Phew!
Strung my thoughts
Got into action
Picked the pieces
Updated all the Voices articles....to date...
Thursday, July 23, 2009
It Is Done!!
Phew!
Strung my thoughts
Got into action
Picked the pieces
Updated all the Voices articles....to date...
Hold Vigilance- July 2009
In last few months, questions have been raised about the security
status on campus. Some issues have continued to plague the student
community and the guards. Students have raised concerns about lack
of action, delay in reactions from the security personnel and also at
times, lack of cooperation. At another extreme, concerns have been
raised regarding insufficient facilities for the security guards.
While we are delving into the student and the guard issues, we
thought it is imperative to talk to the person in question, who is in
charge of most decisions. We wanted to understand how the security
system works on campus before drawing some conclusions. The
study on the security guards and the problems they face is underway.
Mr. M.R.Chandrashekhar, Security Officer of the Institute in
conversation with Voices. He is a Science Graduate with a Law
degree from Mysore University. Before joining the institute in
1989, he was the Intelligence Officer at HMT. Has over 30 years
of security service experience.
1. Name of the agency.
UNIQ Detective and Security Services, Vijaynagar, Bangalore.
2. Who owns the agency?
Flight Lieutenant K.P. Nagesh
3. Since when is the agency providing security to IISc?
June 2008. Before that Shashi Security and Detective Services
served for three years. Every 23
years, a tender is called for and the
committee takes the decision. The new agency is well equipped to
provide training to the security guards and ensure good service.
4. Structure
delegate and execute all security functions at the institute.
The CSS (Contract Security Services) are posted to the departments
and hostels.
6. Selection Guideline:
ISS: More than 90% of them are exservicemen
and there is a
minimum essential requirement of serving 15 years in the armed
forces or the paramilitary
or the police forces. Their minimum
education is matriculation.
CSS: The Agency brings them and every new security guard
deployed at the institute is brought before the officers or supervisors
for approval.The parameters considered are they have to be above 20
yrs, physically fit. There are some exceptional cases wherein 810
guards are in the age range of 5560
who are posted to the ladies
hostels. Education is usually SSLC(Matriculation).
7. Work Shifts
3shift
duty for all guards. 6am2pm,
2pm10pm,
10pm6am.
8. Salaries and other benefits:
ISS: They are on the rolls of the institute and paid by the
government of India. They get all privileges like pension, gratuity
and health care benefits. They are also provided accommodation by
the Institute and all privileges which any employee gets. The
Institute security guards get paid a minimum of gross Rs. 8000 per
month as per the 6th pay commission, which goes up to Rs.30,000
per month if you are a head security guard.
CSS: The agency is responsible for the salaries paid. The institute
pays the agency a certain fixed amount. In this case, the institute is
not liable for accommodation, terminal benefits like pension,
gratuity and medical.
The institute pays the agency Rs.5,134 per guard on a monthly basis.
The Agency pays each guard Rs.3600 + 13.61 EPF (paid when they
leave services) + 4.75ESI. For every security guard, the agency gets
Rs.700 service charge per month.
9. Accommodation:
ISS: Institute provides accommodation.
CSS: Though as per the contract the institute is not liable to provide
accommodation, the guards are residing in erstwhile Prof. Vasu’s
house. We know it is difficult for them and not comfortable. They
have staggered breaks and so this arrangement. We are looking at a
proposal to construct some rest rooms with basic bathing and toilet
facilities. Currently, the guards use departmental facilities where
they are posted.
10. Language:
We look at the guards knowing Kannada, Hindi and English. Hindi
is the most widely used language by them as most of our students are
from other states and knowing Hindi helps them to handle the late
night calls at the hostels when parents and guardians call. 30% of the
guards have a knowledge of Kannada. This mix has worked well.
11. Most Guards:
Most guards are from Orissa. Almost 5060%.
They are loyal and
obedient and there have been no disciplinary cases against them.
They have also responded well to the training sessions.
12. Attrition:
10% a month as guards at times go for long breaks.
13. Any changes to security on campus in recent times?
The last three years, we have guards in civil clothes patrolling the
campus. They do a 12 hour shift; do their rides on cycles and report
to the security office 45
times during the shift. They are a group of
5 per shift, 1 supervisor and 4 guards. This is unobtrusive security.
They have mobiles and wireless. They are chosen after they have
served for 12
years as a general security guard, based on their
performance. They are well versed with the topography of the
campus and also know most people on campus. Their salaries are
higher than that of the normal guards.
14. Role of the Security Office for the welfare of the guards.
a) We personally monitor the welfare of the security guards and
attend to their grievances, both institutional and contract
guards. In case the agency is at fault in meting out wrong
treatment to the guard, the agency is taken to task.
b) We do training sessions for them on Gate issues, VIP visits,
tackling terrorist attacks.
c) Three time roll call per day and day to day briefing.
15. Role and Achievements of the security team
a) Prompt action during flooding in SERC and Mrigasira.
b) Also during fire breakouts at Organic Chemistry and MCBL
departments.
c) The driver service for the Health Center ambulance.
d) Help institute community for the verification of passport,
any police liaison, RTO work.
e) Issue ID cards for staff, PA, casual laborers, domestic
servants, retired persons.
f) Vehicle stickers for faculty, staff and students; maintaining
computerized records of all vehicles.
g) Last five years, more than 3 lakh fine collected from
trespassers and people misusing institute facilities.
16. Challenges faced
a) With the Tata Book House and Nesara catering to a large
number of outsiders, it increases the security concerns. The
banks and travel agencies also have a large number of
external clientele.
b) Academic and non academic areas not being bifurcated,
makes security maintenance difficult.
c) Departments like ECE, SERC, Nano Science and JATP are
high security areas.
d) Assessment of security is provided on a need basis and
consideration of threat perception.
17. Role of faculty and students
They should also be vigilant and aware. We bring consciousness
with regular broadcasts. If they provide timely information about
any activity undesirable for the institute, the security can
immediately come into action to make the institute more secure and
deal with the threat. e.g: the sandalwood tree cutting issues.
18. Your personal efforts in this regard.
I have conducted regular presentations for the guards teaching them
how to tackle situations, recognize dangers and threats. During the
Centenary Conference, special care was taken to train every guard
who worked on campus with regard to high level security. I am also
looking at having sessions for the mess workers who work with LPG
gas to teach them about their security and fire concerns. Important
to train the casual laborers as their work is also risk associated. I also
ensured that all construction workers wore helmets.
19. Message for Voices
We looked at our security service being rated with C Grade. I
immediately took action, spoke to a cross section of students and
worked towards improving the services. We feel good when our
work is appreciated or mentioned. It boosts the morale of the staff.
status on campus. Some issues have continued to plague the student
community and the guards. Students have raised concerns about lack
of action, delay in reactions from the security personnel and also at
times, lack of cooperation. At another extreme, concerns have been
raised regarding insufficient facilities for the security guards.
While we are delving into the student and the guard issues, we
thought it is imperative to talk to the person in question, who is in
charge of most decisions. We wanted to understand how the security
system works on campus before drawing some conclusions. The
study on the security guards and the problems they face is underway.
Mr. M.R.Chandrashekhar, Security Officer of the Institute in
conversation with Voices. He is a Science Graduate with a Law
degree from Mysore University. Before joining the institute in
1989, he was the Intelligence Officer at HMT. Has over 30 years
of security service experience.
1. Name of the agency.
UNIQ Detective and Security Services, Vijaynagar, Bangalore.
2. Who owns the agency?
Flight Lieutenant K.P. Nagesh
3. Since when is the agency providing security to IISc?
June 2008. Before that Shashi Security and Detective Services
served for three years. Every 23
years, a tender is called for and the
committee takes the decision. The new agency is well equipped to
provide training to the security guards and ensure good service.
4. Structure
5. Function:
The ISS (Institutional Security Services) manage, supervise,delegate and execute all security functions at the institute.
The CSS (Contract Security Services) are posted to the departments
and hostels.
6. Selection Guideline:
ISS: More than 90% of them are exservicemen
and there is a
minimum essential requirement of serving 15 years in the armed
forces or the paramilitary
or the police forces. Their minimum
education is matriculation.
CSS: The Agency brings them and every new security guard
deployed at the institute is brought before the officers or supervisors
for approval.The parameters considered are they have to be above 20
yrs, physically fit. There are some exceptional cases wherein 810
guards are in the age range of 5560
who are posted to the ladies
hostels. Education is usually SSLC(Matriculation).
7. Work Shifts
3shift
duty for all guards. 6am2pm,
2pm10pm,
10pm6am.
8. Salaries and other benefits:
ISS: They are on the rolls of the institute and paid by the
government of India. They get all privileges like pension, gratuity
and health care benefits. They are also provided accommodation by
the Institute and all privileges which any employee gets. The
Institute security guards get paid a minimum of gross Rs. 8000 per
month as per the 6th pay commission, which goes up to Rs.30,000
per month if you are a head security guard.
CSS: The agency is responsible for the salaries paid. The institute
pays the agency a certain fixed amount. In this case, the institute is
not liable for accommodation, terminal benefits like pension,
gratuity and medical.
The institute pays the agency Rs.5,134 per guard on a monthly basis.
The Agency pays each guard Rs.3600 + 13.61 EPF (paid when they
leave services) + 4.75ESI. For every security guard, the agency gets
Rs.700 service charge per month.
9. Accommodation:
ISS: Institute provides accommodation.
CSS: Though as per the contract the institute is not liable to provide
accommodation, the guards are residing in erstwhile Prof. Vasu’s
house. We know it is difficult for them and not comfortable. They
have staggered breaks and so this arrangement. We are looking at a
proposal to construct some rest rooms with basic bathing and toilet
facilities. Currently, the guards use departmental facilities where
they are posted.
10. Language:
We look at the guards knowing Kannada, Hindi and English. Hindi
is the most widely used language by them as most of our students are
from other states and knowing Hindi helps them to handle the late
night calls at the hostels when parents and guardians call. 30% of the
guards have a knowledge of Kannada. This mix has worked well.
11. Most Guards:
Most guards are from Orissa. Almost 5060%.
They are loyal and
obedient and there have been no disciplinary cases against them.
They have also responded well to the training sessions.
12. Attrition:
10% a month as guards at times go for long breaks.
13. Any changes to security on campus in recent times?
The last three years, we have guards in civil clothes patrolling the
campus. They do a 12 hour shift; do their rides on cycles and report
to the security office 45
times during the shift. They are a group of
5 per shift, 1 supervisor and 4 guards. This is unobtrusive security.
They have mobiles and wireless. They are chosen after they have
served for 12
years as a general security guard, based on their
performance. They are well versed with the topography of the
campus and also know most people on campus. Their salaries are
higher than that of the normal guards.
14. Role of the Security Office for the welfare of the guards.
a) We personally monitor the welfare of the security guards and
attend to their grievances, both institutional and contract
guards. In case the agency is at fault in meting out wrong
treatment to the guard, the agency is taken to task.
b) We do training sessions for them on Gate issues, VIP visits,
tackling terrorist attacks.
c) Three time roll call per day and day to day briefing.
15. Role and Achievements of the security team
a) Prompt action during flooding in SERC and Mrigasira.
b) Also during fire breakouts at Organic Chemistry and MCBL
departments.
c) The driver service for the Health Center ambulance.
d) Help institute community for the verification of passport,
any police liaison, RTO work.
e) Issue ID cards for staff, PA, casual laborers, domestic
servants, retired persons.
f) Vehicle stickers for faculty, staff and students; maintaining
computerized records of all vehicles.
g) Last five years, more than 3 lakh fine collected from
trespassers and people misusing institute facilities.
16. Challenges faced
a) With the Tata Book House and Nesara catering to a large
number of outsiders, it increases the security concerns. The
banks and travel agencies also have a large number of
external clientele.
b) Academic and non academic areas not being bifurcated,
makes security maintenance difficult.
c) Departments like ECE, SERC, Nano Science and JATP are
high security areas.
d) Assessment of security is provided on a need basis and
consideration of threat perception.
