may go as far as instilling a permanent hate for politicians. This business has gone unpredictable. Some things really are out of our hands. May be I should'nt care and hope for the best. But remotely, some part of me is overwhelmed by sadness. Hope that will turn out to be unnecessary
Or maybe its our responsibility to force incompetent and/or unethical people into taking good decisions.
And over the years, the Telangana issue has garnered so many variables, some paradoxical, into its equation that it becomes deliriously confusing for single person, especially with my knowledge of it, to analyse and contemplate the whole of it in a lifetime.
Whats incredibly pathetic is the fact that politicians allowed Telangana movement since 1969!!! The reason is injustice and bad governance(thats what they say. If the reason is purely ethnicity, GOD help India). They could have focused and developed Telangana. Every single sod knows that and yet they let it happen! It is in the hands of the government bloody! A rise in movement, subdue it. Somehow. Another rise, subdue it again. But why the heck won't you prevent it from happening. Four decades is so much!
As I saw people around me and their opinions, it was majorly No with some Yes's to separate Telangana. But then something in both their tones revealed the same feeling, their concern for progress and development. 'Abhivruddhi' seems to be a word politicians use only while speaking, that too rarely. So I think the best thing would be to take what happens as good and move on. It may take a while. Remember the foremost function - fulfilling the purpose of its formation. It is not victory yet; it is a step, irrespective of right or wrong(we've crossed that line), which we should all make sure progresses to a success.
But one(silver lining) fact is it may be a long time before it actually comes into existence. Congress will delay it as long as it is politically possible.
But like the border now carved across Telugu heartland, the scar will always remain.
More in mind. But suffice with what you read. The thing is, am too sad to voice absolutes. Ah, I so didn't want it. Anyways.
Jai Telangana, Jai Andhra
Jai Hind!
(I have thus edited the post 7 times. It up to date now, don't worry :P)
I would like to not to bore you with long thought passages about the latest buzz in every Gult, the new state of Telangana(believe me, they are long and keep getting longer). Everyone must have had a mental image of it. Real for some, surreal for others. Its all real now.
But among the myriad thoughts erupting numerously every second regarding its cause and effect, I have some pressing ones I would like to present.
First thing. Pain. Everyone without prejudice would want our state united. Telangana should not have happened. Who knows.
May be its not so painful after all. Should we take it in the stride?
States were divided on linguistic basis, now its ethnicity? Is the country disintegrating? Where might this go?
And most importantly to serve Telangana's actual purpose, must we not make sure that this does not turn into a hate state, fighting for resources etc.? The most glaring (though highly exaggerated) example of hate lies right beside us, not in principle but in emotion. The fact that Telangana issue even reared its head was because of glaring injustice meted out to them by greedy politicians. So the enmity should end right here. Even its existence is unimaginable.
And it is true that smaller states mean better governance, so you have got hope. The most indigestible fact was about the person who will be its CM! Come on guys, you know of what kind he is. Can you believe hailing him as the father of Telangana, his statues in the state! Comparing him to the indomitable great Potti Sreeramulu! And God seriously forbid, asking for a district on his name! Horrific! I forced my mind to stop such atrocious thoughts. I wouldn't like to see that day. Opportunistic is only a decent word to describe him. All politicians are so, but here is the most audacious example of them. He did fast, but what other option did he have to survive? Another heist and people would have buried him. He also made sure everyday of his fast created inexplicable unrest in the state, claiming innocent lives. Let Telangana form but atleast you should have let him starve for a few more days(some may even say die).
That students were a part of this 'revolution' worries me to no end.
And we should remember that Telangana has to pay for all the new ministries and ornaments created, so does Andhra.
Also ethically and culturally, is Hyderabad really a part of Telangana? Some might say yes, but I was thinking not. Then, suddenly among this haze I struck upon the heart of my misery.
"Where do I stand??!!"
I was dumbstruck. Not exactly an identity crisis, but very very.... you know. Coming back to Hyderabad, I have never seen myself as more than a Hyderabadi. And that too I realised now (I only knew about the Indian feeling till now). Ancestry in Andhra, born and brought up in Telangana and living now in Rayaseema(technically its Vadodara now but..). Moreover all reasons that justify Telangana are not in the context of Hyd. No, I don't want a separate UT, thats too messy. But am sad Hyd got into all of it. It is as much Andhra as Telangana.
Given I have never been affected and it would be unfair for me to undermine the effort and sorrow of millions. But the point is that I am on their side.
Also you have the grave danger of Maoists proliferating in the ensuing confusion. One of the most pressing issues given AP has been the role model in efforts to halt this menace.
Focus will be shifted from development issues no doubt but it has to get back on track asap. And if Telangana fails? Separated states haven't succeeded you know. Well those are thoughts we should not entertain at this time. Its a time for positivity.
Is politics all about sensing opportunities and playing with people's minds? It may go as far as instilling a permanent hate for politicians. This business has gone unpredictable. Some things really are out of our hands. May be I should'nt care and hope for the best. But remotely, some part of me is overwhelmed by sadness. Hope that will turn out to be unnecessary
Or maybe its our responsibility to force incompetent and/or unethical people into taking good decisions.
And over the years, the Telangana issue has garnered so many variables, some paradoxical, into its equation that it becomes deliriously confusing for single person, especially with my knowledge of it, to analyse and contemplate the whole of it in a lifetime.
Whats incredibly pathetic is the fact that politicians allowed Telangana movement since 1969!!! The reason is injustice and bad governance(thats what they say. If the reason is purely ethnicity, GOD help India). They could have focused and developed Telangana. Every single sod knows that and yet they let it happen! It is in the hands of the government bloody! A rise in movement, subdue it. Somehow. Another rise, subdue it again. But why the heck won't you prevent it from happening. Four decades is so much!
As I saw people around me and their opinions, it was majorly No with some Yes's to separate Telangana. But then something in both their tones revealed the same feeling, their concern for progress and development. 'Abhivruddhi' seems to be a word politicians use only while speaking, that too rarely. So I think the best thing would be to take what happens as good and move on. It may take a while. Remember the foremost function - fulfilling the purpose of its formation. It is not victory yet; it is a step, irrespective of right or wrong(we've crossed that line), which we should all make sure progresses to a success.
But one(silver lining) fact is it may be a long time before it actually comes into existence. Congress will delay it as long as it is politically possible.
But like the border now carved across Telugu heartland, the scar will always remain.
More in mind. But suffice with what you read. The thing is, am too sad to voice absolutes. Ah, I so didn't want it. Anyways.
Jai Telangana, Jai Andhra
Jai Hind!
(I have thus edited the post 7 times. It up to date now, don't worry :P)
Thursday, November 12, 2009
A parody of the plight....Indian Cricket
Don't mind the exaggerations, just mind the fun and pun...
No one on the entire mother earth was, but people in the Indian dressing room were anxiously awaiting the final and useless ODI match between India and Australia.
