Sankaran Nair arrived at the School in a hurry. Two smartly dressed young men stood opposite his Office chairs! As soon as they saw him, they both stood up.
"Good morning, sir."
They both extended their hands to shake his hand. Nair was chatting with some students in a deserted classroom when he saw the visitors. "Tell me," he said.
"Sir, we are from Kottayam, BBA students; it is time for us to complete a task as part of the course. We would like to introduce you to a highly popular, world-famous book. Isn't there a library here, sir?"
"Yes, I have."
"Good, this book will definitely be an asset to the school library, sir."
The man on the right unzipped his thin bag and took out a medium-sized book.
When Nair saw the book, he quickly looked to see if these weren't the two dusty books still there on the top shelf on the side.
He thought about the stupidity of leaving his students near the class.
"Sir, this is a rare book with over 1,000 photos that can be used to refer to anything general, sir! High-quality paper that won't deteriorate even after decades, sir, you should take a look at it!"
"The fixed price is three thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine rupees. As a gift for you, sir, we will give you just for nine hundred and ninety-nine."
We are giving it to you for Rs... Sir, your good name, please? The man on the left asked, hastily moving a pen on a receipt.
Nair told him his name, hesitatingly.
"Aren't you the principal, sir?"
"The headmaster of the school; that's all I know." He said.
"Okay, sir, this book has all the materials and photos that are suitable for students of any age group and any project!"
"That's good."
"Sir, you also have children studying in school. What standards are your children studying?"
"My children have been out of school and college for years." Sankaran Nair told them, a wry smile on his face.
"Really amazing”, they both said it together.
"So, sir, what's your age? Forty? , err, maximum forty-five?"
"Forty, fifty-five are all over," He said.
"Sir, tell me." Both of them looked straight at his face.
"Okay, sir. I know someone like you wouldn't lie. What's the secret to staying so young at this age? Can you share it with us, sir?"
"Let me finish what I was sharing with the students for now." Saying this, he got up from his seat.
"Sir, your book, receipt, only nine hundred and ninety..."
"Sorry, leave alone nine hundred rupees; I don't even have a hundred rupees left. Let me tell you what we have: even this month, none of us has received our salaries. The water level has been rising due to flooding, even though the rain has stopped. It has been impossible to contact the treasury, even though the bills were prepared and left here for about a week. When I finally thought I could go, I took the bills and handed them in. It's not just us; many other institutions are in the same situation. We hope to receive a response within one or two days.
Sankaran Nair dusted off the two books that were on the shelf and placed them near them.
"Here are the two gifts given to me this year by young people like you as part of my studies; the same valuable book you have in your hands."
If you have any doubts, let's consider it another way. I paid four hundred ninety-nine and nine hundred ninety-nine in cash. I also received the receipt. I had the money to pay both times. Now you can take both, absolutely free. It doesn't serve any purpose if it's just sitting here.
Nair hurriedly walked to class, not even stopping to see what their reaction would be, as they were still bowing their heads.
Many of us are familiar with the Pandava brothers and their wife, Draupadi. We might also recognise Bhima’s wife, Hidimba, and Arjuna’s wife, Subhadra, who is the mother of the ill-fated Abhimanyu. However, have we ever thought about whether Duryodhana, the Kaurava prince, was married and had a wife?
Bhanumati is the daughter of Bhagadatta, the king of Pragjyotishya. She was incredibly beautiful, captivating, intelligent, and powerful. Tales of her beauty and strength were legendary. Her beauty, intellect, and virtues cast a bewitching allure that attracted suitors from far-flung realms. However, it was the valorous Prince Duryodhana who, through his prowess showcased in a swayamvara, emerged triumphant in claiming her hand in matrimony, though powerful kings like Jarasandha, Shishupala, Rukmi, Vakra and Karna were present at the venue.
It is said that when Bhanumati, accompanied by her maids and bodyguards, entered the court with a garland in her hand and passed by each king one by one, she also passed by Duryodhana. Duryodhana wanted Bhanumati to put the garland on him, but that did not happen. Bhanumati moved ahead of Duryodhana. Enraged, Duryodhana immediately snatched the garland from Bhanumati's hand and put it around his own neck. Seeing this scene, all the kings drew their swords.
In such a situation, Duryodhana took Bhanumati's hand and, leading her out of the palace, told all the warriors, "Defeat Karna and come to me." In other words, he challenged all the warriors to a duel with Karna, his best friend, who defeated them all. However, Karna's battle with the mighty Jarasandha lasted for a long time, and he finally won over him.