17. Role of faculty and students
They should also be vigilant and aware. We bring consciousness
with regular broadcasts. If they provide timely information about
any activity undesirable for the institute, the security can
immediately come into action to make the institute more secure and
deal with the threat. e.g: the sandalwood tree cutting issues.
18. Your personal efforts in this regard.
I have conducted regular presentations for the guards teaching them
how to tackle situations, recognize dangers and threats. During the
Centenary Conference, special care was taken to train every guard
who worked on campus with regard to high level security. I am also
looking at having sessions for the mess workers who work with LPG
gas to teach them about their security and fire concerns. Important
to train the casual laborers as their work is also risk associated. I also
ensured that all construction workers wore helmets.
19. Message for Voices
We looked at our security service being rated with C Grade. I
immediately took action, spoke to a cross section of students and
worked towards improving the services. We feel good when our
work is appreciated or mentioned. It boosts the morale of the staff.
Editorial July 2009
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you
something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
The above statement underlines most happenings in the world.
Recently being the question on 'sibalism
of education', debate on
the 'right to your sexuality', the death of 'king of pop' bringing out
more questions about how he led his life, rather than just letting him
RIP; another budget for the country that had some questioning 'why
should senior citizens get more benefit?' and closer home 'entry to
hostels of opposite gender'. To wake up to a rational thought every
morning may be rare, but to wake up to irrational actions is a
common sight.
Voices in its little abode is working hard to keep up the pace of one
issue a month! A diligent set of Voiceians
have graduated and
some completed their compres successfully. Yet again, it was a
small group at work to bring out the following pages.
Having received appreciation for the newsy pages last issue, we
continue to focus on the news sections both from the Student's
Council and the Institute. Articles raise questions on security,
provoke a thought to keep the campus clean; personal instances of
hostel experience with the ape, and an alumnus writing how people
keep asking her about India. Some regular features and Green gang
being the toast of the month in Real page 3. A cover story on the
Student's Council to help all of us believe that every individual can
make a difference.
We congratulate all the passing out graduates and wish them luck
for their future endeavors. As the campus gets ready for a new batch
of students, we at Voices are also awaiting some new blood to infuse
more new thoughts, more quirkiness, more individuality and more
pitches!
Happy reading!
something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
The above statement underlines most happenings in the world.
Recently being the question on 'sibalism
of education', debate on
the 'right to your sexuality', the death of 'king of pop' bringing out
more questions about how he led his life, rather than just letting him
RIP; another budget for the country that had some questioning 'why
should senior citizens get more benefit?' and closer home 'entry to
hostels of opposite gender'. To wake up to a rational thought every
morning may be rare, but to wake up to irrational actions is a
common sight.
Voices in its little abode is working hard to keep up the pace of one
issue a month! A diligent set of Voiceians
have graduated and
some completed their compres successfully. Yet again, it was a
small group at work to bring out the following pages.
Having received appreciation for the newsy pages last issue, we
continue to focus on the news sections both from the Student's
Council and the Institute. Articles raise questions on security,
provoke a thought to keep the campus clean; personal instances of
hostel experience with the ape, and an alumnus writing how people
keep asking her about India. Some regular features and Green gang
being the toast of the month in Real page 3. A cover story on the
Student's Council to help all of us believe that every individual can
make a difference.
We congratulate all the passing out graduates and wish them luck
for their future endeavors. As the campus gets ready for a new batch
of students, we at Voices are also awaiting some new blood to infuse
more new thoughts, more quirkiness, more individuality and more
pitches!
Happy reading!
First five votes, first five notes... and the 100th!- June 2009
The first five voters for the Students’ Council Elections 2009
had different expectations from the SC and what is interest-
ing to note is that none of them had attended the soapbox.
The first voter, Ashvinikumar Patilb (MECHENG)
said that he wants more information about their activi-
ties and better performance than earlier SCs. Goutham
(CSA), the second voter, wanted a yoga and meditation
centre to be set up and said that the reason why he was
voting was that it is his duty. While duty beholds, our
third voter Mohammad Asadullah Khan (CEDT)
wanted better eateries and more badminton courts. The
fourth in line Srivatsa Bhargava (CEDT), did not ex-
pect much from the SC except that they should react to
issues promptly and deal with utmost importance. The
fifth voter was also the first woman voter, Mahua Ghara
(CES), who said that to get something done was difficult
and also difficult to deal with the administration. It is easy
to blame people but here there are students who are taking
the initiative, making effort and putting in their time. If
they get 10-15% done, it is ok.
The 100th voter came in around 11 am and shared his
views and expectations- Prasenjit Biswas (SERC). He
said and later in a mail wrote, “The main expectation is
that the distance between the SC and the students should
be decreased. Many do not know what they are doing and
so people are reluctant to participate in activities of SC.Sc
is just two terms in the dictionary, nothing more.As far as
the polling process is concerned, it is fair enough. But the
most unimpressive fact is that the whole arrangement will
lead to election for only one post. Office bearers for the
other posts are already elected unopposed. This should not
be the scene. There is no contest at all. So where is the
point of an election? Rather we can term it selection. What
I want to say is that the student community in IISc is too
reluctant to take part in the process. They considers it as
wastage of time. The response is not good if we judge it
from a voter’s perspective also. I know many people who
does not know even the name of the contestants. Today is
just like any Saturday to many. And they should not be
blamed for this. It reflects the inability of the SC that they
could not reach to every student’s doorstep. And this dis-
tance does create a mind set-up which says that SC is not
so powerful here and if one bad person is being elected we
are not going to affected much or if one really great person
is elected then also we will not be at the zenith. People
are not able to feel the essence of this common platform
of the students, by the students, for the students. So I do
expect from the next SC that they will try to eradicate this
distance. They should try to build the proper symbiosis be-
tween Student Community(SC) and Student Council(SC).
The crowd in a student council event should outnumber the
crowds in events organized by regional groups. Then auto-
matically the problem will come along with its solution.”
P.S: With inputs from Shyam
had different expectations from the SC and what is interest-
ing to note is that none of them had attended the soapbox.
The first voter, Ashvinikumar Patilb (MECHENG)
said that he wants more information about their activi-
ties and better performance than earlier SCs. Goutham
(CSA), the second voter, wanted a yoga and meditation
centre to be set up and said that the reason why he was
voting was that it is his duty. While duty beholds, our
third voter Mohammad Asadullah Khan (CEDT)
wanted better eateries and more badminton courts. The
fourth in line Srivatsa Bhargava (CEDT), did not ex-
pect much from the SC except that they should react to
issues promptly and deal with utmost importance. The
fifth voter was also the first woman voter, Mahua Ghara
(CES), who said that to get something done was difficult
and also difficult to deal with the administration. It is easy
to blame people but here there are students who are taking
the initiative, making effort and putting in their time. If
they get 10-15% done, it is ok.
The 100th voter came in around 11 am and shared his
views and expectations- Prasenjit Biswas (SERC). He
said and later in a mail wrote, “The main expectation is
that the distance between the SC and the students should
be decreased. Many do not know what they are doing and
so people are reluctant to participate in activities of SC.Sc
is just two terms in the dictionary, nothing more.As far as
the polling process is concerned, it is fair enough. But the
most unimpressive fact is that the whole arrangement will
lead to election for only one post. Office bearers for the
other posts are already elected unopposed. This should not
be the scene. There is no contest at all. So where is the
point of an election? Rather we can term it selection. What
I want to say is that the student community in IISc is too
reluctant to take part in the process. They considers it as
wastage of time. The response is not good if we judge it
from a voter’s perspective also. I know many people who
does not know even the name of the contestants. Today is
just like any Saturday to many. And they should not be
blamed for this. It reflects the inability of the SC that they
could not reach to every student’s doorstep. And this dis-
tance does create a mind set-up which says that SC is not
so powerful here and if one bad person is being elected we
are not going to affected much or if one really great person
is elected then also we will not be at the zenith. People
are not able to feel the essence of this common platform
of the students, by the students, for the students. So I do
expect from the next SC that they will try to eradicate this
distance. They should try to build the proper symbiosis be-
tween Student Community(SC) and Student Council(SC).
The crowd in a student council event should outnumber the
crowds in events organized by regional groups. Then auto-
matically the problem will come along with its solution.”
P.S: With inputs from Shyam
“IISc - a centre for human progress.”- Interview with the Travers Brothers
History of an institution carries in its annals numer-
ous names whose contributions have laid the founda-
tion for its being. Voices had the opportunity to
meet a part of history itself, the grandsons of the
First Director of the Institute, Morris William Travers.
This interview with Dr. David Morris William
Travers and Dr. Michael Daniel Robin Travers was like
turning the leaf of the past with them revealing some in-
teresting aspects about their grandfather. They bound
on a journey to see the school their grandfather started
and stumbled upon an institution completing 100 years!
Michael, the elder of the two is a medical doctor from
the town of Chelan and David, who holds a doctorate in
Philosophy is from the town ofWest Brook. With a twin-
kle in their eye, they recall how their grandmother was
an accomplished pianist and they are in fact a family of
doctors, musicians and researchers. Their father Robert
MorrisWilliam Travers was born in the year 1913 and his
older sister, Dorothy in the year, 1910 in the Directors
bungalow on campus. Their father was a well qualified
man who immigrated to America as an Indian and not
an Englishman.
Recalling their first understanding of their grandfathers
contribution, they knew he had started a school in India.
This was until the internet showed them what IISc was
and an Indian colleague told David that his grandpa was
the founder of the Harvard of India. They reminisce about
their grandfather and the beautiful and insightful letters
he not, not being a person who could do a lot of talking
to children. He would make bows and arrows for them and
also his lab equipments. He also did furniture designing.
Their grandfather was a very stern man who had his ideas
about how the world should work. From old papers, they
saw how he had a map about what he wanted to do with
this piece of land and wanted to start some specific and fo-
cussed departments to begin with. Though carrying out an
interaction was not his best strength, he was a strong per-
sonality. David and Michael feel that, that is where “Tata
and Grandpa fit in well together”, they had similar vision
and thinking.
Talking about their visit to the institute, they cite how
coming to IISc has been a humbling experience and that
they have never felt as warmly greeted anywhere as an out-
sider as they have here. They visited various labs and said
they saw a glow in the eyes of the students and faculty when
they were discussing their work.
They say that Ratan Tatas wisdom will underpin the
future growth of this institute. The students here have
a strong theoretical background and what is important is
that the Institute should teach them how to make things
and that would be their grandfathers legacy. Each time
students here solve a problem, some more questions should
arise from it.
In their message to IIScians, they say that we need to
keep doing what we are doing and also recognise what we
have here. In IISC, we have no choice but to move up-
wards. The difference between No.1 and No.2 is very small
and they said they hope to see some Nobel Laureates com-
ing out of the institute.
They closing remarks were that this institute should
be a centre where human progress is held forward. Their
grandfather would be very proud to see IISc like this today!
P.S: Shyam and I conducted this interview:)
ous names whose contributions have laid the founda-
tion for its being. Voices had the opportunity to
meet a part of history itself, the grandsons of the
First Director of the Institute, Morris William Travers.
This interview with Dr. David Morris William
Travers and Dr. Michael Daniel Robin Travers was like
turning the leaf of the past with them revealing some in-
teresting aspects about their grandfather. They bound
on a journey to see the school their grandfather started
and stumbled upon an institution completing 100 years!
Michael, the elder of the two is a medical doctor from
the town of Chelan and David, who holds a doctorate in
Philosophy is from the town ofWest Brook. With a twin-
kle in their eye, they recall how their grandmother was
an accomplished pianist and they are in fact a family of
doctors, musicians and researchers. Their father Robert
MorrisWilliam Travers was born in the year 1913 and his
older sister, Dorothy in the year, 1910 in the Directors
bungalow on campus. Their father was a well qualified
man who immigrated to America as an Indian and not
an Englishman.
