Geomarinebiotech: London Olympics - ReflectionsThe Olympics-2012 in...

Geomarinebiotech: London Olympics - Reflections
The Olympics-2012 in...: London Olympics - Reflections The Olympics-2012 in London came to a close yesterday. Sushil Kumar winning a silver medal in the free w...

London Olympics - Reflections

The Olympics-2012 in London came to a close yesterday. Sushil Kumar winning a silver medal in the free wrestling competition in 66 Kg category gave an euphoria among all the Indians and as usual the media showered praises and some ascertained how  it was clear from the beginning. His bout with the Kazakhstan wrestler was indeed breath taking. I as an Indian too stood up to give a standing ovation. It was not just for Sushil, for many Indian athletes I felt emotional 

Sushil Kumar after the silver medal win - Courtesy India Today        too. When the mother of two and the one from the sidelined  society of North East won a bronze medal, I said "Bravo'. What touched me more was when she said " I am sorry that I could not get a gold for my country". 

What was more exciting was Yogeshwar Dutt's matches, though he could manage only a bronze. In 60 Kg category he had to win in repechage method after losing to the Russian, Besik Kudukhov in the pre-quarter final. In his bout for bronze he had to show his grit in 45 minutes by facing 3 opponents.  This bronze symbolized valor in my opinion than that of the bronze won by Saina. Yes, we are happy as Indians but to get a medal because of one's injury is not a great thing to celebrate. I know even Saina will approve this observation. 

Courtesy Zee News

When the contingent of 83 from the Indian continent went to London our media started the hypes. One called the program as "Go for Gold" while the other major channel called it " Gold Rush". True everyone rushed for gold but no one garnered it. The dedicated songs and emotional outbursts are common phenomenon in Indian sports courtesy Indian mass media. Not just hypes but many times promoting a few as the most probables and leaving others. 

There were controversies in the Tennis arena, as to which team was the probable medal winner. Boppana and Bhupathi had lost to the French pair in a poor way. With the lower rating Vishnu Vardhan did a commendable job along side Leander Paes though they did not win a medal. In badminton all eyes were on Saina but many failed to notice the dark horse, Kashyap Paruppalli. He went down valiantly fighting the No.1  seed Lee Chong Wee.  

Vijay Kumar with his silver medal -courtesy International Business Times

We often make hype on a few like Sania, Gagan, Vijayakumar, .but fail to notice or encourage others.  Whether the glory we showered during the previous Olympics at Beijing   on Abinav Bindra has become null and void is not known. Tinu Luka's qualification in Quarter finals in 800 meters is no event at all also is not known to me. 

Though Gagan's bronze indicated the start of glory for India, the final momentum was won by Sushil and Vijaykumar at the end. As any Indian or even more than many I am happy and proud. Many nights were spent for following these events. 

Where is the Gold and the Glory?

With 6 medals in our bag it is defiantly a time to celebrate. With 83 athletes and 13 events and for a country of the size with 1.21 billion, is this enough is the next question that haunts. We had won doubled our tally compared to the previous Olympics is the boast. What if one had one 23 and now another 3 which makes it only to 26 but not double. Two medals can be boasted as double compared to only one. When asked about whether more medals are good or gold is good to Carl Lewis about Indian performance (CNN IBN interview), he said more medals will produce more heroes in India. He was graceful and mature in saying so. As Indians, can we be contented  with our achievements? USA got 110 last time and now only 104 , does it say it performed bad? Last time China topped it and now USA. 

Jamaica's 12 medal tally is indeed a proud moment for that country. How can anyone forget "Bolt from the sky" who showed arrogance and boasting in talk but proved so also. Where we can find a Michael Phelp in our country? Is not Serena's dominance  enjoyable by all? The grace of synchronized swimming or rhythmic gymnastics is worth watching many times.  Why certain countries rule certain games? What is our national game? Did you say Hockey? Where is the key to get through a commendable position? If there was a clay medal, for sure Indian hockey team would have deserved it. 

