FORGE AHEAD

Once, a well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a two thousand rupee note.

In the room of about a hundred, he asked: “Who would like this note?”

All participants raised their hands.

He then said: “I shall give this two thousand rupee note to one of you, but first let me do this.”

He went on to badly crumple the valuable note, and asked: “Who still wants this?”

All hands were again, up in the air.

“Well”, he replied: “What if I do this?”

He crumpled it further and threw down the note on the ground.

After that he picked up the note.

It was all crumpled and dirty.

He asked, “Now who still wants this?”

Again, most hands went into the air.

“My friends”, the man explained, “You have today learned a valuable lesson. See, no matter what I did to the note, you still wanted it. This is essentially because it has not decreased in value. It is still worth a thousand rupees!”

On many occasions we are held back by the tangled web of emotional barriers like previous failures, wrong commitments, and so on.

This prevents us from being our genuine selves.

It also affects our thoughts and feelings.

In a way, we may get lost, crumpled, and grounded into the dirt because of the incorrect decisions we make, and the adverse circumstances that come our way. A feeling that we are worthless may also sometimes arise in us.

The two thousand-rupee note story can remind us of one important thing. No matter what happens, we will never lose our real value. Let each of us start our lives afresh.

Not just on the first day of January 2022, but on every single day of the year. This is because every day is a new day filled with blessings.

Each day presents us with new opportunities as well as challenges.

And we are freshly reborn into it.

As the Buddha observed, “Each morning we are born again. What we do today, is what matters most.”

Wish you a Happy New Year!

STORY OF PORCUPINES

 Putting up with imperfections

It was the coldest winter ever. 

Many animals were catching their death of cold. 

The porcupines, realising the situation, decided to group together to keep themselves warm.

In this way, they protected themselves; but the sharp quills of each one wounded its closest companion. 

After a while, they decided to distance themselves from one another. 

But being alone and freezing, they soon realised that they would not weather weather the season. 

Now they had to make a choice: either accept the pain from the quills of their companions, or die out. 

Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. 

They learned to live with the little wounds caused by the close relationship with their companions, receiving the heat that came from the others. 

In this way they were able to survive.

The above anecdote can serve as an eye-opener for us. 

We stand at the threshold of a new year. We don’t know what things, experiences and situations are going to unfold before us this year. 

Some may be pleasant and some may not. The fable of the porcupines tells us that the best relationship is not the one that brings together the perfect. 

But when we learn to tolerate the shortcomings of others, we get to benefit from their good qualities. 

This makes the relationship lasting. In this new year let us try to look at the positive side of everything. So the year would have many things to offer to us.

Wish you all a Happy and Successful New Year.

SOLAR ENERGY

 Solar Energy

The world is constantly developing and to fuel that development, we need energy. Currently, the primary types of energy we use are non-renewable, such as fossil fuels like coal. In addition to being nin-renewable, they are also detrimental to the environment as they release greenhouse gases that destroy the ozone layer. We need to find solutions to meet the needs of our continuously advancing society. One such energy that has emerged as a frontrunner in recent years is solar power. Solar power is power generated directly from sunlight. Solar power is used for heat energy or converted into electric energy.

History: Evidence from ancient civilisations that date back to the 7^th century shows that they used solar energy and glass to light fires. While this is a million miles from turning solar energy into electricity, it shows that we have long had a fascination for the sun and its power. Homes and bathhouses that were heated by solar energy were strategically placed so that the rays from the sun could heat the water or water tanks. In 1839, scientist Edmond Becquerel made significant strides in solar panel research and by 1883, the first solar cell was produced. By 1970, these inventions were used to power water heaters. By 1991, engineers began to develop silicon cells and these were soon commercialised for domestic and industrial use.

How is solar energy created?: Solar energy is converted into electricity with the help of solar panels. Each panel has a layer of silicon cells, a metal frame and a glass casing surrounded by a special film. The panels are grouped into arrays and placed on rooftops or in large outdoor spaces. The solar cells, also called photovoltaic cells, absorb sunlight during daylight hours. Each solar cell has a thin semiconductor wafer made from two silicon layers, where one layer is positively charged, the other is negatively charged and together they form an electric field. When light energy from the sun strikes a photovoltaic solar cell, it energises the cell and causes electrons to ‘come loose’ from atoms within the semiconductor wafer. Those loose electrons are set into motion by the electric field surrounding the wafer and this motion creates an electrical current. The electricity generated is called direct current or DC electricity, which is not the type that powers most homes. Fortunately, DC electricity can easily be changed into alternating current or AC electricity by an inverter.

