This poem was written on the last day of 2022, after I visited Ghatshila during the winter vacation (26-30th Dec’22). On 26/12/2010, I had the glimpse of this beautiful river for the first time, while travelling by train. Later, after 12 years, I had the pleasure of exploring this river from close proximity.
Inspired by its unparalleled pristine beauty, transparent waters, golden complexion, history & topography; here is a 64-line poem to celebrate the grandeur of the Subarnarekha river.
O the enigmatic & golden river, Subarnarekha!
Flowing south-eastwards through the heart of India.
In course of a sporting drama of 324 minutes of what seemed like yet another Australian Open final- transpired out to be one of the best comeback fight-backs in sports, if not the greatest in Tennis.
The AO Final Begins
At the end of the first 2 sets, it looked like a straight set blowout the way Medvedev was playing in the first two sets. At the halfway mark, a possible repeat of Nadal’s 2017 and 2019 Australian Open final losses were on the cards- with Medvedev leading the set at 3-2. Nadal was not operating in his typical free-flowing brand of tennis, with Medvedev constantly posing questions to Nadal’s baseline play with an array of backhand powered ground strokes. Nadal was in his rather uncharacteristic self- committing unforced errors off the backhand- and he was basically playing into the Russian’s strength who pummelled down Nadal early in the match. Sliced backhand strokes are never a prowess of the Mallorcan great, and he played more of them- than his famed forehand strokes due to frequent running across the turf in reduced response time. Even if the second set saw Nadal leading at 4-1, the resolute Russian roared back to claim the second set as well. Medvedev digs out the second set in a tiebreak to move two sets to love up on Nadal. Nadal was indeed lagging behind statistically- not only in the sets, but in other attributes [factor out all Tennis jargons- aces, double faults, Break points, win on 1st serve, win on 2nd serve, Points won, Games won, Tiebreaks won, and so on] as well.
An Unforgiving History
Nadal had already faced Medvedev in a Grand slam final before- on a similar hard court at the Flushing Meadows in the US Open 2019. However, the inherent patterns [something which aligns so well with Nadal’s earnest attention towards his bottles and the much-practiced pre-serve rituals] pointed a different story altogether. Nadal, who went on to win his 19th Grand Slam in that match, had outplayed Medvedev in his first two sets only, before going on to clinch the 5th set following a fightback from the runner-up in 3rd and 4th sets. This time, he not only lost his first 2 sets, but also conceded a number of points with several unforced errors at the midway stage of the third set.
Process this additional information- a fact that the Rod Laver Arena has been harsh to the Spaniard- with Nadal losing a staggering number of 4 finals at this venue. However, the beauty of sports exists in its uncertainty and the perpetual randomness which evades the deterministic goals of deriving patterns. And, sports was right again. For, Nadal not only brushed aside a chance of straight-set victory for his opponent, but went on to execute an incredible feat- a magnificent turnaround.
An ecstatic Nadal after winning his first Australian open title by defeating Federer in 2009– but he lost 4 finals on the trot at the same venue
That Twisting Third set started
The initial few games in the 3rd set were indeed emulating the trend of the first 2. At one time in the set, Nadal was trailing at 2-3, 0-40. It was then- the world took notice of the wily old warhorse- a master strategist at his best- using the feathery drop shots to draw his opponent forward from his baseline game. Nadal started dictating the tone of the game with this master stroke by destabilising his opponent’s baseline moves into unchartered mid-court territories, and collecting quick points with few deft touches and some powerful forehand shots from oblique angles. The move not only helped Nadal finding his mojo back- it shifted the momentum towards him. High octane knock-out games like these are not always cake-walks for big-match players like Nadal. But they always have a knack of bouncing back, when the winning probability deserts them; and Nadal did exactly that- he bounced back to win the 3rd set.
A Maestro at Work
The coruscating backhands followed the petrifying body-line serves at 199 km/hr, the famed banana forehands were on display, the kindling passion of an impending victory resplendent in his mauve gear, the muscles and sinews rallied in tandem- Nadal fought back like he has been doing always for last 16 years in Grand Slams. The southpaw tired out his opponent- 10 years junior to him- into a series of unforced errors. Nadal did allow Medvedev to collect break points but safely coasted to his second set win. The scoreline stood at Nadal- 2-6 (5)6-7 6-4 6-4 -Medvedev.
Nadal dishing out a firing forehand down the turf
The EndGame Began
The 5th set was a nail biter. Nadal held on his serve, and captured some points, but Medvedev improved his game, and created several nervy moments for the Spaniard in the deciding set. As the scoreline read 5-4 in the last set, the expectation was high, as the stakes were higher. Netizens even predicted the big moment of Nadal’s 21st major title in the next game itself. The much anticipated game for a potential 21st started in Nadal’s favour. Nadal started with a big rainbow serve, and followed by serve and volleys he raced to a 30-0 lead. Medvedev got a point with Nadal hitting a shot long. A double fault then gave away another point to Medvedev — 30-30. Medvedev then took a 40-30 advantage with a smash from the net. And finally, Medvedev broke Nadal to level the decider 5-5 after firing a fierce ground-stroke which the Spaniard netted. The Russian displayed terrific resolve in the process.
