I read a news item today about how the Nobel Prize committee (who were, I guess, trying to be funny by declaring peace prize for Obama) played a practical joke by actually giving the noble Peace prize to Obama. The committee decided to give the peace prize to Obama in February, when he had just taken the charge as US president and had barely done any 'Peace Work'. The Peace prize committee just assumed that Obama would do some peace work in future so why not give him an award right now for his good intentions, maybe this would put a moral responsibility on him to live up to his Nobel peace prize winner reputation.
But their plan to ensure peace by means of giving a peace prize went to pieces yesterday when while accepting the prize Obama quoted that "war has a role in peace". Obama made it pretty clear that winning a peace prize will not deter him from any of his war plans; whether those wars would ever lead to world peace is a whole different issue. I wish if I could be there in Oslo to see the expressions on faces of committee members.
The amazing fact is that Obama invoked his hero Mahatma Gandhi as his role model for peace work. Gandhi was nominated for Nobel peace prize five times but never got it. It is surprising that Nobel prize committee didn't find the man who donated all of his life for actual peace work and died for it, worthy of a prize. Maybe he was above a Nobel prize.
Looking at events I have resolved that I will meditate everyday for 15 minutes about research in Physics. This will help convey my intentions to do something great to add to the knowledge of Physics. And maybe I will win the Nobel prize for Physics.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Bangalore to Nandi Hills - Cycling Endurance Race
I am proud to say that I secured 42nd rank in the cycling endurance race conducted by BBC (Bangalore Biker's Club) from Bangalore to Nandi Hills :)
I know that 42nd out of 100 participants is not a kind of rank which can make one proud. But considering the terrain of the racing route and the fact that this was my first cycling race, I am little bit proud of myself that I successfully finished race.
The race was scheduled to begin on the Sunday morning at 7 o'clock from the CCD outlet on Bellary road. Totally 4 guys from IISc (Abhijit, Poovaiah, Alex and I) had decided to participate. But an interesting thing happened on Sunday morning which comples me to believe that whatever Murphy said is true. It so happened that there are 2 CCD outlets on Bellary road, one which is around 2 Km away and second which is 20 Km away from IISc campus. As per Murphy's laws until 5.30 AM on Sunday we were assuming that the race will start from the first CCD outlet, so we imagined that it is an easy 5 min ride from campus.
But we got a call from organizers and they clarified that the starting point is actually the second CCD. All of us got ready quickly and set off at around 6 o'clock. We cycled as fast as possible, as if the race had already begun and reached starting point in 45 minutes. There we saw around 100 cyclists with full enthusiasm ready to shoot. Many of them had carried cycles in cars, SUVs etc.
The race started at around 7.15 AM. The total distance to be covered was around 40 Km. There were 3 checkpoints. Water and electrolyte was provided at checkpoints. After first checkpoint the Nandi hill peak (which was the finishing point) was visible. The top part was fully covered with clouds. I got really excited imagining that I'll be there in clouds soon.
After 2nd checkpoint started the last 12 Km stretch of road which was all uphill. I was getting more and more thirsty with every passing Km. But the worse was after 3rd checkpoint, last 3.5 Km was quiet a steep road up. There were many steep and dangerous turns. The sun was fully out. The real test of stamina and endurance was in this part of the race. It was difficult to keep the spirit steady and legs moving. At a very steep hair pin turn, the roaring people was audible and there it was, the finish line of the race. I finished in 2 hr 20 min.
It was a great feeling having finished the race. After that we roamed around there for some time and returned to campus in the evening.
I know that 42nd out of 100 participants is not a kind of rank which can make one proud. But considering the terrain of the racing route and the fact that this was my first cycling race, I am little bit proud of myself that I successfully finished race.
The race was scheduled to begin on the Sunday morning at 7 o'clock from the CCD outlet on Bellary road. Totally 4 guys from IISc (Abhijit, Poovaiah, Alex and I) had decided to participate. But an interesting thing happened on Sunday morning which comples me to believe that whatever Murphy said is true. It so happened that there are 2 CCD outlets on Bellary road, one which is around 2 Km away and second which is 20 Km away from IISc campus. As per Murphy's laws until 5.30 AM on Sunday we were assuming that the race will start from the first CCD outlet, so we imagined that it is an easy 5 min ride from campus.
But we got a call from organizers and they clarified that the starting point is actually the second CCD. All of us got ready quickly and set off at around 6 o'clock. We cycled as fast as possible, as if the race had already begun and reached starting point in 45 minutes. There we saw around 100 cyclists with full enthusiasm ready to shoot. Many of them had carried cycles in cars, SUVs etc.
The race started at around 7.15 AM. The total distance to be covered was around 40 Km. There were 3 checkpoints. Water and electrolyte was provided at checkpoints. After first checkpoint the Nandi hill peak (which was the finishing point) was visible. The top part was fully covered with clouds. I got really excited imagining that I'll be there in clouds soon.