When will we stand tall in these games or when we can even host an Olympics? Where do we go wrong?

I always advocate scientific methods and use of technology for the growth of this country. I saw many programs on super humans in the History channel. Whenever, someone claims something or demonstrate feats, they are put to scientific tests such as blood lactic acid acid level, heart rate, muscular movements and so on. Science of sports is not something new. Even a cricket ball use and spins are all analyzed using technologies and the team watches them before taking on the opponents. Do we employ science and technology as much as the developed countries? Do we really talk about balanced nutrition or sports diets? What are our training facilities compared to the developed world? 

Here is a link which talks about a book on Winning in the Olympics, by Scientific American. For sure it would be a good reading. 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-science-of-sports-scientific-american/1112082133

Just throwing money may not be an answer unless one does it scientifically. Being happy is good but worrying and working hard for going to the next stage is urgent and important. Now instead of "Go India, Go" slogan we need to say "Move on India, Move on!" 

Ten years after 9/11

Ten years have passed after we witnessed the 9/11 events that shook the world. When I was thinking of writing this blog, I read an exclusive interview of Mr.Obama to The Times of India. I thought it would be appropriate to quote it as it reflected my thoughts too. Here is the part of his interview:

“On this 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we remember that 9/11 was not only an attack on the United States, it was an attack on the world and on the humanity and hopes that we share.

We remember that among the nearly 3,000 innocent people lost that day were hundreds of citizens from more than 90 nations. They were men and women, young and old, of many races and faiths. On this solemn anniversary, we join with their families and nations in honoring their memory.

We remember with gratitude how ten years ago the world came together as one. Around the globe, entire cities came to a standstill for moments of silence. People offered their prayers in churches, mosques, synagogues and other places of worship. And those of us in the United States will never forget how people in every corner of the world stood with us in solidarity in candlelight vigils and among the seas of flowers placed at our embassies.

We remember that in the weeks after 9/11, we acted as an international community. As part of a broad coalition, we drove al-Qaida from its training camps in Afghanistan, toppled the Taliban, and gave the Afghan people a chance to live free from terror. However, the years that followed were difficult and the spirit of global partnership we felt after 9/11 frayed.”

The emotional gathering of people at ground zero and the markings of the names on the tablets, of the 3000 that laid their lives for no fault of theirs was moving my heart. Not long ago what we witnessed at our own capital too only increased my pain. There is a lesion we need to learn from the Americans. The loss of 3000 people made more than 5 million men and women to take up the uniform. It united whole United States of America. Before this anniversary, they saw to it that the man behind this was eliminated. A determination that made them achieve this. I salute this country which stands tall even in calamities. US, I stand by you on this day along with billions of my fellow Indians.

This day, we all need to take up an oath that we will stand for our country and for the united fight against global terrorism. Youngsters should become more responsible and help our security forces and intelligence to fight against terrorism. The government should take serious efforts in combating terrorism. Absence of even CCTV cameras in sensitive areas and non-maintenance of metal detectors and carelessness in securities are unforgivable acts. As written in my previous blog, why that we lack in technology or use of available technology? Can we not develop program which can detect unusual activities and send alarm? I think, a simple program in the camera software could do this. Or is it that bomb sniffing dogs can only do so after the blasts or we have only a few in the country that we need to spare them only for the rarest instances? Can we not recruit more trainers and more dogs as well as recruit more intelligent officers and task force? This in one way, solves unemployment problem and help us combating terrorism too.

TV channels too need to be sensible in reporting news. They can help investigating and then take credit rather than a hurried news which might make sensation but will hinder the investigations.

There is a lot that can be done by the general public. The real heroes will crop up from these unknown soldiers is my strong belief. Compulsory military training to all youth from 20 to 25 years might be the need of the day. Protecting the   whistle blowers is the responsibility of the government.