In modern solar panels, inverters can be configured as one inverter for the entire system or as individual microinverters attached to every panel. Once the solar energy has been converted from DC to AC electricity, it runs through electrical panels and is distributed within a house or factory to power appliances and machines. Once into the system, it works the same way as the electrical power generated by an electric utility company. Since the system remains connected to the traditional power company, one can automatically draw additional electricity from the main frame to supplement shortages from the solar panels.

Applications: Solar energy has several applications. One of the most common applications is solar water heating. A solar water heating unit comprises a blackened flat plate metal collector with an associated metal tubing that faces the sun’s direction. The plate collector has a transparent glass cover above a thermal insulation layer beneath it. A pipe connects a metal tubing of the collector to an insulated tank that stores water. The collector absorbs solar radiation and transfers the heat to the water circulating through the tubing either by gravity or a pump. The next common application is solar heating of buildings, which is done by solar radiators or collectors. Solar distillation is also used in arid semi coastal areas, where potable water is scarce. The abundant sunlight in these areas is used to convert saline water into potable distilled water and then via solar pumping, the water is pumped for irrigation.

Advantages: Solar energy reduces our dependence on fossil fuels. In the long term, it is cheaper than paying for electricity. Solar panels do not require much maintenance. Jobs are created for people who install solar panels. It also provides the ability to live grid-free if power requirements are met.

Disadvantages: The initial cost of installing solar panels is quite high. Also the panels require a lot of space and on cloudy days, the same amount of energy will not be produced.

WHAT IS ALGORITHM?

 What is Algorithm?

An algorithm is a set of rules or instructions used in calculations and problem-solving operations.

Algorithm dates back to 300 BC when their inscriptions were found on Babylonian clay tablets.

They were originally marking schemes which the common people used to keep track of their cattle and stocks of grain.

The name algorithm comes from the name of Persian Mathematician Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, who wrote a book on Hindu-Arabic numerals. The Arabic work was translated into Latin as Algoritmi de numero Indorum and later into English, Concerning the Hindu art of Reckoning.

Algorithms became a significant part of mathematics, laying the foundation for the algebra of logic, variables in calculations, greatest common divisor, approximation of Pi, prime numbers etc.

The modern algorithm is a sequence of steps laid down to fulfill a particular task.

British mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing, worked out how a machine could follow algorithmic instructions and solve complex mathematical problems.

Thus began the computer age.

Now algorithms are used in all major applications in information technology, navigation (GPS), shopping, internet searches etc.

The first person to use the term ‘algorithm’ was Adelard de Bath, a 12^th century English philosopher who translated Khwarizmi’s works.

A VALUE DRIVEN LEADER

Ratan Tata

“The greatest pleasure I’ve had is trying to do something which everybody says ‘could not have been done”

~ Ratan Tata

When you and I ask a question, ‘why?’ he would ask ‘why not?’ That’s exactly how he proved himself by manufacturing the world’s smallest and cheapest car, The Tata Nano, for the Indian market in 2009. He is none other than Ratan Tata, a prominent Indian industrialist and one of the most successful business tycoons in the world who singlehandedly took the Tata Group to global heights.

On 28 December 1937, Ratan Tata was born into Tata family, one of the wealthiest families in Bombay(Mumbai), India. His parents Naval and Sonoo divorced when he was ten years old, and he was raised by his grandmother. Ratan did his schooling at Campion School, Cathedral and John Cannon School in Mumbai, and also studied at Bishop Cotton School in Shimla. For further studies, he went to New York’s Cornell University in 1962, and later earned a management degree from Harvard University.

On returning from America, Ratan started working as an apprentice at Tata Steel Division, labouring alongside blue-collar workers, shovelling stones and working with the furnaces. In 1971, he was named Director-in-Charge of the National Radio and Electronics Company Limited (NELCO) which was in desperate need of resuscitation, and he successfully turned it around.

Ratan took over the leadership of Tata Group in 1990, ushering in a slew of reforms to modernise the group’s business operations in order to compete successfully in the new era. He had to face a lot of opposition from other top Tata executives but he boldly face them without succumbing to them.

“Take the stones people throw at you. And use them to build a monument,” said Tata.

Under Tata’s supervision, Tata Consultancy Services became more established, and the group acquired multiple overseas brands to expand its reach. He merged all the Tata enterprises, purchased numerous companies, notably Tetley and Jaguar-Land Rover, and listed Tata Motors on the New York Stock Exchange, bringing the company international recognition. He created new benchmarks for the company’s success and the revenue grew over 40 times while its profits grew over 50 times. Today there are 95 brands operating under the Tata umbrella, some of which are world-renowned.

