Banality of teaching

We request students who have an aggregate of 68 or below, not to attend our campus recruitment processes.

91.3… 97.5….75…. What happened in B.Tech ?

Why did you choose to be an Engineer ?

Now that the phenomenal “Campus recruitment Season” started in my college, I started experiencing different modes of mindsets – recruiters and the budding engineers. (That’s what they call us, can’t you see, we ain’t budding !). These instances took me through my beautifully decorated hall called Academic life’ where there were quite a good number of dusty windows called ‘examinations, through which my creativity and innovation might have escaped some day. That’s how I see myself and many other such souls amongst us.

Education – this is the term I would suggest anyone to end any misery – directly or whatsoever. But, I failed to realize that the mere definition in our system for it is different. It’s somewhere far away from our imagination, and most importantly, our sensibility.

Stupid Numbers

Grades, CGPA’s and marks - created a vacuum in both quantity and quality of confident and charismatic youth coming outside and henceforth, revamping the very masquerade of an ‘EDUCATIONALIST. In the earlier days, if you had boasted among your friends that you are a topper, a stoic shrug is what you could have been answered with. But now, THAT tag – be it IIT, IIM or a Gold medalist, is making that geek loftier than the rest. Even that is okay, why are the rest looked down? Education – is it a tiny marble to be locked and stored in a pouch of numbers? Or was Einstein / Feyman a topper ?

Institutions – brand and nothing else

I know there are institutions whose methodology towards teaching is different and humanely innovative. That’s not my concern is about. The rest 100000 of them survive because of the BRAND. It’s a toxic jelly I tell you, we are the prime victims of it. They offer direct and disguised pressure that imbibes all the confidence one can manage to keep at his heart. How many of our Indian institutions exactly adopt when they mean – “World class facilities at research and the all-round development of the student”? Countable with fingers, or even fewer.

Engineering/Medicine. No? Err…

It’s evident that the world isn’t under the mercy of them. You will be successful, beta. Engineering assures you of a bright future. Understand, it’s going to be great. Thank god, this bug ain’t passing from parent generation to its progeny. Where did the liberal arts, humanities and the rest of the awesome studies go? Can’t we just see them? May be they failed to impress us as they can’t draw a 6 digit pay check. Lets fill this gap, else, as in most of the keyboards – delete button is next to pause.

Where do we begin then?

With innovative syllabi and re-framed textbooks – please erase those methods adopted by primitive man. Let’s look at the future, how long can we keep adulating our freedom heroes and past victories. Time for us to crusade against the problems we confront now and learn the latest technologies. Efface all the ignorant notions and let every art and skill of human prevail, not being curtailed by anything.

Giving back “Teaching” that noble place it had earlier. At least a few organizations are striving for it. Relieved. Tune the mindsets that have been accustomed to the traditional means of living. After all, life is not divided into semesters of relative grading. Step out of that mob appreciation. Because its only then education can finally say

And, yes ! I am the bosom that will shelter you.

If only things can be changed for HER ...

If there is anything that irritated me and distorted my brain to the core today, that would be the headlines of the local newspaper. Not much into the details, it’s another report of sexual harassment of another woman - added to the innumerable cases that are already filed and the infinite ones that aren’t even in to the limelight. This is neither going be feminism supportive nor the ultra-modern girl’s association’s version. This is going to be the eye shot of mine. Typical, not-so-influential, but true from heart.

Well, I really don’t know whom to point out and address this blog. Because there is a man of every age group, of every sphere, at some point or the other, molesting a woman. Why? That too in a country where we are expected to respect ladies, (forget about worshipping, that’s the ideal case, because SHE is the incarnation of “Power”) Vedas have echoed the same –

कुपुत्रो जायेत क्वचिदपप कुमाता न भवतत ।

                                      - There can only be a bad son, never a bad mother.

But what to do, we are a nation of forgetters.

Ask any man, the reply would be, if not exactly, something like this – “why should girls be wandering in the city at nights? What’s so special about this party culture and they mingling intimidate with the guys of opposite sex? Why? Can’t they come back home straight away, as soon as their task is done?”

Ask any woman- if educated, she would say – “Aren’t woman human beings? Why should they be deprived of their freedom? They are free to do things that they like, not the ones people impose on them. Would you expect a guy behaving as per a girl’s impositions? Then why should it be the other way round?”