Recalling their first understanding of their grandfathers
contribution, they knew he had started a school in India.
This was until the internet showed them what IISc was
and an Indian colleague told David that his grandpa was
the founder of the Harvard of India. They reminisce about
their grandfather and the beautiful and insightful letters
he not, not being a person who could do a lot of talking
to children. He would make bows and arrows for them and
also his lab equipments. He also did furniture designing.
Their grandfather was a very stern man who had his ideas
about how the world should work. From old papers, they
saw how he had a map about what he wanted to do with
this piece of land and wanted to start some specific and fo-
cussed departments to begin with. Though carrying out an
interaction was not his best strength, he was a strong per-
sonality. David and Michael feel that, that is where “Tata
and Grandpa fit in well together”, they had similar vision
and thinking.
Talking about their visit to the institute, they cite how
coming to IISc has been a humbling experience and that
they have never felt as warmly greeted anywhere as an out-
sider as they have here. They visited various labs and said
they saw a glow in the eyes of the students and faculty when
they were discussing their work.
They say that Ratan Tatas wisdom will underpin the
future growth of this institute. The students here have
a strong theoretical background and what is important is
that the Institute should teach them how to make things
and that would be their grandfathers legacy. Each time
students here solve a problem, some more questions should
arise from it.
In their message to IIScians, they say that we need to
keep doing what we are doing and also recognise what we
have here. In IISC, we have no choice but to move up-
wards. The difference between No.1 and No.2 is very small
and they said they hope to see some Nobel Laureates com-
ing out of the institute.
They closing remarks were that this institute should
be a centre where human progress is held forward. Their
grandfather would be very proud to see IISc like this today!
P.S: Shyam and I conducted this interview:)
Editorial June 2009
Not every path is traced, not every word is written,
not every action is taken, not every thought is thought;
yet there is news, yet there are incidents, yet there are
views, yet there are opinions.
Voices has witnessed some very eventful moments in
the last few weeks. The new Students Council was
elected, the Institute celebrated its 100th Birthday,
many IIScians came together univocally to save news,
to save trees, to save their rights.
We at Voices woke up one morning to some strong
criticisms about us not being newsy enough. We have
been accused of being elitist, of wanting to hold the
baton in the premise of being the mouthpiece of the
students. We welcome all the lettered criticisms. It
means you are reading us and giving those sheets more
thought than its 15 minutes of lifespan. We respect
your views, we respect what each and every student of
IISc feel, be it any issue on campus. Voices has always
yearned to raise the stake, improve the quality of work
and this is a continuous process. We are here to work
for the student community. Our grey cells are working
overtime on how to keep the news more updated. It is a
challenging and an enriching experience. Thanking you
all for those strong words and also those silent praises,
we bring you an issue that has focused on being more
news oriented. We do not claim to be the best news
portal in the country but even we could do with citizen
journalists. We request your support and guidance in
helping us take this mission of information further. We
want you to be a part of us and help us work better and
that is possible only when we work together.
In I, there is solitude...
In U, there is gratitude...
In We, there is magnitude!
We may work to create a magnum opus and make a
silent contribution, but believe me that little pebble will
change the texture of our thinking!
Happy Reading!
not every action is taken, not every thought is thought;
yet there is news, yet there are incidents, yet there are
views, yet there are opinions.
Voices has witnessed some very eventful moments in
the last few weeks. The new Students Council was
elected, the Institute celebrated its 100th Birthday,
many IIScians came together univocally to save news,
to save trees, to save their rights.
We at Voices woke up one morning to some strong
criticisms about us not being newsy enough. We have
been accused of being elitist, of wanting to hold the
baton in the premise of being the mouthpiece of the
students. We welcome all the lettered criticisms. It
means you are reading us and giving those sheets more
thought than its 15 minutes of lifespan. We respect
your views, we respect what each and every student of
IISc feel, be it any issue on campus. Voices has always
yearned to raise the stake, improve the quality of work
and this is a continuous process. We are here to work
for the student community. Our grey cells are working
overtime on how to keep the news more updated. It is a
challenging and an enriching experience. Thanking you
all for those strong words and also those silent praises,
we bring you an issue that has focused on being more
news oriented. We do not claim to be the best news
portal in the country but even we could do with citizen
journalists. We request your support and guidance in
helping us take this mission of information further. We
want you to be a part of us and help us work better and
that is possible only when we work together.
In I, there is solitude...
In U, there is gratitude...
In We, there is magnitude!
We may work to create a magnum opus and make a
silent contribution, but believe me that little pebble will
change the texture of our thinking!
Happy Reading!
Editorial election 2009
Election 2009 is here!
Your chance to choose your representative,
choose your face, choose your voice.
Voices brings you the second annual Election Special issue! We will cover news, we will cover views. We
will keep you posted on whats happening in the election process!
We have the proceedings of the soapbox covered. The candidates speak and answer a volley of questions on
their USP, role of SC, role of protests and their vision if elected. Some make promises, some quote experience
profiles, some maintain brevity – yet they all take up the challenge to be the agent for change. They know they will
receive bouquets and brickbats and yet they stand on the pedestal asking for your votes. Let apathy take a holiday,
let conscientiousness rule! Come out and vote. It is your time to choose, utilize this moment.
Good luck to all the contestants.
May the best one win!
Good luck to all the readers.
May you choose the best!
Your chance to choose your representative,
choose your face, choose your voice.
Voices brings you the second annual Election Special issue! We will cover news, we will cover views. We
will keep you posted on whats happening in the election process!
We have the proceedings of the soapbox covered. The candidates speak and answer a volley of questions on
their USP, role of SC, role of protests and their vision if elected. Some make promises, some quote experience
profiles, some maintain brevity – yet they all take up the challenge to be the agent for change. They know they will
receive bouquets and brickbats and yet they stand on the pedestal asking for your votes. Let apathy take a holiday,
let conscientiousness rule! Come out and vote. It is your time to choose, utilize this moment.
Good luck to all the contestants.
May the best one win!
Good luck to all the readers.
May you choose the best!
Great hopes amidst dismal turnout- Election 2009
Satish Dhawan Auditorium, 13th May: Soap Box
2009 witnessed a dismal crowd of around 60 students trickle
into the Satish Dhawan Auditorium; the platform where
the contestants presented their manifestos and lathered up
their promises.
The contestants for the post of General Secretary took
on the dais next and spoke of their respective agendas.
Abraham Kurian focused on the duty and rights of a stu-
dent and the importance of communication between the
Student Council and students. He said that the Student
Council is a channel for students to raise their issues and a
service being done by students to the student community.
SC is ultimately the only voice of the students.
Alexander Fell, the other contestant for the post of
General Secretary exemplified his problem-solving skills by
sharing his experiences and showcasing his competency to
deal with issues. He said that a promise made has a high
value and we should promise only what we can deliver on
our own. Appala Raju, another contestant for the post of
General Secretary failed to attend the soapbox.
Srishti Shukla, the elected Womans Representative
mentioned the mantra of honesty, confidence and determi-
nation to deal with cribbing students and unsolved issues.
Brijesh Bhatt, the elected Chairperson while building
a strong case for co-panelist Abraham illuminated how ev-
ery student is a unit of SC and any blame to SC is blame
on self. He promised a smooth functioning and said that
responsibility is the keyword and the student community
should work on a mutual relation.
The session began with the acting chair of the outgoing
Student Council, Rohini Bansal presenting a testimony of
their achievements and short-comings. She stressed upon
the apathy of the students to issues which dont directly im-
pact them and in response to unsolved issues, commented
that the administration doesnt wish to talk about them.
In the Q&A session various questions were raised con-
cerning hostel amenities, administration, SC responsibility,
student issues, and general management of campus, child-
labor and security. The audience expected the contestants
to take the onus and make their votes worthy.
What is commendable is how the two General Secretary
candidates maintained the decorum and ensured an enrap-
turing debate answering the questions thrown at them with
lan. There was a consensus-building environment and a
show of mutual respect and dignity. However, low turnout
stole the shine of an excellent soapbox.
P.S: Shyam and i wrote this
2009 witnessed a dismal crowd of around 60 students trickle
into the Satish Dhawan Auditorium; the platform where
the contestants presented their manifestos and lathered up
their promises.
The contestants for the post of General Secretary took
on the dais next and spoke of their respective agendas.
Abraham Kurian focused on the duty and rights of a stu-
dent and the importance of communication between the
Student Council and students. He said that the Student
Council is a channel for students to raise their issues and a
service being done by students to the student community.
SC is ultimately the only voice of the students.
Alexander Fell, the other contestant for the post of
General Secretary exemplified his problem-solving skills by
sharing his experiences and showcasing his competency to
deal with issues. He said that a promise made has a high
value and we should promise only what we can deliver on
our own. Appala Raju, another contestant for the post of
General Secretary failed to attend the soapbox.
Srishti Shukla, the elected Womans Representative
mentioned the mantra of honesty, confidence and determi-
nation to deal with cribbing students and unsolved issues.
Brijesh Bhatt, the elected Chairperson while building
a strong case for co-panelist Abraham illuminated how ev-
ery student is a unit of SC and any blame to SC is blame
on self. He promised a smooth functioning and said that
responsibility is the keyword and the student community
should work on a mutual relation.
The session began with the acting chair of the outgoing
Student Council, Rohini Bansal presenting a testimony of
their achievements and short-comings. She stressed upon
the apathy of the students to issues which dont directly im-
pact them and in response to unsolved issues, commented
that the administration doesnt wish to talk about them.
In the Q&A session various questions were raised con-
cerning hostel amenities, administration, SC responsibility,
student issues, and general management of campus, child-
labor and security. The audience expected the contestants
to take the onus and make their votes worthy.
What is commendable is how the two General Secretary
candidates maintained the decorum and ensured an enrap-
turing debate answering the questions thrown at them with
lan. There was a consensus-building environment and a
show of mutual respect and dignity. However, low turnout
stole the shine of an excellent soapbox.
P.S: Shyam and i wrote this
Editorial April 2009- The Tabloid Issue
What are dreams made of?
Floating thoughts, snippets of
courage, cartloads of intuition,
palette of colors, day and night
of hard work, blank pages of
creativity, brush of technology;
graphs, pie charts and bars; and
a sprinkle of reality!
Voices found a new tune, trav-
eled a new musical note to mark
another noteworthy year gone
by. We do not want the ideas
to stagnate, we do not want the
pages to lose color, we do not
want the virtual world to wrap
our divergent thinking, we do not
want to set easy benchmarks, we
do not want to get complacent,
we do not want to be consistent,
we want to work harder, do bet-
ter, strive higher!
The result is for you all to see.
This is a journey that will tell
you how students have rated the
various services on campus, the
2nd edition of the benchmark-
ing exercise carried out by new
Voice-ians with elan. Thank you
IISc-ians for your valuable re-
sponses! Child labor is an is-
sue of concern world wide. Every
story has its shades and Voices
attempts to uncover those sepia
tones. Taking no stance or judg-
ment, we provide reflective pieces
on this issue.
IISc in its’ oxymoron duality is
presented through a conversa-
tion! Talk on football, the holi
celebration and the debut per-
formance of IISc Dance Club -
‘Thirkan’ that inspired more IIS-
cians to pose the question,”Shall
we dance?!” Humor is a satire
on reality; reality is a satire
on existence. Our Bhondoo in-
spired a Bhondoo tale from an
ex- Voice-ian; while one spoke
with J. N Tata, the other did
salsa. Ghonchu is from Bhon-
doo’s lab and has made his initial
footmarks in Voices with his ro-
mance on wheels tale. Insomnia
and a verse on coconut tree add
the punch of poetry.Lesson on
etiquette, anagram to wrack the
brain and some picture(s) perfect
complete this issue. The regular
aspects like featured blog, letters
to the editor find their space too
in this Pandora’s box. So open it
and re-discover Voices!
We present to you our new look!