After 2nd checkpoint started the last 12 Km stretch of road which was all uphill. I was getting more and more thirsty with every passing Km. But the worse was after 3rd checkpoint, last 3.5 Km was quiet a steep road up. There were many steep and dangerous turns. The sun was fully out. The real test of stamina and endurance was in this part of the race. It was difficult to keep the spirit steady and legs moving. At a very steep hair pin turn, the roaring people was audible and there it was, the finish line of the race. I finished in 2 hr 20 min.
It was a great feeling having finished the race. After that we roamed around there for some time and returned to campus in the evening.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Second semester over....
Last week second semester of first year M.Tech got over.
But why am I writing a post about it? because this semester wasn't like any other semesters.
It started normally. I had taken 6 courses totally. First 3 months were as usual, assignments and labs. But as the last month i.e. April began, all the profs started giving mini projects one by one. By the end of April first week we had 6 mini projects staring at us like raging bulls. We tried finishing as much work possible between the exams, but by the end of April none of the project was over. So the deadlines got extended to May first week and the work ultimately came down to night outs.
One by one we finished all the mini projects. The night before last submission, the labs looked like as if preparations for some festival are going on. Everyone working in various labs trying to finish the job on time. For some, the night continued till next night. But after finishing everything the feeling of satisfaction was amazing. Now there is a little respite for coming 2 months.
But why am I writing a post about it? because this semester wasn't like any other semesters.
It started normally. I had taken 6 courses totally. First 3 months were as usual, assignments and labs. But as the last month i.e. April began, all the profs started giving mini projects one by one. By the end of April first week we had 6 mini projects staring at us like raging bulls. We tried finishing as much work possible between the exams, but by the end of April none of the project was over. So the deadlines got extended to May first week and the work ultimately came down to night outs.
One by one we finished all the mini projects. The night before last submission, the labs looked like as if preparations for some festival are going on. Everyone working in various labs trying to finish the job on time. For some, the night continued till next night. But after finishing everything the feeling of satisfaction was amazing. Now there is a little respite for coming 2 months.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Beauty everywhere.....
Come March and the IISc campus starts changing colors. Actually it starts acquiring various colors. Flowers with yellow, red, pink, purple, white and many more shades are seen. Even the huge trees starts blooming with flowers on the top.
Apart from flowers also the leaves of many trees starts getting various colors. Like some trees are seen with only yellow leaves, some with only purple leaves.
Just a look around and you can see beauty everywhere.
Apart from flowers also the leaves of many trees starts getting various colors. Like some trees are seen with only yellow leaves, some with only purple leaves.
Just a look around and you can see beauty everywhere.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Cycling trip: IISc to Ramanagaram
Last saturday 6 of us had gone for a cycle expedition from IISc campus to Ramanagaram. Ramanagaram is around 55 Km away from IISc. It is located on Bangalore-Mysore highway. 2 Km off the main road there is a small village called Ramgadh, the famous hindi film Sholay was shot here (this place was shown as Gabbar's Adda). It is surrounded by huge rocky mountains.
We started cycling from campus at 5 o'clock in morning. The path selected was via Outer Ring road, University road, Kengeri town and Mysore road. In the morning the atmosphere was little cool, the roads were pretty much deserted and Bangalore-Mysore road is effectively slope down, because of this we covered 18 Km in first 1 hour. After having short tea break of 15 min and a breakfast break of 45min, we reached Ramanagaram at 9 AM.
After getting there we climbed a few steps and reached at a temple with a small pond next to it. Then we trekked a little bit and reached at the top of a huge rocky peak. A cool breeze welcomed there. After shooting some photos, we started climbing down.
After that we had lunch at Kamat's restaurant 5 Km away from Ramnagaram. After lunch rested for a couple of hours at a place called Janapada Loka next to Kamat's. Then started return journey at around 4 PM and got back at campus at 8.30 PM. The last 20 Km distance was very difficult to cycle because of tiredness and city traffic. Totally we covered 120 Km in 16 hours. For any such trips the important thing to carry is lots of water.
Overall the trip was a good and a memorable experience. The next day we had to go to some place in city and the first mode of transport that came to our mind was cycle........ :-)
Near Ramgadh
On the top
We started cycling from campus at 5 o'clock in morning. The path selected was via Outer Ring road, University road, Kengeri town and Mysore road. In the morning the atmosphere was little cool, the roads were pretty much deserted and Bangalore-Mysore road is effectively slope down, because of this we covered 18 Km in first 1 hour. After having short tea break of 15 min and a breakfast break of 45min, we reached Ramanagaram at 9 AM.
After getting there we climbed a few steps and reached at a temple with a small pond next to it. Then we trekked a little bit and reached at the top of a huge rocky peak. A cool breeze welcomed there. After shooting some photos, we started climbing down.