“Bad coin, baad coin” came the voice of one as he was tossing a coin several times, he was moaning as kept losing. It was Emmes Donie, the captain. He finally lost a series after his moves did not work out. “How come my fortune has run out?” he asked to no one in particular.
“I don't think so. Look outside, its raining” replied Sach Indulkar. “I was planning to play an epic innings or getting out early, now I can't do either”
Harebrained Sing and Proven Kumar came running from inside, “You mean we can't save the team after the batting collapse?”
“I'll call the groundsman a monkey and slap him, will it work?” asked Harebrained. “Won't work” said Proven and both went back in to give batting tips to the Indian top order.
“If we can't play, what about our pride?” asked Donnie. “Washed out” replied Indulkar, with a smug look.
Back in the Australian camp,
“Oh, its raining, is it? Hmm, hard luck. I thought may be we could push in a few more debutants” said Rarely Panting, the captain.
“I knew this would work! India is the ideal country to debut with and to regain lost form” he said, sounding like a foreign business investor.
“I mean, take Dogged BallinThere for example, who succeeded for doggedly putting the ball in there” he bragged.
“Right O, we too had a good time” said Shine and WhosHe.
Meanwhile, the Indian team was selected but no clear explanation was in sight, again.
“See people, I can't” said Chris SeeICant, chief selector. “Its only better if I didn't tell you guys” he said to the media.
Later in their cabal meeting, the selectors were chatting...
“Look at the bench of Aussies' strength” said one, jumbling his intention.
“But our bench is bigger, and warmer” said another, totally missing the point.
“We need a better domestic structure or tourney. Lets ask Modi, he quite powerful in such matters” replied SeeICant
“Who? The BCCI one or the BJP one?” asked same another, again missing the point as he was confused between politics and cricket.
Abruptly someone asked “But why was Wall Drive-ed driven out of the team? We could have won with him ”, still confused about the inclusion and exclusion of Wall.
“Its about sending the right signal” said SeeICant
“And whats that?”
Silence
(Everyone looked at each other's face for an answer and raised eyebrows)
“A few players are coming up, we need to hand them debuts” said one, breaking the silence.
“We'll play them against a team which is great to debut against!” said another, inflating like a baloon, having a eureka moment.
“But India is the only such team” was the terse reply, putting a pin into the aforementioned metaphoric baloon.
“Oh, we can't play against ourselves I guess” said the former, realizing the defect in his idea, as he reviewed an influential recommendation letter for a player.
No one on the entire mother earth was, but people in the Indian dressing room were anxiously awaiting the final and useless ODI match between India and Australia.
“Bad coin, baad coin” came the voice of one as he was tossing a coin several times, he was moaning as kept losing. It was Emmes Donie, the captain. He finally lost a series after his moves did not work out. “How come my fortune has run out?” he asked to no one in particular.
“I don't think so. Look outside, its raining” replied Sach Indulkar. “I was planning to play an epic innings or getting out early, now I can't do either”
Harebrained Sing and Proven Kumar came running from inside, “You mean we can't save the team after the batting collapse?”
“I'll call the groundsman a monkey and slap him, will it work?” asked Harebrained. “Won't work” said Proven and both went back in to give batting tips to the Indian top order.
“If we can't play, what about our pride?” asked Donnie. “Washed out” replied Indulkar, with a smug look.
Back in the Australian camp,
“Oh, its raining, is it? Hmm, hard luck. I thought may be we could push in a few more debutants” said Rarely Panting, the captain.
“I knew this would work! India is the ideal country to debut with and to regain lost form” he said, sounding like a foreign business investor.
“I mean, take Dogged BallinThere for example, who succeeded for doggedly putting the ball in there” he bragged.
“Right O, we too had a good time” said Shine and WhosHe.
Meanwhile, the Indian team was selected but no clear explanation was in sight, again.
“See people, I can't” said Chris SeeICant, chief selector. “Its only better if I didn't tell you guys” he said to the media.
Later in their cabal meeting, the selectors were chatting...
“Look at the bench of Aussies' strength” said one, jumbling his intention.
“But our bench is bigger, and warmer” said another, totally missing the point.
“We need a better domestic structure or tourney. Lets ask Modi, he quite powerful in such matters” replied SeeICant
“Who? The BCCI one or the BJP one?” asked same another, again missing the point as he was confused between politics and cricket.
Abruptly someone asked “But why was Wall Drive-ed driven out of the team? We could have won with him ”, still confused about the inclusion and exclusion of Wall.
“Its about sending the right signal” said SeeICant
“And whats that?”
Silence
(Everyone looked at each other's face for an answer and raised eyebrows)
“A few players are coming up, we need to hand them debuts” said one, breaking the silence.
“We'll play them against a team which is great to debut against!” said another, inflating like a baloon, having a eureka moment.
“But India is the only such team” was the terse reply, putting a pin into the aforementioned metaphoric baloon.
“Oh, we can't play against ourselves I guess” said the former, realizing the defect in his idea, as he reviewed an influential recommendation letter for a player.
Monday, November 2, 2009
A short touring experience
Long time eh....
So started of on a small trip last Sunday(the one before yesterday), and am sharing my experience. Wanted to blog earlier but was equally busy and lazy to do it. Actually saying that, I love inertia(you know, not wanting to wake up when asleep and sleep when awake). I think there should be a term for ppl like me or us(thrs lot of‘em I supp). Something like ‘inertiee’(spelt inershee) or ‘inertian‘ would do. Okay lets come back.
I had to attend my ONGC exam on Sunday at Ahmedabad and go to Pune to visit a company on Monday(btw I am in Baroda, which is 2hrs from Ahm and 12 hrs from Pune). Obviously, I booked my ticket from Ahmedabad to Pune, you know, since am clever. Had a hard time getting the ticket on Saturday night. So Sunday came and the test was at 2 PM. I woke up late and had some pressing jobs to finish and I ended up having a light and hurried brunch at 11 AM. Caught a bus to Ahm at 11:30. And got to Ahm by 1:30. I then found out that the exam centre was in the outskirts and 25-30 mins away. I took the auto immediately(they wouldn‘t allow you after 2). On the way, fortunately remembered that I had no pencil, or a sharpener or eraser for that matter (you needed them) and it was Sunday. Somehow I found a shop, he had only one sharpener, lol. Got to the centre few minutes before 2. I rubbed my hands gleefully and started the test. Gen speaking, it was on the easier side. But given my shameful under-preparation aided by utterly inadequate knowledge, I did not fancy a chance either way. Actually, you have this funny good nothing-to-lose or who-cares feeling about attempting in such a way. It had 40 obj. & 2 subjective ques in GK and 80 obj. & 2 subjective ques in Mech. I got through all obj. and came to subjective part. You had to write these answers with a pen, I had two. So I felt good about that part. Anyway while writing the first que, first pen’s ink finished. Lucky me, I thought and took out the second one. Then while writing the second ans, second pen went out! **** me. The guy next to me had an extra pen. Exam done by 5(couldn’t get out earlier). I came out and made some calls and by 5:30 got to know that to I had to travel for 1 hr minimum to catch the Pune bus, which was to leave in 15 mins! It was to go via Baroda, seems it waits there for a while and I had time till 8:30. So I went back to the station and caught a bus to Baroda at 6:30. Just got there in time to catch the bus. Good, I thought.
