MATHEMATICS, EGO & ME

MATHEMATICS, EGO & ME 

 It was 2006, six years after I had given up my job and was content teaching at my own institute.

I was aware that people thought I was haughty, carrying an intolerably irritating superiority complex. I, however, dismissed it as their covetousness.

One day, a good friend of mine from Pune called me. He informed me that a certain Mr. Apte, also from Pune, was conducting a Personality Development workshop in Faridabad.

“Mr. Apte is a celebrated motivational speaker and trainer,” he insisted, urging me to attend. I gave all sorts of excuses—my busy schedule, my parents’ health, and other flimsy pretexts.

Although May is comparatively relaxed for teachers, I didn’t want to go. I believed my personality needed no rectification. Finally, my friend said he was coming to Delhi to attend it and that I must accompany him. To oblige him, I reluctantly agreed.

It was a three-day workshop at a motel in Faridabad. The fee was three thousand eight hundred rupees, which I painfully parted with—only for the sake of my friend.

During the introductions, it became evident that among the eighty participants, I had the most humble social status. There were Chief Medical Officers from renowned hospitals, ACPs of Haryana and Delhi Police, CEOs, and senior government officers.

The ghost of superiority within me stepped back and waited, curious as to why such refined gentlemen had gathered there.
The post-lunch session on the very first day, however, turned out to be the moment that changed my life.

Mr. Apte drew a large square on the board and divided it with four vertical and four horizontal lines, creating smaller squares. He asked us to count how many squares were in total. Some found 16, others 17, some 20, and a few 24.

My answer was 30—the highest anyone had quoted.
Mr. Apte came to me and asked if I was sure. My ego answered for me:
“Yes, sir. Pretty sure. I’m a Mathematics teacher. This is routine work for me.”

“Oh, I see,” said Mr. Apte. “Still, I suggest you recount.”

“No, sir, I can’t be wrong. I spend ten hours a day with this subject,” I replied, smugly.

Mr. Apte smirked and called me to the podium.
“Mr. Sharma, we’ll return to the squares later. First, let’s have a fun exercise. Gentlemen,” he addressed the others, “I’ve chosen him because he is a Mathematics teacher.”

He took an A4-sized sheet of paper, held it from two opposite corners, and asked me to tear it with a punch. As I punched, he withdrew his lower hand, foiling my attempt. He asked me to try again—and once more withdrew just in time. A third attempt failed too. I stood there, exasperated and exhausted.

“No, sir, it will not tear if you keep doing this,” I said when he asked me to try again.

Smiling, he looked at me. “And you realized that only after three blows?”

I sheepishly met his eyes, pretending shame.

He continued, “Each blow was harder than the last—enough to knock me down if I had been in the way. Actually, Mr. Sharma, you realized the truth after the first attempt. But your ego stopped you from admitting failure so early. You hoped I wouldn’t trick you again.”

I wanted to run away from the hall. But he wasn’t finished.

“And now, about the squares—you counted 30. But I can prove there are more, even though mathematics is not my routine job. Count all the squares including the outer outline, and then count them excluding the outline. That doubles the number you found.”

Placing his hand on my shoulder, he concluded,
“Mr. Sharma, there will always be more to learn. Improvement has no finishing line.”

Years after that incident, I still try to keep my ego in check. I strive to be a better teacher and a better human being.
Thank you, Mr. Apte, for the invaluable lesson.

#mathematics #EGO #teachers #life #relationship #math #blogpost #bloggers

Death & Mercy

         DEATH & MERCY

                   .........A poem by Akshika Sharma

Two figures sat at the cliff, side by side

Above a forest set aflame.

The sky grew dark as fire cried,

And every ash recalled a name.

The trees, they crackled ancient cries

As bark and bone begin to fade.

The smoke curled up like whispered lies

From prayers that time itself betrayed.

Then Mercy, cloaked in grieving white,

Spoke soft as though to stir the dead:

"How does one mourn such brutal light-

A blaze where loved ones gently bled?"

Death watched the flame, yet didn't stir,

Her eyes like tombs that knew too much.

"Grief starts", she said, "When hearts confer-

I wanted all of it to touch.