After that we had lunch at Kamat's restaurant 5 Km away from Ramnagaram. After lunch rested for a couple of hours at a place called Janapada Loka next to Kamat's. Then started return journey at around 4 PM and got back at campus at 8.30 PM. The last 20 Km distance was very difficult to cycle because of tiredness and city traffic. Totally we covered 120 Km in 16 hours. For any such trips the important thing to carry is lots of water.
Overall the trip was a good and a memorable experience. The next day we had to go to some place in city and the first mode of transport that came to our mind was cycle........ :-)
Near Ramgadh
On the topTuesday, February 24, 2009
Different view on Slumdog
Finally Slumdog Millionaire won 8 oscars with A. R. Rahman getting 2 and Pookutty 1.
Slumdog Millionaire is the showcasing of poverty in India by a British director (though the richest man in his country is an Indian). How true are the facts depicted in the movie can be a debatable issue.
But in my personal opinion the song which got oscars "Jai Ho", if we compare it with other Rahman's songs is not that good. So if such a song can win oscar it clearly shows that Indian artistst have a talent much more than that. The only thing to be celebrated about oscar win is the global recognition for Indian artists.
Slumdog Millionaire is the showcasing of poverty in India by a British director (though the richest man in his country is an Indian). How true are the facts depicted in the movie can be a debatable issue.
But in my personal opinion the song which got oscars "Jai Ho", if we compare it with other Rahman's songs is not that good. So if such a song can win oscar it clearly shows that Indian artistst have a talent much more than that. The only thing to be celebrated about oscar win is the global recognition for Indian artists.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Dandeli & Karwar Trip
Last 2 days we had a trip to Dandeli and Karwar located in North Karnataka. On the Friday night i.e. 16th Jan we took a KSRTC bus to Dandeli. It dropped us there at 8 o'clock on the Saturday morning.
After getting the accommodation we headed for the "Kali river" for White water rafting. In 1 boat we were 7 people plus 1 instructor. Also there was 1 extra boat with 3 experts for rescue purpose. The total distance to be traveled was around 10 Km. We were given life jacket and helmet. Initial part of the river was very calm and almost still water. We could hear the roaring of water very nearby. Initially the instructor explained us how to swim with life jackets and help others in case of emergency situations. Then our boat entered the speeding water and the real fun began. It was a great feeling to go down the water with such a speed and rigor. It was like a dream come true where we were going down the river with dense jungle on both sides and not even a single trace of human being around. At one point when the water was calm we jumped into water and enjoyed floating with life jacket.
At the last rapid while trying to surf up the current, the boat flipped completely upside down and in a moment everyone was in river. Few were under the boat, few were holding the boat. The rescue people pulled us on their boat. It was shocking but also the best part of the tour.
In the evening we went for the Safari in Dandeli Sanctuary. There we saw Bisons, Wild boar and Horn bill birds.
Next day morning we left for Karwar, which is around 118 km from Dandeli. At Karwar we visited the Warship museum. It is the Indian Navy ship 'INS Chapal' converted into museum. Spent the evening at the Karwar beach and started return journey.
The best part of the trip was definitely water rafting. Initially I was little scared of the idea of jumping into the river, but later enjoyed it a lot. Maybe that's the whole crux of adventurous sport, it brings out the fear from your nerves and converts it into joy.
After getting the accommodation we headed for the "Kali river" for White water rafting. In 1 boat we were 7 people plus 1 instructor. Also there was 1 extra boat with 3 experts for rescue purpose. The total distance to be traveled was around 10 Km. We were given life jacket and helmet. Initial part of the river was very calm and almost still water. We could hear the roaring of water very nearby. Initially the instructor explained us how to swim with life jackets and help others in case of emergency situations. Then our boat entered the speeding water and the real fun began. It was a great feeling to go down the water with such a speed and rigor. It was like a dream come true where we were going down the river with dense jungle on both sides and not even a single trace of human being around. At one point when the water was calm we jumped into water and enjoyed floating with life jacket.
At the last rapid while trying to surf up the current, the boat flipped completely upside down and in a moment everyone was in river. Few were under the boat, few were holding the boat. The rescue people pulled us on their boat. It was shocking but also the best part of the tour.
In the evening we went for the Safari in Dandeli Sanctuary. There we saw Bisons, Wild boar and Horn bill birds.
Next day morning we left for Karwar, which is around 118 km from Dandeli. At Karwar we visited the Warship museum. It is the Indian Navy ship 'INS Chapal' converted into museum. Spent the evening at the Karwar beach and started return journey.
The best part of the trip was definitely water rafting. Initially I was little scared of the idea of jumping into the river, but later enjoyed it a lot. Maybe that's the whole crux of adventurous sport, it brings out the fear from your nerves and converts it into joy.
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