First ever tabloid version promis-
ing more pictures, varied writ-
ings, a dash of color and whiff of
gossip! While we paint the cam-
pus red, we await your reactions
and look forward to many of you
joining Voices!
Floating thoughts, snippets of
courage, cartloads of intuition,
palette of colors, day and night
of hard work, blank pages of
creativity, brush of technology;
graphs, pie charts and bars; and
a sprinkle of reality!
Voices found a new tune, trav-
eled a new musical note to mark
another noteworthy year gone
by. We do not want the ideas
to stagnate, we do not want the
pages to lose color, we do not
want the virtual world to wrap
our divergent thinking, we do not
want to set easy benchmarks, we
do not want to get complacent,
we do not want to be consistent,
we want to work harder, do bet-
ter, strive higher!
The result is for you all to see.
This is a journey that will tell
you how students have rated the
various services on campus, the
2nd edition of the benchmark-
ing exercise carried out by new
Voice-ians with elan. Thank you
IISc-ians for your valuable re-
sponses! Child labor is an is-
sue of concern world wide. Every
story has its shades and Voices
attempts to uncover those sepia
tones. Taking no stance or judg-
ment, we provide reflective pieces
on this issue.
IISc in its’ oxymoron duality is
presented through a conversa-
tion! Talk on football, the holi
celebration and the debut per-
formance of IISc Dance Club -
‘Thirkan’ that inspired more IIS-
cians to pose the question,”Shall
we dance?!” Humor is a satire
on reality; reality is a satire
on existence. Our Bhondoo in-
spired a Bhondoo tale from an
ex- Voice-ian; while one spoke
with J. N Tata, the other did
salsa. Ghonchu is from Bhon-
doo’s lab and has made his initial
footmarks in Voices with his ro-
mance on wheels tale. Insomnia
and a verse on coconut tree add
the punch of poetry.Lesson on
etiquette, anagram to wrack the
brain and some picture(s) perfect
complete this issue. The regular
aspects like featured blog, letters
to the editor find their space too
in this Pandora’s box. So open it
and re-discover Voices!
We present to you our new look!
First ever tabloid version promis-
ing more pictures, varied writ-
ings, a dash of color and whiff of
gossip! While we paint the cam-
pus red, we await your reactions
and look forward to many of you
joining Voices!
Encore- Feb 2009
Encore!
Creativity is not bound by pen and paper; today it enjoys the arena of
the electronic media like never before. The New Year rings in new
aspirations, new resolutions, new thoughts and new dimensions.
A student of Center for Product Design and Management (CPDM)
decides to carve a place for his days, his dates, his submissions; his
deadlines and what is initially conceptualized as a table top calendar
finds itself in the form of a desktop calendar. A piece of work that
reflects utility and a sense of space, yet hinges on myriad of designs
from across the world. With modesty he says, “It is a calendar with
nice graphics and tagline.”
This calendar has been featured in Smashing Magazine, under the
title “Global Village”.
So, mark your ‘dates’, make your mark! Download Anaska’s Piece
of Art from
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/12/30/desktopwallpaper-
calendar-january-2009/
Creativity is not bound by pen and paper; today it enjoys the arena of
the electronic media like never before. The New Year rings in new
aspirations, new resolutions, new thoughts and new dimensions.
A student of Center for Product Design and Management (CPDM)
decides to carve a place for his days, his dates, his submissions; his
deadlines and what is initially conceptualized as a table top calendar
finds itself in the form of a desktop calendar. A piece of work that
reflects utility and a sense of space, yet hinges on myriad of designs
from across the world. With modesty he says, “It is a calendar with
nice graphics and tagline.”
This calendar has been featured in Smashing Magazine, under the
title “Global Village”.
So, mark your ‘dates’, make your mark! Download Anaska’s Piece
of Art from
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/12/30/desktopwallpaper-
calendar-january-2009/
Editorial Feb 2009
A Walk to Remember!
From Stalwarts was the inspiration,
From Professors was the dedication,
From Students was the motivation,
From Centenary was the invocation.
This was what we learnt from each,
In measures for us to teach.
The smiles didn't fade,
The tears didn't dry,
It was a moment in itself,
No one wanted to let it go by!
We welcomed the cribs and the cheers,
The pat and the cane with no fears!
Voices brings you a unique tale...
The final day story and the feedback trail!
From Stalwarts was the inspiration,
From Professors was the dedication,
From Students was the motivation,
From Centenary was the invocation.
This was what we learnt from each,
In measures for us to teach.
The smiles didn't fade,
The tears didn't dry,
It was a moment in itself,
No one wanted to let it go by!
We welcomed the cribs and the cheers,
The pat and the cane with no fears!
Voices brings you a unique tale...
The final day story and the feedback trail!
Acknowledgment- 16th Dec 2008
Walt Disney said, “If you can dream it, do it!”. However,
the truth remains that it is the unflinching support of
some people that helps you realize your dreams and
reach your benchmarked goal. It could be some words
of wisdom, some positive strokes or just some moments
of patient listening!
One fine evening, Voices had dreamt many big things- A
Centenary Special Magazine and Daily News Bulletins for
the conference! The dream came true and how! We at
Voices take this opportunity to thank all of them who
made this possible.
We firstly thank Prof. P.Balaram, Director for his
immense support and encouragement to let Voices
have its say; and for contributing the foreword and
the article. We thank Prof. N. Balakrishnan , Associate
Director for all his words of advice and direction. We
thank Prof. G.K.Ananthasuresh for being the sounding
board to our first set of ideas. We thank Prof. Lawrence
Jenkins and the Centenary Publications Committee for
The Team
goading us to give our best to this venture. We thank
Prof. K.R.Yogendra Simha, Chairman, Department of
Management Studies for giving Voices a nest to build
its dreams- 203 was our control room and actually our
second home during the conference. Our heartfelt
gratitude to the Archives and Publications Cell, for
sharing with us the hidden treasures of the Institute. We
thank Sudha at the Centenary office for always having
an answer to all our questions and helping us with all
the paperwork.
We profusely thank Prof. Y. Narahari and Prof.V. Nagaraja
for giving us wings to fly, bearing with our trivial
clarifications and decibel raising demands. This would
not be possible if not for the fact that they shared our
enthusiasm and our sincerity.
We also thank the Volunteers who helped us with all
Voices related work. Finally we thank all our readers
for being the reason why “We raise our Voice and let
ourselves be heard!”
Our heartfelt gratitude to many unnamed friends and
well-wishers for being that little spark which guaranteed
a glowing flame!
the truth remains that it is the unflinching support of
some people that helps you realize your dreams and
reach your benchmarked goal. It could be some words
of wisdom, some positive strokes or just some moments
of patient listening!
One fine evening, Voices had dreamt many big things- A
Centenary Special Magazine and Daily News Bulletins for
the conference! The dream came true and how! We at
Voices take this opportunity to thank all of them who
made this possible.
We firstly thank Prof. P.Balaram, Director for his
immense support and encouragement to let Voices
have its say; and for contributing the foreword and
the article. We thank Prof. N. Balakrishnan , Associate
Director for all his words of advice and direction. We
thank Prof. G.K.Ananthasuresh for being the sounding
board to our first set of ideas. We thank Prof. Lawrence
Jenkins and the Centenary Publications Committee for
The Team
goading us to give our best to this venture. We thank
Prof. K.R.Yogendra Simha, Chairman, Department of
Management Studies for giving Voices a nest to build
its dreams- 203 was our control room and actually our
second home during the conference. Our heartfelt
gratitude to the Archives and Publications Cell, for
sharing with us the hidden treasures of the Institute. We
thank Sudha at the Centenary office for always having
an answer to all our questions and helping us with all
the paperwork.
We profusely thank Prof. Y. Narahari and Prof.V. Nagaraja
for giving us wings to fly, bearing with our trivial
clarifications and decibel raising demands. This would
not be possible if not for the fact that they shared our
enthusiasm and our sincerity.
We also thank the Volunteers who helped us with all
Voices related work. Finally we thank all our readers
for being the reason why “We raise our Voice and let
ourselves be heard!”
Our heartfelt gratitude to many unnamed friends and
well-wishers for being that little spark which guaranteed
a glowing flame!
The Harmonious co-existence of Paradox- Voices interviews Prof. Ram Akella, President AANA.- 16th Dec 2008
He walks through the crowds meeting his old friends,
reliving those days of yore with a spirited enthusiasm
that would be hard to match. He has big dreams for
his alma mater; he goes misty eyed recalling his
childhood on campus; the manner in which it influenced
his growth as a researcher and the person that this
place made him. For him, the Institute is his extended
family. His twinkling smile cannot hide the pride he
feels for the institution and his eagerness to give back
to it in abundance. He is overwhelmed with all that is
happening and has immense words of encouragement
for the students for whom he is a fascinating alumnus.
He is Prof. Ram Akella, University of California, and
President, AANA (Alumni Association of North America).
Having spent his childhood amidst the campus greenery
as his father, Dr. A.K.Rao was a Professor at the Aerospace
Engineering; he reminisced about the 4.5 km walks
and his stay at Bungalow 8. Every tree, every stone,
every path seemed to sing a song to him, the song of
belongingness.
He is currently at the University of California, starting
a new department that is a confluence of Computer
Science and Management Science, called the Centre
for Knowledge Information Systems and Management
of Technology (KISMT). Prior to this, he had a stint at
Berkeley and Stanford. He completed his PhD (1976-1981)
from the Indian Institute of Science after graduating
from the Indian Institute of Technology. This was on the
insistence of his father who believed that the stringent
and rigorous environment of the Institute would ensure
an overall development. From here, he moved on to
Harvard and MIT for his higher studies.
He feels that different educational institutions hone
the students’ skills differently; in fact there is a
difference in the culture. While some places are more
competitive and aggressive, building the students for
the rat race; he believes that the Institute focuses on
modesty and sincerity, the yarn that binds this fabric
to date. Over the years, the institute has retained its’
refreshing goodness and that has to also be tempered
with an intellectual aggressiveness that will ensure the
development of talented multidimensional individuals.
Focus on leadership and entrepreneurship across
disciplines will propel and sustain this movement. The
perfect combination is a business like attitude with a
hint of mellowness.
He notes how it is important to compete with self and
have a questioning nature. He says that students should
do research when they feel that it is fun, otherwise it
could just be a waste of time for them. He also urges
that research should be substantive and have an impact
on the world and bring about a change.
For the Institute, he feels that greater international
collaboration and industry experience will ensure that
it is on the top of the order and we will realize the
Alumni aspiration of seeing IISc as one of the top five
Research institutions in the world. He highlights the role
of the Alumni in this regard in garnering intellectual and
material support for the institute.
He expresses how the harmonious coexistence of
paradox is the identifying factor of IISc and closes with
few words, “IISc is the best!”
reliving those days of yore with a spirited enthusiasm
that would be hard to match. He has big dreams for
his alma mater; he goes misty eyed recalling his
childhood on campus; the manner in which it influenced
his growth as a researcher and the person that this
place made him. For him, the Institute is his extended
family. His twinkling smile cannot hide the pride he
feels for the institution and his eagerness to give back
to it in abundance. He is overwhelmed with all that is
happening and has immense words of encouragement
for the students for whom he is a fascinating alumnus.
He is Prof. Ram Akella, University of California, and
President, AANA (Alumni Association of North America).
Having spent his childhood amidst the campus greenery
as his father, Dr. A.K.Rao was a Professor at the Aerospace
Engineering; he reminisced about the 4.5 km walks
and his stay at Bungalow 8. Every tree, every stone,
every path seemed to sing a song to him, the song of
belongingness.
He is currently at the University of California, starting
a new department that is a confluence of Computer
Science and Management Science, called the Centre
for Knowledge Information Systems and Management
of Technology (KISMT). Prior to this, he had a stint at
Berkeley and Stanford. He completed his PhD (1976-1981)
from the Indian Institute of Science after graduating
from the Indian Institute of Technology. This was on the
insistence of his father who believed that the stringent
and rigorous environment of the Institute would ensure
an overall development. From here, he moved on to
Harvard and MIT for his higher studies.