To want to fall, to break in dust,

And gather ruins, one by one-

To open wide because you must

And hope beneath no sun.

He asked her then, "Why don't you begin?

Why never weep like mortal men?"

She smiled - A mask too tight and thin - 

And turned ger gaze away again.

"Grief is no stream one dares to taste -

It floods, it drowns - it doesn't ask.

To sip is folly, done in haste,

For I would lose my sacred mask.

I carry more than souls just passed -

The ones who soon will be in my arm. 

The ones long gone, whose echoes last,

In stone and soil and smoldered farm.

The fire eats the final thread

That tethered them to earth and breath.

And though they sleep, I loved the dead-

As only I could love through death.:

She rose, the shadows kissed her back

And walked beyond the cliff's embrace

While mercy watched the world turn black,

A softness sorrow could not trace.

And as the forest gave its cry,

He whispered, more to flame than friend:

"You never stopped. You just stood by-

And grieved a grief that has no end."

ONE TOUGH DAY THAT BROKE THE DREAM OF A BILLION PEOPLE

 

ONE TOUGH DAY THAT BROKE THE DREAM OF A BILLION PEOPLE 

Well Played, team India. We are proud of the way you played in this tournament. Unfortunately, the worst had to come in the finals.

The defeat in a cricket World Cup final match teaches resilience, the importance of preparation, and the ability to learn from mistakes. It's a reminder that success often involves overcoming setbacks, adapting strategies, and continuously improving to excel in high-pressure situations.

Out-of-the-box thinking in high-pressure games is crucial because it allows players to find innovative solutions, adapt quickly, and outsmart opponents. In intense situations, conventional strategies may not always work, and the ability to think creatively can lead to unexpected and successful outcomes. This mindset helps in making split-second decisions, capitalizing on opportunities, and staying ahead of the competition, ultimately contributing to a team's success in high-stakes scenarios.

Cricket is like life. You have to learn to deal with the good and the bad." - Virat Kohli

In a 50 over game, you cannot wait for the batsman to commit a mistake. You have to make him commit a mistake 

 Cricket is about applying, innovating and rising to the occasion. It is not just about breaking records.

 Captain Rohit Sharma's stubbornness to reiterate that he is HITMAN proved costly on the D-day. No doubt, he gave good starts and set the tempo. His fireworks in the first powerplay took pressure off the following batsman and allowed them time to get set. He threw his wicket away when only three balls were remaining in the first powerplay. Even a club cricketer knows that when you get ten runs on the first two balls, you should get a single to stand on the other end, especially when you are batting first.

After losing three quick wickets, Virat Kohli and K.L. Rahul batted too defensively that they didn't get a boundary for twenty two overs. Sorry, but your records don't make you great. 

 After ten overs, Indian bowlers looked different than the ten previous games in the tournament. Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja were spineless and never seemed like wicket-taking bowlers.

Intelligent batting by Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne took the game away from India.

Australian fielding was a big difference in the two teams. They saved at least thirty runs by running hard and throwing themselves on the field. And, Travis Head's running catch to send the Indian captain back did the same for Aussies what Kapil Dev's catch of Viv Richards did for Indians in 1983.

This is not criticism but my personal assessment of the high voltage game. I really wanted to see my heroes lifting the World Cup.

I stand with the men in blue. It was a tough day and one team had to end up as losers. They are champions and we are proud of them.

KUNTI- REVIEW

KUNTI

             KU

By Koral Dasgupta 

KUNTI is the second of the five-book series on Panchkanya by Koral Dasgupta.

KUNTI is a mythological book, not fiction, that educates and enlightens the readers. One would wonder how empowered and evolved Indian women were hundreds of centuries ago and what made them devolve.

Koral writes in ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

"THE STORIES OF FAMINE LEGENDS HAVE BEEN OVERLOOKED GENEROUSLY FOR PATRIARCHAL CONVENIENCE, INSPIRING THE WOMEN TO CELEBRATE THE BRAVERY OF ONLY ONE SECTION OF THE SOCIETY AND FEEL GUILTY ABOUT HER OWN."

