Happy New Year 2017!

Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous New Year 2017!

Interesting Documentary on Mathematics

Mathematics is everywhere around us and influences us in each and every aspect of our daily lives, but somehow , in these days , we have left behind basic mathematics. How I miss school math! Felt refreshed after watching the documentary.

Space Oddity

One of my favourite songs that is so refreshing. And an astronaut singing this makes it more special

Ground Control to Major Tom
Ground Control to Major Tom
Take your protein pills
and put your helmet on

Ground Control to Major Tom
Commencing countdown,
engines on
Check ignition
and may God's love be with you

[spoken]
Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five, Four, Three, Two, One, Liftoff

This is Ground Control
to Major Tom
You've really made the grade
And the papers want to know whose shirts you wear
Now it's time to leave the capsule
if you dare

This is Major Tom to Ground Control
I'm stepping through the door
And I'm floating
in a most peculiar way
And the stars look very different today

For here
Am I sitting in a tin can
Far above the world
Planet Earth is blue
And there's nothing I can do

Though I'm past
one hundred thousand miles
I'm feeling very still
And I think my spaceship knows which way to go
Tell my wife I love her very much
she knows

Ground Control to Major Tom
Your circuit's dead,
there's something wrong
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you....

Here am I floating
round my tin can
Far above the Moon
Planet Earth is blue
And there's nothing I can do.

USA Photodiary

The above is one of my earliest photos of New York Skyline from NJ transit on my way from Middletown to New York Penn. Will take more pictures, once winter begins.

Earth Live

Found this interesting live video of Earth from ISS.

Teacher's Journey Blogpost

“Amma.. I am back”, Raghavan’s voice echoed from the Varendah. Mother looked at the direction and again continued her prayers, this time  ringing a little bell across the image of Lord Krishna. 

Raghavan removed his shoes and came inside. Iyengar told him about the envelop. His heart missed a beat. “Where is it?” he asked anxiously. “As usual, your mother has kept it at the Lord’s feet. He said. “Oh then I cant see it untill the pooja is over?” he sighed. 

He tried to enter the Pooja mandir. 

Mother looked at him seriously and made a sign of  pouring water on his head. “Oh, have to bath and fresh up..” He thought. ‘Anyways her Pooja will be over by the time I have my bath.”

After 10 minutes, he arrived at the Pooja mandir, looking fresh. Mother applied a little holy ash on his forehead and a pinch of turmeric on his ‘Adam’s apple’. Then she made him chant Krishna’s names 10 times, gave him prasad and holy water to sip.

Iyengar came as well. ‘Perumal, hope everything is good this time..’ he said. She slowly opened the cover, as Raghavan’s anxiety levels increased. His father’s BP increased as well, he pulled out the tablet strip and swallowed a pill with a gulp of holy water.

“Congrats..!! Thank you Perumal!!”  Their voices made resounding effect in the entire mansion. 

‘Dear RaghavanJi

Namasakar and Greetings from Vivekananda trust

Based on your effort in the interview,  you have been selected for our mission. The details will be provided in person. Please meet us at 10:00 AM on 25th April 1987 at the below address:

2-4-26

Natesan Street

Looking forward for a wonderful career ahead.

With warm regards,
Vivekananda Trust

Teacher's Journey-A week later

A week later:

“Post, post “ The postman’s voice echoes across the Varendah.  Raghavan’s father, Ramanuja Iyengar was sitting in his folding chair, sipping morning coffee, and reading newspaper at the same time. The radio was playing Vividabharati in the background.

“ Ennanga.. Postman vantuviṭṭatu.. Parkka” He heard his wife from inside.

“Yeah I heard.. “ He said getting up from his chair. He placed his near empty cup on the desk and put the newspaper on the wooden rack above the desk, folding it carefully. He opened the door. There was the postman Ramanappa (reminding him of Thanappa, the classic from RK Narayan’s Malgudi days). 

“Vanakkam sir, looks to be some good news. Its addressed to your son” said Ramanappa, handing him over an envelope. 

“Oh.. I hope so this time.. Its the 10th time that he has received a letter. He has gone for morning walk now.” said Iyengar. 

“ No problem sir you can sign on his behalf.” said  Ramanappa handing him over a sheet. 

Iyengar signed against his son’s name and handed the sheet back.

“All the best sir” said Ramanappa and got back on his TVS moped to deliver rest of the posts. 

Iyengar went inside anxiously. He wife was at the Pooja, offering morning prayers. He waved the letter at her, while she was chanting the mantras. She nodded and signed him to keep the letter near the table. He put it on the table. She took the envelop and put a little turmeric and placed it at Lord Krishna’s feet, still chanting the mantras.