Welcome to my page where I attempt share my little joys!
We face so many ups and downs in life, just like a mountain range. Sometimes, feeling extremely happy, some other times so sad that we want to go hide out of this world, correct?! Well, I have realized that if we come out of our own problem and and look beyond our little cocoon of problems, there is so much we can do in this world! And the purpose? To put a smile on someone's lips everyday :-) I need a couple of things to do that: preserve the little burning lamp of courage in my heart, and give an ear to my heart's passion. Then, I can not only fill my own life with joy, but also try to spread a little joy in life of others :-)
For me, joy comes from research. A research based on foundation of innate curiosity, innovative mind and passion. During a wonderful formative experience while being a school kid in a small "banana" town in India, Nanded, I was presented with an opportunity to represent India at the prestigious International Exhibition for Young Innovators held in Tokyo, Japan in 2004. My project in the exhibition was ‘Low Calorie Biscuits from Banana Peel Pulp’, in which I prepared two types of biscuits with 10% and 20% peel pulp and compared them with biscuits without peel. The product brought laurels from most unexpected quarters, including a patent filed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research on my behalf. Upon returning to India, I was honored to meet Dr. A. P. J. Kalam, the former Indian President, who applauded my work and inspired to pursue innovation and technology in our face to face meet. I wrote a book on the entire experience to motivate fellow students towards innovation, science and technology and the book won the Maharashtra state government literature award in 2008! It added yet another bunch of joy in my life-pot, as I listened to my heart's song of writing.
Learning through experimenting and sharing ideas has also been a vital part for me. With a passion for biomaterials and tissue engineering, I joined the Advanced Therapeutics Laboratory in Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, for my Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, which I successfully completed in 2011. Over the course of my research on “smart” microspheres for sustained and controlled drug delivery, my interest in biomaterials deepened and I developed liking for more research into it. As a result, I joined Prof. Dr. Sherry Harbin's laboratory in Purdue university, West Lafayette, IN, to pursue a Ph.D. research on collagen-based multi-functional biograft materials for tunable molecular delivery. While I was immersed in this exciting research, I was also continuing to fuel my passion for teaching through Teaching Assistantships for graduate courses such as Tissue Engineering and undergraduate laboratory courses such as those offering sophomores hands-on exposure in biomaterials, biomechanics, and cellular transport areas. After completing my PhD, I continued my Post-Doctoral research in biomedical engineering education, focussing on instructional innovation, NSF ICORP project called TeachBox to study barriers faced by Mid-West region engineering educators in teaching engineering; and an NSF-funded grant for studying the professional formation of engineers and enhancing diversity and inclusion within Purdue University, Indiana. I was also involved in projects making engineering accessible to underrepresented high school students in the US as well as India. As I continue my journey in engineering education research and teaching as a faculty at UC Davis Biomedical Engineering Department, I wish to utilize the knowledge and skills for brining out the best in students. This blog-website is just a little effort to share some of my joys with you as I continue to go through a journey that becomes more and more marvelous to explore each day ! Please feel free to browse through and connect with me at [email protected]. Thanks!
-Rucha Joshi, PhD
A golden day to remember...
“ I hope you might have brought your school uniforms with you.”
“What for? I removed it from my bag when you told it was not necessary….and now the trip is also over….We didn’t need it at Japan, then why do you need it now?” a question mark appeared on my countenance, as Seema Gupta madam mentioned about school uniform. Then she spoke. And the rest she spoke, all went tangential to my head…
“ Tomorrow- 3.30 p.m. is the time he gave. We will be heading for Rashtrapati Bhavan at 2.00 p.m. sharp.”
I thought she was joking. Was she insinuating that we had been given apponintment in Rashtrapati Bhavan….by The President….The President of India? Common, Rucha….how could that be….the President giving us an appointment…True- Dr. Kalam loves children…but he is such a busy personality….
Smiling at our stunned expressions, Seemaji declared, “Yes. That’s true. The President has given us the appointment. We thought to make a try before leaving from Delhi, and were surprised to receive positive reply from the Secretary, Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning. So, everybody be ready tomorrow….see you at 1.00 p.m. sharp here….and don’t stuff your tummies before coming here….the President has invited you for snacks as well! So how do you feel?”
