Posts

Showing posts from August, 2023

Snapshots and Space Suits: The Apollo 11 Selfie That Almost Was!

Image
Hold onto your space helmets as we launch into a humorous tale from the Moon's surface! Join Armstrong, Aldrin, and the Hasselblad 500EL for an adventure filled with iconic images and a fictional selfie conversation that captures the lighter side of exploration. Prepare for laughter that's out of this world! Armstrong and Aldrin had landed on the Moon, and the Hasselblad 500EL was ready to document history. The two astronauts were capturing iconic images, but amid the seriousness of the mission, a whimsical conversation unfolded. "Buzz," Armstrong said, snapping pictures of the Lunar Module and the mesmerizing landscape, "what do you say we take a selfie? You, me, and this beautiful Moon." Aldrin's eyes twinkled inside his helmet. "A selfie? With this Hasselblad? Neil, that's one giant leap for photography!" Armstrong chuckled, imagining the possibility. "Imagine the headlines, 'Astronauts Capture First Lunar Selfie!' It'd ...

No Show, All Substance: The Shallow Stardom of Cinema vs. The Real Superstars of ISRO

Image
Hollywood, Bollywood, Kollywood, Tollywood – a myriad of woods that fuel the fire of global entertainment. They enthrall us with grand spectacles, larger-than-life characters, and budgets that often rival the GDP of a small nation. But when was the last time a movie truly educated or elevated us as a society? Enter ISRO's Chandrayaan III mission, an accomplishment that touched the moon at a fraction of the cost of a Hollywood blockbuster. Here's an endeavor showcasing the brilliance of human intellect, not the shallow sparkle of stardom. While celluloid heroes prance in fake worlds, ISRO's scientists, looking so simple and yet so profound, like our own family members, stood with rapt focus, steering the Vikram Lander to the lunar surface. Over 100 crore people watched real-life heroes, in control of destiny, not a scripted fantasy. Where is the glitz? The glamour? You won't find it here, because ISRO's mission is substance over show. No shallow entertainment but a c...

A Beacon Through Generations: My Father's Diligent Recordings & Haridoss Giri's Timeless Teachings

Image
Introduction I want to share a personal guiding light in my life: a story of King Virasena and the Ashta Lakshmi, narrated by Haridoss Giri when I was in 8th standard in person in a grand discourse. My father, with unending dedication, would attend and record such discourses and play them back for us, weaving a connection to our heritage. Those recordings were not mere lessons; they were heartfelt wisdom, a beacon guiding me through confusion, fear, and superstition. When I think back to this tale of courage and patience,  I hear both Haridoss Giri's passionate voice and feel my father's love and commitment. This tale isn't just a myth; it's a reminder that we have the power to overcome fear, a living part of our family's legacy, a testament to my father's dedication, and a symbol of virtues that shape our lives. It's more than a story; it's who we are, a beacon for us all. Let's embrace it with all our love, and heartfelt appreciation for our father...

The Paradox of Superstardom: Does Follower-ship Define Genius, or Is It Merely an Illusion?

Image
Rajinikanth: The Mass Hero In a world enamored by the glitz of cinema and mass adulation, Rajinikanth stands as a towering figure. Referred to as the "Superstar" of Indian cinema, he's celebrated with a fervor that transcends borders. But what does it mean to be a true superstar? Rajinikanth's charisma, on-screen persona, and his ability to draw crowds are undeniable. But does this make him a genius? The thunderous applause, the widespread recognition – are these the hallmarks of true brilliance? Or is there something deeper, something overlooked in the shadows of fame? Does follower-ship define genius, or is it merely an illusion? Where do we draw the line between popularity and profound intellectual accomplishment? In the paradox of superstardom, what is the real measure of a person's genius? The Lonely Path of True Geniuses Contrast the fame of Rajinikanth with the solitude of the following geniuses, who carved paths so unique that they often went un...