That was a rather pivotal moment in the game- still very much in balance. It evoked memories of Australian Open finals of 2017- and a series of tiebreakers meant that odds are stacked against Rafa.
But, that’s when the undaunted spirit of champions triumph over the nerve-wrecking moments and tensed apprehensions of the results. Champions like Nadal plays tennis for the game itself- and not for the glistening glory that follows the game. A serve and volley went wrong for Medvedev as Nadal won the first point. A good forehand shot from the baseline gave Medvedev a point, before an ace gave him the lead. Nadal came back with a brilliant net play to level the score. Then a good return gave Nadal a breakpoint, but failed to convert it. Nadal converted the third breakpoint to take a crucial 6-5 lead.
An Unreal Denouement
With Nadal inching closer to his 21st slam, and the contradicting history of his Australian Open record looming over- the final endgame began. Nadal will now serve for the match, the championship and the history of tennis.
Nadal won a long gruelling rally to take a 15-0 lead, with Medvedev reeling under pressure and hitting the net. A big gigantic projectile serve followed, and Nadal led 30-0. The all-waiting moment finally arrived with Nadal capturing three championship points with his third ace of the match.
It’s official. The Grand Slam No. 21 belongs to Rafael Nadal.
Nadal stands stock-still for a moment, nonchalantly tosses his racket, greets Medvedev, and it’s indeed a solemn moment. He drops down to his hunches, savours the moment, and goes on to celebrate with his team with tears in his eyes, and what a privilege to be witnessing these monumentous moments! After being out for six months out due to injury, Nadal is back, he sails through each round, reaches yet another final, concedes two sets down, and he scripts a comeback for the century, as we are all looking at the greatest men’s tennis player of all-time!
Rafael Nadal got to 21, but took the scenic way by coming back from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev in an almost five-and-a-half hour marathon Australian Open final that didn’t finish until the early hours of Monday morning in Melbourne. It is really hard to find another athlete in any sport, with so much heart, courage, humility, passion and love for the game as Rafael Nadal.
Picture out the moment yourself- such instances are better perceived in a closed-eye visualisation, rather than skimming through these monotonic words. Still, it’s a pleasure of every past, present and future onlooker to take away a part of this unfathomable greatness in one’s own life. Moments like this are indeed cherished and celebrated for an eternity.
Victory
As the Australian Open men’s final presentation petered along, Rafael Nadal needed a chair to rest his limbs. After all, the gladiator from Spain has extracted every last ounce of energy from his weary body. Not just today, but at every moment during a two-decade career that began quietly in 2001. Since his epochal journey took a rarefied orbit during a memorable Parisienne summer day in 2005, Nadal has travelled the world showcasing his remarkable tennis skills, relentlessly collecting silver. Nadal was broken when serving for the championship at 5-4 in the fifth set but made no mistake the next time. At 5 hours and 24 minutes, it was the second longest Australian Open final after Novak Djokovic beat Nadal in five sets in 5 hours and 53 minutes in 2012.
Only Nadal, Pete Sampras and Ken Rosewall have the unique distinction of winning grand slam titles across three decades of their life – as teenagers, in their twenties and then in the thirties. He is also now the third oldest man to win a major title behind Rosewall and Federer.
Nadal won his first Australian Open title in 2009 and lost four other finals at Melbourne Park before his dramatic win over U.S. Open champion Medvedev. His conversation rate in major finals is now 21 out of 29. Federer and Djokovic each have 20 majors from 31 finals appearances.
With the 2-6, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 win that started Sunday night, Nadal also became just the fourth man in history to win all four of the sport’s major titles at least twice.
The Prologue
It did take Nadal a long time span of 15.5 months to emerge out of the “one of the greatest” tag to “the greatest” acclamation at least for the time being. Once he bagged his 20th grand slam at Philippe-Chatrier court in French Open, in October 2020, and touched Federer’s tally of 20- the world expected him to bag the 21st title in 2021 edition of Rolland Garros. But, the romantic fairy-tale manner of achieving the 21st at the Rolland Garros did not materialise. An unexpected anti-climax followed with Nadal being outshined by his nemesis Djokovich in the semi final of 2021 French Open, who even went on to win the French Open, claimed his 20th, and threw the gauntlet to his 2 senior compatriots.
Nothing is Impossible in Life
And after a year and a quarter, the dynamics changed. Nadal, as he has, so many times in his illustrated career stretched his opponent to the edge of faltering imagination in a miraculous Melbourne midnight. He extracted an unlikely yet unsurprising come-from-behind victory for a 21st major title- an achievement of mythical proportion. The Spaniard scaled a new peak, where he stands tall and alone, one ahead of his arch rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
Nadal has won four matches in his career, after being two sets down. Incredibly, this was Nadal’s first victory in that situation, since his victory over Mikhail Youzhny at Wimbledon in 2007. Victory over Medvedev was his fourth five set victory in a grand slam final against three losses.