He feels that different educational institutions hone
the students’ skills differently; in fact there is a
difference in the culture. While some places are more
competitive and aggressive, building the students for
the rat race; he believes that the Institute focuses on
modesty and sincerity, the yarn that binds this fabric
to date. Over the years, the institute has retained its’
refreshing goodness and that has to also be tempered
with an intellectual aggressiveness that will ensure the
development of talented multidimensional individuals.
Focus on leadership and entrepreneurship across
disciplines will propel and sustain this movement. The
perfect combination is a business like attitude with a
hint of mellowness.
He notes how it is important to compete with self and
have a questioning nature. He says that students should
do research when they feel that it is fun, otherwise it
could just be a waste of time for them. He also urges
that research should be substantive and have an impact
on the world and bring about a change.
For the Institute, he feels that greater international
collaboration and industry experience will ensure that
it is on the top of the order and we will realize the
Alumni aspiration of seeing IISc as one of the top five
Research institutions in the world. He highlights the role
of the Alumni in this regard in garnering intellectual and
material support for the institute.
He expresses how the harmonious coexistence of
paradox is the identifying factor of IISc and closes with
few words, “IISc is the best!”
Self-education: Key for Research- an exclusive interview with Prof. Sidney Brenner, Nobel Laureate- 16th Dec 2008
Q. What was the inspiration for your research career
in biology?
A. Well, I have always been interested in nature and
finding out how things work. And you can say that, that’s
what I wanted to do and as far as I can think back, I
wanted to be a scientist. So that’s the driving force.
All the rest of it is a nuisance, like writing exams. Most
schools and universities kill the interest...basically it is
self-education where too many students do not have to
go to too many courses to learn something. So, I feel it’s
self-education that is the important thing, which allows
you to be independent in every field.
Q. Who are the people who inspired you in this
direction?
A. I have no inspiration. In short, there was not anybody
whom I liked, but basically it was reading books. A book
called ‘Science of Life’ tells about everything in three
volumes.
Q. How do you think research in biology has changed
over the years?
A. Too much. There is too much data without
interpretation. Undigested....it has to be resolved.
That’s a problem we have to face. It is not as easy as a
simple measurement. It is harder to think than to do.
Q. What do you think is the direction of research that
young scientists should take?
A. I can’t tell. But you should identify a problem that
is important - a big problem – which may not be solved
directly. But you cannot get a big problem directly so
you have to find an entry point and look at a smaller
picture to begin with while keeping the big picture in
mind.
Q. Genes and genomes are being patented today. What
do you think about it?
A. A patent is a monopoly given on the condition that you
divulge the information and not keep it a secret. Today
patents are simply used to exclude your competitors.
Nothing is exclusive about the human genome.
Sequences must be used for diagnostic purposes.
Patenting sequences is not immoral, given what the
world is today.
Q. What is your advice to the students who are entering
research?
A. The most important thing for all scientists is to
discover and ‘Tell the Truth’. That’s your business.
The second thing is you’re the representative of all of
humanity, not for a certain section of society. And you
must stand up for all of humanity.
P.S: This interview was conducted by Mukta, Deepti, Smrithi,Kumudhini, Shyam, Madhusudan and me
in biology?
A. Well, I have always been interested in nature and
finding out how things work. And you can say that, that’s
what I wanted to do and as far as I can think back, I
wanted to be a scientist. So that’s the driving force.
All the rest of it is a nuisance, like writing exams. Most
schools and universities kill the interest...basically it is
self-education where too many students do not have to
go to too many courses to learn something. So, I feel it’s
self-education that is the important thing, which allows
you to be independent in every field.
Q. Who are the people who inspired you in this
direction?
A. I have no inspiration. In short, there was not anybody
whom I liked, but basically it was reading books. A book
called ‘Science of Life’ tells about everything in three
volumes.
Q. How do you think research in biology has changed
over the years?
A. Too much. There is too much data without
interpretation. Undigested....it has to be resolved.
That’s a problem we have to face. It is not as easy as a
simple measurement. It is harder to think than to do.
Q. What do you think is the direction of research that
young scientists should take?
A. I can’t tell. But you should identify a problem that
is important - a big problem – which may not be solved
directly. But you cannot get a big problem directly so
you have to find an entry point and look at a smaller
picture to begin with while keeping the big picture in
mind.
Q. Genes and genomes are being patented today. What
do you think about it?
A. A patent is a monopoly given on the condition that you
divulge the information and not keep it a secret. Today
patents are simply used to exclude your competitors.
Nothing is exclusive about the human genome.
Sequences must be used for diagnostic purposes.
Patenting sequences is not immoral, given what the
world is today.
Q. What is your advice to the students who are entering
research?
A. The most important thing for all scientists is to
discover and ‘Tell the Truth’. That’s your business.
The second thing is you’re the representative of all of
humanity, not for a certain section of society. And you
must stand up for all of humanity.
P.S: This interview was conducted by Mukta, Deepti, Smrithi,Kumudhini, Shyam, Madhusudan and me
... Silhouette in Dream- 16th Dec 2008
The sacred and the sensuous,
Was in epitome, virtuous and meticulous.
The anklets created a rhythm of life,
The music soothed the heart in strife.
The danseuse was a silhouette in dream!
Her hands moved in the space around her in a fluid
fashion. Rhythm created by her footsteps that were
firm yet gentle. Expressions on her face conveying the
message of her performance to the discerning observer
of human behaviour.
It was an uncommon medium, a message timeless
and powerful. The simplest of human emotions and
feelings expressed in a form that takes a lifetime of
diligent practice. The contrast itself was not so obvious
to all around. Her subject was all too common, her
performance seemingly within the realm of human
possibility.
This is the beauty of dance as an art form. The viewer
sees life reflected back and the understanding is so
simple yet profound.
Is life and its experience so common that another can
express it so well? Or is there a common thread that
binds us all, one that she has touched and one that we
are searching for, or even worse blind to?
P.S: The prose, courtesy Abraham, the poetry, courtesy me!
Was in epitome, virtuous and meticulous.
The anklets created a rhythm of life,
The music soothed the heart in strife.
The danseuse was a silhouette in dream!
Her hands moved in the space around her in a fluid
fashion. Rhythm created by her footsteps that were
firm yet gentle. Expressions on her face conveying the
message of her performance to the discerning observer
of human behaviour.
It was an uncommon medium, a message timeless
and powerful. The simplest of human emotions and
feelings expressed in a form that takes a lifetime of
diligent practice. The contrast itself was not so obvious
to all around. Her subject was all too common, her
performance seemingly within the realm of human
possibility.
This is the beauty of dance as an art form. The viewer
sees life reflected back and the understanding is so
simple yet profound.
Is life and its experience so common that another can
express it so well? Or is there a common thread that
binds us all, one that she has touched and one that we
are searching for, or even worse blind to?
P.S: The prose, courtesy Abraham, the poetry, courtesy me!
I want to paint the town yellow- 16th Dec 2008
I want to paint the town yellow,
In hues that’s both bright and mellow.
All things beautiful are yellow in colour.
This is no frivolous assumption,
Just a focused observation.
The rays of the sun breaking the path of the clouds...
The sunflowers swaying in the wind...
The mustard fields my eyes bound...
The colour of friendship in my mind...
The road milestones that i found...
The top of an auto in the traffic signal i find...
The old taxis that from top look round...
The colour of turmeric on the new brides’ cheeks...
It is a colour of happiness, of hope, of aspirations,
of dreams, of expectations, of existance and pure
motivation...
Yes, I want to paint the town yellow!
This was printed to mark the Yellow T shirts of the Volunteers:)
In hues that’s both bright and mellow.
All things beautiful are yellow in colour.
This is no frivolous assumption,
Just a focused observation.
The rays of the sun breaking the path of the clouds...
The sunflowers swaying in the wind...
The mustard fields my eyes bound...
The colour of friendship in my mind...
The road milestones that i found...
The top of an auto in the traffic signal i find...
The old taxis that from top look round...
The colour of turmeric on the new brides’ cheeks...
It is a colour of happiness, of hope, of aspirations,
of dreams, of expectations, of existance and pure
motivation...
Yes, I want to paint the town yellow!
This was printed to mark the Yellow T shirts of the Volunteers:)
A nation’s tribute to an institution of rare success - 15th Dec 2008
The 14th morning, 11 am saw the presence of some
distinguished guests at the J N Tata Auditorium. His
Excellency Vice President of India Shri Mohammad
Hamid Ansari released the commemorative Postage
Stamps for the centenary celebration of IISc. In his own
words he said, “A nation’s tribute to an institution of rare
eminence.”
The event was attended by Shri Rameshwar Thakur, His
Excellency the Governor of Karnataka; Shri V.S.Acharya,
the Home Minister of Karnataka; Dr. K.Kasturirangan, the
chairman IISc council; Prof. C.N.R.Rao, Chairman IISc
committee; Shri M.P.Rajan, Chief Post Master General,
Karnataka and Prof. Balaram, Director IISc.
The Vice President also delivered the Golden Jubilee
Lecture. His speech highlighted the importance and
excellence of IISc in the past hundred years and its duty
for sustaining its work in the new century.
Here are excerpts of his speech. The goal of India is to be
a knowledge society of ensuring access of knowledge to
more and more people and IISc must remain the “Torch
bearer” in this endeavor.
Even though much has been done in the past six decades
to create an infrastructure for science and technology
and endow it with the potential for advancement, it is
still inadequate. The recent years are seeing a declining
enrolment and an acute shortage of qualifi ed teachers
in basic sciences, engineering, technology and medicine.
This is indicated by the paucity of scientists, attracting
young minds to the domain of science, the methodology
of teaching science and the inadequate national
performance in the area of innovation and patents.
The need of the hour is Capacity Building in science. In
the words of Sri Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya: “To build
a better nation, build better individuals and action not
sentiment will be the determining factor.” He concluded
by saying that scientists have a special responsibility
and IISc needs to set the pace. As B.J.Marden wrote as
early as in 1921, “Science has made civilization possible
for mankind. It must now provide civilization with that
authority the lack of which is causing such wastage of
human energy today. Men of science alone have the
power, they alone are above suspicion.
P.S: Kumudhini, Vasanta and i wrote this piece.
distinguished guests at the J N Tata Auditorium. His
Excellency Vice President of India Shri Mohammad
Hamid Ansari released the commemorative Postage
Stamps for the centenary celebration of IISc. In his own
words he said, “A nation’s tribute to an institution of rare
eminence.”
The event was attended by Shri Rameshwar Thakur, His
Excellency the Governor of Karnataka; Shri V.S.Acharya,
the Home Minister of Karnataka; Dr. K.Kasturirangan, the
chairman IISc council; Prof. C.N.R.Rao, Chairman IISc
committee; Shri M.P.Rajan, Chief Post Master General,
Karnataka and Prof. Balaram, Director IISc.
The Vice President also delivered the Golden Jubilee
Lecture. His speech highlighted the importance and
excellence of IISc in the past hundred years and its duty
for sustaining its work in the new century.
Here are excerpts of his speech. The goal of India is to be
a knowledge society of ensuring access of knowledge to
more and more people and IISc must remain the “Torch
bearer” in this endeavor.
Even though much has been done in the past six decades
to create an infrastructure for science and technology
and endow it with the potential for advancement, it is
still inadequate. The recent years are seeing a declining
enrolment and an acute shortage of qualifi ed teachers
in basic sciences, engineering, technology and medicine.
This is indicated by the paucity of scientists, attracting
young minds to the domain of science, the methodology
of teaching science and the inadequate national
performance in the area of innovation and patents.
The need of the hour is Capacity Building in science. In
the words of Sri Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya: “To build
a better nation, build better individuals and action not
sentiment will be the determining factor.” He concluded
by saying that scientists have a special responsibility
and IISc needs to set the pace. As B.J.Marden wrote as
early as in 1921, “Science has made civilization possible
for mankind. It must now provide civilization with that
authority the lack of which is causing such wastage of
human energy today. Men of science alone have the
power, they alone are above suspicion.