Betting the Bicycle: How to Lose Big on a Probability of 1/2 power 100 - A Yakov Perelman Inspired Tale

Image
Introduction:- Have you ever found yourself pondering the mysteries of probability, only to end up utterly bamboozled by numbers and chance? Or maybe you've made a bet, confident in your calculated odds, only to find that reality had other plans? Welcome to the quirky world of "Betting the Bicycle: How to Lose Big on a Probability of 1 2 100 - A Yakov Perelman Inspired Tale." This story isn't just a mathematical curiosity; it's a playful reminder that life often laughs in the face of probability. Grab your calculators, hold onto your bicycles, and join me on a whimsical journey through numbers, bets, and the unpredictable nature of... well, chance itself! Betting the Bicycle: How to Lose Big on a Probability of 1 2 100 - A Yakov Perelman Inspired Tale A Friendly Wager A group of friends were lounging by the window one day, debating probabilities and mathematics. One of them playfully proposed a bet, "I bet the first person to pass our window will be ...

A Grand Surprise Remembered: Independence Day Celebrations with KS and Covansys Colleagues

Image
The Prelude: Setting the Stage for an Unforgettable Day Have you ever been part of a grand surprise that united colleagues across cities and celebrated a nation's pride? Journey back to a special Independence Day, where KS's masterstroke turned a routine train stop into an unforgettable celebration at Covansys. If you were there, you'll remember; if not, you'll wish you were. If you know KS, you'll definitely read, like, and share this story. If you don't, prepare to be introduced to KS, Covansys, and the unforgettable art of fun at work. Though KS is no longer with us, his spirit, wisdom, and extraordinary ability to bring joy continue to inspire. The Unfolding Tale: Unity, Surprises, and an Independence Day to Remember In the thriving tech company Covansys, with leadership and teams spread between Chennai and Bangalore, (and Mumbai too) a special leader stood tall. KS, the boss, was renowned for running the company like a tight ship, yet he was equally...

Proud to Introduce Nikhita Nandakumar: A Radiant Young Intellectual and a Creative Blog Writer

Image
Introduction:- I am excited to feature this first blog post from Nikhita, my talented niece, fresh and sizzling like a hot chappathi off the stove! She shared this gem with me for review, but it's so captivating that I'm thrilled to present it in my blog openmind.ganeshs.net just as she penned it. With a flair for intermingling personal anecdotes, her creativity makes this piece exceptionally relatable, especially to her peers. Dive into her world. Her first blog as she wrote it. I'm honored to offer you the first taste, and I hope you will savor it as much as I did. Please show your support with shares and comments, as we cheer on her delightful journey into the world of writing. Happy reading! Her writing elegantly unveils the exciting maze of finding the perfect start, breathing life into mundane objects like an Ariel fan, and drawing wisdom from ancient texts like Chanakya's teachings. With her unique blend of humor, warmth, and insight, she weaves an engaging narra...

This is All India Radio. The news, read by [...]: A Symphony of Kumbakonam with a Murphy Transistor

Image
This is All India Radio. The news, read by [...] these words still echo in my mind as I reflect on my younger days in the enchanting town of Kumbakonam. My father and I and our family lived in our humble abode filled with the aroma of freshly brewed filter coffee and the sounds of our beloved Murphy Transistor. A Shared Connection Our connection was rich and diverse: lively news bulletins, thrilling cricket matches, melodious movie songs (especially Mukesh, Rafi), captivating dramas, and the soul-stirring Carnatic music that my father especially loved. These were not just sounds but the symphonies of our life. Historical Moments Through our Murphy Transistor, we lived the joy of Gavaskar's centuries, the anticipation and shock of the 1977 elections – with Congress losing royally in UP, MP, Bihar, and Rajasthan, leading to a dramatic political upheaval. We also felt the excitement of MGR sweeping the assembly in 1977 and1980, the profound sadness of Indira Gandhi's assassination...