But, there was some problem as some guy had a ticket but no seat. The driver did not hear his situation and a small verbal warfare started. Both talked to travel guy on phone and finally settled and adjusted the passenger in a seat. The driver was still sour and got back to the wheel(seems he was driving 24 hrs straight). Meanwhile I dozed off. He stopped for dinner and I missed it! After the break, the driver(apparently drunk now) came to fight again, totally forgetting they had a settlement earlier. He wanted the seat, seems it was his. He got abusive and started manhandling the guy. Passengers objected(I too shouted :P), the driver ignored, tempers flared, elders intervened and a re-settlement was reached. The whole drama took a toll of more than 2 hrs and I did not have dinner . I had to reach Pune by 10 next day for the customer visit. The situation got from bad to worse when I reached Pune at 12:40, a big delay. I then contacted our guy there, got to a hotel, freshened up and finally ate(I had managed with biscuit and water earlier). Went to the company by 2. Felt good, meeting someone on business purpose. Was done by 6:30(had to wait a lot). I had to get to office the next day and my bus back was at 7:00. Again, I caught it a few mins before departure. This time I did not miss the dinner on the way back. Got to Baroda by 7, rounded off a busy trip, and dozed off in my room. Went to the company by 10, comfortably excusing myself.
Till next time then; Good Day.
So started of on a small trip last Sunday(the one before yesterday), and am sharing my experience. Wanted to blog earlier but was equally busy and lazy to do it. Actually saying that, I love inertia(you know, not wanting to wake up when asleep and sleep when awake). I think there should be a term for ppl like me or us(thrs lot of‘em I supp). Something like ‘inertiee’(spelt inershee) or ‘inertian‘ would do. Okay lets come back.
I had to attend my ONGC exam on Sunday at Ahmedabad and go to Pune to visit a company on Monday(btw I am in Baroda, which is 2hrs from Ahm and 12 hrs from Pune). Obviously, I booked my ticket from Ahmedabad to Pune, you know, since am clever. Had a hard time getting the ticket on Saturday night. So Sunday came and the test was at 2 PM. I woke up late and had some pressing jobs to finish and I ended up having a light and hurried brunch at 11 AM. Caught a bus to Ahm at 11:30. And got to Ahm by 1:30. I then found out that the exam centre was in the outskirts and 25-30 mins away. I took the auto immediately(they wouldn‘t allow you after 2). On the way, fortunately remembered that I had no pencil, or a sharpener or eraser for that matter (you needed them) and it was Sunday. Somehow I found a shop, he had only one sharpener, lol. Got to the centre few minutes before 2. I rubbed my hands gleefully and started the test. Gen speaking, it was on the easier side. But given my shameful under-preparation aided by utterly inadequate knowledge, I did not fancy a chance either way. Actually, you have this funny good nothing-to-lose or who-cares feeling about attempting in such a way. It had 40 obj. & 2 subjective ques in GK and 80 obj. & 2 subjective ques in Mech. I got through all obj. and came to subjective part. You had to write these answers with a pen, I had two. So I felt good about that part. Anyway while writing the first que, first pen’s ink finished. Lucky me, I thought and took out the second one. Then while writing the second ans, second pen went out! **** me. The guy next to me had an extra pen. Exam done by 5(couldn’t get out earlier). I came out and made some calls and by 5:30 got to know that to I had to travel for 1 hr minimum to catch the Pune bus, which was to leave in 15 mins! It was to go via Baroda, seems it waits there for a while and I had time till 8:30. So I went back to the station and caught a bus to Baroda at 6:30. Just got there in time to catch the bus. Good, I thought.
But, there was some problem as some guy had a ticket but no seat. The driver did not hear his situation and a small verbal warfare started. Both talked to travel guy on phone and finally settled and adjusted the passenger in a seat. The driver was still sour and got back to the wheel(seems he was driving 24 hrs straight). Meanwhile I dozed off. He stopped for dinner and I missed it! After the break, the driver(apparently drunk now) came to fight again, totally forgetting they had a settlement earlier. He wanted the seat, seems it was his. He got abusive and started manhandling the guy. Passengers objected(I too shouted :P), the driver ignored, tempers flared, elders intervened and a re-settlement was reached. The whole drama took a toll of more than 2 hrs and I did not have dinner . I had to reach Pune by 10 next day for the customer visit. The situation got from bad to worse when I reached Pune at 12:40, a big delay. I then contacted our guy there, got to a hotel, freshened up and finally ate(I had managed with biscuit and water earlier). Went to the company by 2. Felt good, meeting someone on business purpose. Was done by 6:30(had to wait a lot). I had to get to office the next day and my bus back was at 7:00. Again, I caught it a few mins before departure. This time I did not miss the dinner on the way back. Got to Baroda by 7, rounded off a busy trip, and dozed off in my room. Went to the company by 10, comfortably excusing myself.
Till next time then; Good Day.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Successors, by default?
India is a truly diverse nation. It no topic of discussion, its a bare fact. One actually wonders how it came to be like this.
India is a democracy with dynasties, political dyansties. This is one aspect discussed many times over and is over-cliched. Especially when someone important dies. There are innumerable examples which I will not labour to mention. We have had people, mostly recently, hue and cry how bad it was for a democracy, especially as its the most populated one. This is true to a large extent. But it happens again, it happens over and over.
Why does this happen?
Because death is such a sudden and startling visitor. And if it chooses a leader, on whom millions have nested their hopes, it creates huge shockwaves (that created by YSR's death are being felt right upto Delhi). And from this comes a sense of insecurity eventually leading to strong urge to maintain the status quo. The most plausible way to not lose the momentum is, to seat deceased's kin in his place. This comes from a strong Indian belief that people inherit many leadership or other qualities from their elders, more so by sons or daughters. But sometimes, interestingly, also wives (may be they presume atleast some qualities might have infected her!). I cannot say this perspective is entirely false.
Actually, this happens in all fields, in all countries. You can see it in sports, movies(where its hellishly rampant!), business etc. Now the fact that it happens a lot more in politics is due to the fact that the yardstick of performance in politics is relative, very. And we are more worried if it happens in politics. In all other fields, even if you try, ones without actual results tend to fade out. But a bad politician can be made to look good and a good one bad. And especially more in India. We idolize people. Instead of aiming at preparing a large base of competitive supporters, making few of them capable enough to be prospective successors, we tend to hint who the successor might be. We kill choices and start becoming over dependent. As it was said, in the context US, many Abraham Lincolns are still cobblers.