Feel? We were flying! Flying in ecstasy! My mind had already climbed the steps of The Rashtrapati Bhavan….I could sense the majestic air inside….the splendorous halls were waiting for us…and there on an ornate throne was seated the Emperor…the Shahanshah….the Badshah of Science….the President of India….His Majesty A. P. J. Kalam!
I came back to reality from my reverie as the van taking us back to our Gurgaon motel blew its horn cacophonously.
2nd September, 2004, 2.30 p.m.
Three vans carrying us 10 teammates, CII – DST officials and our parents followed the route to Rashtrapati Bhavan….The vans came to a halt. Getting down, our whole cavalcade marched through the Rashtrapati Bhavan gate. There, gargantuan security guards were waiting...but they welcomed us with a generous smile. We smiled wanly looking at the size of their body and guns. But they didn’t let us go away from them so soon….we were going to face the security checking done by those stout men. With the help of equipment, they scanned us. Soon came my turn. Suddenly there was a loud ‘bip’ sound startling me. I looked at the face of the guard. He simply turned and asked me if I had any metal object in my pocket. Metal object? Why should I bring any metal object? I groped in my pocket and there it was! The key of my room! I forgot to remove it before standing for checking. I promptly removed it and relieving a sigh of relief marched forward as the guard pointed towards an inside passage.
It was 2.45 by now. Within another half an hour we would be talking face to face with the President….simply 30 more minutes…simply?...each minute was bringing loads of anxiety to us….and we had to be patient for thirty more minutes.
While I was thinking about next moments, all my thoughts halted as we stepped in a magnificent hall. But before we could sense its splendor fully, we were led in another hall. This one was really big…the entrance was so splendid…I thought we were in a palace…golden light rays splashed the beautiful inner decorated wall and picturesque paintings hung from the walls enhancing the elegance of the hall. Neatly arranged chairs were waiting for us. There was a special throne in the front of this seating arrangement. So, the king- the president was going to address us subjects from this throne, I thought.
As soon as my mind started marching back in the palatial epoch, we were called in another hall, which really had surprise waiting for us there. No, Dr. Kalam’s entry comes later, what surprised us was that the president had indeed arranged snacks for all of us. I felt like we were the luckiest persons on the earth, enjoying the snacks offered by Hon. President!
We were taken back to the earlier golden hall after finishing the feast and asked to be seated by the Secretary of the President himself. What I liked in that seating arrangement was that the entire first row facing the President was reserved for us students, the second row for parents accompanying us and the last row for the officials accompanying us. In childhood, it was big fat bellied officers who always sat in the front reserved seats while children kept raising their heads to try and see a bit of stage view from the shoulders of these officers…I felt like showing those officers thumbs down as we sat in the foremost row now!
As we settled in our seats, silence grew. We ten students had started exchanging anxious looks as the hands of clock were staring at us. Suddenly the door moved and the Secretary moved in. All eyes turned towards him as he entered. But he just regretted for keeping us waiting and said we would have to wait another ten minutes before the golden moment. The President was on the way to meet us.
You heard it! The President was finally coming here…in front of us…for a face to face talk…
It was eleventh minute after the secretary had announced. The twelfth started…and…the Secretary reentered, this time with a smile…His smile itself spoke everything and we all stood up, all eyes staring at the door of the hall…There a five feet figure emerged in the company of gargantuan body guards…Alas, he had entered! He – Dr. A. P. J. Kalam, The President of India! I felt like Biguls had started blowing up all over….
He stepped forward, smiled at our stunned faces and requested all to seat down. There was an awful silence in the hall after everybody had taken seat. Dr. Kalam sat in the chair exactly in front of us and smiled again.
“I am going to spend the next forty minutes with you. But we need to distribute the time. Since you are ten students, I will give three minutes to each one of you. We will have questions-and-answers in the remaining time. Ok. Now, start from this end.” He said, pointing towards Kyan who was at extreme right of our row.
Listening to this, I felt as if I had to speak to my grandfather for three minutes! After Kyan, Madhav and Janani explained their project in brief, the mike came in my hand. I was seating on the chair which was exactly in the front of Dr. Kalam. I looked at him, lifted the mike up confidently, and for the rest three minutes, forgetting everything else in the world spoke only with Dr. Kalam. As I finished, he asked me, “ what is the time needed to make the biscuits?” – a question which was never asked to me before! As soon as I had answered that, he was ready with the next question – “ Have you brought the biscuits here for tasting?” I was exulted at the realization that the President himself was ready for tasting my biscuits; but was disappointed as the second realization that the biscuits had all finished in Japan, sprang in my mind. I took that opportunity and invited the President himself to come to Nanded and have them…He smiled at that answer.