A Look-back at Nadal’s previous 20 Grand slam titles, and the special 21st
A special applause for Daniil Medvedev, who was phenomenal all throughout the finale. As Nadal mentioned in his award-winning speech- Medvedev is destined for many Gland slam titles, and surely a couple more Down Under. Daniil Medvedev admitted he was stunned by the “insane” energy of Rafael Nadal during their momentous five-set Australian Open final battle – in which the Spaniard ultimately triumphed to land a record 21st Grand Slam title. This epic match will in fact create a special bond between the Russian tyro and the Spanish legend- which is going to stay forever. For it’s a game where the demarcation line between the two is marginal, and there is no loser in the game. This match had all the special contents in it- it’s a food for thought for any individual from all walks of life.
The entire world witnessed a rollercoaster thriller at the Rod Laver Arena which culminated with Men’s Tennis crowning a legend with his 21st Gland slam in the midnight hours at Melbourne. Riding a wave of raucous support from the crowd, a vintage Nadal pulled off one of his finest performances in his entire career. Such a tremendous display of intensity, determination, razor-sharp focus and stamina can only be attributed to Nadal, the greatest athlete of the current generation.
At the outer edge of a gilded era for tennis, Nadal added another layer of greatness to his legendary journey. The victory in Melbourne marked not only a record 21st grand slam championship, but also the longest duration between two major titles, nearly 17 years after his first at the French Open in 2005.
A comparison to process beyond imagination- it’s only fair to strive towards such miracles in our lives.
A lesson for a lifetime, an inspiration for immortality, a motivation for a millenium, an epic for an eternity.
These two contrasting images above and the series of events unwinding in between- portray the best example of the thrilling word called ‘comeback’.
The Epilogue
In the process of ingesting a plethora of comeback stories in our lives, an event like this just defies any scope of analysis, because sometimes we have to just say we don’t know how it panned out. We can spend hours deconstructing a time-travelling tennis match like this, talk about forehands, drop shots, banana shots, what-ifs, counts of unforced errors and double faults, momentum shifting and strategic timeouts, and whatever other pontifications we might come up with. It’s a heck of deep-dives and brainstorming hypotheses which converge to a conclusion of nothingness though, because that match was about the indomitable human spirit that resides in one man, and those of us who aren’t him can recognise it, love it, and treasure it – but might never have a hope of understanding it.
Nadal’s sportsmanship, intensity, skills, energy and perseverance is unparalleled- and he is the undisputed leader and torchbearer of the game, a role-model for millions.
This impromptu blog- triggered by the gravity of the landmark event- is a tribute to the legend- and an effort to emulate his relentless intensity, sheer strength, and unflinching character in our lives.
It’s a tale of a mighty Comeback for the ages.
And the hero of this riveting tale- is my sports idol Rafael Nadal.
The behemoth cosmic chromosome lies entwined in the vast spatial infinity, Its rotating galactic pivot lies strong and secured in the hands of the Almighty. His pious, magnanimous heart and His omnipresent psyche dedicated to all; There belongs Lord Shiva- the Controller of rhythm of events- large and small; As the ever-smiling ascetic and austere Yogic God pervades the holy offerings With His blessings for all the people by removing their sorrow & sufferings.
The divine piercing trident connects the three worlds of varying values; Signifying the three glorious ages as well as the three innate virtues. The eternal giver of inner peace and the embodiment of all qualities- Nurturing the evolving human soul with godly virtues and moralities, The limitless One with endless love for all of His creative cosmic synergy- His celestial Third eye concentrates the core of entire universal energy.
With His fierce army of legions of spectres, spirits, goblins and phantoms, Of all the cursed & banished have-nots and discriminated wretched ones; Saviour Shiva sheltered those departed unhappy souls in his own company, They were baptized by the Lord and chose the path to serve all & sundry. Merciful and pious Shiva accepts all who remain marginalised & untouched Unnoticed and unheard- they are held in honour by the kind impartial Lord.
Omnipresent Shiva presides over all the corners of the entire domain space. From people’s spiritual mind to an infant’s wannabe superhero dream race; From being a ‘deity’ statue in the remains of Harappa, in an earthly cavern; To the celebrated Natarajan idol in the European Space Odyssey of CERN. As the awestruck scientists recognize your dynamic dance of vitality, Defending all against the vices and defying the impending mortality.
In the grave quietude and majestic grandeur of the lofty Himalayas, Snow-clad terrains of your stronghold- the mountain peaks of Kailash. The icy mountaintops and crystal-clear Manas Sarovar add to its serenity, The abode of the dear God Shiva in an idyllic setting of bliss and simplicity. Mellifluous symphony of Your playing the harp fills the silent surroundings; Your tears of compassion descend on earth blossoming into ‘Rudraksh’.
Shiva- The emblem of kindness evokes positivity in every breadth & length. One who embraces the destitute, weak & inferiors; & Defeats fearful death- His matted hair strands sparkle with silver spokes of the shining moon The glowing aura of the radiant sun enlightens earth with Shiva’s boon. As the sacred stream of river Ganga glides down from your head, Descending on earth & Inundating all with knowledge and truth.
O thou innocent one who differs not between a friend and a fiend; Your Pleasing persona pacifies inner soul & rejuvenates the torrid mind. From the dawn of the civilizations to the great Judgement Day, As the unforgiving rollicking time swiftly travels further away; You are the saviour of this creation and all that that manifests honesty Into the pantheon of immortality you will revive the grace of humanity.