Thus, Duryodhana forcibly married Bhanumati. After bringing Bhanumati to Hastinapur, Duryodhana justified his decision by pointing out that Bhishma Pitamah had also abducted Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika for his half-brothers. Based on this logic, Bhanumati agreed, and the two married. They had two children, a son named Lakshmana, who was killed in battle by Abhimanyu, and a daughter named Charumati, who married Samba, Krishna's son with Jambavati.
While Bhanumati’s appearances in the Mahabharata may be fleeting, her presence leaves an indelible imprint upon the narrative’s fabric. Her significance predominantly emanates from her connection with Duryodhana, a central figure in the epic’s unfolding drama. Throughout the epic, Bhanumati’s love and unwavering loyalty toward her husband shine resplendently, even in the face of the most daunting adversities. Despite her keen awareness of her husband’s imperfections and the inevitable repercussions of his actions, she remains steadfastly by his side, an unflinching pillar of support.
One or two instances mentioning Bhanumathi in this great epic are significant.
Gandhari recounts in the Sati Parva that Bhanumati would playfully wrestle with Duryodhana, often losing to him.
It is said that Bhanumati had developed a good relationship with Karna. They lived like friends. Their friendship was renowned. Karna and Duryodhana's wife, Bhanumati, were once playing a game of chess. Bhanumati was losing, and Karna was delighted. Just then, Bhanumati saw Duryodhana approaching, and she suddenly abandoned the game and got up. Karna was unaware of Duryodhana's arrival, so when Bhanumati tried to get up, Karna grabbed her pallu and wanted to make her sit down.
This sudden action tore Bhanumati's pallu, scattering all her pearls. Just then, Karna saw Duryodhana approaching. Both were overcome with shame and feared what Duryodhana would think. When Duryodhana approached, neither could meet his gaze. Duryodhana laughed and asked, "Will you let the pearls remain scattered, or should I help you gather them?".
Both his wife and his best friend had misjudged his reaction to the perceived situation. Duryodhana had a lot of implicit trust and faith in both his queen and his best friend. Not for one split second did he suspect either of them of doing anything wrong. Such was his faith in his wife and friend.
The aftermath of the Kurukshetra War subjects Bhanumati to profound grief and sorrow. Bhanumati was deeply saddened by the deaths of Duryodhana and his son Lakshmana.
The war culminates in Duryodhana’s defeat and the demise of numerous beloved figures. In the face of her profound anguish, Bhanumati unveils her inner fortitude and unwavering resolve by persisting in her steadfast support for her husband, even amidst his darkest hours.
While not much more is known about her, some versions of the Mahabharata state that Bhanumathi was one person who raised severe objections to Draupadi’s treatment after the game of dice, when Duhshasana tried to disrobe her in the Kaurava court. Legend has it that Draupadi’s temper was ferocious, and fearing that this foul temper of hers would cause immediate destruction to Duryodhana and his brothers, Bhanumathi is said to have come running to Draupadi’s aid and requested Duryodhana to stop the humiliation being meted out to her.
While her appearances within the epic may be sparse, Bhanumati’s character etches an enduring legacy, reminding us of the transformative power of love and the latent strength residing within us all. Through her unwavering support of Duryodhana, she offers timeless lessons that we can easily apply to our lives, encouraging us to stand firm with our loved ones during adversity and face life's challenges with grace and courage.
Every year on November 7, India celebrates the birth anniversary of Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, widely known as C.V. Raman, one of the country’s most distinguished physicists. Born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, to Chandrasakhara Iyer and Parvathi Ammal, C.V. Raman’s contributions to science, particularly in the field of physics, have earned him a place among the world’s greatest scientific minds. His discovery of the Raman Effect, which describes the change in wavelength of light that occurs when molecules deflect it, won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930—the first Asian to receive this honour in Science.
Raman’s journey in science began at a young age. Coming from a family that valued education, he was an exceptional student with a keen interest in science and mathematics. His father was a teacher, which fostered an environment of learning and curiosity. Raman, a child prodigy, completed his matriculation at 11 and earned a gold medal in physics during his bachelor’s degree at Presidency College, Madras. He completing his MA in physics in 1907. Despite his achievements, Raman’s path to scientific success was not without struggles.
In early 20th-century India, opportunities in scientific research were limited, and funding was scarce. Raman scored in first Rank in ICS and later joined the Indian Finance Service in Calcutta (Kolkata) as an Assistant Accountant General. Despite the demands of his job, Raman’s passion for science was unwavering. He conducted research at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) during his spare time, often working late into the night. His determination paid off, as his work on acoustics and optics began to gain attention in the scientific community.
