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The morning of May 18, 1974, began like any other in the arid, secluded terrains of Pokhran, Rajasthan. Unbeknownst to the world, a team of scientists and engineers, under the steely resolve of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, were about to alter the course of India's history. In the hushed secrecy of dawn, the codenamed 'Operation Smiling Buddha' was put into motion. Known also as 'Happy Krishna', this operation would mark India's successful stride into the elite group of nuclear-armed nations. However, the journey to this decisive moment was cloaked in secrecy, a thrilling saga of quiet determination, and visionary leadership. Indira Gandhi, leading the nation at the time, took the audacious decision to push the country's scientific prowess to new heights. The weighty mantle of ensuring success fell on a select group of scientists, led by Dr. Raja Ramanna, the then Director of BARC. Gandhi and Ramanna shared a vision, an initiative aimed at affirming India...

Dear Reader, I recently found myself revisiting a pivotal story that has long guided my approach to problem-solving. It's centered around Richard Feynman, the renowned physicist, and his uncanny ability to approach complex problems with an intuitive, innovative mindset. The story is from his book, "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!", in a chapter intriguingly titled "He Fixes Radios by Thinking." This very title encapsulates a profound wisdom that has had an indelible influence on me. It illustrates the notion that we don't necessarily need to be experts in a field to solve related problems; instead, our capacity to think critically and creatively holds the key. In the story, Feynman, then a young boy with little technical knowledge about radios, uses his innate curiosity, reasoning ability, and sheer determination to repair a radio. Despite an initial setback and skepticism from a seasoned repairman, he prevails, impressing the expert and proving that ...

1971 - Reflecting upon the time when we were young, innocent and smiling 😊😇😄😁🥰!!! In that year, a profound, lyrical composition graced our screens, filling our hearts with a philosophical vision that continues to resonate deeply. The song in question is from the Tamil film "Babu", featuring an unforgettable performance by the then young and talented Shivaji. Acting alongside him, was the radiant & cute Sridevi, whose youthful charm and innocence was perfectly encapsulated in her portrayal. The film was a landmark of its time, and this particular song is a standout, embodying the essence of that era. It was an era when life was simpler, and these virtuous sentiments were woven seamlessly into the fabric of our everyday lives, thanks to timeless art pieces like this song. The lyrics, penned by the young poet Vaali, were imbued with such depth and meaning that they have remained fresh and young, even after all these years.  The song was in the voice of TMS a spiritual b...

  " Sweet Karram Coffee " the recent Amazon Prime series that I enjoyed watching with family, is truly a refreshing filter coffee in the world of instant mixes..  It deals with important topics, while keeping us glued with interesting twists and turns, just like our bustling Chennai traffic. This series is not just another masala dosai, but a unique ghee roast. This stands out amidst the mass of tasteless bread crumbs out there. It beautifully stirs in the essence of gender equity and women's empowerment, just like the frothy cream on top of our traditional filter coffee. This actually exposes still prevailing discrimination emphatically and elegantly. This series tells us that the time has come to change our old masala, a mindset shift is needed in our society. A perfect series to enjoy with family, just like a Sunday afternoon meals with payasam. Don't miss it. It's a must-watch! _______________________________________________________________ "Sweet Karram ...

If you're a fan of both yoga and quantum mechanics like me, you might be thrilled by the quirky connections our minds can form. Yes, you read that right: yoga and quantum mechanics. Two completely unrelated fields of knowledge, one ancient and deeply spiritual, the other modern and fundamentally scientific, and yet, my playful mind is weaving them together in a fascinating tapestry of cosmic jokes and intellectual metaphors. Let's start with the basics - every Yoga session. We begin with inhales and exhales, deep breaths that ground us in the present. Now, let's take a leap and think of these breaths as quantum states. In quantum mechanics, a system (say, a quantum particle like an electron) can be in a variety of states at the same time, depending on the observer's point of view. This is called a superposition of states. Just like a quantum system, our breathing during yoga isn't always in one definitive state. Sometimes we find ourselves exhaling a bit while inhal...