Further, he asked, “ Have you applied for its patent?” I told him about the provisional patent being filed on my name by C.S.I.R. He nodded.
Then, keeping track of time, he turned his gaze towards Mookami sitting next to me, and said, “Let us move towards our next speaker now.” Wondering why the hands of clock move so fast, I handed over the mike to Mookami.
Mookami too spoke confidently along with her project partner Janani. The President asked the name of the plant from which they had prepared the herbal formulation to control the growth of larva. When they told him the name in English, he confirmed its name in Tamil. Janani and Mookami were quite exuberated at that and we were stunned to see the vastness of the President’s interest and ken in each field- be it physics, chemistry, mathematics or biology.
It was Sudhanwa’s turn after Mookami and Janani. His project was on toy laser. To explain the President the exact working, he went near Dr. Kalam, keeping the trophy on his chair. Each one of us had brought the trophy we got in Japan, to show to the President. So, while Sudhanwa had gone to explain the project with projectreport in one hand and toy laser in another and trophy lying on chair, we were wondering how he was going to seat back and were afraid if he wouldn’t mess it all up. Thanks to Mookami - she cleared off his chair before he returned after the explanation!
After Sudhanva, it was Jaydeep Mandal from west Bengal to speak about his project.
Jaydeep was studying in first year engineering. When his turn came, he began explaining his project with such an involvement that when the president asked him, “In which year do you study?”, He answered- “River Hugli” ! There was a suppressed laughter let out from our group hearing that! Jaydeep blushed as soon as he realized what had happened, then corrected his answer as- “I am in first year engineering, sir”.
After Jaydeep finished, Sriram kumar was the one to speak at last. He was one of the youngest in our group – in class Xth, and explained his project well. What’s more, he even gifted the protocol his project to the President, who accepted it with appreciation.
There was a silence for a moment. Then, Dr. Kalam spoke, “ Indeed, you all tried well to explain the project in stipulated time. That is why we still have six minutes left with us. We can have question and answers. There is one condition though. The parents or teachers will not speak in between. Children, you can ask only one question each. So, you may start.”
None spoke for a moment because of this unexpected opportunity given by the President. But the mike was in my hand. Using this opportunity, I spoke first. “Sir, I wish that my project should not end here. Rather, there should be some factory implementing this project. Only then will the project serve its real purpose of reaching to the society. What do I have to do to achieve this?”
At that, he simply focused his gaze at the row sitting last in the hall. It was officers’ row! Suddenly, Anuj Sinha Sir stood up and said, “Sir, we are thinking about searching industrialists for practical implementation of all these projects. Accordingly, this question will be taken note of.” Dr. Kalam turned his gaze at me and said, “For this, you will have to persuade the matter persistently.” Then turning back to Sinha sir, he said, “Please ensure that all these projects have patents filed.” Then smiling, he looked at me and remarked, “If they don’t; just inform me…I will see what is to be done!” At this remark, everybody including Sinha sir had a hearty laugh!
Sudhanva was ready with the next question to the President. He asked, “What was your first question to your Mentor?”
The President momentarily plunged into the past. Then he said, “My mentor - Mr. Subramanyam Iyyer used to teach us when I was ten years old. One day, he was teaching us about the flying of birds. I had queried then, what engine empowers this flyng mechanism in the birds? That was my first question the mentor.
As soon as he finished, Madhav asked the next question. This was interesting one. “Sir, at what age did you first think of a change or innovation?”
“In 1958, it was the first time I drove an air cushion vehicle. This concept had struck me when I was attending my physics class in the St. Joseph College at Trichi. I was eighteen or nineteen years old at that time.” The President replied.
After brief two more questions, the clock ticked towards the end of the session. But Priyanka requested for a last question. Curiosity was evident on her face. Dr. Kalam did not deny the permission. Priyanka spoke, “Sir, you are a great scientist as well….but currently you are here… means you… your…” she floundered with words for a moment. There was a silence for a moment….The time was running…and everybody’s face reflected a frown attempting to understand what Priyanka wanted to ask. But Dr. Kalam’s face was serene and he still showed interest in knowing what she wanted to ask. Priyanka again made a diligent effort, this time letting out her question perfectly, “ Sir, which life do you prefer- that of a scientist or that of a presisdent?”