Lets see the current scenario in Andhra Pradesh. YSR died right at the peak of his career. He planned a lifetime in becoming what he was now and wanted to do a lot. And many of us hoped it might do some good to the state. His negligence or misfortune or both could have led to his death. But irrespective of that, the void he created is gaping. I conservatively expected, on a gut feeling, that the next Congress CM to be elected(in elections) will be Jagan, YSR's son. Maybe due to his popularity and that in party opinion, he seems to be a natural leader like his father, I don't know. And I am amused, if not surprised, that many are backing his appointment as CM, already! He's just about 100 days old, politically and almost talks and walks like his father. This only shows how over-dependent Congress was on YSR. We know that he was the sole string that tied the Congress together.
Now, I can't even the if the idea of Jagan's succession is good or bad. Actually, the deeper I go into politics, I tend to lose my sense of good and bad. I now assess a politician depending on his capability (that what he does is good or bad is the toss of a coin :P :P).
But when such successions take place, the momentum is so overwhelming that you hardly see any other suitors (I am not sure of the amount of momentum in the current case though). I do believe that dynasty politics, in general, is not to be encouraged as such. We see some awareness about this spreading among the public. But with a country with around 70% of rural population, it will require more than just awareness. I mean to say, if it happens, let it be. But don't try hard to make it happen in every case, just don't just push someone onto the public.
India is a democracy with dynasties, political dyansties. This is one aspect discussed many times over and is over-cliched. Especially when someone important dies. There are innumerable examples which I will not labour to mention. We have had people, mostly recently, hue and cry how bad it was for a democracy, especially as its the most populated one. This is true to a large extent. But it happens again, it happens over and over.
Why does this happen?
Because death is such a sudden and startling visitor. And if it chooses a leader, on whom millions have nested their hopes, it creates huge shockwaves (that created by YSR's death are being felt right upto Delhi). And from this comes a sense of insecurity eventually leading to strong urge to maintain the status quo. The most plausible way to not lose the momentum is, to seat deceased's kin in his place. This comes from a strong Indian belief that people inherit many leadership or other qualities from their elders, more so by sons or daughters. But sometimes, interestingly, also wives (may be they presume atleast some qualities might have infected her!). I cannot say this perspective is entirely false.
Actually, this happens in all fields, in all countries. You can see it in sports, movies(where its hellishly rampant!), business etc. Now the fact that it happens a lot more in politics is due to the fact that the yardstick of performance in politics is relative, very. And we are more worried if it happens in politics. In all other fields, even if you try, ones without actual results tend to fade out. But a bad politician can be made to look good and a good one bad. And especially more in India. We idolize people. Instead of aiming at preparing a large base of competitive supporters, making few of them capable enough to be prospective successors, we tend to hint who the successor might be. We kill choices and start becoming over dependent. As it was said, in the context US, many Abraham Lincolns are still cobblers.
Lets see the current scenario in Andhra Pradesh. YSR died right at the peak of his career. He planned a lifetime in becoming what he was now and wanted to do a lot. And many of us hoped it might do some good to the state. His negligence or misfortune or both could have led to his death. But irrespective of that, the void he created is gaping. I conservatively expected, on a gut feeling, that the next Congress CM to be elected(in elections) will be Jagan, YSR's son. Maybe due to his popularity and that in party opinion, he seems to be a natural leader like his father, I don't know. And I am amused, if not surprised, that many are backing his appointment as CM, already! He's just about 100 days old, politically and almost talks and walks like his father. This only shows how over-dependent Congress was on YSR. We know that he was the sole string that tied the Congress together.
Now, I can't even the if the idea of Jagan's succession is good or bad. Actually, the deeper I go into politics, I tend to lose my sense of good and bad. I now assess a politician depending on his capability (that what he does is good or bad is the toss of a coin :P :P).
But when such successions take place, the momentum is so overwhelming that you hardly see any other suitors (I am not sure of the amount of momentum in the current case though). I do believe that dynasty politics, in general, is not to be encouraged as such. We see some awareness about this spreading among the public. But with a country with around 70% of rural population, it will require more than just awareness. I mean to say, if it happens, let it be. But don't try hard to make it happen in every case, just don't just push someone onto the public.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Random bites
Serious India is closed today, time to go random.
Go check out http://quickgunmurugun09.blogspot.com/ .....the movie released yesterday......raring to see it and Rajendra Prasad...........
I have just thrown the abilities to cogitate, contemplate, analyze, counsel and preach in my mental gutter. Till I wade through the murky mess up there and get them back, I thought that I would leak some my imagination into the blog. Oh yes! my imagination and sarcasm are still intact, otherwise I would have been close to insanity(no, I am not insane now).
Just today a guy put up this status message "When did you rise above yourself?"
I messaged him "When I attended the class and came back to the room, only to realise I was actually in bed all the time!".....spooky huh (oh, don't groan, twas a good answer, he told so!)....Though I am pretty sure he might have meant something else.
And the latest buzz after Jaswant's book is that my owner asked me to get my ass off his place as soon as possible. I tried to ask him why, but he told "No, its better you go" (Slap!).
And I did not even write a book on his friends or enemies. Apparently he wanted a moody "professional" with broody eyes but seems I turned out to be too much of a human. Anyway, as I told my other friend, "Mundane trivialies of a new place".
Also, the trivialities of Indian politics. There seems to be no end for entertainment, from all quarters. One for BJP,
BJP's under lotsa stress
Coz Raje is a princess,
And Jas said Jinnah's the man!
Which Modi pushed down with a ban
Advani, anyway out of the mess?
Given the confusion, you can write many more.
Following is a talk between two friends, an illad and a chom (both of them are equally bad at English)
illad: Hey, give me that two songs in your laptop? (rather rudely)
chom: both are copying (kinda tersely)
illad: yeah, give me after copying....I did not ask before copying
chom: I will give after copying only, how can I give before
illad: I did not ask na before...I asked after! (got a bit agitated)
chom: what do you want!? (also agitated)
illad: to hell, I don't want anything
and both became enemies. The saddest part is I saw something close to this recently. Lol
There is no one around me to ask me anything crazy. So, I asked myself, 'Whats the craziest thing you have done lately?'
I slept, there is nothing crazy about it. So, the post ends. I almost found my stuff from the mental gutter.
Tata
Go check out http://quickgunmurugun09.blogspot.com/ .....the movie released yesterday......raring to see it and Rajendra Prasad...........
I have just thrown the abilities to cogitate, contemplate, analyze, counsel and preach in my mental gutter. Till I wade through the murky mess up there and get them back, I thought that I would leak some my imagination into the blog. Oh yes! my imagination and sarcasm are still intact, otherwise I would have been close to insanity(no, I am not insane now).
Just today a guy put up this status message "When did you rise above yourself?"
I messaged him "When I attended the class and came back to the room, only to realise I was actually in bed all the time!".....spooky huh (oh, don't groan, twas a good answer, he told so!)....Though I am pretty sure he might have meant something else.