Ratan Tata has been an excellent leader, with sharp decisiveness, fairness, enthusiasm and integrity. He is a man of ideologies, ethics and values. He is involved in numerous philanthropic activities providing quality life and education in rural India. He donates 65% of his money to charitable causes. His love for animals, especially adopting stray dogs, is much appreciated. 

A recipient of both the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan, even at the age of 84, Ratan Tata continues to inspire many young people to become entrepreneurs. A lot can be learned from his foresightedness which welcomes new ventures, potential technologies and a value-driven life which puts a human face before commercial gains.

MEET THE SCIENTIST

 

Louis Pasteur

Occupation: Chemist and microbiologist

Born: December 27, 1822 in Dole, France

Died: September 28, 1895 in Marnes-la-Coquette, France

Best known for: The discovery of vaccinations, pasteurization, and proving that germs cause disease.

 

Biography:
Early Life
Louis Pasteur was born in Dole, France on December 27, 1822. His family was poor and during his early education he was an average student who enjoyed art and singing. However, when Louis was exposed to science as a teenager, he knew he had found his calling.

College and Career

In 1838, Louis went to college to become a science teacher. He earned degrees in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. He then became a chemistry professor at the University of Strasbourg.
While at the University he fell in love with the daughter of the university's rector, Marie Laurent. He and Marie married in 1849. They had five children, however, three died young from typhoid fever. It was the deaths of his children that drove Louis to investigate infectious diseases in order to find a cure.

Scientific Discoveries

Bacteria and Germ Theory

During Pasteur's time, people believed that microbes such as bacteria appeared due to "spontaneous generation." They thought that the bacteria just appeared out of nowhere. Pasteur ran experiments to see if this was true. Through his experiments he proved that germs (i.e. bacteria) were living things that came from other living things. They didn't just spontaneously appear. This was a major discovery in the study of biology and earned Pasteur the nickname the "Father of Germ Theory."
Pasteurization
Pasteur used his knowledge of germs to investigate how beverages such as wine and milk were spoiled by microbes such as bacteria and molds. He found that heating up the liquids would kill most of the microbes and allow the beverages to last longer and be safer to drink. This process became known as pasteurization and is still done on many foods such as milk, vinegar, wines, cheese, and juices.
Silk Worms
As Pasteur learned more and more about bacteria, he began to think they may be the cause of disease in humans. When the French silk market was threatened by a disease to silkworms, Pasteur decided to investigate. He discovered that this disease was caused by microbes. By eliminating the microbes from the silkworm farms, he was able to end the disease and save the French silk business.
Vaccinations
Pasteur continued to investigate with diseases. He found that he could make a weak form of a disease that would cause people to become immune to the stronger form of the disease. He called this weak form a "vaccine." He first discovered this by working with cattle on the disease anthrax. The first vaccine he gave to a human was the rabies vaccine. He administered it to a nine year old boy name Joseph Meister in 1885.

Legacy
Today Louis Pasteur is known as one of the most important scientists in history. His discoveries led to an understanding of microbes and diseases that has helped to save millions and millions of lives.
Pasteur is most remembered by the Pasteur Institute which he established in 1887. Today the Pasteur Institute is one of the world leaders in battling infectious diseases.
Louis Pasteur died in 1895 from a stroke. He was buried in the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France.

Interesting Facts about Louis Pasteur

Early on in his career Pasteur studied crystals and discovered why some crystals bend light while others do not.

He was a deeply religious Christian throughout his life.

Pasteur's ideas on micro-organisms causing disease eventually led to the boiling of surgical instruments helping to prevent infections and causing many people to survive surgery.

He once said that "In the field of observation, chance favours the prepared mind."

 

THE OPEN HAND

 The Open Hand

A man once requested the Zen teacher Mokusen Hiki to cure his wife of her stinginess.

Mokusen went to the man’s house and when the man’s wife came before him, he showed her his fist.

“Suppose my hands were always like this, what would you call it?” he asked.

“Deformed,” said the woman.

Mokusen then opened his hand flat.

“And suppose it was always like this?”

“Deformed,” said the woman.

“If you understand this much, you are a good wife,” said Mokusen and left.

The woman realized that the master had been trying to tell her that it was necessary to be both generous and thrifty.

She thus changed her ways.