In 1917, Raman was offered a professorship at the University of Calcutta, allowing him to leave his government job and focus on scientific research. This transition marked a pivotal point in his career, leading to groundbreaking discoveries in the field of light scattering. Raman’s work was innovative and daring, as he ventured into areas of physics that were largely unexplored.
In 1928, while studying the scattering of light, Raman made a discovery that would change the course of physics—the Raman Effect. This phenomenon revealed that when light passes through a transparent material, a small fraction of the light emerges in a different direction with a different wavelength. This discovery provided new insights into molecular and atomic structure, laying the foundation for advancements in various scientific fields. In 1930, Raman became the first Indian to win the Nobel Prize in Physics, bringing immense pride to generations of Indian scientists and laying the groundwork for India’s scientific research institutions.
CV Raman’s life is a testament to curiosity, dedication, and the transformative power of scientific inquiry. From his early fascination with light and sound to the groundbreaking discovery of the Raman Effect, he consistently pushed the boundaries of knowledge and inspired generations of scientists. His contributions extended beyond individual research; through his leadership at institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science, the founding of the Indian Academy of Sciences, and the Raman Research Institute, he helped establish a strong research culture in India.
The impact of his work continues to resonate globally. Raman spectroscopy, derived from his discovery, is an indispensable tool in chemistry, biology, material science, and medicine, influencing research and practical daily life applications. In India, his legacy is celebrated annually on National Science Day, inspiring students to embrace scientific curiosity and innovation.
Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman died, aged 82, of heart disease on November 21, 1970, in Bangalore, India.
Recognition and Awards :
Nobel Prize in Physics (1930):In 1930, C.V. Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physicsfor his research on light scattering, which led to the development of the Raman Effect. The Nobel Committee acknowledged his exceptional contribution to understanding molecular interactions with light.
Fellow of the Royal Society (1924):In 1924, the scientific community elected Raman as a Fellow, acknowledging his significant contributions to experimental physics.
Knighthood (1929):He was knighted in 1929, becoming Sir C.V. Raman, in honor of his outstanding achievements in physics and his service to science.
Bharat Ratna (1954): V. Raman was bestowed with India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1954 for his unparalleled scientific contributions.
Lenin Peace Prize (1958):In 1958, Raman received the International Lenin Peace Prize for promoting international peace and collaboration through scientific research.
Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (1928):In 1928, the scientific world highlighted Raman’s status by selecting him as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Franklin Institute Medal (1941):He received the Franklin Institute Medal in Physics in 1941, adding to the prestigious honors acknowledging his scientific achievements.
( This article will not be complete unless we read some of the great scientists Quotes on various occasions )
Some Inspiring C V Raman Quotes
“I am the master of my failure. If I never fail, how will I ever learn?”
“It was poverty and the poor laboratories that gave me the determination to do the very best I could.”
“You can’t always choose who comes into your life, but you can learn what lesson they teach.”
“Ask the right questions, and nature will open the door to her secrets.”
“Success can come to you by courageous devotion to the task lying in front of you.”
“If someone judges you, they are wasting space in their mind. Best part, it’s their problem.”
“The essence of the scientific spirit is to realise what a wonderful world it is that we live in.”
“The true wealth of a nation consists not in the stored-up gold but in the intellectual and physical strength of its people.”
“It is not that idealism of student days finds adequate opportunity for expression in the later life of manhood.”
10 “The essence of Science is independent thinking, hard work, and not equipment. When I got my Nobel Prize, I had spent hardly 200 rupees on my equipment.”
CV Raman Quotes on Science
1. The essence of science is independent thinking, hard work, and not equipment. When I got my Nobel Prize, I had spent hardly 200 rupees on my equipment.
2. The whole edifice of modern physics is built up on the fundamental hypothesis of the atomic or molecular constitution of matter.
3. I feel it is unnatural and immoral to try to teach science to children in a foreign language. They will know facts, but they will miss the spirit.
4. I strongly believe that fundamental science cannot be driven by instructional, industrial, government or military pressures.
5. The essence of the scientific spirit is to realise what a wonderful world it is that we live in.
6. The three-pronged approach of curiosity, imagination, and persistence is the key to scientific discovery.
7. The beauty of science lies in its ability to unravel the mysteries of the universe.
8. It is not enough to see beauty; one must also understand the scientific principles behind it.
9. Science is a source of endless possibilities; it all depends on our willingness to explore and experiment.
10. The best scientists are those who believe in the potential of their ideas, even when the world doubts them.
11. We must teach science in the mother tongue. Otherwise, science will become a highbrow activity.
12. In the history of science, we often find that the study of some natural phenomenon has been the starting point in the development of a new branch of knowledge.