And the latest buzz after Jaswant's book is that my owner asked me to get my ass off his place as soon as possible. I tried to ask him why, but he told "No, its better you go" (Slap!).
And I did not even write a book on his friends or enemies. Apparently he wanted a moody "professional" with broody eyes but seems I turned out to be too much of a human. Anyway, as I told my other friend, "Mundane trivialies of a new place".
Also, the trivialities of Indian politics. There seems to be no end for entertainment, from all quarters. One for BJP,
BJP's under lotsa stress
Coz Raje is a princess,
And Jas said Jinnah's the man!
Which Modi pushed down with a ban
Advani, anyway out of the mess?
Given the confusion, you can write many more.
Following is a talk between two friends, an illad and a chom (both of them are equally bad at English)
illad: Hey, give me that two songs in your laptop? (rather rudely)
chom: both are copying (kinda tersely)
illad: yeah, give me after copying....I did not ask before copying
chom: I will give after copying only, how can I give before
illad: I did not ask na before...I asked after! (got a bit agitated)
chom: what do you want!? (also agitated)
illad: to hell, I don't want anything
and both became enemies. The saddest part is I saw something close to this recently. Lol
There is no one around me to ask me anything crazy. So, I asked myself, 'Whats the craziest thing you have done lately?'
I slept, there is nothing crazy about it. So, the post ends. I almost found my stuff from the mental gutter.
Tata
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Dilemma for Indian education.....and a few laughs
‘IITs cannot throw out SC/ST students for poor performance’ - Supreme Court
This is the latest news and I was eager to share my views. We all know that reservation has been upped in educational institutions and now almost 50% the seats are reserved, leaving a pitiful rest for the large general category (one of the reasons why I love BITS). The above judgment seems fine since the SC/ST students, once taken in by the institute, are its responsibility. They need to be provided with additional coaching and other facilities to get them on par with the students of general category (as BTech could be done within two years, in addition to the prescribed time).
The basic and inherent assumption of these actions is the fact that since they got into the IIT's, they can work hard and have considerable intellect. What we require to do is to show them the path, possibly guide them, and remove any inhibitions rooted by factors external to education. But what if the student is not capable of managing education at a higher standard? After all, that is what the JEE does, ascertain whether the student has the basic capabilities.
In the previous years, after JEE, hundreds of seats remained unfilled due to fact that only so many qualified from the reservation category, even after the generously reduced cut-off mark. There was a lot of discussion at that time in the country. Yet the management was intent on further reducing the cut-off mark to accommodate more students from the reservation category, but did not plan to recruiting any students from the general category who could have filled the gap. Also since the setup of the new IIT's, as such 'dilution of standard' is already underway. All these issues only add up to further dilution.
Of course, none can expect any new institution to just take off in flying colours. Dilution of standards is just another feature of the developing stages. What I meant to say was that leniency in recruiting can make that development take longer. The intention is right in promoting the lower classes but not at the cost of one the best institutions in the country. The amount of resources spent per student is considerable and care should be taken to avoid losses. I am not implying that the reason for the SC judgment stated above is due to the irregular intake. No, I am hinting on what can happen if such things continue.
Instead on banking on short term plans to promote the reserved categories, the country should aim at making students from these classes eligible for the IIT's. Rather than lowering the bar of institutions, they should plan to raise the standard of students. Thus making sure they don't rely excessively on the reduced cut-off to get through. For that you need good higher school education and we will finally end up at the grassroot level. This is exactly where the reservation should be acted upon and its where the maximum benefits can be reaped. Reservation should become lesser and lesser as we climb up into the upper echelons of the country's infrastructure. But we find that the situation is a bit reversed in our country. Reservation at higher levels will, in cases, hamper the growth of the merited and deserving. I know its a long process, but that is whats best.
We should keep in mind that our fathers, who introduced the concept of reservation, intended to be a tool to someday bring the classes into balance. They envisaged equal opportunity to all one day. But thanks to our incompetence, we have not been able to achieve that. What is more pathetic is that I presume no party plans to end it at all. I dread that they will secretly scheme and make sure that the reservation system stands for ages, providing them with political fuel for run for a long time. And time has shown that my dread is true, in many parts. And the government is not the only culprit, we are too. I only hope for a better future.
Talking is a lot easier, people say. But only if there's talk, people will know where to walk!
-----On the lighter side, this is what happened recently,
Indian: “Did we went to that hotel yesterday?”
Another Indian: “Yes, we go”
(For those don't know English :P , both of them did go the hotel!)
------Not a joke, so don't laugh.
Well, after sneezing I generally used to say “excuse me” but I've recently changed it. I started saying “swine flu” after sneezing, not to terrify people around me(thats a sarcastic side-effect) but just to amuse myself! Its working wonders (lest no one hits me)!
This is the latest news and I was eager to share my views. We all know that reservation has been upped in educational institutions and now almost 50% the seats are reserved, leaving a pitiful rest for the large general category (one of the reasons why I love BITS). The above judgment seems fine since the SC/ST students, once taken in by the institute, are its responsibility. They need to be provided with additional coaching and other facilities to get them on par with the students of general category (as BTech could be done within two years, in addition to the prescribed time).
The basic and inherent assumption of these actions is the fact that since they got into the IIT's, they can work hard and have considerable intellect. What we require to do is to show them the path, possibly guide them, and remove any inhibitions rooted by factors external to education. But what if the student is not capable of managing education at a higher standard? After all, that is what the JEE does, ascertain whether the student has the basic capabilities.
In the previous years, after JEE, hundreds of seats remained unfilled due to fact that only so many qualified from the reservation category, even after the generously reduced cut-off mark. There was a lot of discussion at that time in the country. Yet the management was intent on further reducing the cut-off mark to accommodate more students from the reservation category, but did not plan to recruiting any students from the general category who could have filled the gap. Also since the setup of the new IIT's, as such 'dilution of standard' is already underway. All these issues only add up to further dilution.
Of course, none can expect any new institution to just take off in flying colours. Dilution of standards is just another feature of the developing stages. What I meant to say was that leniency in recruiting can make that development take longer. The intention is right in promoting the lower classes but not at the cost of one the best institutions in the country. The amount of resources spent per student is considerable and care should be taken to avoid losses. I am not implying that the reason for the SC judgment stated above is due to the irregular intake. No, I am hinting on what can happen if such things continue.
Instead on banking on short term plans to promote the reserved categories, the country should aim at making students from these classes eligible for the IIT's. Rather than lowering the bar of institutions, they should plan to raise the standard of students. Thus making sure they don't rely excessively on the reduced cut-off to get through. For that you need good higher school education and we will finally end up at the grassroot level. This is exactly where the reservation should be acted upon and its where the maximum benefits can be reaped. Reservation should become lesser and lesser as we climb up into the upper echelons of the country's infrastructure. But we find that the situation is a bit reversed in our country. Reservation at higher levels will, in cases, hamper the growth of the merited and deserving. I know its a long process, but that is whats best.
