Ekalavya

While hemming a skirt I couldn't help but follow the story of Ekalavya being told by my father to his grand son. From the smooth flow of story and the animated tone one could sense that much preparation has taken place prior to this visit. Finally nearing the end, "The story is a bit sad in the end, is that alright?" asked GF. "I like sad stories." was the prompt reply. However, in spite of the assurance the thumb grew back in the end. But really what does one take from the story? It is often quoted as a prime example of student's devotion for his teacher but I feel the student-teacher part of it is more of a back drop, to me it is more an example of how one should have fervent passion for what one wants to achieve in life and let that be the motivation rather than be dejected and get distracted by the hiccups that come ones way. Not only that, it is also a story of acceptance of the fallible nature of human mind which to preserve its ego is ready to stoop low enough.

The bad and the ugly

Wish I could wish them away, the days that start badly. Just the other day I was telling my friends how I used to think that I was great with kids and how last 6 years have shown me a huge pile of evidence to the contrary. Not only my kid manages to get on my nerves with seemingly no effort even his friends know how to get my goat. But today's ugliness is entirely between RRJ and me. Today my parents arrive this afternoon, in the morning I was hoping against hope that people will do their thing and leave for school so that I could get the house in a shape it hasn't been in for months. RRJ came to know about the impending arrival of his 'favourite guys' last night and since then has been wanting to be picked up from school early so that he can accompany me to the station. I have been refusing it since prior to lunch I have a meeting scheduled with another colleague to discuss the possible additions to the current experimental set up, his expertise would really make a difference to the experiments we intend to perform in the coming week. I wasn't sure when I will be done with the meeting and didn't want to make a promise to RRJ that I wouldn't be able to keep. This morning the demand persisted and it was declared that 'if no early pick up then no school.' I was patient, then I was more patient finally the cohesive forces that were keeping it all together reached their limit and the whole being-a-reasonable-mother act fell apart. One whack in the backside, and then the second one much harder than the first one followed. They left without anyone wanting to make peace, I didn't even apologise to him. I did the dumping, arranging and cleaning and reached my office with a mind that needs a lot of arranging before it can focus on the papers that lie on my desk. My hand is still shaking from the hitting but it is my inner self that I want to shake and ask a few questions.

Reviewer's dilemma

It is hard to be a thesis examiner of a PhD student whose supervisor is not only known to you but also is your contact point with an agency that is funding your project. The situation gets infinitely trickier, if the thesis leaves a lot to be desired both technically and the way it is presented and I don't mean language here. Well, we are sitting with this beautifully bound thesis and wondering how to write what I must but in a way that is not offensive. Any suggestions?

VISA jitters

Phew! Nothing can be more painful than filling DS-160 form for US visa with intermittent and slow internet connection. I was feeling like an ant climbing up the wall and getting blown down by the wind every few minutes.

Coping strategies

On her way back from office, my friend overhears a conversation between two kids (ages around 10-11): Kid1: Hey da, I am not coming to your home again. Your dad seems to be always angry da. Kid2: Come on da! My dad is like that only, just ignore him da.

Recognition matters

However tiny it may be, I am totally thrilled to receive some recognition from the institute I work in the form of an award. While a month ago I was genuinely surprised to learn that I will be nominated for it, it was a much bigger surprise to see myself wanting it so bad by the end! So much for thinking that I knew myself.