If she isn’t educated, she would say with a sigh – “This is what we are destined to, may be. We are dependent on man- be it husband or son. We can’t oppose the system; it would be useless, for our voices are never heard. Let’s somehow get away with this unhappy and never ceasing painful life”

Portrayal of woman as a gender-puppet isn’t the trend that has been created in the near past. It was long way back. With deprival of her basic rights on everything - her education, financial free hand, role in decision making or simply, her very lifestyle, what else is she subjected to? Except for eventually becoming a tool through which chauvinistic man can clear his drives.

To change this, let them be educated. Not in the schools as they propose. In life; in the situations of the present society. That’s a way out in which the dangers can be subsided somewhat under the silent administering of knowledge and courage in the place of ignorance and helplessness in their heads and hands. Let them have their own mark on everything. This doesn’t imply typical reservations, but some space for them to prove themselves, better. Let her defend herself, physicallly and psychologically. Let them be free as every bird is. Let her wings take her to a new plane of maturity and excellence. Women don’t expect someone to help them to do all the above. But silently prays that no one would restrain them from doing so. Result - a Sudha Murthy. A Sunitha Krishnan. A Kiran bedi. A free Indian woman.

We all owe woman her life. Such a beautiful and wonderful creation she is.

Let’s follow tolerance, we’ll go far. And the world will be new again with colours, this time, happier and livelier.

Puppy Love or yeah ! Infatuation...

It’s been exactly a year, since I first saw you. Belonged to townsfolk, more or less, I was, for the first time going to spend with you for more than 6 weeks. It excited me, for I always dreamt of being with you. And then, finally, I saw you, in-person.

You were so handsome, caught my attention and nerves at the very first sight. Believe me; no one could captivate my heart like that. And there, you stood, with your vast shoulders and stunning moves. Such a roaring personality you were. You were both serene and dynamic at the same time. You attracted many hoi polloi too. What to do, except for squeezing that jealousy?

It became a routine for me from then on. To complete my work and travel all the way, just to behold you. I know, people presume communication is through words, not always. Silence does it much better!

And yeah, THE time timed. I had to leave you. Tears weren’t rolling down, but the same pain deep inside, for I can never have you in my sight again. Got into the shoes of being your beholder for the last time. You were the same, charming and tranquil. I, your one-side lover, finally bid you adieu.

Just wanted to say that you are being missed here…

O’ dear Marine drive, I love you!!

P.S. You look stunning now, especially in your monsoon apparel.  

Madras-a-patnam

It was in my 2^nd class when I last visited Madras J. As of now, I cannot recollect anything except for that blistering sun hitting hard, hospitalising me for a day or two. Now, stepping into this land of summer again, I am more startled than excited. However, I was jaunting all by myself, striding the tracks of Kachiguda – Egmore Express, which was showcasing the scenic beauties nearby Chennai. I tried to spell, in fact all of the stations that we were passing by, but, was successful only with – “Chennai Beach” at the first go.  Nungambakkam, Chengalpattanam, Velecherry, are a few easier ones, Ignore the rest :p

Then, entered the IIT M campus for accommodation. It‘s the land of Monkeys, Deer, a few guys and a very few girls (Non-males, they are called. Darn, That’s very bad). Done with the nominal registration, I thereby, officially started my exploration @ city. These are a few places I could cherish being there.

Marina Beach: Give me a thousand crore rupees, I would still not give this up. This serene sea is with infinite vendors literally forcing you to buy something, while you try enjoying those dynamic waves. Yet, you will be blown away the sea’s potency to appease your soul amidst disturbances. I used to wonder, why, Film maker Mani Ratnam is so fascinated about this sea for he never forgets to show the sea- relevant frames in his flicks. Now, I get it.

Express Avenue: Another bombasting shopping mall, as you generally find in any metro. What made this special to me is, in it, I saw a flick in the language, which I always hated ( Coz, I donno tamil, Ennada :p ) I don’t even remember its name, for it being too long. But, I could at least appreciate what was the plot, if not for the word - to - word translation.

Parthasarathi Temple: Pocketing a history of 1000 years, and idols of many gods, this temple stands as a historical and political veneration, in the land of temples.

Vivekandar Illam: Substantiated hub of Swami Vivekananda’s thoughts and inferences, is this once upon – a- time’s Ice house. With a deep history, and a philosophy at a greater depth, it simplified many complex doubts of my immature brain. Vivekananda’s personified audio and video visuals added to the exquisite serenity and the asute insight behind it. Loved that 2:30 hours spent there.

