I visited my Alma Mater

Several times we talk of helping our juniors; of keeping them involved in the right things; or of showing them the right track. I think it is one of our duties as seniors. As we are proud of our juniors at some point of the time or the other, it is important for us to help them whenever we can. And the best way to help them is to “inspire” them. Seeing is believing. And “inspiring” is the best “teaching”.

I don’t claim to have achieved 100% by what I did a few days back, but I made sure that I did my best.

NIT Durgapur chapter of ISTE (Indian Society for Technical Education), organized its 11th AISEC (All India Students’ Engineering Congress) on Jan 21-22, 2006. I delivered an ‘invited lecture’ there. The topic was “Changing face of Cement Industry”. It dealt with how once upon a time cement industry was considered a pollution creating industry, and now a days it is looked upon as a waste consuming industry (alternative raw materials, alternative fuels, additives). I met a number of young engineering students from across India. I was impressed by their presentations in the Technical Paper Presentation sessions. Two young guys from VIT-Vellore had developed an e-OPD s/w, which prescribes medicines once symptoms are entered on a computer program. The s/w has got a training phase, where it actually learns how to make a decision. They have created a website and are planning to put the s/w there for free, for medical students to study and help them update it! Several other papers were very good, and I went through them being in the panel of judges.

In between and after the sessions I interacted with students and helped them with their concerns. A lot of them were in confusion over joining “IT” or “Core tech” companies. They were as enthusiastic as we were in our college times.

And most importantly, I visited ‘my’ Alma Mater after 20 months. I passed though the same pavements and lived in the same hall-4. Visual looks have changed for a better. If you have not been there since long, learn from me that the mess and bathrooms are completely renovated; something we thought will never happen. The college has got a grant of 21 crores from World Bank, and a lot of things are benefiting. I met the child who used to sell ‘parathas’ in our hostels, the ‘dada’ who sells ‘misties’, the shop keepers in ‘techno stores’, and our loving ‘nadu da’ who served us with ‘roties’ in ‘jhups’. Of course I met some of our professors, who have not changed even a little in these years.

I suggest, go visit your alma mater once. Then you will know how good it feels.

- Rahul

Friendship Vs Love

Recently, one of my friends asked our group of friends: “Which one is more important in life: Love or friendship; which one is more powerful?” Lots of guys were confused and marked the question as a difficult one. But I tried. I hope it will be interesting for you, to read my view.

In my opinion, while friendship is more important in life, love is more powerful.

Friendship is cultivated; it is nurtured by every moment shared among the friends. Friendship happens mostly in like-minded people only; or persons of similar background, or similar thinking.

But Love is something that is uncontrolled. You don’t know and you start loving someone. Any similarity is not a pre-condition. In fact, most of us love someone who is entirely dissimilar to ours. It is often said: “Love is blind.”

Friendship is a two-way process. For a successful friendship, both of you need to like each other. But one way love is possible. Some people spend their entire life without revealing their love to someone else. Nothing like this happens in friendship. Friends express their friendship very often.

Often, friends remain friends for life-long, while lovers get apart.

Love is more universal. We can love a child, our grandfather, our college, or our country. Friendship is different.

Friendship is a healthier relationship. One doesn’t force his/her friend to remain only his/her friend. You can have a number of friends at the same time. But love turns to be possessive. The partners expect the other’s loyalty with him/her. Friends often forgive each other. But lovers often break apart or their relation gets tensed on small issues.

A large number of Hollywood marriages fell apart. Because, the actors and actresses have grown in a habit of being friends with so many people at the same time and they find it difficult to remain loyal to a particular partner.

Friendship is more important. Throughout our lives, we take help of friends. Life would become very difficult, if we don’t have a good number of friends. We make gatherings, we enjoy weekends, and we share gifts in friendship. Friendship allows us to learn from our friends. As we can have a lot of friends, we get a good exposure. But if love turns too possessive, often it kills the enjoyment. Friendship is superior to love.

Love is powerful. Often, it makes us take wrong decisions. Those who have little control over their emotions, fall in love, and break so many relations, just to get remain with their lover.

Therefore I say, friendship is more important, but love is more powerful.