We should keep in mind that our fathers, who introduced the concept of reservation, intended to be a tool to someday bring the classes into balance. They envisaged equal opportunity to all one day. But thanks to our incompetence, we have not been able to achieve that. What is more pathetic is that I presume no party plans to end it at all. I dread that they will secretly scheme and make sure that the reservation system stands for ages, providing them with political fuel for run for a long time. And time has shown that my dread is true, in many parts. And the government is not the only culprit, we are too. I only hope for a better future.
Talking is a lot easier, people say. But only if there's talk, people will know where to walk!
-----On the lighter side, this is what happened recently,
Indian: “Did we went to that hotel yesterday?”
Another Indian: “Yes, we go”
(For those don't know English :P , both of them did go the hotel!)
------Not a joke, so don't laugh.
Well, after sneezing I generally used to say “excuse me” but I've recently changed it. I started saying “swine flu” after sneezing, not to terrify people around me(thats a sarcastic side-effect) but just to amuse myself! Its working wonders (lest no one hits me)!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Blabbing BITS
Trying to find a way through the maze
Suddenly, into the past I gaze
When we lived life at will
Unaware of our increasing skill
When “planning future” was just a phrase
This is not a psenti post (atleast it was not intended to be!)
Suddenly, into the past I gaze
When we lived life at will
Unaware of our increasing skill
When “planning future” was just a phrase
This is not a psenti post (atleast it was not intended to be!)
Passing out of BITS, there are some things you realize and some things that you don't. No I am not talking about feeling senti(though its there at some corner, I guess), but about the profound effect the whole BITSian life has on us. I realized this just recently. Its no wonder, almost natural, to see people evolve over the four(or five) years. Personally, during that time I never brooded about the kind of life we were having, nerd that I am. I never actually felt really psenti, but only thought that I should be feeling it and only sometimes, got carried along with the psenti-junta around me. But things get registered subconsciously that come out only when tempted upon, more often that not by an external agent. Actually, this always happens. Its a human trait. Your hatred or love or feelings for things around you, that you never actually think, come out(and sometimes gush out) at the opportune moment.
BITS is like a cocoon for us, protecting us from the cruelties and numerous unwise distractions of the outside world. We do our share of nuisance, but nonetheless, everything that happens is in good spirit and you are more likely to make more friends than enemies. When I see whats the outside like, I just smile.
Apathy and ignorance is another thing we are not aware of and have to get used to. I've seen this at some PS stations and I am seeing one now, people don't know BITS (hell, some even don't know what an IIT is) and I am talking about guys who are educated. It happened again the other day, I met some guy in our toolroom and when I told him that I studied in Rajasthan, he gave me the same weird look and asked “Did you not get in a good university near your place?” and I had to tell him that BITS was one the best in India only for him to nod his head (almost felt as if I was lying!) which was uncomfortable. As you all know, when you state real good facts about yourself, it'll only seem like boasting to the ignorant. The other day another guy asked me what my discipline was and I told him. He replied “What, no specialization? Hehe, yeh toh gaya” (he told it as if I was the guy who just scraped through some education not knowing what else to do) and I wanted to shout at him that I did it at one the best places possible and consequently, I will have numerous choices of a career depending on my interest etc etc. But I knew better and just smiled saying that the course was good.
Another aspect was the GUT(Grand Unification Theory) of my brain. Whatever events or incidents that I come across, I tend to fit them into one justification, for myself. If I happen to find anything that my understanding cannot justify , I get confused. And I always try to get in tune with the world. I am saying this as to signify the effect of college. It expands your horizon mentally, which are among a thousand other things that you don't know happened to you. You sometimes surprise yourself (and disappoint also, but lets not get negative :P) and its amusing what good education can do. I am not talking about myself (I will end up telling nothing, coz I did almost next to nothing) but its my general feeling of bitsians and the like.
Every aspect of my discussion with people tends to go into telling them what BITS was like. The other day, I was speaking to this person, a chartered accountant (oh and obviously, he didn't know BITS), and suddenly started taking about BITS. While talking, I went on and on and after a point of time I was almost talking to myself. I guess am licking my tongue after the tasty meal called BITS(no, not literally, not our mess!) only hoping to have tastier stuff in future(literally also!).
BITS is like a cocoon for us, protecting us from the cruelties and numerous unwise distractions of the outside world. We do our share of nuisance, but nonetheless, everything that happens is in good spirit and you are more likely to make more friends than enemies. When I see whats the outside like, I just smile.
Apathy and ignorance is another thing we are not aware of and have to get used to. I've seen this at some PS stations and I am seeing one now, people don't know BITS (hell, some even don't know what an IIT is) and I am talking about guys who are educated. It happened again the other day, I met some guy in our toolroom and when I told him that I studied in Rajasthan, he gave me the same weird look and asked “Did you not get in a good university near your place?” and I had to tell him that BITS was one the best in India only for him to nod his head (almost felt as if I was lying!) which was uncomfortable. As you all know, when you state real good facts about yourself, it'll only seem like boasting to the ignorant. The other day another guy asked me what my discipline was and I told him. He replied “What, no specialization? Hehe, yeh toh gaya” (he told it as if I was the guy who just scraped through some education not knowing what else to do) and I wanted to shout at him that I did it at one the best places possible and consequently, I will have numerous choices of a career depending on my interest etc etc. But I knew better and just smiled saying that the course was good.
Another aspect was the GUT(Grand Unification Theory) of my brain. Whatever events or incidents that I come across, I tend to fit them into one justification, for myself. If I happen to find anything that my understanding cannot justify , I get confused. And I always try to get in tune with the world. I am saying this as to signify the effect of college. It expands your horizon mentally, which are among a thousand other things that you don't know happened to you. You sometimes surprise yourself (and disappoint also, but lets not get negative :P) and its amusing what good education can do. I am not talking about myself (I will end up telling nothing, coz I did almost next to nothing) but its my general feeling of bitsians and the like.
Every aspect of my discussion with people tends to go into telling them what BITS was like. The other day, I was speaking to this person, a chartered accountant (oh and obviously, he didn't know BITS), and suddenly started taking about BITS. While talking, I went on and on and after a point of time I was almost talking to myself. I guess am licking my tongue after the tasty meal called BITS(no, not literally, not our mess!) only hoping to have tastier stuff in future(literally also!).
Friday, August 7, 2009
Limericks!
In case you don't what it is, google it and then come back!
So anyway, this the basic intention.....
"lets blog!" i once thought
but that was the only idea i got
then one day, ramblingstumbles i found
to give my opinions a firm ground
which were well read and always sought
But this is the current reality(no offense, be sportive :P)
"lets blog!" i once thought
but that was the only idea i got
then one day, came along ramblingstumbles!
where i would publish my babbling mumbles
to be read by those who work not!
haha!
So anyway, this the basic intention.....