And yes, the local transport, the sambhar savour ( yes, with the filter coffee ),  the scenic coconut trees add to the list. The thing I loved about Madras, which I dint notice in any of these metros – Hyd, Mum, Bnglr ~ CULTURE. Despite the fast busy lives, the traditional social outlook was pleasing. I found atleast 10 women with white flowers, almost everywhere, neatly decorated in their plaits, propagating the fragrance all around. With a hope that this culture will flourish forever, I was striding back the railway tracks, into a mundane routine again.

Chennai, Thanks for branding three most important days of my life. Your raging heat would be warm in my heart forever and ever.

Who are you ?

Unexpected holidays, I was jobless at my home, in short, doing nothing but, eating and sleeping. Unaccountable boredom. I’ve decided to give a new dimension to these holidays. Why not start from tomorrow?

5.00  A.M 

Woke up early to catch up a morning jog in peace, Yeah, the city is peaceful only then. One hour strict jog, with Akon and Linkin park hitting their octanes in my ears and then puffing heavily, I sat on the park bench. Suspiring, I was staring the beauty around. Then came a handsome guy, must be of my age. He sat next to me. He had a known face, yeah, I had seen him somewhere. He gave a warm smile, and I smiled back.

“Hello”

“Hi”

“How are you?”

“Do u know me ? “

“Of course ! I have been with you for the past 19 years”

Wait……Past 19 years……Must be my neighbour Rakesh or my high school crush Arjun…But he is none of them. I was pushed back into thoughts. This fellow seems to be a very close acquaintance of mine, God, I barely knew him. Helpless situation.

“I’m so sorry, I could not recognise you”

“No regrets, I am not gonna reveal myself, unless YOU find it out”

“…………”

A smile again…and he walked away. I was gaping the way he strided.

1:00 P.M

I was listening to some fluffy bollywood songs.

He sat next to me, “ Hello” again..

“ How did you get in ?”

“ THE door is open, Priyanka”

I saw the door, I scolded myself, yeah, it’s wide open.

“ Wassup ?”

“ I already told you I couldn’t recollect who you are”

“ That’s okay, Tell me, Howz life ?”

Perfect. I’m a dumbo. I couldn’t recall who he was, Yet, I donno, with some unknown emotion, I continued speaking to him.

And then, like morning, he left.

This time, I felt, my confusion increased exponentially.

7:00 P.M

I was heading for some bookstore to grab my favourite Author’s new release. It was him again, with that same smile.

“ Hello”

“ Who are you? I really donno who you are and where you’ve come from. Pardon me if I really forgot, But please do tell, WHO ARE YOU ?”

“  Really ? U forgot me ? Means u no longer needed me ?”

“…………….”

“  I thought you really loved me ”

Awh !! This is going to be fun. I don’t know who the h*** he was and he claims I loved him. Anger gushing out.

“ Get lost, What are you talking ? You are not even my friend. I don’t know who you are”

“ Then, who are your friends? ”

“ None of your business ”

“ Don’t  be a fumer, feel free to tell me, to whom else can u speak so transparent ? ”

Confused, I started listing out a few.

“  Nakshatra, Roshini….”

“ Okay, Who is your bestie? ”

Struck a chord, I used to tell “I am my best friend” in my childhood.

Thoughts triggered out, I was seriously thinking. Yeah, I have changed a lot. I am no longer liking myself. Adopted to situations around, lots of compromises and alterations. I am no longer the good old myself.

Now, I realise, he is my past attitude. He is my Alterego, He is my past self, He is my updater. Everything he spoke made perfect sense to me then.

His words resonating in my ears then

“Life gives you many hurdles, it doesn’t mean that you have to change yourself and go with that flow, Swim upstream if you want to. But, make sure that at the end of the day, though you are left with nothing in your hand, you have your attitude with you”

Sunshine shone upon my cerebration.

The next day,

5:00 A.M

Jog, I sat on the park bench, thinking…

He came again, and gave that warm smile again.

But, this time,

The smile was rejoicing, the smile was soothing and that smile was my regained life…

Maktub

It is not every day, we sit with a particular philosophical book and read it repeatedly, till we jade ourselves. The same happened with me and the book happened to be `The Alchemist . The two reasons which made me start this book are

1.      I have a soft copy of this (courtesy : netmon.iitb.ac.in)

2.     My favourite Blogger appreciated this book to the highest degree.

The holy reading began:

Prologue

Part one

Part two

Epilogue

It really took time to understand what he meant in those lines, and those in between the lines. A writer has a "duty and an obligation never to be understood by his own generation”.  Paulo Coelho is such a one. Capturing and building all the senses together to ponder over a single thought is no ordinary task. He deserves a standing ovation, Dil Se, for his extraordinary perception towards worldly and godly, pleasures and treasures.