Our laws too need to change. While the US could just fly into another country and eliminate the terrorist without any legal proceedings, why we keep our fingers crossed on a terrorist who was caught red handed?

Can these lesions and instances unite Indians? Write to me your feelings or concerns or ideas, etc., You can comment here or send me mails with your name, email ID and phone number. If you like send us your photo, so that we can publish them here.

Nation's proud moment

Nation's Proud Movement

The whole nation went into euphoria yesterday. The "Sense of the House Resolution” on the acceptance of Jan Lokpal was unanimously passed by all the parliamentarian shedding their party differences. Some immediately claimed it is the victory for our parliamentary democracy, while there was jubilation at Ramlila Ground that it is the victory for Anna. When finally Shri. Anna Hazare spoke it attributed it to the people of India. This shows the maturity of the leader. The nation had seen many ups and downs during the last 15 days, even before Anna started his fast. Both the major political parties namely Congress and BJP, accusing each other as well as Team Anna finding fault with Government and vice versa. Even US advised the Government to allow Mr. Anna Hazare   to take up the fast. There were skepticism or at least doubts in the minds of many whether things could be achieved this way. The world closely watched India and the development. They thought India might follow the footsteps of what went on or going  on in Libia, Egypt or  Sudan and there could be unrest. We proved them all wrong. Not long ago, even many Indians swore that Gandhian ideas are not relevant anymore. Now is the proof and we as a Nation proved Gandhian agitation works. Thanks to Anna’s untiring fight. While the debates go on in many TV channels about whose victory it is, let us celebrate the victory as ours. Now, the politicians should have learnt a lesion too that they are elected by the people to serve the people and the powers are given to them and not they have acquired by their might. All the while we had been taught that voting is a sacred duty of every Indian, but now we also know our duty to question the elected. If the elected is superior, those who elect them are mighty. This is not to underestimate our parliamentary system which was brought in by our leaders and the law makers who toiled several nights to bring in the constitution. I know some civil activists too talked in insulting way about all our politicians. In the spur of moment all talk some rubbish. It is also a good leader’s attitude to forgive and forget. I request our TV channels, who did give us an yeomen service to bring this movement to the forefront, not to dig the past and accuse some and call names. This is a time to celebrate and a time to move on. As Anna Hazare told the mass, just wearing a cap with inscription “I am Anna” will not make them Anna but they need to keep certain things in mind and he went on to list them out as: 

• There should be no difference in what you say and what you do

• You should possess clean and honest thoughts, have a clean conduct, clean character
•  You should have a feeling for sacrifice
• You should have the strength to take humiliation
• You should pledge not to give or take bribes henceforth.

 While we all celebrate the victory, rededicating ourselves to the cause is important. We need to realize that all of us had a part in the corruption in smaller or bigger way. When I think of my father who was a Superintendent of Central Excise who stood for purity in his work and have not even touched a tea from his clients, I have fallen short in not being so perfect. The pressures of the modern life, the compulsions of the surrounding, political system, etc., are all definitely the reason, yet there is a need for us to stand.  The victory which we got in a non-violent way has taught us that this is the way. We can recall how, many organizations and political parties fought for their rights by burning buses and affecting public life. While celebrating the victory, let us also realize the wake up call given by Mr.Anna Hazare. I wrote many messages in the past few days on many social networks for saving Anna’s life. Now I breath a sigh of relief that everything ended well with a great note. I know fully well, still we have miles to go. This will be possible only if all of us work together and work tirelessly.

Norway Blasts and shoot out- Memorial service thereafter

We as a country which had experienced terror knows the pain of terror. A recent bomb blasts and a shoot out by a freak youth killed over 90 persons. Those who killed in the Utoeya island are all youth. The initial news was that about 7 persons died and several injured in the twin blasts near prime minister's office in Oslo, the capital of Norway. In a few hours, another shocking news came on a man shooting the youth from Labour Party Youth Camp and the youth had very little option of escape routs. Investigations revealed that the man who was responsible is not an Al-Qaeda or any terrorist organization but a Norwegian who expressed his views against muslims, especially those of the immigrants in the country. Why kill these youth? The Labour party seem to support immigrants in the region. Some observes note that this might be the beginning of unrest in Europe. A country like Norway which has never seen terrorism is utterly shocked.

