What I Like About Countries

 The food, and foot massage.. in Thailand.

The Ha Long Bay, in Vietnam.. 

The discipline, in Singapore. Also the public transport.

The politeness, and the public baths- Onsens- in Japan.

The language, in Malaysia.

The National Parks, in the USA.

The pretty islands in Greece. And Moussaka, my favourite dish.

Simple, hospitable people in Cambodia.

Greenery in Sri Lanka.

The temples in Bali, Indonesia.

The openness in Holland.

Monuments in Italy. Venice too, though Bezos didn't invite me..

Of course, many things about India.. will list those out separately.

Unique Sights

 There are many around the world. Some that I have been to, and I think are unique-

Lonar crater.. formed due to a crashing meteor, thousands of years ago. In Buldana district, near Amravati. 

Mount Rushmore- four faces carved into a mountain.. Presidents of the U.S.

Ha Long Bay.. unique for limestone peaks jutting out of the bay. Vietnam.

Buddhist temples- many, in Thailand. architecture is unique.

Ladakh- a cold desert, unique in India.

Konark and Khajuraho- unique for their erotic sculptures on a temple wall.

Bali temples- again, unique shapes, open architecture.

Belur-Halebid in Karnataka.. carvings are 3D, and unique. A pic-

Pulicat and Chilika lakes- salt water lakes near the Ocean. 

Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park.

Purpose in Life

 Ok, it is paying taxes if you work.. according to the government. Unless you live in a tax-exempt country. Yes, there are a few. Oil rich ones, usually.

It is buying financial products every day, according to banks which send you mails about them. Or, taking a loan. So you won't feel a-loan- when the collectors visit!

Grocery stores think you are born to eat..

Liquor stores think you are born to drink.

Kids think your purpose is to be like the World Bank- fund the poor and unemployed.

Mosquitoes want you to eat well, so your blood tastes good.

Trump thinks it is to elect him, and hate Elon Musk.. who also helped elect him. 

Jewellery makers think your purpose is to be decked up 24 by 7.

Fake wedding party organisers - not sure!

Meeting of Musical Minds

 Minds and bodies.. it was a physical meet of a music group that I am a part of. In a member's own farm house near Mumbai. Beautiful setting, a karaoke mic, and us 10 enthusiastic people. Phir kya tha? It was non-stop fun with antakshari, singing songs, and lots of eats-our host is also into the catering business! Pics won't do justice, but.. here they are.

Bargad ka ped- vatvruksh..

Beauties- without beasts.

Ok, one beast..

More.. all of us!

Posing..

Cool breeze- Sheetal and I.

Dipti, host, Geeta and DJ Venkat

Misal pav was a delight!

Out on a morning walk..

Action- above and below.

Dipti sings.. well!

Aao twist karen..

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

 Made in JIS is a competition that enables students in teams to propose innovative ideas that can be turned into commercial products, after planning and mentoring through an incubator. We had a competitive evaluation through our faculty, Debmitra Ghosh, who coordinated the event, and a distinguished panel of judges. Ms. Jaspreet Kaur, Director, JIS group is the chief supporter and patron of this event.

We were at the inauguration of the finale, termed the Celeb edition, recently. Some pics- 

Jury members, VC, and Ms. Jaspreet Kaur, along with us Pro VCs. Above.

One of the jury members, being felicitated. Above.

Meeting Tharoor- The Week Ed Conclave

 Not exactly, but I heard him live. If you want an example of how good English (and good looks) can take you far, he is that example. Came on time too, give or take a few.. rare among his ilk.

Anyway, the occasion was The Week's Education Conclave where students, higher education and so on took centre stage. Pics-

IMT Nagpur Revisited July 2025

 I have a high dose of nostalgia when visiting Nagpur. This time it was a visit to the institute that I really cherish as a workplace. After 2013, I was visiting them for the first time. The roads are now very good, and the drive is a breeze. Met the new director, and my old secretary Archana, in addition to lots of staff and faculty..

With the Director Dr. Rajneesh Chauhan, and external Dr. Mukherjee from MDI, with old colleagues TK Chatterjee, Rajnandan Pattnaik and Subodh Tagare.

At the placement office with Isha and the new team.

Coffee with Colleagues, above, and dinner with two at Tuli International, Sadar.

My old haunt- where we played Golf!