In reference to the novel, Santiago, a shepherd, leads life in pursuit of his knowledge and there is one unfulfilled dream, which makes him restless. When he decides that he should go with his dream, he sells of all his sheep, starts the journey by following his entire good omen. Had he been reluctant to sell his sheep, He would be just another normal human on this planet. But, the confidence that even if he wouldn’t gain his treasure, he could still tame the sheep, is what strikes the readers. He wished he would earn his fruits; nevertheless, he got to face many hurdles in the course. 

"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." This is the core philosophy and motto he believed in. And the same happened; the world was at his feet, since he was following his heart.

He encountered many people ~ The King of a state, a crystal merchant, an Englishman, Fatima and the Alchemist. Each of them, enlightened him, in a different dimension.

I would like to jot down those remarkable lines told by each of them, which can truly, inspire everybody.

King of Salem:

“ That at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That's the world's greatest lie.”

“ It's called the principle of favourability. When you play cards the first time, you are almost sure to win. Beginner's luck. Because there is a force that wants you to realize your Personal Legend; it whets your appetite with a taste of success.”

The Crystal Merchant:

“ I'm afraid that if my dream is realized, I'll have no reason to go on living.

It is that dream that drives me forward.”

Englishman:

“ When you want something with all your heart, it's always a positive force."

Fatima:

“ I have become a part of you.”

“ I have forgotten about my past, about my traditions, and the way in which

men of the desert expect women to behave. Ever since I was a child, I have dreamed that the desert would bring me a wonderful present. Now, my present has arrived, and it's you.”

“ That's why I want you to continue toward your goal. The dunes are changed by the wind, but the desert never changes. That's the way it will be with our love for each other.”

"If I am really a part of your dream, you'll come back one day."

The Alchemist:

“ Love never keeps a man from pursuing his Personal Legend. If he abandons that pursuit, it's because it wasn't true love ...”

“ If what one finds is made of pure matter, it will never spoil. If what you had found was only a moment of light, like the explosion of a star, you would find nothing on your return.”

“ Every search begins with beginner's luck. And every search ends with the victor's being severely tested.”

“ When you possess great treasures within you, and you try to tell others of them, seldom are you believed.”

It is then I got to know that there is nothing philosophical about this book, only a godly nomenclature of the most subtle human trajectories. May the light shower upon our dark minds…

MAKTUB  ( It is written )

Haven of awesomeness !!

Guntur wasi à Hyderabadi à Mumbaikar!!

Slow but, a gradual transition  -  The reason for the second changeover is my intern @ IIT-B, sticking me for two months on the campus. Mumbai captured this sojourner’s soul, totally. I being a , “New girl in the city “ , really liked its in-built adaptability, well-disciplined traffic, the way it housed people of all shades under a single roof, hundreds of pigeons all over the city, its swishy metro-culture, typical local trains, The Indian burger [vada pav ], and most importantly, its drizzling rains. The only thing in this urban centre, which impresses anyone who come to rest in her lap is, Marine drive. The same happened with me too, Love at first sight!!

Face the sea, and leave your feet swinging to the cool breezes. Your hair starts taking a shapeless figure, and your eyes flicker to the swift winds, it is then, you are taken to the imaginary world amidst the sea. Those waves relieve all your pains, wash away the past nightmares, and recharge your spirits. If you really want to make some productive time for your soul, it is one place where I would strictly recommend. Coz it’s where we can start exploring our self, when left with a domain, surrounded by water, leaving privacy for our thoughts. Teaches us many ethical, philosophical and social aspects, all of them terminating at one single point, Oneness!!

Waves, in a way, teach that, nothing lasts forever, and all aspects of life like pain, gain, come and go, but it is only our virtues that stay back within us. Excerpts from Sidhartha, By Herman Hesse.

There are many magnificent structures in this city, where we find our connectivity. The Gate Way of India , The ultra-famous, Hotel TAJ, Elephanta Caves with an hour-journey into the sea, the Juhu beach, Haji Ali Darga, Sidhivinayak and Mahalakshmi temples, the Badra-Wohrli sea link , and lastly IIT-B campus. This being the 1^st IIT campus I striding into, becharmed me to the core. It’s only the 1^st impression that gives us a 2^nd chance!!

Let’s see, how far I am gonna utilise this chance…                

Keeping my fingers crossed!!