This is a harsh truth we all will agree to somewhere in our consciences and will feel a pang of guilt after reading about characters like Kunti, a woman of rare intellect, wisdom, confidence, and resilience. What Kunti had acquired from Durvasa, no other woman has ever acquired, and mind you, she got it because she deserved it.

KUNTI is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey through the life of the famous mother of the revered Karna and the lovable Pandavas. When you finish this 203-page novel, Kunti will have a better opinion of you, and not just as the ill-fated queen of Pandu.

Koral Dasgupta's brilliance surfaces frequently in the book. She surprises you with undiscussed aspects and by adding new dimensions to this folklore. The rivalry between Surya and Indra is an integral part of Kunti's story. The aspect that impresses me the most is Koral's depiction of the effect of the mother's state of mind at the time of conception on the child's psychology, behaviour, and attributes. She has elaborately related it to Ganga-Bhishma, Satyvati-Vichitravirya, Ambika-Dhritrashtra, Ambalika-Pandu, Kunti-Karna, and other Pandavas.

Another standout feature of KUNTI is the author's ability to bring the characters to life with vivid and evocative descriptions. The author has confessed that she reinvents KUNTI with a feminist consciousness. She portrays Kunti as a strong and independent woman navigating societal expectations, unabashedly expressing her obsession for Indra and abhorring other men, even her husband.

I wondered why the ancient women were infatuated with Indra and quickly consoled myself with the fact that Krishna was not incarnated in their time.

Koral's writing style is both poetic and lyrical, effortlessly transporting readers to different time periods and locations. The attention to detail in her descriptions creates a rich tapestry that immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and smells of Indian culture. The author has generously and felicitously described nature and its bounty.

Another noteworthy aspect of KUNTI is how it tackles important social issues such as gender inequality and familial obligations. Through Kunti's journey, readers are challenged to reflect on their own beliefs and prejudices while gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities of Indian society. Sadly, the book ended with Arjuna's birth and left me unsatisfied.

KUNTI is a thought-provoking and beautifully written novel that offers an insightful exploration of love, identity, and societal expectations. Highly recommended, this book will enlighten you like a mythological book should.

Also read, my review on AHLYA:

https://gauravmotley.blogspot.com/2020/08/ahalya-by-koral-dasgupta-review.html?m=1

#mythology #books #indianmythology #kunti #pandavas #mahabharat #krishna #hastinapur #indra #surya

MY BELOVED CITY- PUNE

 

MY BELOVED CITY- PUNE 

Besides being my birthplace, the culture, the liveliness, the emotional quotient, the street food, diversity, history and magnanimity of its heart, make Delhi my favourite city. And then comes Pune, where I have done a major part of my schooling.

My father served in the Indian Air Force. He was posted in Pune from 1985 to 1988.

Pune, then, seemed like heaven. The Air Force station at Lohagaon, then, was at one corner, away from the hulla bullah of a city quieter but ahead of Delhi. Mountains were within a stone's throw. The solitude of jungles was not a luxury. Meeting snakes and scorpions was not unusual.The dialect, Hindi with an excess smack of Marathi, was initially fun for us and gradually made us adapt to it.

Pune fascinated us. We had accepted its superiority over Delhi.We didn't want to leave it when my father got a transfer to Gwalior after four years. But, we had to.

Pune is a city that embodies its own unique charm and beauty. From its vibrant culture to its rich history, there are many reasons why I love this city. Pune is home to a diverse mix of people, making it a great destination for those looking to experience something new. The city boasts beautiful landscapes, amazing street food, and plenty of entertainment options. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to relax and take in the local culture, there’s something for everyone in Pune.

 I never went there and found Delhiism back in me  faster than it had vanished.Then, in 2019, I happened to visit my second favourite city, feeling the pangs of meeting a long lost love. 

However, the two-day-long visit was not enough to feel the aura and ambience of Pune.

Once my beloved city, it called me again this month. I managed to steal three days out of my busy schedule.Pune had changed. It had grown big as I had crossed over to senescence.Mountains had hidden behind the glory and greed of concrete. Natural greenery seemed manipulated. The reptiles had refuged in some unknown space. People, who were already less emotional than delhites, appeared more practical, straightforward and even less sentimental. 