Heisenberg’s uncertainty is resolved with precise position & momentum; Beyond the outreach of Physics and the impact of forces of quantum; Scintillating Supernovas and the Luminescent nebulae illumine all, Like the existence of duality of Schrodinger’s cat- being paradoxical. Reinvigorating the evergreen perennial source of Shiva’s eternal energy, Einstein’s relativity calculates the metric of the same everlasting energy.
Flow of time halts to a magical standstill, Space remains unmeasured. When the bizarre whims of Nature lies unpredictable and uncontrolled; As the roaring and swirling winds surge upwards onto the heaven, Shiva protects the world from the caustic venoms of ‘Halahala’ Poison; Armed with his celestial missile ‘Pasupat’ and archery-bow ‘Pinaka’, Deluged in the marble-whitened waters of ancient river Narmada.
The zealous Natarajan goes berserk with his ‘rudra‘ tandava nrityam’– Planets and stars rejoice in exhilaration of the heightened enthusiasm. Weaving the intergalactic cosmic fabric, Shiva unifies all into space; Infinity becomes limited and the countable ones turn countless. Spiritual yet atypical, Destructor yet protector, He is the versatile One- Greatest of all warriors, Saint of all saints- yet the most humble One.
In form of Energetic & Ecstatic Natarajanavatar, He dance in a vibrant trance, As Lord Shiva emerges as a symbol of tolerance and universal acceptance. The vibrating baritone of the monosyllabic Om diffuses into the thin air, The Resplendent and rekindling orange flames ignite in the ring of fire. One who is the ‘Mrityunjay’, and wins over the all-conquering gruesome Time Like the ascetic Meditating mendicant focusing deep in His psyche & rhyme.
Holding the garland of the wild ‘Dhatura’ flowers, He rolls His ‘damaru’, As Shiva’s devout devotee, vizier and carrier Nandi takes the form of a bull. Controlling the permanent flow of the perpetual cycle of the earthly human life, Anchoring the ship in the turbulent turmoil tides of tempestuous time in rife, One whose very name is a philosopher’s touchstone to convert dexterous- Good or bad, Love or hate- all find the equality before His forgiveness.
Shiva- The creator of All, the Preserver of Goods, and the Destroyer of Evil; The unbounded force of ocean depths emanates out of Shiva’s conch shell. Balancing the ever-changing contrasting cosmic forces’ conundrum; Shiva, the lone stabilizer, expertly recreates the required equilibrium. Piercing the delusion veil of vile darkness and egotistic ignorance, He illumines all living beings with the incandescence of radiance.
Elixir of inner wisdom smears the three of Your empathetic eyes; The master of renunciation- You are the symbol of selfless sacrifice. By letting go of all the worldly comforts and glittering gold, Like the innocent unperturbed noble mind of a playful child. Freeing billions of shackled souls from the quagmire of illusion, You drive all of us towards the goal of purity and completion.
When in this 203rd decade, the humankind’s integrity is at stake, With nations surrendering and economies recessing in a setback; Earth remains reeling under a microscopic attack- lethal & malignant; Time for retaliation has arrived, O Lord Shiva- pious & benevolent! Infernal and Invisible- the immutable enemy strikes with fatal blow; Our defence failed & breached, as we stand helpless in grief & sorrow.
When the satanic and Mephistophelian menaces take charge over, Let Thy holy name annihilate the brewing evils and all the danger. O the Omniscient one, beholding the scorching venom in Your blue throat! Once again, You will consume this inimical virus that stalls all growth. Once again thy trident will tear apart the looming deadly threat, To protect us all, You will reincarnate again with valiant strength.
Your third eye opens as Your fearsome retribution will char them down. Yet again You will regain calmness and go on Your game of creation. Transcending into everyone the cherished gifts of Humanity. You help all who strive hard with perseverance and sincerity. Towards all that remains good and virtuous in our minds’ channels Yours will be the mantra to overcome the odds & cross the hurdles.
Your smiling countenance and those placid trails of tranquility- Brings the assurance of faith and soak in traits of utmost purity. O the Remover of afflictions, you wipe out tears & ameliorate our loss! O the Omnipotent Auspicious one- encompassing the entire cosmos! I bow down to Thee seeking the solicitude of Shiva’s sublime salvation. Let Shiva’s sympathy save His children & wend them towards perfection.
Wish you all a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. We shall overcome all challenges and emerge victorious against all odds. Our conviction, will-power, dedication and indomitable spirit will pave the way towards excellence & success. For all that still remains good in this earth, the positive forces of Nature & Humanity will triumph over the microscopic adversaries.
This essay is a submitted entry to a TLC [Teaching Learning Center] event in BITS Pilani.
“Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber, and future
of an individual. If people remember me as a good teacher, that will be the biggest
honor for me.”- DR. APJ Abdul Kalam.
A professor is an accomplished and recognized academician of an institution who teaches students and imparts knowledge to them by delivering lectures, conducting extensive research work and organizing seminars in their specialized domains.