13. I feel it is unnatural and immoral to try to teach science to children in a foreign language. They will know facts, but they will miss the spirit.
14. Science is a continuous journey; there is always something new and exciting to discover.
15. The essence of science is curiosity, the desire to understand the world around us.
16. Science is the key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe, one question at a time.
CV Raman Quotes on Education
CV Raman established and supported the Indian Institute of Science. He also served as a professor at the University. His quotes are inspiring the young scientists to discover something unique and contribute to the field of science.
1. I am the master of my failure. If I never fail, how will I ever learn?
2. I would like to tell the young men and women before me not to lose hope and courage. Success can only come to you by courageous devotion to the task lying in front of you.
3. You can’t always choose who comes into your life, but you can learn what lesson they teach you Success can come to you by courageous Devotion to the task lying in front of you.
4. If someone judges you, they are wasting space in their mind. The best part is it’s their problem.
5. It was poverty and the poor laboratories that gave me the determination to do the very best I could.
6. Ask the right questions, and nature will open the door to her secrets.
7. The true wealth of a nation consists not in the stored-up gold but in the intellectual and physical strength of its people.
8. It is not that the idealism of student days finds adequate opportunity for expression in the later life of manhood.
9. True knowledge is gained not through rote learning, but through curiosity and the desire to explore.
10. Science should not be confined to the four walls of a laboratory, but should seep into all aspects of our lives.
CV Raman Quotes for Students
1. Ask the right questions, and nature will open the doors to her secrets.
2. There is no Heaven, no Swarga, no Hell, no rebirth, no reincarnation and no immortality. The only true thing is that a man is born, he lives and he dies. Therefore, he should live his life properly.
3. Science is a language that transcends boundaries; it is a universal tool for understanding the world.
4. Great ideas are born out of our willingness to challenge the status quo and venture into the unknown.
5. Science is not just about knowledge; it is about the spirit of exploration and the thrill of discovery.
6. Powerful ideas are just in your pocket.
7. Science is not about finding the ‘right’ answers; it is about asking the ‘right’ questions.
8. The best scientists are those who dare to challenge established beliefs and propose new theories.
9. Science is not a destination; it is a journey of continuous learning and growth.
10. Science is not limited to textbooks; it is a living, breathing entity that surrounds us every day.
Life is a mixed world of dualities--good and evil, wealth and poverty, knowledge and ignorance, pleasure and pain, joy and sorrow etc.
The Hindu calendar also reflects natural dualities. A month is divided into two fortnights : Shukla Paksha, the bright fortnight and Krishna Paksha, the dark. Similarly, a year is divided into two periods: Uttarayanam and Dakshinayanam. Uttarayanam extends from the Tamil Month of Thai to Aani (mid-January to mid-July ), while Dakshinayanam spans from Aani to Margazhi ( mid-July to mid-January). Uttarayanam is regarded as a highly auspicious time, symbolizing the Sun's northward journey and associated with spiritual advancement and positive growth.
In line with these divisions, a day is split into three parts- morning, afternoon, and evening. Each period is influenced by one of the three gunas or qualities of nature. The morning is associated with "Sattvika qualities"--purity, calmness and clarity. The afternoon is dominated by "Rajasa qualities", which represent passion. The evening reflects "Tamasa qualities", symbolizing inertia, withdrawal, and rest. The meeting point between the parts of the day are known as " Sandhi". There are three Sandhis in a day: the end of morning and and the beginning of afternoon, the end of afternoon and the beginning of evening, and the end of evening and the beginning of the next morning. Many traditions regard the transitional "Sandhi period" as an ideal time for meditation, worship, and inner reflection.
It is believed that those who pray early in the morning receive blessings and strength that support them through the day. ------------------------------------------------------------------------
* (Copied from 'The Hindu' column : -Faith -discourse by Lanka Sri. Jeyaraj)
Traditional names for restaurants include Arya Bhavan, Bhaktivilasam, Saint Mary's, and Rahmaniya. The ingredients and flavours of the food have remained consistent over the years. However, as ingredients changed and tastes varied, the names of dishes also evolved. The style of hotel signboards has undergone a significant transformation.
Some newer names that emerged include ‘Dhe Puttu’, ‘Food Shala’, ‘Achayan’s Adukkala’, and ‘KCK’s Place’ (meaning Kappa-Chicken-Kanthari, which refers to tapioca, chicken, and green chillies).