"lets blog!" i once thought
but that was the only idea i got
then one day, ramblingstumbles i found
to give my opinions a firm ground
which were well read and always sought
But this is the current reality(no offense, be sportive :P)
"lets blog!" i once thought
but that was the only idea i got
then one day, came along ramblingstumbles!
where i would publish my babbling mumbles
to be read by those who work not!
haha!
India's predicament.....
I always thought India's neighbourhood as endearing, tentative and troublesome.....
I have had this discussion a zillion times with friends and others. What to do with India's tough neighborhood? I got many suggestions ranging from clever subversive tactics to outright full scale war. When in comes to my opinion(I would invite comments on the topic), I need to tell you that the future matters. I mean, is it our goal to attain global(or regional) superiority or is it to mutually co-exist. I would suggest a combination of the two, i.e, maintaining our superiority in core areas and simultaneously promoting coexistence.
Lets enumerate them. First is Pakistan, wait a sec, or is China first? Okay then China and Pakistan occupy a joint first place in the list of disturbing neighbors. Next comes Bangladesh and to a minor extent Nepal and Myanmar. Due to its own sad reasons, Sri Lanka too has been an issue of unrest in India (though it is just the collateral of its internal affairs). The only bright spot is Bhutan, a small land-locked country which really is a good friend of India.
People's Republic of China or China has been rapidly developing and possesses many similarities with our country. Though there are many opinions, the clear fact is that it has one major intention, domination. Be it in any field, one aspect the Chinese will be after is domination. Even in the Beijing Olympics, one can safely say they worked hard at maintaining/imposing their superiority. Though its not wrong on the outset, their stand has often created trouble(many actually) for India. It is known that India and China still tussle over the borders. A cherry-on-top fact would be that China claims Arunachal Pradesh(I've heard you don't need a visa to get to China from Arunachal Pradesh) among other territories. Recently it stated that “it is obvious that the territory in question(which we staunchly reinforce to be India's) is disputed and it is known we do not accept the McMohan line(because they believe Tibet was never sovereign to actually draw it!)”. Tibet has also been an issue and God knows when it'll end. It is testing for New Delhi to counter many of its moves. Furthermore, China has been promoting weapon and nuclear technologies of Pakistan. And it is also accused of supplying weapons to India's border countries of Bangladesh and Pakistan, and it is clear that it is keen on keeping a check on India's growth and development. All this said, it is still important for India and China to work together and hold the fastest emerging power centres of the world. How troublesome!
It is almost futile to talk about Pakistan. This is mainly due to the exhaustive intricacies our relations involve and that there are multiple centres of power in Pakistan. Each topic can easily be compiled into huge volumes and any views of mine will have to clarify countless issues and all it will do is raise more questions. Suffice to say, the best thing that can happen to India is a stable government in Pakistan(with a single centre of power). Though this is a very big ask and will seems improbable as per the current situation, the general intention should be this.
Bangladesh, ironically freed by India, has become a thorn in recent times. With fake currency emanating from Pakistan and Bangladesh alike, one wonders why it has become like this. Continual breaches in border ceasefire from Bangladesh's side have not helped the cause either. Both the leaders in Bangladesh face criminal charges(and both are women). How India deals with Bangladesh will be critical for other issues as well.
Over to Myanmar(Burma). Though India has many good ties with Burma, it is always risky having an oppressive military regime by your side. Though it an open fact that Burma is ruled by military junta, it is depressing to know that it is almost the most abusive of all. Human rights has been a disaster and the plight of underprivileged is unimaginable as per various international Human Rights organizations. How far India involves in Burma's affairs for its own good is what we should wait and see.
Sri Lanka's action against LTTE caused a furore in the country and things are seemimg to settle only now.
Firstly, I presume that a full scale war(with anyone) is not an option(unless it really is unavoidable) and it is really a waste of time to tell why(moreover with today's risk of nuclear confrontation). One viable option is diplomacy and a clever one at that might fetch some ends. I think that while dealing with any issue, it is always good to have a look at the big picture(i.e, to have an idea of what might eventually happen).
US, Russia, Britain etc. will always take a lot of interest in whatever happens. And as for US, its a double edged knife and has to handled with care. The situation is a bit better with Russia though. We also have the EU, NATO, XYZ to deal with. It is to note that am making no comment on the activities of the current or previous governments of India but am just giving my perspective. Also, in today's globalised political scenario, your decision is just not yours, it affects numerous decisions of other countries also. Its a game with unlimited possibilities and unpredictable eventualities. Really, its a huge web!
Hmmm....I might as well a book filled with inconsequential crap....wanted to elucidate more but am getting tired(mentally) already....so, tata
I have had this discussion a zillion times with friends and others. What to do with India's tough neighborhood? I got many suggestions ranging from clever subversive tactics to outright full scale war. When in comes to my opinion(I would invite comments on the topic), I need to tell you that the future matters. I mean, is it our goal to attain global(or regional) superiority or is it to mutually co-exist. I would suggest a combination of the two, i.e, maintaining our superiority in core areas and simultaneously promoting coexistence.
Lets enumerate them. First is Pakistan, wait a sec, or is China first? Okay then China and Pakistan occupy a joint first place in the list of disturbing neighbors. Next comes Bangladesh and to a minor extent Nepal and Myanmar. Due to its own sad reasons, Sri Lanka too has been an issue of unrest in India (though it is just the collateral of its internal affairs). The only bright spot is Bhutan, a small land-locked country which really is a good friend of India.
People's Republic of China or China has been rapidly developing and possesses many similarities with our country. Though there are many opinions, the clear fact is that it has one major intention, domination. Be it in any field, one aspect the Chinese will be after is domination. Even in the Beijing Olympics, one can safely say they worked hard at maintaining/imposing their superiority. Though its not wrong on the outset, their stand has often created trouble(many actually) for India. It is known that India and China still tussle over the borders. A cherry-on-top fact would be that China claims Arunachal Pradesh(I've heard you don't need a visa to get to China from Arunachal Pradesh) among other territories. Recently it stated that “it is obvious that the territory in question(which we staunchly reinforce to be India's) is disputed and it is known we do not accept the McMohan line(because they believe Tibet was never sovereign to actually draw it!)”. Tibet has also been an issue and God knows when it'll end. It is testing for New Delhi to counter many of its moves. Furthermore, China has been promoting weapon and nuclear technologies of Pakistan. And it is also accused of supplying weapons to India's border countries of Bangladesh and Pakistan, and it is clear that it is keen on keeping a check on India's growth and development. All this said, it is still important for India and China to work together and hold the fastest emerging power centres of the world. How troublesome!
It is almost futile to talk about Pakistan. This is mainly due to the exhaustive intricacies our relations involve and that there are multiple centres of power in Pakistan. Each topic can easily be compiled into huge volumes and any views of mine will have to clarify countless issues and all it will do is raise more questions. Suffice to say, the best thing that can happen to India is a stable government in Pakistan(with a single centre of power). Though this is a very big ask and will seems improbable as per the current situation, the general intention should be this.