I watched the memorial service for the departed live on CNN, which gave an emotional moment.Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg addressed hundreds of mourners gathered at Oslo Cathedral. He mentioned it was a national tragedy and the youth were known to many including himself. The Norwegian King Harald and Queen Sonja also attended the service and were found weeping during the service. I have not seen many of our leaders seen weeping in tragedies though they make brave speeches condemning the terror. The country responding to the terror with a mass and an attempt in wiping the grief is something worth mentioning. The memorial was labelled "Mass of Grief and Hope". My previous blog on Mumbai blasts talked about our failing hope. Now, it is time that we developed hope and also faced terror with new preparedness. The terror 
has become an international phenomenon.


In the era of globalization and mobility, we all need to live accommodating each other, accepting multicultural nature of the world, adjusting among the different races. Otherwise, the world we live will be a grave yard and cannot be a peaceful one. Let us all make this world a paradise to live happily and peacefully. We pray for all the innocent who lost their lives and the families who lost their near and dear ones.  

The Blasts that made a hole in our Faith

On the eve of 13th July, 2011, 3 consecutive blasts shook the city of Mumbai again after the shock we had during 26/11 in 2008. Three of the crowded places in Mumbai city namely Zavery Bazar, Opera House and Kabutarkhana in Dadar were the target this time. It took a toll of 19 innocent people and injuring 130 or more. The gory scenes brought out by the news media shocked me. What type of reactions and response that would have gone through  the minds of the people of India could well be imagined. The one that gripped me initially was a deep sadness. Like a mumbaikar, though I am not one, I felt why again Mumbai. After thought made me think, "do we want that other places too should be hit?". Oh, no, we cannot think of these tragedies any more. After an initial sadness, there was a deep anger as many of the mumbaikar expressed in the interviews to the media. When we talk of anger, we have to ask the question, anger on whom. The cowardice of the terrorists to take the innocent life and then hiding from the law is the greatest anger of all. However, there are other genuine angers too: on the inability of the police, intelligence, failure of the local as well as Central government to provide safety to its citizens and the list can extend to National Intelligence Bureau, Home ministry and in particular Home minister or whoever makes a statement at that time trying to politicize the issue or on hospitals which do not handle the situation properly or even on media which is irresponsible in the reporting or making sensationalizing of the gory scenes, etc., And finally the anger should turn on ourselves too for being mute to all and being impotent.

The event for sure has created a hole in the Faith of the Mumbaikar in particular and in all Indians in general. I could see a mistrust among many interviewed and people seem to have lost faith in decent life. Many people were heard saying "we thank God if we safely return home every evening". Thanking God is a good part of course, but the bad part is that we have come to accept this as a reality. Does the government have a strong will in putting a full stop on this?

After all the initial emotions that engulfed me, I started thinking as a scientist and a socially responsible individual. "What need to be done to do away such happenings in the future and what the common man who thinks he has no say in any matters concerning things like this or corruption needs to do" is the biggest question before us.

There are many things that came to my mind. For example the top police officials mentioned that in such crowded places analysing CCTV footage is near impossible. CCTV is no doubt a big boon for finding out the culprit after the blast. Can we stop this on time? When even the children play with compact cameras which have face recognition and smile recognition technologies, can we not develop the technology to find out unusual activities? Fro example, if a person moves around suspiciously for a longer time in the same place, alerts can be sent to the nearest police station as well as the Control Room with the footage or when some one bends to keep some objects, the alerts can be given. Even the cameras can have a capability to focus on persons showing strange behaviours. Did we also consider having cameras that can pick up images during dark nights with IR capabilities? Those with technology capabilities can definitely develop these gadgets easily. I really do not know whether RAW has knowledge on these technologies or they are working on such research areas, etc.,

Can Government initiate to establish an Institute to work on "Anti Terrorism Research"? I do not need to elaborate on the various divisions it needs to have. No subject is unwanted here. Experts from all areas such as Engineers of various kind, chemists, biologists, physicists, aeronautical engineers, mathematicians, forensic experts, psychologists, doctors, sociologists and many others are required here.