If I were to become a professor, the first step would be to make teaching more interesting, engaging and thought-provoking, so that students will be attentive in class. I will give my students their wings of imagination and concrete ideas so that they learn to think and implement for the betterment of society in a pragmatic world of real-life situations and existential crisis. I will stand by them during their ups and down as it becomes a moral responsibility of a teacher to understand the students well. Most importantly I will never overestimate or underdetermine a student since each student is unique in their own way and hence provide them with their space.
Education is a partnership between teachers and learners. My prime goal will be to share my acquired knowledge with my students and instil their love and passion for the concerned subject. Many students have an illusion that a particular topic is tough and they tend to neglect it and avoid delving deeper into the concepts. I will certainly take care to make them comprehend the subjects better.
Besides managing to teach, I will focus on increasing research endeavor and publications in the department. Additionally, I shall be guiding students in dedicated and sincere research work and help them publish advanced original research in peer-reviewed journals. I will be mentoring students in their academic curriculum and junior academic staffs in their training with necessary insights. Conducting administrative or managerial functions, assessing students in their fields of expertise, collaborating with my colleagues and students in research undertakings- all of them will be my priorities. I will love to mould students with good moral values, honesty, sincerity, respect, love, and understanding, as future is in their hands and I shall love to see my students turn to be good citizens of tomorrow for the nation.
From an engineering perspective, there can be three levels of dealing with a challenging concept-
a) introducing the concept through an ideal problem b) solving a typical problem with ideal theory c) modifying the fitting problem by introducing non-ideal working conditions.
This methodology encompasses an evolutionary mechanism of virtual training and keeping the students interested in the subject matter. This idea is to train the students in knowing that definitions of parameters used in datasheets and technical specifications may be skewed towards an application of the problem and that not all technical parameters possessing similar conventions must be generic.
“Tell me, and I forget, teach me, and I may remember, involve me, and I learn.”
This doctrine of Confucius is the flag bearing the mantra of education. In a typical education system, evaluation of students is very highly individualized. It requires students to work alone to decipher answers of high-level complexity and intricacy during the examination. “Grading” policy, a practised way of differentiating students and an index of individual intelligence capacity, creates an environment of severe competitiveness as opposed to cooperation and companionship. This rigorous statistical mechanism of grading leads to a divisive hierarchy which may help recruiters churn out the ‘creamy layer’ but has no proven bearing with teaching-learning synergy. It is vital to train students to be able to have interactions within a time-bound manner and subsequently assess them according to their ability to mutually find innovative solutions to problems. Innovations in teaching have a significant role to play in motivating and inculcating interests in students. I will design such evaluative components for a group of 2-3 students to maximize their contribution. Such kind of group evaluations are not intended to create a “merit list” but are meant to promote learning through cooperation initiating a culture endemic to team-work, discussions, and inquiry.
Amidst such competitive environment students sometimes lose confidence due to demoralization after poor results. I must encourage him/her to start afresh. If a student fails to perform, it will be my failure as a teacher rather than the student’s inefficiency. Nurturing young minds and sowing the seeds of character-building and man-making education as illustrated by Swami Vivekananda- is the first and foremost commitment. This mode of pedagogy catalyzes team-spirit and collaboration between students and eventually elevate them to higher cognitive levels.
I shall like to unravel the students’ creativity by breaking their shell of timidity and fearfulness of getting wrong through encouragement. Constant involvement and active participation in class will make students feel rejuvenated, and they can exhibit their creative acumen. To further excel in the field of teaching-learning, it is of paramount importance that we imbibe from the feedback and suggestions of the students.
I often find students being inclined towards receiving a degree and speeding to the industrial arena with incomplete knowledge rather than thoroughly understanding the subjects. Decoupling placements and education, and enforcing stricter graduation requirements will ensure a finer quality of graduates as opposed to a set of degree-holders with questionable proficiency. I will attune the curriculum to industry demand. At the same time, there should be a fine balance with research opportunities.
Teaching is a continuous process of learning. I will introduce sufficient project assignments so that students can have hands-on experience and can relate to the practical utility in our ubiquity. College should financially support such brilliant ideas and incubate them into successful industrial and academic inventions. Maximum interactions with students, clarification of queries even beyond the class hours, collective teamwork of designing a new innovative prototype- all of them should be established.
“Om Sahana Vavatu, Saha Nau Bhunaktu”–Taittiriya Upanishad.
Meaning- May God Protect us Both (Teachers and Students). May God Nourish us Both (with the nectar of Knowledge).