Today, as I journey B2B - Back to Bangalore, I'm simply revisiting this post from last year with a fresh perspective. Perhaps things may have 'Settled' in Seattle. However, for us in Bangalore, and for all Bangaloreans, we're always One+. 'Never Settle' isn't just a tagline; it's our way of life.  

Throwback to 5 years ago, where you can see me pedaling away on Google's campus. I promise you, it was a mandatory fitness regime, not just because of the fantastic variety offered in Google's restaurants. Let's just say, there was no way to resist 'Googling' the dessert menu.   So here's to marking the passage of time: July 25th, 2018 at Google, July 25th, 2022 at Microsoft, and now, July 2023 at Tesser Insights, Bangalore. Life pedals on, one gear shift at a time, and I'm here, always ready to ride!      

Tue September 11, 2001 A date that remains etched in global memory, marking one of the most catastrophic events in recent history. On that day, (evening IST in India) from over 8,000 miles away in Bangalore, I was scheduled for a business trip to Seattle. Destination:  The Architects Conference in the hallowed halls of Microsoft HQ , where the legendary Bill Gates himself was set to grace us with his presence and lead a few exclusive sessions.   5PM IST (7:30AM EDT) As a seasoned traveler and a member of the Lufthansa Miles & More club, I had embarked on numerous international journeys before. However, this particular expedition held an extraordinary significance—it marked my maiden voyage flying Lufthansa directly from Bangalore, courtesy of the recent (from 1st September the same year) commencement of international flights from the city. The excitement of an unforgettable adventure intertwined with professional enthusiasm enveloped me. Here's my account of...

🌌 In the grand tapestry of existence, a singular thread weaves a pattern so profound, so ubiquitous, it hints at an underlying, universal syntax – Mathematics. This is not the drab, dry Mathematics of rote learning, but a thrilling protagonist in our cosmic saga, guiding us to decipher the divine script embedded in reality. 🌻 As we embark on this adventure, nature's realm presents us with patterns and symmetries written in the language of Mathematics. Take the Fibonacci sequence, where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and so on). It mysteriously manifests itself in the spirals of sunflowers and pinecones, in the branching of trees, and even in the curve of crashing waves. This seemingly simple pattern underscores the foundational role of linear algebra, mapping out the relationships between these interconnected elements. 🌠 Our focus then shifts from earthly life to the cosmic expanse. The spiraling galaxies, colossal structures composed of bill...

  🎭 Today, we remember the late Shivaji Ganesan, an icon of Tamil cinema whose poignant performances and profound characters continue to echo through time. As we pay tribute to him, one masterpiece that truly stands out and resonates deeply with me is 'Un Kannil Neer Vazhinthaal' from the movie 'Vietnam Veedu'. 🎶 This song, with its stirring lyrics and evocative melody, beautifully captures the essence of life, love, and the trials we often face. The song's profound lines, "ver ena nee irunthaai, athil naan veezhnthu vidaathirunthen," translate to "you were my root, holding me, hence I have not fallen," are a testament to the enduring strength and solace that come from true companionship amidst life's uncertainties. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 In the same vein, the lines, "Mullil padukkaiyittu, imaiyai moodavidaathirukkum… pillai kulamadiyo, ennai pethamai seithathadi," subtly hint at the trials often presented by our own kin, laying a bed of tho...

Embracing these values can not only enrich the journey of a newly wedded couple but also turn their life into a beautiful, ever-evolving tapestry of shared moments. 🌍💖 Value Example Enriching Applications for a Newly Wedded Couple Radiating Positivity🌞 Hanuman transformed daunting tasks into opportunities for growth. As newlyweds, juggling careers, familial expectations, and personal lives might seem like a three-ring circus. But remember, even the greatest acrobats started with a single somersault. Embrace each challenge as an opportunity for growth and an exhilarating new act in your life’s big top. Communicating with Love💬 Hanuman delivered Lord Rama's message to Sita, bringing her comfort during distress. Imagine you both as castaways on a deserted island; the language of love is your only means of communication. Harness it, speak your hearts, express your needs, share your dreams, and watch your bond turn into ...