Harmony of Souls: My Spiritual Odyssey with Radha, Kunti, and Draupati

Image
Harmony of Souls: My Spiritual Odyssey with Radha, Kunti, and Draupati In the vast expanse of ancient tales lies a resonance that defies the chains of time, echoing the pulse of human longing and our unwavering quests. Radha, Kunti, and Draupati, luminaries in the annals of Indian spirituality, stand as symbols of love, resilience, and surrender. Their interactions with Krishna showcase the myriad ways the human spirit intertwines with the divine. This poem, while being a tribute to these iconic figures, also mirrors my own odyssey, seeking the same profound connections. ஆத்மாக்களின் இணக்கம்: ராதா, குந்தி மற்றும் திரௌபதியுடன் எனது ஆத்மார்த்த தேடல் பயணம். நமது பழங்காலக் கதைகள் மனித ஏக்கத்தின் துடிப்பையும் நமது அசைக்க முடியாத தேடல்களையும் எதிரொலிக்கின்றன. இந்திய ஆன்மீகத்தில் ராதை, குந்தி, திரௌபதி ஆகியோரின் கிருஷ்ணாவுடனான தெய்வீகத்துடன் பின்னிப் பிணைந்த தொடர்புகள் அசாத்திய அன்பு( ராதை ) , அசாத்திய பொறுமை( குந்தி) மற்றும் முழு சரணாகதியின்( திரௌபதி) அடையாளங்களாக நிற்கின்ற ன . இந்தக் கவ...

In Pursuit of the Divine: Three Souls, One Quest

Image
  Throughout the annals of spiritual literature, there exist tales that transcend time, tales that echo the profound yearnings of the human soul. Radha, Kunti, and Draupati are three such luminous figures, each representing a unique facet of devotion, surrender, and quest for the divine Purushottam Krishna. Their narratives, rich in emotion and introspection, showcase the journey of the soul as it seeks to merge with the ultimate reality. This poem draws inspiration from their unwavering search, intertwining their stories with my own spiritual odyssey, echoing the universal longing for divine connection and realization. Whispers of Change The turbulent river of my past has stilled, Yet its source, vibrant and unyielding, lingers still. From the tempests that once raged deep within, Now arise gentle breezes, heralding a serene begin. Beyond the Known Krishna, in you, countless souls find their guide, Your eternal wisdom, the beacon where truths reside. Though I've navigated realms v...

Journey to Surrender

Image
  The Quietening Fury The fury of the river in my life has toned down, But the spring that served as its source remains vibrant and profound. The once fierce storm that could fell great trees is no more, Replaced by a gentle, caressing breeze I simply can't ignore. A New Dawn With previous springs having ebbed away, A new craving emerges, compelling me to pray. These new springs shall be different, unique, Not to be wasted, for a purpose, they'll speak. A Spiritual Surrender While I deciphered complexities of math, science, and tech, The super soul's wisdom was always just out of reach, just a speck. In spirituality, I find my ultimate and final surrender, Much like Pattinathar, Valmiki, and Arunagirinathar, I too am a convert, a transcender. Divine Intervention It is on the Supreme God I rely, For health of mind, body, senses, as days go by. May my ears never lose their ability to discern His divine tunes, As I tread life, dancing to both its joyous and mournful runes...

📌 Presenting My Personal 10 Commandments - A Journey Towards RESPECTFUL Living 📌

Image
At 00:40 Hrs on this day, August 6th, 2023, I've penned down my personal commandments for life. These are the principles I intend to practice as much as possible to foster my own growth and wellbeing. In the spirit of openness, I am sharing these with you all, hoping they might resonate or provide inspiration. Starting today, I will strive to implement these commandments in my daily life, continually reminding myself that it's not about perfection, but progress. Let's all strive to live a more RESPECTFUL life! ✨ These commandments have been cleverly arranged to form the acronym "RESPECTFUL" and each is accompanied by a symbolic emoji for easy recall. Here they are: I share them in the true spirit of my blog - Open Mind - hoping that they might provide some guidance or inspiration to others as well.#PersonalGrowth #SelfImprovement #OpenMind #RESPECTFUL