P.S: Kumudhini, Vasanta and i wrote this piece.
Centenary Bulletin Editorial 2 - 16th Dec 2008
The Final Mile (Fifth Bulletin)
Eyes looked out to the horizon
The gaze fixed on the moving clouds
The sprinkling sunshine marked the path
Feet trod the road they knew was fine
The journey was well begun
The words were craftily written
Every thought found the pen
By motivation and sincerity we were driven
Every fibre of our being
Yearned to be the writer within
To question the norm, yet draw the line
In capacity be the Institute ‘news-mine’
There is no looking back ever in style
Voices gallantly present the ‘The Final Mile’
Eyes looked out to the horizon
The gaze fixed on the moving clouds
The sprinkling sunshine marked the path
Feet trod the road they knew was fine
The journey was well begun
The words were craftily written
Every thought found the pen
By motivation and sincerity we were driven
Every fibre of our being
Yearned to be the writer within
To question the norm, yet draw the line
In capacity be the Institute ‘news-mine’
There is no looking back ever in style
Voices gallantly present the ‘The Final Mile’
Centenary Bulletin Editorial 1-16th Dec 2008
Voices Ode (Fourth Bulletin)
The pages witnessed creases,
The schedules in priority, nothing ceases.
They toiled the hours of the dark,
Fatigue and impatience never to embark.
They brainstormed, they planned, they executed.
The Student Council Office was home to thee,
The walls witnessed a myriad of emotions in sea.
Unearthly hour meetings were the order of the day;
Haldiram samosa and chai was the Chairman’s prescribed
way.
In perspiration, we witnessed a new inspiration.
In this fervor, we discovered talents with no ration.
The curtains did rise and it dawns to a close.
Voices Ode to the Volunteers with pride arose!
The pages witnessed creases,
The schedules in priority, nothing ceases.
They toiled the hours of the dark,
Fatigue and impatience never to embark.
They brainstormed, they planned, they executed.
The Student Council Office was home to thee,
The walls witnessed a myriad of emotions in sea.
Unearthly hour meetings were the order of the day;
Haldiram samosa and chai was the Chairman’s prescribed
way.
In perspiration, we witnessed a new inspiration.
In this fervor, we discovered talents with no ration.
The curtains did rise and it dawns to a close.
Voices Ode to the Volunteers with pride arose!
Freedom with Responsibility! A Centenarian’s perspective to Research and Life
Prof. H.N. Ramachandra Rao (DOB: October
25th, 1909) was an esteemed GURU of the
Indian Institute of Science, a stalwart
who was attached to this institution for
over 75 years and the only person who has
witnessed the Silver, Golden, Platinum jubilees
and the Centenary year.
This article is an ode to one of the ARCHITECTs
of the INSTITUTE.
Be it visiting United States of America to get the Network
Analyzer from General Electric, at the dawn of the Indian
Independence, to ensure the rapid power infrastructure
development of the country or visiting Russia with Prof.
Satish Dhawan, Prof. Dhikshitalu and Prof. Nagaraja, to
procure equipment for starting the School of Automation,
Prof. Rao was an indispensible part of the Institute
Team.
Prof. Rao joined the Institute as a student in the Electrical
Technology department in 1933 after completing his
Masters in Physics from Calcutta. Sir C.V. Raman also
joined the Institute as Director in the very same year, who
had been his Physics professor at Calcutta, too. It was as
a student that he attended the Silver Jubilee celebrations
of the Institute in 1934.
Prof. Rao reminisced about his student days as a time of
full freedom. It was a time when there was no attendance
or strict working hours. He recalled, “During day time
we would be at MG Road or Brigade Road and then
work late into the night at our labs. It was a wonderful
experience.” It was a time when faculty and guides like
Prof. F.N. Moudawala, played the role of an elder brother,
being strict when required, but mostly being accessible
and affable. They would be faculty during the day, and at
4:30 pm, once work was done, they would head off to the
Gymkhana to play cricket, tennis and billiards with the
students. He said of one of his professors, Prof. Aston,
who taught them Electrical Machine Design, “If we tried
to address Prof. Aston as Sir, he’d respond … Don’t call
me Sir. I am not a knight! Call me Professor. That’s how
jovial faculty were at the time”.
After graduating, Prof. Rao joined the Government
Porcelain Factory (now BHEL) in 1936 and got involved
in producing dichromates (used for tanning of soldiers’
shoes during the Second World War), along with Prof.
K.R. Krishnaswamy, of the Department of Chemistry, IISc.
Sir J.C. Ghosh invited him to join as lecturer in 1942 and
then began his second stint at IISc, this time as faculty.
He worked as Professor and then Dean of Engineering till
1969, when he left the Institute to join the Union Public
Service Commission (UPSC). However, Prof. Rao had
continued association with the Institute through out his
life. He has the record of attending every single Ayudha
Puja in the Electrical Department since 1933 to date.
Living in Bungalow No. 13 next to the Post office from
1942 to 1969, was one of the most memorable times
for Prof. Rao and his family. Prof. Rao recalled the great
ambience of the Institute, the fantastic atmosphere, the
freedom to work and play, attending the Golden Jubilee,
meeting several visiting dignitaries, and the wonderful
friends he made here like Prof. K Parthasarathy (the
Relay specialist), Prof. B N Narayana Iyengar, Prof. Satish
Dhawan and Prof. M.S. Thacker.
Prof. Rao’s contributions to the research community
and the country have fetched him many accolades. The
IEEE Centennial Medal, which he received in 1984 at
the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Institute, Sir M.
Visvesvaraya Award for Senior Scientists in 2003 from the
Chief Minister of Karnataka, two CBIP Gold Medals for
research and Fellowship of institutions like the Institution
of Engineers (India), IEI (London), ISI (India) are a few
of them. He attributed all his success to God’s grace.
Prof. Rao strongly believed in the necessity of Change.
The changing face of IISc, from being a campus with just
three departments, when he joined as a student, to the
new face it is today, had been to him, on the one hand
very noteworthy, but also on the other, a little disturbing.
“The number of students, in the departments in those
days, were less and the teacher student ratio was 1:3.
The students were mostly top rank holders from various
universities. They represented the cultural mix of India.
We had so many messes, one for Parsi food, another for
Bengali, Maharashtrian and so on. In fact, the decision
by Sir J.C. Ghose, to merge them all saw an agitation!
Today things have changed. The attitude of the students
of today is different from what it was in his times.” He
said of the Institute and the community within it, “One
cannot be static, they should be constantly changing.
One should be dynamic. Change is Life. Otherwise you
are Dead.”
Prof. Rao believed in the philosophy of Work hard and
Play just as hard. His secret of success is a practical
message to the IISc community…
The aim of research like JN Tata’s vision should be
to solve the problems of the country and improve
Science and Technology. Money and Cheap
Popularity should not be the aim as researchers.
The Secret of Success as a student or teacher
or professor is Full Freedom, not just a freedom
of thought and action, but also a freedom with
responsibility. It is Motivation, the interest and
love for the work that you do. Curiosity and a will
to work at all times will go a long way to reach
your destination. It is the ability to question your
convictions and never just accepting what is.
Prof. H.N. Ramachandra Rao is truly an inspiration to all
of us at IISc and we are indeed grateful to him for having
provided his time and pearls of wisdom. We are also
grateful to his family for the support.
We dedicate this write-up to Prof. H. N.
Ramachandra Rao. The Voices Team
deeply regrets his sad demise a few days
before the Centenary Conference.
P.S: Article written by Kumudhini. I conducted the interview with her.
25th, 1909) was an esteemed GURU of the
Indian Institute of Science, a stalwart
who was attached to this institution for
over 75 years and the only person who has
witnessed the Silver, Golden, Platinum jubilees
and the Centenary year.
This article is an ode to one of the ARCHITECTs
of the INSTITUTE.
Be it visiting United States of America to get the Network
Analyzer from General Electric, at the dawn of the Indian
Independence, to ensure the rapid power infrastructure
development of the country or visiting Russia with Prof.
Satish Dhawan, Prof. Dhikshitalu and Prof. Nagaraja, to
procure equipment for starting the School of Automation,
Prof. Rao was an indispensible part of the Institute
Team.
Prof. Rao joined the Institute as a student in the Electrical
Technology department in 1933 after completing his
Masters in Physics from Calcutta. Sir C.V. Raman also
joined the Institute as Director in the very same year, who
had been his Physics professor at Calcutta, too. It was as
a student that he attended the Silver Jubilee celebrations
of the Institute in 1934.
Prof. Rao reminisced about his student days as a time of
full freedom. It was a time when there was no attendance
or strict working hours. He recalled, “During day time
we would be at MG Road or Brigade Road and then
work late into the night at our labs. It was a wonderful
experience.” It was a time when faculty and guides like
Prof. F.N. Moudawala, played the role of an elder brother,
being strict when required, but mostly being accessible
and affable. They would be faculty during the day, and at
4:30 pm, once work was done, they would head off to the
Gymkhana to play cricket, tennis and billiards with the
students. He said of one of his professors, Prof. Aston,
who taught them Electrical Machine Design, “If we tried
to address Prof. Aston as Sir, he’d respond … Don’t call
me Sir. I am not a knight! Call me Professor. That’s how
jovial faculty were at the time”.
After graduating, Prof. Rao joined the Government
Porcelain Factory (now BHEL) in 1936 and got involved
in producing dichromates (used for tanning of soldiers’
shoes during the Second World War), along with Prof.
K.R. Krishnaswamy, of the Department of Chemistry, IISc.
Sir J.C. Ghosh invited him to join as lecturer in 1942 and
then began his second stint at IISc, this time as faculty.
He worked as Professor and then Dean of Engineering till
1969, when he left the Institute to join the Union Public
Service Commission (UPSC). However, Prof. Rao had
continued association with the Institute through out his
life. He has the record of attending every single Ayudha
Puja in the Electrical Department since 1933 to date.
Living in Bungalow No. 13 next to the Post office from
1942 to 1969, was one of the most memorable times
for Prof. Rao and his family. Prof. Rao recalled the great
ambience of the Institute, the fantastic atmosphere, the
freedom to work and play, attending the Golden Jubilee,
meeting several visiting dignitaries, and the wonderful
friends he made here like Prof. K Parthasarathy (the
Relay specialist), Prof. B N Narayana Iyengar, Prof. Satish
Dhawan and Prof. M.S. Thacker.
Prof. Rao’s contributions to the research community
and the country have fetched him many accolades. The
IEEE Centennial Medal, which he received in 1984 at
the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Institute, Sir M.
Visvesvaraya Award for Senior Scientists in 2003 from the
Chief Minister of Karnataka, two CBIP Gold Medals for
research and Fellowship of institutions like the Institution
of Engineers (India), IEI (London), ISI (India) are a few
of them. He attributed all his success to God’s grace.
Prof. Rao strongly believed in the necessity of Change.
The changing face of IISc, from being a campus with just
three departments, when he joined as a student, to the
new face it is today, had been to him, on the one hand
very noteworthy, but also on the other, a little disturbing.
“The number of students, in the departments in those
days, were less and the teacher student ratio was 1:3.
The students were mostly top rank holders from various
universities. They represented the cultural mix of India.
We had so many messes, one for Parsi food, another for
Bengali, Maharashtrian and so on. In fact, the decision
by Sir J.C. Ghose, to merge them all saw an agitation!
Today things have changed. The attitude of the students
of today is different from what it was in his times.” He
said of the Institute and the community within it, “One
cannot be static, they should be constantly changing.
One should be dynamic. Change is Life. Otherwise you
are Dead.”
Prof. Rao believed in the philosophy of Work hard and
Play just as hard. His secret of success is a practical
message to the IISc community…
The aim of research like JN Tata’s vision should be
to solve the problems of the country and improve
Science and Technology. Money and Cheap
Popularity should not be the aim as researchers.
