Why Diversity is Important

 Generally, it brings new perspectives, and learning which you cannot get any other way. Also makes life less boring.

One way I made life interesting for myself is by working in all corners- and centre- of India, from Lucknow to Calicut and Bangalore to Indore. A senior friend once told me I wouldn't survive North of the Vindhyas. But I did survive for a limited period- actually a long time in Indore.

All universities must strive for diversity in their constituents- students, faculty and administrators. This difference is striking when you compare an average American University with an Indian one. I learnt by interacting with Chinese, Nigerian, Iranian, Turkish and Portuguese classmates during my Ph.D., in addition to American students.

Also, in my American workplace later, I had a Venezuelan colleague, as also a Korean, in a faculty of size 12.

It would be a nice goal to have a gender diversity goal, in addition to other kinds- regional, ethnic, religious etc. in any cohort of students, if possible. It makes classes engaging through peer learning too.

I have also been to conferences that had multiple nationalities participating- Sri Lankans, Bangladeshis, New Zealanders, Canadians, Vietnamese, Australians and so on. Sometimes held in Singapore, or Japan, or Sri Lanka, or Vietnam.

 

Interfaith Dialogue - An Online Course by JIS University

 We launched this unique Online Program today. Will run from Sept. till Jan 2026, twice a week. Free, online. We had representatives from the Bramho Samaj of Raja Rammohan Roy, ISKCON, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism, apart from Belur Math of Ramakrishna Paramhans, whose disciple Swami Vivekananda was. Pics from the launch event held at Austin Tower campus, New Town-

Places I Have Visited - A to Z

 I will mix up countries and Cities/Towns.

A- Amsterdam

B- Belgium

C- Cambodia

D- Detroit

E- El Paso, texas

F-France

G- Germany

H- Holland

I- Italy

J- Japan

K- Kitty Hawk, North Carolina (Wright Bros.' first flight)

L- Los Angeles, California

M- Malaysia

N- Negombo

O- Orlando, Florida

P- Phoenix, Arizona

Q- Quepem, goa

R- Richmond, Virginia

S- Sri Lanka

T- Thailand

U- Ubud, Bali

V- Venice

W- Washington, D.C.

X- Xanadu, a mythical place I first found in Mandrake comics

Y- Yellowstone National Park
Z- Zurich

Teachers' Day at JIS University

 For some reason, each department does their own celebration- making it tough for me to attend all. Anyway, what I saw at the Law and Computer Science depts. was good. Creative impersonation of faculty - many of them, and dances and songs were the highlights. One shayari performance too. We enjoyed it. Pics-

With Samrendra, a student, and the Dean of Engineering.

Performers -included a Mouth Organ player!

Dance, and below, an imitation of the HoD by Rajshree of Comp. Science! He was right there!

Labani Bannerjee-a student from the Law Dept. sings

Chat masala Guest Episode with Suhita Thatte

 She's a an actress with substance. We chat about Suhita Thatte's entry into theatre, then films, serials and so on.. the link here-

https://youtu.be/4149WlsrnHM

Woodburns - An Interesting Blend

 Not sure how old it is, but I just got introduced. It's a whisky, with some a strong peaty taste.

I have been a fan of peated Single Malts for a while now, but this is a blended whisky, not a Single Malt. I guess it's also mostly a grain whisky, but aging in charred oak barrels makes a difference, and it's also totally indigenous.

All in all, a real value for money bottle at Rs. 2200 in Kolkata.

Another blend I really like for its smoothness is Royal Ranthambore. Different taste, not peaty, but nice.

Also pretty reasonably priced. Around 1900 in Kolkata.

Old Age Pastimes

 How do you spend time when you get old and less mobile?

Some of the activities you were used to including going out, may be difficult. So how do you pass your time?

Here are some idle thoughts-

Read. You can re-read books that you may have read long before. Including favourite authors. The newspaper delivers something new every day, and keeps you abreast of what is happening.

Talk to people- on phone, or in person. They may be your friends, family or whoever. Once in a day or two. Make a video  call on Meet, or Zoom with your kids if they live elsewhere.

Listen to the radio. It's great for listening to any songs you like. Or buy a Carvaan type device with a lot of stored songs.

Walk around, either in your housing society garden, or any other suitable space where it is safe.

TV? I would not recommend it. Maybe watch a movie on Youtube or an OTT channel. That is usually more satisfying.

If you are actually mobile, you have more options, like volunteering, guest lecturing or other ways to occupy yourself.