In the past, names like "kitchen" and "sweets" were typically limited to their respective contexts, similar to a plain dosa. However, today's Gen Z entrepreneurs believe these names lack appeal and have come up with more imaginative alternatives. Examples include names like ‘Balan Chettante Puttukada,’ ‘Ummachide Vadakkini,’ and ‘Adaminte Chayakkada.’ Individuals who identify as part of Gen Z tend to adopt a secular approach, which may contribute to a more flexible perspective on naming their ventures.
This trend is mirrored in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, as well. Some older establishments include Vaidehi Vilas, Prabita Kitchen, Madurai Pandi Mess, Gowda Mane, Namma Chettiar Veedu, and Hindu Military Hotel. However, the Gen Z crowd has also introduced more modern names, such as Shambhavi’s Restaurant, Mrs Iyengar’s Kitchen, Madurai Idli Kadai, Murugan Idlis, Big Bang, Raspberries, Talaippakatti, Mani’s Dum, Ambur, and Star Biryanis. Additionally, popular spots like Sangeetha, Geetham, Sharavana, Madhuram, and Annapoorna coexist alongside these newer establishments.
Naming is a significant challenge for businesses and products. The main issue lies in language, as it's essential to market the brand effectively to ensure it garners the attention it deserves.
Take, for example, Pillai and Tony, two Gulf repatriates who planned to start a medical shop. They struggled to come up with a name that fit all the Malayalam words they knew, along with the pronunciation sheet. Ultimately, they drew inspiration from their own names, leading to their shop being inaugurated with the signboard name: 'Pills and Tonics'. The rest is history for this town.
Every successful business shares one common element: a strong brand name. A brand name is more than just a label; it forms the foundation of your business identity and creates the first impression with customers while building an emotional connection over time. Before their products reached thousands, their names established recognition, trust, and identity.
It is estimated that there are 7,151 languages spoken by approximately 8.25 billion people worldwide.
Irrespective of their origins and local languages, which is the most common word used in the modern world these days? Any guess?. You will be surprised to know that this word is not even a word. Funny, isn’t it? Well, no more holding the horses. The word is Ok.
“Ok” is a word that did not originate like other English words. In fact, it is not as old as the English language either. There are so many theories about the origin of this word. One theory suggests that "OK" could be an abbreviation for the Greek words "Ola Kala." It means everything is fine. To understand the origins of "OK," we must travel back to the early 19th century. The term first emerged in the United States during a time when humorous abbreviations were a popular linguistic trend. In 1839, the Boston Morning Post published an article using the term “O.K.,” which was an abbreviation for “oll korrect”—a playful misspelling of “all correct.” The term quickly gained traction and began appearing in various newspapers and public discourse.
The adoption of OK was further popularised during the 1840 U.S. Presidential campaign of Martin Van Buren. Van Buren’s supporters used the term as a slogan, referencing his nickname “Old Kinderhook,” derived from his hometown in Kinderhook, New York. This association gave OK a political significance and contributed to its widespread use.
With the invention of the telegraph in the 19th Century, ‘O.K.’ was on the rise. A telegraph machine is a device that transmits messages over long distances using electrical signals. It was the earliest form of long-distance communication. Samuel F. B. Morse, the father of Morse code, popularised it for transferring messages to the public.
The U.S became a global power by the 20th Century, exporting its culture and lifestyle worldwide. Subsequently, “O.K.” was also exported. Soon, this became one of the earliest English words that non-English speakers used. “O.K.” forayed well into the digital age, with texting, email and social media. Variations of the said word also emerged. “K”, “Okay” and “Oki” were common takes on the traditional word. The word also became “emoji-fied” (if that’s a word) with an emoji of the index finger and thumb together and the other three fingers sticking out.
One of the reasons for OK’s enduring popularity is its versatility. Depending on the context, "OK" can convey a wide range of meanings, from agreement and approval to indifference, reassurance, or acceptance
Below are some examples of the primary ways OK is used:
Agreement - Ok, I’ll join you for dinner.
Approval - Your project looks OK to me
Assurance - It's OK; everything will be fine.
Indifference - OK, do whatever you like
Confirmation - OK, let’s finalise the plan
Acceptance - The food was ok, nothing special.
Average - Her performance was ok, but she could
do better.
Not exceptional - The movie was OK, but I expected more.
Sufficient - I felt OK after the workout, a little tired but
fine.
Suggestion - The Hotel was OK, but I'd prefer
something better next time.
Affirmation - I gave her the OK to proceed with the
project.
Processing - Once we have taken the OK from the client, we can move forward.
"O.K.” is almost 188 years old now. Its simplicity, adaptability and understandability have helped it survive over the years. It is proof of how small words can have a major impact. It is expected to keep evolving, but it will never disappear.