Book Reads

Finished reading "Aleph" by Paulo Coelho. In the pages, the author discovers that rebirths/reincarnations happen and souls come back to earth often also to fulfill what was left in past life, like unfulfilled relationships. Paulo realizes that in one of the past lives he was a priest in Church and had participated in "inquisition" of a girl who loved him. The girl was burnt alive by Church as part of this "purification" process to cleanse her of things which Church forbid (like worshiping nature which is a Pagan practice). The girl had taken rebirth along with him and in the current life as a famous author he asks for her forgiveness in order to get free. So essentially he means to say that Karma matters and rebirths happen. And that life is a journey... This can be said to be summary of the book. Also, I think he speaks of Paramatman when he says, "In real life we tend to see ourselves as separate beings, but the universe is only one thing, one soul." Again, in essence this is also what Vedanta says...

Read a booklet titled "Our Dear Dumb Friends" by JP Vaswani, published by Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Pune. It basically advocates against meat-eating and non-vegetarianism. The author says, "All life is sacred" and says that the same "life" which is inside man, is also inside the animals and hence we should display "the spirit of Maitri" towards them. Man should not be slave to appetites and consider animals also as God's Creation. There is an interesting portion where he makes a point: "There are no wild animals!", giving example of famous animal trainer Ivan Tors who said, "For thousands of years, virtually all our ideas about animals came from hunters whose purpose was to kill, for food or trophies or sport. Hence the term 'wild' animals. Hence the branding of certain animals as deadly or untamable or highly dangerous to man. None of these concepts is true." The author says that animals are intelligent creatures as they respond to love. He says meat-eating is murder as every animal has the "right to live". One can't deny the truth in the pages of this book. 

Rich Dad's Rich Kid, Smart Kid: Giving Your Child a Financial Head Start
By Robert T Kiyosaki and Sharon L Lechter
ISBN: 0446677485

After reading Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Poor Dad, I felt like reading more of his books. This is a book where he is guiding all of us on how to plan for a parenthood wherein we can give a financial head start to our kids. It tells about what to teach our kids about financial freedom from the beginning so that they grow up into financially successful men and women.

Rich Dads Before You Quit Your Job: 10 Real- Life Lessons Every Entrepreneur Should Know about Building a Million-Dollar Business
By Robert T Kiyosaki and Sharon L Lechter
ISBN: 161268050X

Another book from Robert Kiyosaki; I think its title introduces its subject well :)

Book Review: What Young India Wants by Chetan Bhagat

‘What Young India Wants: Selected Essays and Columns’

By Chetan Bhagat

Rupa Publications

ISBN 978-81-291-2021-2

This book is a collection of newspaper articles and columns published by the author Chetan Bhagat. The book starts with Chetan talking about himself and his life, in fact in the manner of a concise autobiography, though readers may find it unnecessary. Then there are about 30+ articles collected for the book which span over many issues and subjects, with the central theme being India and its progress.

I personally didn’t agree with many of the view points mentioned by the author and many arguments. For example, do you really think a diverse and big country like India can ever be compared with a city state like Singapore? It will be like comparing apples with oranges and all the statistics and parameters of these two countries will take us nowhere. The pages show that the author is deeply concerned about India and wants progress here, which is very appreciable. I think young readers should definitely think about the issues Chetan Bhagat takes to write upon. They may or may not agree with him, but at least the thinking will create something positive and will be an improvement over statuesque.

For not so serious thinkers and casual reading but never without readers’ own perspectives on the subjects.

- Rahul

Book Review: A Tiger For Malgudi by RK Narayan

‘A Tiger for Malgudi’

RK Narayan

Indian Thought Publications, Mysore

ISBN 978-81-85986-11-1

“A Tiger for Malgudi” is one of the classic RK Narayan Novels. In this novel, author presents our world through the eyes of a tiger. Having read it, we are left wondering and appreciating the author for having such a great power of imagination and detail.

This book could also be aptly called “An autobiography of a Tiger”. It starts with a tiger narrating his story. The tiger, who is the hero of this novel, was born and brought up in a jungle. He was a mighty tiger who went on to marry and have kids. But one day, humans arrive in the forest and kill his family. More tragedy follows and he was captured by a circus. There starts his story of immense suffering which ended when he killed his Captain and was rescued by a Sadhu. The sage called him his brother and talked to him like a human being. The story is full of humorous instances and is a pleasure to read.

I think this book should be patronized by “Save the Tiger” project. I think no sane person will ever dream of harming a tiger after reading this book. Also, readers will build a greater connect with the world and nature, after taking a ride with RK Narayan’s Tiger.

Highly recommended to all.