This painful pensive post aligns with that fateful moment of 4-30 pm IST, 100 years back…
As the holy “Vaisakhee” festival approached, peace-loving people of Punjab paid homage to Golden Temple, Amritsar and gathered in a neighbouring garden for a meeting held in protest of the capture of 2 national leaders and the tyrannical Rowlatt Act…
It was a mirthful merry gathering of moms and dads, sisters and brothers, friends and associates, youngers and elders…
And then the worst englishman to have ever lived, Devil dyer, along with 90 Indian cops [read betrayers] made a merciless marauding mass massacre- most mournful melancholic moment of all Indian memories…
1200 innocent Indians [including a 6 months old baby] attained martyrdom…
With another 1000 being hurt, and tens of thousands losing their loved ones, and entire India scarred and bled…
I visited Jallianwala Bagh, just 5 days before the 90th anniversary of this traumatic tragedy…
And I felt that deep hurt in my heart and the numb voidness, visualizing in a roll of reverie- as if I were present there in one of my previous births…
Everlasting igniting flame of sacrifice [entrance to JaliwalanaBagh museum]A searing memory of sorrow and horror of this ghastly incident lingered in my mind, courtesy to a few films like “Rang De Basanti” & “The Legend of Bhagat Singh”which reminded of that inhuman sadistic attack on humanity…
“Aye Mere Pyaare Vatan Aye Mere Bichhade Chaman Tujh Pe Dil Qurabaan“
Your Resume should illustrate your interests, experiences, skills, achievements and values. However, before you begin to list them, consider first the message you are trying to convey to your host organization [academic or corporate realm]. An important step in writing a smart as well as effective resume for a job or admission or an internship application is to take the time to reflect on what will be the most interesting, impressive and unique for the person reading it. What is your host organization looking for? Be sure to target your Resume to these expectations.
Internship-
Here are some thumb rules to showcase your Experience on your Resume, being the standout factors
Include collective accomplishments
Eliminate grammatical errors
Distinguish yourself from your peers and other applicants
Address the organization’s needs
Identify the tangibles that you have produced
Share testimonials
Make sure to share an internship-specific cover letter
Do not limit your experience to paid employment
Get organized
Open or close with your strongest point
Add all the previous internships you have done or commencing for the time being, and briefly write in nutshell about your contribution, since the academician or the employer is going to look at what you can bring to the table after your recruitment.
Co-curricular Activities
Job or Academics or a rigorous internship requires a good deal of interpersonal skills and a necessity of versatility too. The way you handle clients in a management consultancy firm, or collaborate with your fellow team-mates in completing a research project can be visualised from your extracurricular talents.
Depending on your experience, you may create separate entries for volunteer work, community involvement, academic activities and athletic activities.
However, don’t elaborate each of your achievement. Just jote them in points to strengthen your chances avoiding unnecessary details.
Just focus on these Shakespearean words, “Brevity is the soul of the wit.”
Skill building classes
These skills are developed by interacting in professional work settings, involvement and leadership in student groups, volunteers positions, and other outside the classroom experiential opportunities.
By the end of the internship, you are supposed to learn:
Linked academic theory to practice in your discipline;
Applied your knowledge, skills, experience to a work environment;
Acquired new learning through challenging and meaningful activities;
Reflected on the content and process of the learning experience;
Advocated for your own learning in alignment with internship goals;
Demonstrated professional skills in the workplace;
Built and maintained positive professional relationships;
Demonstrated awareness of community and/or organizational issues;
Identified, clarified and/or confirmed professional direction;
Developed self-understanding, self-discipline, maturity and confidence;
Developed strong networking/mentoring relationships.
What kind of internship you should do to boost your chances
Internships are designed to expand the depth and breadth of academic learning for you in your particular areas of study, be it another academic domain or an industrial outlook. It is an opportunity for you to receive experience in applying theories learned in the classroom to specific experiences in the community and work world, oriented towards betterment of society as well as flourishment of the concerned organization. An internship can also heighten your awareness of community issues, motivate you to create opportunities, embrace new ideas, and give direction to positive change.
A successful internship can give you valuable information in making decisions about the direction of future studies or employment.
As the clamouring of the church bells toll amidst the balance of tranquility and jubilation, 2018 has made its way in. Prayers have been said, oaths have been taken in an air of solemn grace, joy and celebrations have been done in full song, wishes have been showered to all corners- as we embark on a newer journey.
This journey travels that same old path, smeared with those same nostalgic tidbits of habits and memories. But circumstances and situations do change, and so should our adaptability and our own reaction force. Both the reaction and action forces should be constructive in this case, for improvement.
Be better each day- the motto should be as simple as it. We will have the same tasks, have the same food, breathe the same air, but it is our own impacts, and our own reflections which should vary.
Ring out the old, Ring in the new!!!
Difficulties and hurdles are there every time, but they shouldn’t be inhibitors. Rather they should be catalysts to spark those hidden positive genes within you for better chromosomal synergy. Unearth the best in you, even if adversities press hard due to externalities. Love your own self, and that will take care of everything else.
The beauty of the Divine is compassion and grace.When we are seen making an honest effort through regular meditation to overcome our failings, to honestly assess these shortcomings ourselves, even if we have difficulty, our sincerity is noticed.The Divine will respond with compassion and grace. If we are still struggling, we will get help. By our effort and grace of the Divine,we will achieve spiritual improvement faster, reaching our goal of union with the Creator. We will see rapid spiritual progress in our lives. This New Year, let us put it to the test and see the results and proof for ourselves.
Art of Being the Beacon of Positivity
Each one of us has the potential to create an oasis of assurances and security around. When people exercise this power to be beacons of peace, then it can create waves of positivity, joy and celebrations across the planet. Like Pippin, one must kindle the beacon of enlightenment and it can form a chain to connect humanity in our common battle against ignorance and negative forms within ourselves. And then peace triumphs, truth unfurls and humanity finds its true luster , getting rid from cloud of negativity.