As I embarked on my recent initiative  openmind.ganeshs.net to share my learnings, impressions, and thoughts more openly on social media, I delved into the world of Instagram and gained valuable insights into its unique traits and popularity among the age group of 18 to 34. Understanding the commonalities and differences between Instagram and Facebook became crucial in effectively conveying my ideas. In this comprehensive comparison, we explore the distinct characteristics of Instagram and Facebook, shedding light on their audience demographics, content formats, engagement levels, ad spend, algorithms, and more. By gaining a deeper understanding of these platforms, I hope to provide valuable insights into their future trajectories and assist fellow enthusiasts in navigating the ever-evolving social media landscape. In conclusion, while Facebook currently maintains a larger user base and wider content formats, Instagram shows great potential for surpassing Facebook in th...

On this New Moon Day, I took part in our revered morning ceremony, performing Tarpana, a sacred ritual that pays homage to our ancestors, deities, sages, and other divine beings. This practice is not merely a tradition but a duty, a way of remembering and respecting those who came before us. As per our beliefs, it provides sustenance and spiritual elevation to our ancestors in their afterlife and helps us dissolve any ancestral karmic debt. In the tranquil silence of the morning, I made a vow, a 'Sankalpa', to please these entities, and proceeded to offer water symbolically, accompanied by ancient mantras. Each droplet was a token of gratitude, a bridge connecting me to the cosmic continuum. Once the offerings were made, I washed my palm, reflecting upon the profound links that bind us to the universe. Amid these introspections, the journey of Chandrayaan III emerged in my thoughts. The spacecraft, more than a scientific marvel, carries metaphorically the 'meta particles...

இன்று அமாவாசை: ஜூலை 17 ஆம் தேதி, திங்கட்கிழமை, இரவு  11 மணி , நான் என் தோட்டத்தில் நிற்கிறேன். அமாவாசை இரவு என்பதால், சந்திரனின் முகத்தையும் நான் பார்க்க முடியவில்லை. இன்று,  என் தந்தையின் மரணத்தை நினைவுகூர்கிறேன், அன்று அமாவாசை: 14 டிசம்பர் 2020, மாலை 4:17 மணி. என் வாழ்க்கையில் மறக்க முடியாத ஒரு நாள். என் மனைவி லதா மற்றும் நானும் என் தந்தையின் அறைக்குள் நுழைந்தோம், அது எங்களது  கடைசி சந்திப்பு என்று தெரியாமல். அவர் ஒரு சில மாதங்களாக நோய்வாய்ப்பட்டிருந்தார், ஆனால் அவரது போராட்டத்தின் தீவிரம் எங்களுக்கு முழுமையாகத் தெரியவில்லை. அவர் எங்கள் பெயர்களை அழைத்தார், "கண்ணா," "லதா," அதுவே அவர் கடைசியாக உச்சரித்த சொற்கள். நான் அருகில் அமர்ந்து, அவரது கையை பிடித்துக்கொண்டு, அவரது கண்களைப் பார்த்து, நான் பள்ளி நாட்களில் கற்றுக்கொண்ட ஒரு பிரார்த்தனையைத் தொடங்கினேன். அவரது கண்கள் மூடிக்கொண்டன, அவரது பிடிப்பு பலவீனமடைந்தது, அவரது சுவாசம் குறைந்தது, பின்னர் அமைதி. ஒரு கணம், நான் அவர் ஆழ்ந்த தூக்கத்தில் ஆழ்ந்திருப்பதாக நினைத்தேன், அவர் அமைதியாக நம் எட்டாத இடத்திற்கு மாறிவிட்டதை உணர...

On this New Moon day, Monday the 17th of July, in the evening at about 11PM,  I stand on my terrace beneath the unseen moon's shadowed face. The phantom imprints of another New Moon Day, etched deep in the chambers of my heart, resurface, unbidden yet unignored, and cascade through my consciousness as my fingers dance upon the keys to inscribe this tale... 14th December 2020, 4:17 pm. A day and time that is etched in my memory forever. It was not an ordinary Monday afternoon when my wife, Latha, and I walked into my father's bedroom, oblivious to the fact that it would be our very last encounter with him. He had been ailing for a while, but the gravity of his struggle was not entirely apparent to us. In his usual spirit, he managed to call out our names, "Kanna," "Latha," perhaps his way of telling us he was still holding on. As I sat beside his bed, holding his hand, I began reciting a prayer I had learned during my school days. His grip weaken...