- Rahul 

Book Review: Yayati by VS Khandekar

‘Yayati’ (Novel) (Hindi)

(Winner of Gyanpeeth Puraskar and Sahitya Akadami Puraskar)

By Vishnu Sakharam Khandekar

Translated in Hindi by Moreshwar Tapaswi

Rajpal and Sons

ISBN 978-81-7028-559-5

‘Yayati’ is a mesmerizing epic tale as told by the brilliant author VS Khandekar. Yayati was originally a character from the great epic Mahabharata. In this novel, the author has used his own literary skills and imagination to develop the story by adding some character and modifying the story, which he has clearly and honestly clarified in the introduction section of the book. His is not really a mythological story but one with which readers of every generation and time can connect with. Though essentially Yayati is a king and this novel revolves around his struggle for power and affluence, the finer elements of the story and the lessons coming out of them are relevant even for today. Here is a novel which describes heights of greed, lust and craving for materialistic pleasure which are increasingly becoming inherent part of human nature. It is not a depressing story but one which shows that there always is light at the end of the tunnel if we care to find it…

This is my first reading of Mr. VS Khandekar, which was recommended by a friend. And how lucky I was for being introduced to it! Though the book was originally written in Marathi language, it has been translated into many languages. The same book is available in English as well. I got its Hindi translation and found it exceptionally good. The language is of very high quality and it’s a pleasure to read through the book. At some places, the language is so beautiful, with such relevant and wonderful adjectives being used, that we can’t remain without falling in love with the book.

A few lines from the book from pages 52/53:

“Sabhi Rishi aur pahaad door se ek-se hi lagte hain.”

“Japmala me jaise ek-ek rudraksh pichhe khisakta jata hai, usi tarah se eke k din bitataa chala gaya.”

“Gahri hari vriksh-vaatikaon me we do kutiyan aise lag rahi thin, mano do nanhi-munni bahnen ek-dusre se lipatkar ek hi kambal me so gai hain.”

I felt in love with author’s such a strong connection with nature and an eye for detail…

I highly recommend the book to all.

- Rahul 

Book Review: 1984 by George Orwell

‘1984 a novel’

George Orwell

Rupa Publications

ISBN: 978-81-291-1611-6

George Orwell (Eric Artur Blair) (1903-50) born in Motihari, present day Bihar, India and educated in England, is a writer author par excellence and has produced some classic works like Animal Farm (1945) and Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949). Through his novel 1984, Orwell has highlighted the perils of a totalitarian or authoritarian state.

The story revolves around Winston Smith who lives in Oceania, one of the three super-states remaining in the world after a global war. He works in the Ministry of Truth as an editor revising historical records and articles to make the past conform to the party line and deleting references to the people who have been "vaporized". But he develops hatred towards the govt. and Big Brother and even goes on to love a lady called Julia. He is trapped and exposed of his intentions by the Thought Police and is made to undergo a reform, to “cure” him of his dislike towards Big Brother and also to betray his love. Julia also is subjected to similar treatment and even she betrays him. In the end both accept the betrayal.

There are many interesting and invented concepts which have come up through this novel and have gone on to become realities in their own ways. Concepts like of Big Brother, Room 101, the Thought Police, thoughtcrime, unperson, memory hole (oblivion), doublethink and Newspeak have become phrases for denoting totalitarian authority. Even the adjective "Orwellian" now denotes characteristic of George Orwell's writings especially the novel 1984.

The novel is a classic one and I think in parts it even resembles science fiction. Part of it looks like political literature and not exactly fiction. But in some parts it is even dramatic and grasping. It is one of those novels who have impacted human history and collective thinking. It forces all of us to do self-introspection and also to review if we are helping directly or indirectly any authoritarian government in our respective countries. The novel should be read by one and all, especially before voting age, in order to ensure that our world remains safe and sane for ages to come.

[Rahul Tiwary]

Book Review: Talkative Man by R K Narayan

‘Talkative Man’

RK Narayan

Indian Thought Publications

ISBN: 978-81-85986-12-8

Talkative Man is a story set in the legendary town of Malgudi and is one of the classic novels by the great author RK Narayan. Talkative Man or TM as he is called lives at leisure in the prestigious Kabir Street of Malgudi and is passionate about his journalistic endeavors. One day, a man gets down at the city’s railway station and instantly becomes center of huge attraction and talk in the town because of his Western attire and affluent air around him. TM takes up the task of entertaining him and the man ultimately could only be satisfied in getting accommodation inside TM’s house itself. Next, there are some curious gossips about the man and his actual activities as against his claimed one, of working on a book to shake up the world and his claimed mission of working for the United Nations. To enhance the suspense, a lady comes down from a train at the same station and claims to be the wife of this curious gentleman. TM is more loyal towards his ‘friend’. And the later part becomes a tale of his unfriending with is friend who is getting more suspicious day by day and to reconciling the lose ends to contain the harm that could be caused to the peace and life of Malgudi.