May this New year brings peace, happiness and fulfillment to everybody, and may each one of us be a beacon of bright hope and optimism to those around them and to the world.
Making a head-start to life
The start of a new year is the best time to mark a new beginning. We need to shake off our despondency and look at life with reinvigorated energy, zeal, enthusiasm and positive vibes. We need to have the right tools to be happier and spread it to people around us.
The beauty of the Divine is compassion and grace.When we are seen making an honest effort through regular meditation to overcome our failings, to honestly assess these shortcomings ourselves, even if we have difficulty, our sincerity is noticed.The Divine will respond with compassion and grace. If we are still struggling, we will get help. By our effort and grace of the Divine,we will achieve spiritual improvement faster, reaching our goal of union with the Creator. We will see rapid spiritual progress in our lives. This New Year, let us put it to the test and see the results and proof for ourselves.
All the very best to all striving deserving individual out there. Let’s play our game of life in this Eden of earth, and play with command, glory, energy; gleaming with positive spectrum.
Indian way of Shubharambh
And here’s some words for INDIA, as well. The grand Nation turning into yet another calendar phase. Jay Hind!!!
And here I have missed the real toast of this hour amidst these thought-provoking visions-
A PROSPEROUS HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2018 & Onwards…..(To be continued)
Self realization and understanding the power of self-achievement is empowerment in the true sense. The hoary cultural oeuvre of Indian traditions have immensely emphasized ‘spirituality’ as the most important life-center. Of late, India has rocketed into an unprecedented growth in socio-economic-political arena. But still, the vitality of India, the central theme of India’s development solidly rests upon the citadel of spirituality.
From the personal domain to the national scenario, spirituality is the commanding driving force; though acting in a subconscious manner.
‘Moon of Noon’, as it may be, spirituality in a person is the charioteer of all of his/her actions. And such credits when merged collectively to a social level converges into the noble national issues.
Let us wind the clock 125 years back. And then, we can feel Swami Vivekananda’s clarion call in his epoch-making Chicago speech, 11th September, 1893. He revered India as the “Heaven of Spirituality in world” 7 rightly encompassed that the world will glorify India eventually.
Unconscious of our inner potentials, each one of us is striving towards perfection in our earthly sojourn applying the same essence of spirituality. During our transition from darkness to enlightenment, from defeat to victory & from failure to success, it is that spiritual power constantly motivating us forward. We need to inculcate the virtues in us unconditionally, and this can surely elevate us into equanimity of absolute bliss. Utopian society & a perfect country (evoking those goosebumps moments in ‘Rang De Basanti’) can only be dreamt of. Patriotism is in our backyard before we stretch to national arena. If each one of us master that very trait of positivity, patriotism and all the goodwill moments will follow accordingly.
The breeze of Vivekananda’s inspiration is blowing rather strongly in the present times and he has turned out to be the philosophical flag bearer of our nation as well as for the whole world. Let us unfurl our sails, open up our hearts to his message and become blessed.
‘A firm faith in God is the only ray of hope that penetrates the gloom of fear and ignorance’ – Rig Veda.
The synergy of spirituality with any of our work will make it perfect. Thus spirituality is that very self-contentment harnessing our mind to be virtuous and to help others be so.
Swami Vivekananda is the best complete phenomenon to have happened to India, since he figured out ‘SPIRITUALITY’ as the indispensable entity of Indians; their very dear homely belonging. May He rekindle souls of all human beings with the Philosopher’s stone of His spiritual greatness. May the Indian tricolor flutters with every breath of Swami Vivekananda, resonating in the heart of all INDIANS, evoking paradisaical positivity.
Let’s make spirituality our very own ubiquitous practice in course of our soul stirring earthly excursions.
IMPORTANCE OF YOGA FOR HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Prologue:-
Standing on the erudite edifice of civilization, dazzling in its 21st century aura, we have experienced an awesome symphony between the exponential metamorphosis of our society and the recurring advancement of newfangled technologies assuming skyward proportions.
Amidst the hectic schedule that threatens an individual with stress, ill-health, YOGA, being a sublime stress-relief at physical, mental, intellectual, emotional and spiritual levels, acts as the Messiah.
With the 2nd International Day of Yoga being celebrated unanimously over the world on the 21st day of June, 2016, in synchronization with World Music Day; and with the number of footfalls of participants being doubled this year, Yoga has indeed earned a global recognition, winning tons of laurels from its devoted practitioners.
The pioneer of yoga, B.K.S.Iyengar stated, “Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured”. YOGA-a retrospection of throwback to the days of its inception and a chronological probe:-
From an ethnological point of view, YOGA has its birth from the Sanskrit root “Yuj” signifying the “Subtle union of the body with consciousness, merging into self, at the backdrop of absolute bliss”. The start-studded lineage of the wise ancient sages of India exhibited this valuable physical mantra of well-being into limelight, hailing from the oblivion of deep spiritual meditations and unfathomable insights bonding the cosmos and Nature.
The majestic credit goes to the magnanimous sage Patanjali, who defined Yoga to be “Chitta Vrutti Nirodaha (A process of gaining control over mind)”. From time immemorial, Yoga having its roots in the sacred lands of India, has served the human race with a holistic effort to bring the body, mind, consciousness and soul into balance. “HathaYoga” and “RajaYoga” are the two principle sects of the cult of Yoga with the former delineating a rigorous “tantric” manipulation in contrast to the lenience of the latter. “Jnana- Karma-Bhakti” are other classes.