Strings of Innocence: Weaving Memories with Melody - A Dance of Childhood's Pinnal Kolattam

Image
In the quiet corners of childhood, where dreams are woven with the threads of innocence and wonder, a song was born. A melody that echoed through the hallways of my heart and found a permanent dwelling there. "Poo Poovai Paranthum Pogum Pattupuchi Akka," a Tamil tune that sings the dance of flowers and butterflies, breathes life into memories every time it reaches my ears. A memory etched in colors and movements, a dance performed by my dear sister Suseela during her tender years of 3rd or 4th standard. The Pinnal Kolattam, knitting a lotus flower, was for the song that refers to butterflies as flying flowers. With Kolakattai (sticks) and strings, in beautiful harmony, they weaved. Little hands moving with a grace beyond their years, orchestrating a dance that knit together disparate strings into a beautiful flower. A flower held up to the audience, a triumph of innocence and artistry, a symphony of smiles and applause. That tune, that scene, remains alive, refusing to fade a...

From Pages to Practice: Lessons in Technology Leadership from 'The Final Diagnosis'

Image
Introduction It was during the late '80s, a vibrant era of burgeoning technology, that I first dove into the riveting tale of Arthur Hailey's 'The Final Diagnosis.' Unbeknownst to me then, this narrative would profoundly shape my professional trajectory and philosophy. Over the years, the tale of Dr. Joseph Pearson and Dr. David Coleman has been a lantern in the foggy landscape of my career, guiding me each time I stumbled upon an impasse. Every quandary, every crossroad led me back to the worn-out pages of this medical drama. The saga of Pearson, the old-school pathologist stubbornly clinging to antiquated methods, and Coleman, the innovative new arrival advocating for modern practices, resonated with me deeply. Their story echoed the ever-present struggle in my career - the precarious tightrope walk between being a technologist and an executive. This reflection propelled me towards a path of continuous learning. I committed myself to not only keep pace with the rapid ...

When Johnny Cab Gets a Speeding Ticket: The Who-Dunnit of Autonomous Auto Follies

Image
 Ladies and gentlemen, it's your favorite open-minded free-thinker, Ganesh Swaminathan, coming at you from the wild, wide-open frontier of openmind.ganeshs.net. Today, I'm your humble guide as we cruise down the not-so-lonely road of traffic violations committed by self-driving cars. Buckle up for a wild ride through this techno-legal wonderland. Imagine, if you will, you're comfortably ensconced in your autonomous vehicle, engrossed in the latest episode of "The Real Housewives of Cyberspace," when a sudden siren punctuates the drama. Old habits die hard, and you instinctively start sweating. Then you remember, you've been riding shotgun with Johnny Cab (Total Recall fans, unite!). You haven’t touched the steering wheel since it became vintage to do so. And yet, here comes Officer Friendly with a ticket in his hand. Now the existential dread sets in: who's going to foot the bill for this automotive misadventure? You, the proud owner of this self-driving m...

A Scientific Perspective on Fission vs Fusion

Image
In my Sunday night movie venture, I found myself immersed in the world of J. Robert Oppenheimer as depicted in the movie "Oppenheimer". The film paints a vivid portrait of the scientific director of the Manhattan Project during World War II, a figure whose life and work are inseparable from the application of Einstein's mass-energy equivalence principle, E=mc². The movie stirred up many thoughts and questions, particularly about the decisions made during the project. One controversial claim presented was that Oppenheimer, driven by ego, did not allow experimentation with the Hydrogen bomb (fusion), and instead pushed for the development of the Atomic bomb (fission). However, upon reflection and based on my understanding of the science behind these two processes, I felt that the accusation might be an oversimplification of the complex historical and scientific context. It seemed crucial to view Oppenheimer's decisions through a factual lens, taking into account the tec...