The Secret of Success as a student or teacher
or professor is Full Freedom, not just a freedom
of thought and action, but also a freedom with
responsibility. It is Motivation, the interest and
love for the work that you do. Curiosity and a will
to work at all times will go a long way to reach
your destination. It is the ability to question your
convictions and never just accepting what is.
Prof. H.N. Ramachandra Rao is truly an inspiration to all
of us at IISc and we are indeed grateful to him for having
provided his time and pearls of wisdom. We are also
grateful to his family for the support.
We dedicate this write-up to Prof. H. N.
Ramachandra Rao. The Voices Team
deeply regrets his sad demise a few days
before the Centenary Conference.
P.S: Article written by Kumudhini. I conducted the interview with her.
“Cheese !!”
We all looked up at the radiant sky,
Pride in our eyes and head held high!
Marked in our position, disciplined we stood,
Worth the entire wait was this moment good.
The frames did capture, while a little ‘miss sunshine’
quipped, “Cheese”!
This summarized the entire experience, “Smile Please!”
Date: 16 November 2008.
Venue: Gymkhana Grounds, IISc
Event: Human Formation of the IISc Emblem
This was a historical moment as for the first time ever;
the institute community came together to be a part of the
Human Formation of the IISc Emblem. This was another
of the events to usher in the Centenary Year. A brain child
of the faculty and the Student Council, this event was
lead by Prof. AnanthaSuresh with co-ordinating support
from Brijesh Bhatt, The Student Council Co- Chairman
and Arif Ali Baig, The Student Council General Secretary,
who conducted a drive to get students to be a part of
this.
We had over 250 enthusiasts for whom waking up early
on a Sunday morning was no big deal. This comprised
of students who kept pouring in way past the initial time
given, faculty who also complied with the dress code of
white and their children.
The Director, Prof. P. Balram said this was a wonderful
initiative that brought together everyone at one place,
a seldom happening in these 440 odd acres of land. He
not only enthused the participants with his presence, but
after several posed shots at the emblem, said, “I am
fitter than most of the people!” . Commenting on the
dress code being white, he had an innovative idea of
using lab coats! Now, why didn’t we think of that ?!
Brijesh spoke about how the volunteers came in early to
draw the entire emblem and literally got their hands dirty
with mud and chalk powder. Arif working enthusiastically
with the volunteers cited how initially it was difficult to
get students but finally, the day had come and the Human
Formation was a reality. Student volunteers felt happy
and enthusiastic about being a part of this initiative but
hoped that things were better planned and punctuality
was maintained. And as Prof. Vinoy put it, “ The Ball is
finally rolling for the Centenary!”
The event was designed by SAiMAA Creations.
P.S: Written along with Shyam, Madhusudan and Smrithi
Pride in our eyes and head held high!
Marked in our position, disciplined we stood,
Worth the entire wait was this moment good.
The frames did capture, while a little ‘miss sunshine’
quipped, “Cheese”!
This summarized the entire experience, “Smile Please!”
Date: 16 November 2008.
Venue: Gymkhana Grounds, IISc
Event: Human Formation of the IISc Emblem
This was a historical moment as for the first time ever;
the institute community came together to be a part of the
Human Formation of the IISc Emblem. This was another
of the events to usher in the Centenary Year. A brain child
of the faculty and the Student Council, this event was
lead by Prof. AnanthaSuresh with co-ordinating support
from Brijesh Bhatt, The Student Council Co- Chairman
and Arif Ali Baig, The Student Council General Secretary,
who conducted a drive to get students to be a part of
this.
We had over 250 enthusiasts for whom waking up early
on a Sunday morning was no big deal. This comprised
of students who kept pouring in way past the initial time
given, faculty who also complied with the dress code of
white and their children.
The Director, Prof. P. Balram said this was a wonderful
initiative that brought together everyone at one place,
a seldom happening in these 440 odd acres of land. He
not only enthused the participants with his presence, but
after several posed shots at the emblem, said, “I am
fitter than most of the people!” . Commenting on the
dress code being white, he had an innovative idea of
using lab coats! Now, why didn’t we think of that ?!
Brijesh spoke about how the volunteers came in early to
draw the entire emblem and literally got their hands dirty
with mud and chalk powder. Arif working enthusiastically
with the volunteers cited how initially it was difficult to
get students but finally, the day had come and the Human
Formation was a reality. Student volunteers felt happy
and enthusiastic about being a part of this initiative but
hoped that things were better planned and punctuality
was maintained. And as Prof. Vinoy put it, “ The Ball is
finally rolling for the Centenary!”
The event was designed by SAiMAA Creations.
P.S: Written along with Shyam, Madhusudan and Smrithi
What’s Brewing over Coffee my dear? - The Centenary magazine version
Perched on a stone bench…
This tale I told.
To keen listeners who witnessed a picture unfold.
It was a legacy…
A memory gone by…
Like crushed beans and tinkling dreams!
With no time to spare,
My story is right here…
"I walked on the broken path,
Picking my steps with caution.
So as not to gain anyone's wrath,
As stumbling is my inborn passion.
Soon the aroma filled the air;
It was blissfully ok…being fair.
The white porcelain cup and saucer-
Had lost its sheen thanks to many a user.
The coffee filled to the brim;
A wee-bit strong for me, invited my grin.
It was coffee sans any frills…
No cinnamon or cream or appetizing thrills.
Yet there was something about this coffee…
That made me happy like a child with her favorite
toffee.
The canopy added to the aura,
As my mind raced and witnessed emotions in plethora.
The discomfort of the plastic chairs forgotten;
The shaky tables, so what if the edges are rotten!
People from across the campus converge,
Intellectual discussions and debates emerge.
Day after day, I witnessed sagas…
If someone discussed quantum physics, some other a
musical raga.
I did not pry, did not eavesdrop;
In my mind, even experienced a pin drop.
Gushed congratulations, stolen glances;
Amidst talk on genetics and a researchers' chances.
Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Robert Aumann …
Discussed in the same breath, Oh Heavens!!
Grievances were addressed,
Plans were assessed,
Projects implemented,
Policies amended.
I saw it all happen over coffee here…
Even as I strived to gain my foothold here.
I saw,
I perceived,
I observed,
I believed…
Anything can happen over coffee.
Coffee board has like you visitors regular,
Just look around and find moments stellar.
Next time you walk on the broken path…
Just give all this a little thought.
And whisper in the ear of the person near…
"What's brewing over coffee my dear?""
I woke from the dream…
It was a stellar tale in every realm.
Walked on the broken path again today.
Those memories are here to stay…
Some goodbyes are just so difficult to say…
History A La Carte... Bon Appetit!!
It was a bright Thursday afternoon, The rays of the sunsprinkled the wooden panelled walls…The fresh air just
made me feel I was in the fields surrounded by daffodils…A
little group of children just spread their picnic basket.
And in between all this, I heard someone say, “The new
species of ant discovered is…” The voice trailed off and I
woke from my slumber. Realised I needed “chai”! Walked
out of the conference room…and wandered like a traveller
of the winds. And voila, I had entered a new world. I was
walking into the big room right opposite the Faculty Hall
at the Main building. And to my delight, I found there
an entire collection of old documents, letters, pictures,
photos and so on. These were all part of the hundred
year history of our institute and were on display there.
That was the end of any interest I may have had in the
conference.
I spent the next few hours perusing those old letters,
gazing at the 100 year old black and white photos and
then I came across this entire set of invitations and
program lists for the cornerstone laying ceremony. The
beautiful calligraphy on the yellowed invites, the quaint
style and the list of the dances and the menu caught
my fancy. All these were glimpses of a story about the
cornerstone laying ceremony that was held on February
1st, 1911 and the various dinner parties hosted by the
director and other officials from the institute the night
before on January 31st, 1911.
The Maharaja of Mysore was the guest of honour and the
parties appear to have been very “British” in style. The
evening party (or “At Home”) held at West End and hosted
by the then director, Dr. Travers and his wife, seems to
have been an entire evening of dance and dinner. Sounds
like fun! If you glance at the dance programme, you can
see the range of dances that were included with two-steps,
and waltzes and even barn dances. I can just imagine all
the ladies and gentlemen dressed up in their finest, the
music, the graceful enthusiastic dances and the mouthwatering
dishes. The four course menu is in French and
it does sound delicious with the soups, salads, the fillet
entrees and casseroles and the dessert and coffee to sum
it up! It almost sounds like something out of the stories
about society gatherings in 19th century with exquisite
rules about etiquette and style.
And all of this in honour of a ceremony to be held at a
science institute. In today’s times this may almost seem
a contradiction. The grandeur and the very scale seem so
different from what we would ever expect from a similar
occasion in today’s world. I am sure the hospitality, the
importance of the occasion would be the same, but our
way of celebrating would perhaps be more Indian. Though
I must say, it is fascinating to know that our institute has
had such a varied and rich history and old documents
can tell such historical stories in an entirely different way.
They give you no descriptions…just an idea, a hint…and
leave the rest for you to imagine just as you wish! So,
live the gourmet of life like promised, a little herb, a little
hope, a little history! Bon appetite!!
P.S: This piece was primarily written by Mukta, i only frilled it up a little...
Editorial - 100enLIGHtening YEARS
The woods are lovely, dark and deep;
but I have promises to keep.
The students are young, thoughts strong and steep;
And I have promises to keep.
The legacy is immor tal, great hope will it reap;
So I have promises to keep.
And eternity to go, before I sleep…
And eternity to go, before I sleep.
Indian Institute of Science, known popularly as Tata Institute to both the common
man and the scientific community is turning hundred soon! To usher in this significant moment
and muse over its long history, yet many recent pasts, the Centenary Year Celebrations unfold.
As the curtains rise for the Institute to embark upon this historical time, the IISc
community comprising of students, faculty, alumni and the staff bring forth their best contributions to this amazing fable. From the British era to post independence days, the times of the Maharaja to the democratic set up now, this hearth of knowledge has laid the foundation to many a brilliant and enriched mind. The walkways have witnessed many a discoveries, rendered themselves to many exhilarating moments, glowed in happiness when the researching minds discovered the existential truths. This has been an inspiring tale of not just past glory but future promises. With no predicament, it has embraced all minds from all regions and is an assimilation of that cultural odyssey.
The human mind is complex and human desires multi-fold. It is like a rainbow in
which we wish the colour palette never stopped at VIBGYOR. After all, aspirations, emotions
and reality- all have shades of grey. A thought seeded in one regular weekly meeting got converted into a passionate benchmark for all in the team. After all, how many of us, when in our seventh stage of life can state that we have lived the Shakespearean drama successfully being a part of the 100th year of a glorious institute.
Questions were encouraged, no thinking was compartmentalised- the science and art saw a
convergence like never before. It was a eureka moment, may be even close to nirvana, when 100 enLIGHTening YEARS found itself in flesh and blood. The current team of Voice-ians with pride presents the Voices Students Centenary Magazine, commemorating this hallmark moment.
This is also an ode to all those voices that existed over the decades, challenging the
system, giving vent to their creative potentials as torchbearers of thought and action. For us,
this was an exploratory journey to find that from being called ‘The Rag’ in the 70s to ‘Drag’ in
the 80s to ‘SCampus’ in the 90s; and ‘Milieu’ a few years ago; every decade a bunch of students
began a movement that gained some momentum but finally could not sustain itself. While some
prided themselves on being the investigative journalists of the campus, others thought they were
the representatives of collective student emotion. We have a Tribute Section to commemorate the existence of these Student Newsletters on campus!
Voices is currently in its seventh year and is aware that things will change with the
next generation. What it continues to hope is that even in the Bicentennial celebrations of the
Institute, there will be students creating ‘greater decibel’!
100 enLIGHTening YEARS brings you a pot-pouri that could give any gourmet chef
a run for his money. From innovation to spirituality, scientific temper to discovery of the other
realm; from the institute being an integral part of life to a humorous take on how staying here for
too long has its effects; personal anecdotes to conscientious takes on duty and a sense of respect; a look at a centenarian to accounts of a first day, and there is poetry galore.