After being condensed in India for several centuries, it was the triumphant, epoch-making Chicago speech of the kaleidoscopic Vivekananda and the earnest endeavour of the other Swamis which brought the essence of Yoga under the Occidental spotlight. YOGA- a healing universal Panacea:-
The mind boggling consequences of a disciplined Yoga can be epitomized into judicious evaluation of perception and cognition; robust, “hale and hearty” physique; profound contemplation focusing vibrant consciousness; miraculous recovery from illness and the ultimate stepping-stone for omniscience. Indeed, frequent performers of Yoga eulogized Yoga to have heightened musculoskeletal activities; gray matter, GABA content in brain; cardiac rehabilitation and vital forces. Yoga is phenomenal in reducing asthma, insomnia, depression, hyper-activeness, cardiovascular risk, blood pressure, chronic back pain, fatigue, schizophrenia and acute anxiety levels. Yoga finds its colossal role in mental well-being of cancer patients and the differently abled people. Chronic illness has reduced, triggering behavioural changes and boost-up of tolerance and mindfulness.
“Yoga is invigoration in relaxation, freedom in routine, confidence through self-control, energy within and energy outside”, commented Ymber Delecto. Flamboyance and Serenity of a Yogic physique:-
Yoga helps in blooming the qualities of a better intuition, better flexibility, greater awareness, improved immunity and all-round fitness of the body. Yoga performs the harmony of mind and makes it more calm and composed. In fact, what happens outside our body remains beyond our control; but we can certainly control our inside with our yogic command.
Of the different “asana”(postures), the Mountain pose is a notable one and one proverb of Carol Krucoff tells, “Mountain pose teaches us literally, how to stand on our own two feet…teaching us to root ourselves into the earth..Our bodies become a connection between heaven and earth”.
Yoga brings effervescence of rejuvenation and reinvigoration of sinews.
Such is the adroitness of a yogic posture. While tree pose gains confidence and balance, “Chair pose is a defiance of spirit, showing how high you can reach even when you are forced down.”
“In fact, Yoga is the perfect opportunity to be curious about who you are”, stated Jason Crandell. YOGA as the brainchild of natural instincts:-
An individual wending towards a phase of self realization, be it a physical or mental upliftment, has to experience the Yoga to meet his motivation. From our first day on earth, we have been involved in some unconditional reflexes like the cat stretch strengthening our spines that act as precursors of Yoga.
Baxter Bell has a humorous remark, “Yoga has a sly, clever way of short-circuiting the mental patterns that causes anxiety”.
Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skills in the performance in one’s actions. Yoga is indeed mastered by an austere practice. Iyengar reflected, “Yoga is a light which once lit will never dim. The better you practice, the brighter the flame”. YOGA as a humanitarian tide flooding global fraternity:-
Irrespective of caste, creed, age, colour, sect, Yoga acts as the universal connector deluging everyone from every walk of life. Even a layman and a business tycoon have the same approach to Yoga, as it elucidates the evolution of humanity. Yoga has the clarion call catchword of “Open to All”, highlighting the fluorescence of a selfless unity. Yoga is not only a scholarly pursuit but the dearest gem of “Common Man”.
To quote SriKrishna Pattavi, “Yoga is possible for anybody who really wants it”. YOGA- the modern domineering cynosure of a healthy life:-
Courtesy to the immense impact of Yoga on the enthusiastic yogic people, Yoga has earned a famed popularity, pertaining to the versatile benevolences it serves. Yoga has been an integral part of school curriculum as it forms the architecture-citadel of a healthy life. From the aspiring students to passionate Indian soldiers guarding the deathly Siachen glacier, Yoga has been an indispensable part of their routine, bringing in an exquisite feeling of tranquility. “Pranayama”, the breathing control exercise of Yoga has been a major trend even among the budding young generation. Fostering Yoga has crossed all boundaries and transcended to bless humankind with welfare.
Yoga promotes clarity of thoughts, inner freedom, contentment in weaving a positive lifestyle pulsating with momentum to overcome any obstacle of life. Practice of YOGA- influx of illumining introspection:-
The apostle of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda quoted, “The science of RajaYoga proposes to give us a means of observing one’s internal states, acting as the mirror of the inward Self.” Here the instrument is the mind itself. The power of attention when properly concentrated and directed towards the internal world, will analyze the mind and illumine the results to us; and that culminates into gaining of knowledge. Epilogue:-
With the charismatic camaraderie intact between the yogic people and Yoga, many more are expected to inculcate the yogic exercise as a part and parcel of life. Practicing Yoga with firm determination and rock-solid perseverance will surely bestow the divine jubilation within one heart thus paving the way for salvation and enlightment.
As Tagore wrote ”The meaning of our Self is not to be found in separateness from God, but in ceaseless realization of Yoga, of union; not on the side of the canvas where it is blank but on the side where it is being painted.” we can fervently feel that Yoga is the ELIXIR of our life!
Bilwasiva Basu Mallick 