  Flashback to July 2018: A magical night in Vegas. Was it just a prelude to an extraordinary journey of enlightenment and insight? Once upon a time, in the dazzling July of 2018, I found myself in the vibrant heart of Vegas, the city that never sleeps. The iconic model of the Eiffel Tower played sentinel to the magic that filled every moment. Latha and I were like starry-eyed gamblers, rolling the dice of life in blissful oblivion. Little did we know that life had a grander show in store for us! 🎲 First, entry Quantum Physics into my life: In the neon glow of Vegas casinos, the toss of dice was the most thrilling gamble. But come 2023, subatomic particles have become my playfield, and the stakes? Oh, they've shot up to cosmic levels! Hindsight has truly become quantum sight. 🔬 The mystical charm of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity was next. Back in 2018, I thought time only flew when having fun in Vegas. Fast forward to today, it seems time doesn't just fly - it ...

Intro Throwback to 1992-1998: SWIFT - Solvay Building 81 Avenue Ernest Solvay, La Hulpe, Belgium During those memorable years, I had the privilege of working at SWIFT on Avenue Ernest Solvay (with a break in 1994). The experience was truly extraordinary and has left an everlasting impact on me. Being surrounded by the presence of the iconic Solvay Castle in the neighborhood and its rich legacy, I felt a profound connection. It was during this period that my fascination for science was reignited, and the fragmented threads of knowledge were intricately woven back together. Picture 1: The 1911 Solvay Conference - A Fudged Photograph The portrait of participants to the first Solvay Conference in 1911. Ernest Solvay is the third seated from the left. Solvay was not present at the time the photo was taken, so his photo was cut and pasted onto this one for...

Immersed in the celestial notes of the song from 'Nizhal Nijamagiradhu,' one can't help but marvel at the mastery of Kannadasan's penmanship. The song—adorned with the melodious voices of SPB and Vani Jayaram, and underscored by the genius of MSV—showcases Kannadasan's innovative power and profound command over Tamil poetry in all its glory. Consider the transformation portrayed in the verse: 'Kallana mullai, Indrenna vaasam? Kaatraana raagam, Yenindha gaanam? Ven megam andru, Karmegam indru Yaar solli thandhaar - Mazhaikaalam endru?' The metaphorical transition of a stone flower blossoming into a fragrant bloom and a white (dry) cloud evolving into a rain-laden black cloud is nothing short of brilliant. Kannadasan weaves this tale of love and transformati...

Discover Challaghatta: A Cultural Sandwich, Where Shiny Skyscrapers and Humble Dwellings  Create the Perfect Urban Harmony! Imagine a sandwich, but it's not just any normal sandwich - it's a place! A special place in India called Challaghatta. On one slice of our sandwich bread, there's a shiny, bustling area called Embassy Golf Links. On the other slice is an old airport where fast, loud jets zoom overhead, like rockets shooting into space! Now, the heart of our sandwich, the best part, is a place I've been calling home since September 2008 - the Shriram Spandhana Apartments in Challaghatta. This apartment is like a tall, golden tower of homes in the middle of the big city, Bangalore. It's bustling with life and glows like a lantern. Just steps away from these shiny apartments, Challaghatta feels like a warm, friendly village. Here, there are small houses, frie...

📢  Ever wondered about the intriguing connections between Thinnais, parks, Prime Time Debates, and Social Media? Let us discover the common thread that links these seemingly unrelated realms. First things first, a disclaimer: This is an unabashed, no-holds-barred roast of our collective time-wasting habits. And yes, I did say "our." Yours truly is equally entangled in the captivating chaos of these contemporary charms. Let's set the scene with a bit of cultural context. A Thinnai, dear readers, is a traditional feature in South Indian architecture. It's essentially an elevated platform at the entrance of a house where folks would gather to shoot the breeze, discuss the problems of the universe, or just watch the world go by. Think of it as the social media platform of yesteryears, minus the cat videos and memes.   The Parks of old were not just about swings, slides, or picnics. Oh no, they were the democratic forums of the neighborhood - a place where anyone, i...