As you turn each leaf, this is a journey from then to now, from when to how; seen through the binoculars of the IISc community, a kaleidoscopic view that will ensure a smile, only
to ponder and say, “Congratulations Centenarian, You still have a long way to go!”
but I have promises to keep.
The students are young, thoughts strong and steep;
And I have promises to keep.
The legacy is immor tal, great hope will it reap;
So I have promises to keep.
And eternity to go, before I sleep…
And eternity to go, before I sleep.
Indian Institute of Science, known popularly as Tata Institute to both the common
man and the scientific community is turning hundred soon! To usher in this significant moment
and muse over its long history, yet many recent pasts, the Centenary Year Celebrations unfold.
As the curtains rise for the Institute to embark upon this historical time, the IISc
community comprising of students, faculty, alumni and the staff bring forth their best contributions to this amazing fable. From the British era to post independence days, the times of the Maharaja to the democratic set up now, this hearth of knowledge has laid the foundation to many a brilliant and enriched mind. The walkways have witnessed many a discoveries, rendered themselves to many exhilarating moments, glowed in happiness when the researching minds discovered the existential truths. This has been an inspiring tale of not just past glory but future promises. With no predicament, it has embraced all minds from all regions and is an assimilation of that cultural odyssey.
The human mind is complex and human desires multi-fold. It is like a rainbow in
which we wish the colour palette never stopped at VIBGYOR. After all, aspirations, emotions
and reality- all have shades of grey. A thought seeded in one regular weekly meeting got converted into a passionate benchmark for all in the team. After all, how many of us, when in our seventh stage of life can state that we have lived the Shakespearean drama successfully being a part of the 100th year of a glorious institute.
Questions were encouraged, no thinking was compartmentalised- the science and art saw a
convergence like never before. It was a eureka moment, may be even close to nirvana, when 100 enLIGHTening YEARS found itself in flesh and blood. The current team of Voice-ians with pride presents the Voices Students Centenary Magazine, commemorating this hallmark moment.
This is also an ode to all those voices that existed over the decades, challenging the
system, giving vent to their creative potentials as torchbearers of thought and action. For us,
this was an exploratory journey to find that from being called ‘The Rag’ in the 70s to ‘Drag’ in
the 80s to ‘SCampus’ in the 90s; and ‘Milieu’ a few years ago; every decade a bunch of students
began a movement that gained some momentum but finally could not sustain itself. While some
prided themselves on being the investigative journalists of the campus, others thought they were
the representatives of collective student emotion. We have a Tribute Section to commemorate the existence of these Student Newsletters on campus!
Voices is currently in its seventh year and is aware that things will change with the
next generation. What it continues to hope is that even in the Bicentennial celebrations of the
Institute, there will be students creating ‘greater decibel’!
100 enLIGHTening YEARS brings you a pot-pouri that could give any gourmet chef
a run for his money. From innovation to spirituality, scientific temper to discovery of the other
realm; from the institute being an integral part of life to a humorous take on how staying here for
too long has its effects; personal anecdotes to conscientious takes on duty and a sense of respect; a look at a centenarian to accounts of a first day, and there is poetry galore.
As you turn each leaf, this is a journey from then to now, from when to how; seen through the binoculars of the IISc community, a kaleidoscopic view that will ensure a smile, only
to ponder and say, “Congratulations Centenarian, You still have a long way to go!”
Editorial October 2008
"If not us, who? If not now, when?”
A new beginning, some picturesque memories, lot of
hard truths and bumpy rides. This issue of Voices
promises you all that and more.
Our Nation celebrated when we brought home the
highest no. of Olympic medals ever. We became
victims of bomb blasts that sees no region, no
religion , no rationality! Floods caused destruction
to remind us of the eternal truth that we take with
us just what we have come with.
Closer home, the freshers were welcome to an abode
that’ll be their world for the next few years to come.
The centenary lectures saw different color and strokes
with eminent Lyricist, writer and director Gulzar
talking about the pallette of science from the
kaleidoscope of art and literature. Our new Student
Council appointed a Co-Chairman and Co-Gensec, the
first time ever in the history of the SC at IISc. Was
this decentralization of work and can we expect more
results now? IISc community is missing the Coffee
Board and coffee elsewhere does not taste the same
anymore!
This issue we bring to you the first ever cartoons
published in Voices by our founder member Sujit;
some concerns with the bicycle issues, some poetic
verses, a narrative tale of existentialistic truths,
an account of the Orientation Day; a new Voicean
voices the role of attitude; an interesting interview
of a Professor telling us how to go about our
research and also the announcement about the
Centenary T-shirt design competition! It is a
mixed bag this time!
We at Voices are happy to tell you that we have
four new members on board and look forward to
having some more of you join us. We are officially
working on the Centenary Conference day to day
newsletter publications and looking for a volunteer
team to work with us!
Voice your thoughts, Raise your Voice;
Own your story, make your choice.
Ink your tale, investigate without fail.
Come! Be a part of Voices; more members we hail!
Ensure you mail us your interest.
See you at voices.iisc@gmail.com, with enthu and zest!
Happy reading!!
A new beginning, some picturesque memories, lot of
hard truths and bumpy rides. This issue of Voices
promises you all that and more.
Our Nation celebrated when we brought home the
highest no. of Olympic medals ever. We became
victims of bomb blasts that sees no region, no
religion , no rationality! Floods caused destruction
to remind us of the eternal truth that we take with
us just what we have come with.
Closer home, the freshers were welcome to an abode
that’ll be their world for the next few years to come.
The centenary lectures saw different color and strokes
with eminent Lyricist, writer and director Gulzar
talking about the pallette of science from the
kaleidoscope of art and literature. Our new Student
Council appointed a Co-Chairman and Co-Gensec, the
first time ever in the history of the SC at IISc. Was
this decentralization of work and can we expect more
results now? IISc community is missing the Coffee
Board and coffee elsewhere does not taste the same
anymore!
This issue we bring to you the first ever cartoons
published in Voices by our founder member Sujit;
some concerns with the bicycle issues, some poetic
verses, a narrative tale of existentialistic truths,
an account of the Orientation Day; a new Voicean
voices the role of attitude; an interesting interview
of a Professor telling us how to go about our
research and also the announcement about the
Centenary T-shirt design competition! It is a
mixed bag this time!
We at Voices are happy to tell you that we have
four new members on board and look forward to
having some more of you join us. We are officially
working on the Centenary Conference day to day
newsletter publications and looking for a volunteer
team to work with us!
Voice your thoughts, Raise your Voice;
Own your story, make your choice.
Ink your tale, investigate without fail.
Come! Be a part of Voices; more members we hail!
Ensure you mail us your interest.
See you at voices.iisc@gmail.com, with enthu and zest!
Happy reading!!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Am a little pudding!!
I am all of five
I love daddy and Noddy alike
Daddy is strong like Popoye, on his bike
I think mamma is like my miss
She knows my rhymes by heart...
I am all of five
I collect my pebbles
Row my paper boats
Eat noodles with hand
On 1 leg i can stand
I am all of five
I have big tears
When you scold me
I have dimpled smile
When you love me
I am all of five
Some say I am cute
Some say I am naughty
They also say
Am a little pudding!!
I love daddy and Noddy alike
Daddy is strong like Popoye, on his bike
I think mamma is like my miss
She knows my rhymes by heart...
I am all of five
I collect my pebbles
Row my paper boats
Eat noodles with hand
On 1 leg i can stand
I am all of five
I have big tears
When you scold me
I have dimpled smile
When you love me
I am all of five
Some say I am cute
Some say I am naughty
They also say
Am a little pudding!!
P.S: While discussing my experience of teaching school kids with a friend and referring to a five year old as pudding, she said only i could associate everything with food:). while people usually say "oh such a button", I say "oh what a pudding":) This poem is dedicated to 'the' friend!Thanks S! and A who witnessed this conversation...
Monday, July 20, 2009
The syllable of life
The syllable of life,
Spoken unblinking and with no shy.
Of love and strife,
Of new beginning and goodbye.
Eternal teachings for all to know.
This is one of my favorite books. Wanted to write my experience while reading it, but felt I was at a loss for words. So, taking the shelter of brevity, wrote in a medium that comes more easily to me- poetry(limerick)!
The centum!
Some beginnings are slow,
the travel takes time.
It is an eternal journey
of words and sunshine.
Some moments captured,
Minds' conflicts unfold,
Emotions sketched,
Dreams drafted.
Cathartic writings,
Catalytic thoughts,
Unbounded happiness,
Silent solace.
Manifestations of the mind,
The 100th post here you find!
the travel takes time.
It is an eternal journey
of words and sunshine.
Some moments captured,
Minds' conflicts unfold,
Emotions sketched,
Dreams drafted.
Cathartic writings,
Catalytic thoughts,
Unbounded happiness,
Silent solace.
Manifestations of the mind,
The 100th post here you find!
Solitary insignia!
Want to get inked
Inscribe my thoughts;
To life linked.
Ideas lots
Solitary insignia!
Inscribe my thoughts;
To life linked.
Ideas lots
Solitary insignia!
Friday, July 17, 2009
It's yours just this once
Laugh the loudest in the room
Scream with joy when you meet the deadline
Dance in the rain
Sing even when the notes do not match
Say "I love you" to your beloved everyday
Speak the truth
Look in the eye
Be yourself
Fight the demons
Conquer the fears
Let the chocolate melt
Play Hop scotch
Make faces
Scribble, draw, paint
Color your canvas
Cry at the movies
Fight for the popcorn
Twirl on your toes
Imagine the wild
Be the naughtiest
Be the drama queen
Let the confidence ooze
Play with passion
Live the intimacy
Revel in the moment
Let empathy rule
Ignorance is passe
Knowledge catalysts
Surefire success
Let pride not touch you
Write your ramblings
Compose your melody
Don't blink now...
Live your Life
It's yours just this once!
Am a Research Scholar
Am a research scholar
I have delved into pages
To discover the themes
Re-read papers to catch
the core thought
I have moulded my vision
Scaled its’ scope
Drawn its’ boundaries
Let dreams stand
I have a methodology to follow
I have a time frame to abide by
Over cups of tea
Statistics form conversations
Working papers take time
Conferences are a must chime
I am looking at things differently
Trying to at least
Want to go beyond just a thesis
Want it to contribute to a larger need
But for now
It’s mind at work
Socializing can wait
Let the heart take a break
Soul searching can wait
Am a research scholar!
Will find my wings
Will find my niche
Will find my calling
Will find myself
Will find what it means
To have re-searched all this time
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Babies!!
Oh!!...how i love them...
but detest the question...so? when?...
Till it is time for baby time......here are some baby pics i adore...Courtesy:Anne Geddes
Babies spell hope,
they sprinkle happiness,
they are the best love story written!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Picture this...
Right now, I am going through a phase where I want what I write to be accompanied by a picture...no reasons whatsoever...am the writer and pictures have caught my fancy now...whim and fancy I must say...
All the pictures used are courtesy Google Image searches...
Thank you for making my posts picturesque!
All the pictures used are courtesy Google Image searches...
Thank you for making my posts picturesque!
...life in symphony!
Oh!! The rains...Like a travel unknown,
Like a dream constructed,
Like a carnival just begun,
Like a celebration midway,
Like a love story being written,
Like a melody being composed,
Like a painting canvassed,
Like a dance performed,
Like a mystery unraveled,
Like a memory engraved,
Like a 'dessert'ed bliss,
Like a happiness experienced,
Like a life in symphony!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Mirage
The fairy will come...
to tell you a little tale...
The dream will last...
to show you the gale...
The memories will stay...
to let life inhale.
The fairy did come...
I closed my eyes...
The dream did last...
I saw myriad motions...
The memories did stay...
I found new hope.
Random travelogues into the crevices of mind...Mirage
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