Street food was as abundant as concrete, bitumen, bars and noise. One thing that surprised me was the two-wheeler-riders not wearing head gears. I was desperate to check the traffic rules but had no time.

Pune remains my beloved city but the visit left me worried and sad. Pune is losing its charm. It is not the same as it used to be. The obsession of development is swallowing its scenic beauty. It is no longer a nature's paradise.Wake-up, Pune.Please don't become another Mumbai or Delhi.I liked you the way you were- simple and sophisticated. Despite everything, I will keep loving you.

#pune #Maharashtra #maharashtragovernment #maharashtratourism #PuneMunicipality #Puneadministration #PunePolice #Maharashtrapolice 

Zelensky-The Villain in Putin's War

 Zelensky – The Villain in Putin’s War

It’s been more than a fortnight since the weak but brave Ukraine is facing the ire of the stubborn President of Russia.

For the last two weeks, the world is watching the tearful exodus, the beautiful cities being ruined, children being orphaned, unarmed civilians rebuking the invading soldiers and amidst these disheartening scenes, a President appears and appeals to the mightier countries for aid, often in informal outfits. 

The so-called brave President has won the sympathy and favour of the world but he has chosen to pay a hefty price to buy this trivial individual praise. 

Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelensky, the popular comedian and a famous TV face had made an exemplary leap to become the supremo of his country about three years back. 

His country, the second largest in Europe, is at war with its larger neighbour since 2014. No doubt, Zelensky has been an inspirational leader right since the war began. He has invoked patriotism in his countrymen but, heroics sounds good in folklore. When you are the head of a country, every decision you take must pass through multiple rounds of deliberation, discussion, reflection and introspection as it would affect millions of your compatriots. 

Both Russia and Ukraine could have avoided this war. When Zelensky was elected, there were doubts that he is pro-Russia. Maybe the pressure of proving the speculation wrong was too much that Zelensky never tried to improve relations with Big Brother Russia and instead, urged NATO to make it a member ignoring all the past agreements. A step towards peace, and disenchantment from joining NATO while not comprising his country’s interest might have made Zelensky a bigger hero. This war will throw Ukraine half a century back. They pouring financial aid from sympathetic countries might reinstate the concrete but it would not heal the wounds on the soul and mind of Ukrainians. 

Zelensky must realise that a real war is not a TV show where everything is an eyewash. People don’t die. Cities don’t moan and mourn. In a real war, every single bullet leaves an irrecoverable wound somewhere. 

Vladimir Putin has emerged as the cruellest man alive by waging an unprovoked war on Ukraine. He is wrong. Wrong. As claimed, a full-fledged army action on a weaker neighbouring country is arrogance and tyranny. However strong you are, if violence is the only way you know you are not fit to live in this world. 

Putin is not wrong if he opposes Ukraine’s intention and interest in joining NATO. There have been arguments that whether to join an organisation or not is a country’s choice. Fair enough. Then, it is the choice of another country to oppose and prevent it if the association might threaten its sovereignty and safety.

Considering NATO’s objectives and record, Russia cannot be held wrong. If treaties and organisations create a divide amongst the communities and countries, they are worthless. Russia’s cause is no different from the cause that gave birth to NATO. If the economic and strategic powers of the west have a right to put their safety and interests before everything and anything, then the Eastern countries too must be granted discretion. 

Why this world needs military organisations like NATO?

Fact is, the ringmaster has successfully played the game. The war will not resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine but will leave them weaker. Trap proved successful. The neighbours have been befooled.

I see Zelensky as the bigger Villain in this war because he allowed himself to be used against Russia while desperately trying to prove the speculations of him being pro-Russia.

No, I am not Putin’s fan. He is behaving the same he is known. 

Views expressed are personal 

#war #Russia #Ukraine #RussiaUkraineWar #zelensky #putin #NATO

AFTER I DIED

 

AFTER I DIED

People didn't give excuse
And came sooner than expected
My kins are taking care of
Even dead me.

Besides, everyone has stories
About me and my goodness
Consoling each other
Great actors they're.

I am enjoying
But I do have a regret...
I wish I could tell them
They can't befool me anymore.

© Gaurav Lakhi