"Ammonium Nitrate" has now become a household name after all these attacks. The news that a regulation will be brought about is late though. As a person with the knowledge of plant biology and chemistry I can think of many options. Why at all ammonium nitrate as fertilizer? There are many ammonium containing fertilizers available as well as nitrate containing fertilizers. Also we talk of biofertilizers but could not bring out effective biofertilizers for nitrogen fixing to dissuade farmers from chemical fertilizers. I do not want to go into the details of the problems many biofertilizer industries go through with regulations. Probably my friend Mallikarjun will be able to talk about it more on this subject of biofertilizer industries.

The purpose of this blog is to invite your suggestions. I also want people who can really contribute something fruitfully for this mission. I had been emphasizing on many occasions and in many places about a Civilian Task Force which can raise up to the occasions in the Peace Time Problems of the country. This can be done easily by the volunteers from the civilians. Government could provide necessary help in terms of training and support. I am ready to share my idea too on the structure and functioning of such units. Any takers?

Please do pass on this blog to your friends / relatives or whomsoever who is responsible. Are we not forwarding mails which are superstitious in nature or funny in nature or just for time pass? This is the time, we need to stand up. I express my solidarity with the Mumbaikars at this stage. This is not just about Mumbai, but it could spread anywhere and everywhere. My dear friends, I request you to think, not as someone who knows more but as a weak person suffering from shocks and crying for my nation. Will you not help me and my country?

(World) Cup of Joy

In India cricket is the second religion for many. The incidence in the past few days, created a lot of emotion, expectation, doubts, and brought 1.21 billion Indians on one side. Winning Pakistan was like a great personal achievement for many. At the end of the winning, the whole nation reverberated with applause and shouts of joy along with crackers. Even on a festival like Diwali one cannot hear crackers being burst at the same time by all. That is why probably   they call cricket a religion in India. Finally the long awaited moment came last night. One of the best sides just like Pakistan or Australia, Srilanka was the side to be taken on stride in the final. After 28 years, the history was repeated, and Dhoni's magic weavers earned the distinction of the only team to have won the cup in their own land. The talk on this is going to be continued for days to come in many TV Channels, in many street corners, many offices, many homes. I join the billions in congratulating Team India. A observations made me happy. The whole team unanimously dedicated  the victory to the master batsman Sachin Tendulkar, without taking the credit to themselves. Sachin on his part dedicated it to the Nation.The coach Gary Kirsten erupted with Joy with the Dhoni's winning sixer, as if his own country had won. This shows his involvement in the team's shaping and its winning. I extend my greetings and congratulations to Gary Kirsten too. A good guru is always interested in the welfare and achievement of the disciples and will be happy when they achieve as if the achievement is his own. Many more people have contributed to this win too, such as the ground staff, security forces, medical team, organizers and the cheering    audience.

The greatest achievement in this World Cup is the uniting force that brought the whole India together, irrespective of their religion, region, party affiliation, caste, creed or rich or poor. I have never seen this unity among the whole nation. I wish this unity is kept alive  forever. An after thought too, came  to my mind that why this type of unity is not seen when we celebrate Independence day or Republic day. If our energies are pooled together and work together for this Nation, who can ever beat India? Can we make a committment that in the times of needs, we will raise up, be it in helping the accident victims or helping people during the national calamities or helping the suppressed and oppressed? Can our cup of joy overflow with this committement?   

Note: If anyone feels that you make that committment today, say yes or share your thoughts.