Bangladesh, ironically freed by India, has become a thorn in recent times. With fake currency emanating from Pakistan and Bangladesh alike, one wonders why it has become like this. Continual breaches in border ceasefire from Bangladesh's side have not helped the cause either. Both the leaders in Bangladesh face criminal charges(and both are women). How India deals with Bangladesh will be critical for other issues as well.
Over to Myanmar(Burma). Though India has many good ties with Burma, it is always risky having an oppressive military regime by your side. Though it an open fact that Burma is ruled by military junta, it is depressing to know that it is almost the most abusive of all. Human rights has been a disaster and the plight of underprivileged is unimaginable as per various international Human Rights organizations. How far India involves in Burma's affairs for its own good is what we should wait and see.
Sri Lanka's action against LTTE caused a furore in the country and things are seemimg to settle only now.
Firstly, I presume that a full scale war(with anyone) is not an option(unless it really is unavoidable) and it is really a waste of time to tell why(moreover with today's risk of nuclear confrontation). One viable option is diplomacy and a clever one at that might fetch some ends. I think that while dealing with any issue, it is always good to have a look at the big picture(i.e, to have an idea of what might eventually happen).
US, Russia, Britain etc. will always take a lot of interest in whatever happens. And as for US, its a double edged knife and has to handled with care. The situation is a bit better with Russia though. We also have the EU, NATO, XYZ to deal with. It is to note that am making no comment on the activities of the current or previous governments of India but am just giving my perspective. Also, in today's globalised political scenario, your decision is just not yours, it affects numerous decisions of other countries also. Its a game with unlimited possibilities and unpredictable eventualities. Really, its a huge web!
Hmmm....I might as well a book filled with inconsequential crap....wanted to elucidate more but am getting tired(mentally) already....so, tata
Gyaan.....and Baroda
Hello! I have been thinking about many things. Among those multitude of thoughts, I stumbled upon one interesting aspect. Our MD is a follower of Nityananda(a saint from Bangalore), so you get to see his wise quotations all around. They are good mind you and one of them was “When you take up responsibility, divine energy flows in you.....” (I remember only so much). It was truer on observation. Generally people(me included) tend to take time or/and suggestions before they do any personal task. But when entrusted upon by any external subject (friend/superior/parent etc), we tend to be more confident and clear in our approach and decision-making. Is it because we feel no pressure because it is not really ours? Or is it because we took responsibility. I felt the latter was more appropriate in general. I might merely be stating the obvious but its what I felt.
Hmm...that was one random thought I got today. Anyways, so this is my first time in Gujarat and am working in Baroda. Few facts about Gujarat and Baroda in general,
1.Liquor probation, the only state in the country where liquor is prohibited (has got nothing to do with me, just FYI!)
2.Though there's recession, Gujarat's industry is still pushing up, one of the few places where that's happening
3.There is a lot of culture and tradition here(one of the side effects of the probation :P) and so as why you find lesser % of the so-called mass
4.And effectively, it removes the concept of 'night-life' so rampant in other cities
5.Baroda (or Vadodara) is a small city and the roads(the road-sides rather) can get really grumpy if it rains
6.Here, you'll find a two-wheeler even for school kids (cycle-goers are a rarity). And you'll have to get used to girls/women overtaking you on Activas(or possibly bikes) on the road. And coincidentally, most of them will have a scarf around their head (you can see only their eyes), so you won't know who it was
7.Gujarati movies are comparatively non-existent and seemingly not encouraged, its Bollywood all the way. There is no dearth of shopping complexes and multiplex movies in Vadodara though. Its growing fast.
8.Many dishes are sweetened here. But Gujarati food is tasty in general.
9.Seems Baroda was a Princely State, so you'll find some heritage around.
10.The location where I work is called GIDC(Gujarat Industrial Development Corp.). Huge area with lots of industries.
Nothing much to do here.....will be back shortly.....tata
Hmm...that was one random thought I got today. Anyways, so this is my first time in Gujarat and am working in Baroda. Few facts about Gujarat and Baroda in general,
1.Liquor probation, the only state in the country where liquor is prohibited (has got nothing to do with me, just FYI!)
2.Though there's recession, Gujarat's industry is still pushing up, one of the few places where that's happening
3.There is a lot of culture and tradition here(one of the side effects of the probation :P) and so as why you find lesser % of the so-called mass
4.And effectively, it removes the concept of 'night-life' so rampant in other cities
5.Baroda (or Vadodara) is a small city and the roads(the road-sides rather) can get really grumpy if it rains
6.Here, you'll find a two-wheeler even for school kids (cycle-goers are a rarity). And you'll have to get used to girls/women overtaking you on Activas(or possibly bikes) on the road. And coincidentally, most of them will have a scarf around their head (you can see only their eyes), so you won't know who it was
7.Gujarati movies are comparatively non-existent and seemingly not encouraged, its Bollywood all the way. There is no dearth of shopping complexes and multiplex movies in Vadodara though. Its growing fast.
8.Many dishes are sweetened here. But Gujarati food is tasty in general.
9.Seems Baroda was a Princely State, so you'll find some heritage around.
10.The location where I work is called GIDC(Gujarat Industrial Development Corp.). Huge area with lots of industries.
Nothing much to do here.....will be back shortly.....tata
Monday, August 3, 2009
Mike testing...1...2...3....
A fairly conventional introduction I would say. By the way, hello! And if you are reading the blog, seems you have nothing worthwhile to do (now don't get offended, just meant that since it was only an intro). Moreover, you are spending quality time here (just bragging).
I will not bug you reasoning why I started to blog(I know you won't read anyway), but there are many reasons. Just suffice to say, it had to happen. With millions of blog-bros around, I am a kid by some distance. I do have a penchant for expression but no talent for essays. So it'll be short reading I guess(though I relish sarcasm, among others).
The problem is that when something hits me, it doesn't bug me long to make me blog it. Infact, I forget it almost instantaneously, forcing me do something so that 'll remember it. Also I can't assure a high output(of articles), I'll to make sure am around.
But I must warn do not get agitated with the topics, I blab whatever my mind can get a hold of. And of all things, this blog can only reflect my clumsiness and waywardness. Hope I don't infect you!
Thats about it, Welcome and Happy Reading!
I will not bug you reasoning why I started to blog(I know you won't read anyway), but there are many reasons. Just suffice to say, it had to happen. With millions of blog-bros around, I am a kid by some distance. I do have a penchant for expression but no talent for essays. So it'll be short reading I guess(though I relish sarcasm, among others).
The problem is that when something hits me, it doesn't bug me long to make me blog it. Infact, I forget it almost instantaneously, forcing me do something so that 'll remember it. Also I can't assure a high output(of articles), I'll to make sure am around.
But I must warn do not get agitated with the topics, I blab whatever my mind can get a hold of. And of all things, this blog can only reflect my clumsiness and waywardness. Hope I don't infect you!
Thats about it, Welcome and Happy Reading!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)