It’s a wonderful story and it’s a pleasure to read RK Narayan. I simply loved reading each bit of it and highly recommend to all.

[Rahul Tiwary]

Book Review: Bhaj Govindam by Adi Shankaracharya

‘Charpat Panjarika Stotram’ by Adi Shankara

Bhaja Govindam

Translation and analysis by B. Neelakar, B.P. Shashank Kalyan

Hindoology Books

ISBN 978-81-223-1074-0

Ancient Hindu texts like the Vedas deal with immense depths of philosophy and contain truths which are relevant for time immemorial. Because of difficult language it may not be possible for all to read and learn those evolved texts. Therefore it is very important that gist of those remarkable texts are presented for the younger generation in the simplest ways possible. Through this book which contains at least twelve shlokas from Adi Shankaracharya and many others from his disciples, one can get a good overview of the richest Hindu philosophies. The language of translation is clear and of very high quality. Each shloka contains immense wisdom and encourage us to seek the true purpose of our life.

I recommend this book highly to one and all.

- [Rahul Tiwary]

Book Review: Bhaj Govindam by Adi Shankaracharya

‘Charpat Panjarika Stotram’ by Adi Shankara

Bhaja Govindam

Translation and analysis by B. Neelakar, B.P. Shashank Kalyan

Hindoology Books

ISBN 978-81-223-1074-0

Ancient Hindu texts like the Vedas deal with immense depths of philosophy and contain truths which are relevant for time immemorial. Because of difficult language it may not be possible for all to read and learn those evolved texts. Therefore it is very important that gist of those remarkable texts are presented for the younger generation in the simplest ways possible. Through this book which contains at least twelve shlokas from Adi Shankaracharya and many others from his disciples, one can get a good overview of the richest Hindu philosophies. The language of translation is clear and of very high quality. Each shloka contains immense wisdom and encourage us to seek the true purpose of our life.

I recommend this book highly to one and all.

- [Kumar Rahul Tiwary]

Book Review: The Cossacks by Leo Tolstoy

‘The Cossacks’

By Leo Tolstoy

‘The Cossacks’ is a wonderful story of a young man who has seen the ‘best’ of the times and has volunteered himself out of a cozy rich life. Having lived carefree high society life for years, Olenin decides to give it up and goes to live the harsh life of a military man in the region of Cossacks. There he discovers his peace of mind and a balance that he was looking for. But things were not to remain just like that. He falls in love and finds himself in conflict with keeping his love or to maintain his friendship with a young Cossack man called Lukashka. He ends his stay by making it a journey and discovers the other side of human faces in the end.

Minutest details are captured so well in this novel, be it geographical or human psychology, that I don’t think any other author will be able to match Tolstoy in this area. It has been an enlightening read.

- [Rahul Tiwary]

Book Review: Sharatchand Ki Sarvshrestha Kahaniyan

‘Sharatchand Ki Sarvshrestha Kahaniyan’ (Hindi)

Raja Pocket Books

ISBN: 81-7604-212-9

This is the first Sharatchand book that I have read so far and what a mesmerizing read it has been! The power of pen, the art of painting human characters as real as one can get, the science of understanding basic human relationships so well, and the enigma of writing stories of the common man; Sharatchand is a gem of a writer!

His first story in this collection, titled “Darp Churn’ (Breaking of her ego) is an extremely touching story of a husband who has been shunned and neglected by her wife only because he can’t earn enough money up to her expectations. It is a story of consistent sacrifices that he makes, of immense pain and suffering that he endures, only to give up on her in the end. The story presents to us another side of Indian women’s psyche which is full of material greed, excessive pride and utter insensitiveness. Second story, called “Raam Ki Sumati” is an equally touching story revolving around sentiments and relationships between a young man and her bhabhi whom he loved as her mother. Perhaps the inquisitive eyes of the neighborhood and their relatives couldn’t tolerate their affection and peace and they set to destroy all that was built over the years. Both these stories are not sad-ending stories but ones which presents hope and give out positive messages.

The book also has some of the author’s personal memoires, like “Balya-Smriti” and ‘Deoghar Ki Smritiyan”. The last story in this collection, called “Lathaiton Ki Kahani” is of completely different taste but as captivating as any other book.

Finishing this book, I am thirstier than before. I hope to read many other books from the author in the coming days.