Amazing question…we all thought…and looked at Dr. Kalam with curiosity. He had an appreciative look on face and had spoken only a few words when the clock rang, telling us that time of our meeting had finished! Poor timing for excellent question, I thought. The President stood up. We looked at our watches… indeed the great man had kept his word… he had given forty minutes of his life to us….forty most precious minutes of our life…
When we requested him for a group photograph, he agreed with a smiling face and even obliged us with an autograph. I must say, he was a motivator till the last second, for he did not forget to congratulate the parents and teachers who had come along and gave them the precious advice of keeping up their spirit in creating something positive and encouraging their wards. What’s more, he asked the officials accompanying us to catch the talent like us young, as he listened attentively to the brief report of the Japan exhibition, pointing to the foreign students’ average younger age as compared to our Indian group. To us, his last message was to keep innovating and be creative throughout the life. He had already filled our minds with creative fuel; this was like kindling the spark. Then he went.
We were still standing looking at his diminishing figure through the exit…with wonderful feelings. The Prsident of India had himself been here with us for forty five minutes! The unforgetful forty-five minutes of our life…but of his life? … Will he remember us?
The answer to this question came on Fifth September, The Teacher’s Day. The President had given our example to the country through his speech!
It stated, “As a fellow teacher, I can state that the teachers are backbone of any country – a pillar upon which all aspirations of the country are built to become realities. Education is the learning process and leads to creativity. The creativity is indeed the result of the education process and the environment of the school and above all the teachers’ capability igniting the minds of the students. The essence of it can be seen in following verses : Learning gives creativity. Creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge, knowledge makes you great. I would like to share with the teachers about the six young innovators from various schools of our country. I met them at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 2nd September, 2004. There innovations were: A system to prevent the soiling of railway tracks by Madhav Pathak of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Herbal pesticides Tablets for storage of food grains by Priyanka Guleria of Sionty village in Punjab, Low calorie biscuits made from banana peels by Rucha Joshi of Nanded, Maharashtra, A toy laser for educational applications by Sudhanwa Hukkeri of Belgaum, Karnataka, a software program for embedding of text through audio signals by Kyan Pardiwala of Mumbai, Maharashtra and an optically controlled wheel chair by S. Harishchandra of Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
The group was chosen following rigorous selection process and the innovations had the largest number of footfalls at the Tokyo Exhibition. The process of selection and sending the group abroad was coordinated by Confedration of Indian Industries (CII) and Department of Science and Technology (DST).
This example shows how, many of our teachers have successfully groomed young innovators who can innovate and create innovative gadgets, which are relevant to the society. The success of your students is testimony to your great service. I am sure that each one of you would create many such innovators.”
After a few days of our meeting with the President, a letter waited for me in the letter box. Bearing a seal of Rashtrapati Bhavan, it was a letter congratulating me, my parents and teachers for the innovation and signed by the President himself!
“What for? I removed it from my bag when you told it was not necessary….and now the trip is also over….We didn’t need it at Japan, then why do you need it now?” a question mark appeared on my countenance, as Seema Gupta madam mentioned about school uniform. Then she spoke. And the rest she spoke, all went tangential to my head…
“ Tomorrow- 3.30 p.m. is the time he gave. We will be heading for Rashtrapati Bhavan at 2.00 p.m. sharp.”
I thought she was joking. Was she insinuating that we had been given apponintment in Rashtrapati Bhavan….by The President….The President of India? Common, Rucha….how could that be….the President giving us an appointment…True- Dr. Kalam loves children…but he is such a busy personality….
Smiling at our stunned expressions, Seemaji declared, “Yes. That’s true. The President has given us the appointment. We thought to make a try before leaving from Delhi, and were surprised to receive positive reply from the Secretary, Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning. So, everybody be ready tomorrow….see you at 1.00 p.m. sharp here….and don’t stuff your tummies before coming here….the President has invited you for snacks as well! So how do you feel?”
Feel? We were flying! Flying in ecstasy! My mind had already climbed the steps of The Rashtrapati Bhavan….I could sense the majestic air inside….the splendorous halls were waiting for us…and there on an ornate throne was seated the Emperor…the Shahanshah….the Badshah of Science….the President of India….His Majesty A. P. J. Kalam!
I came back to reality from my reverie as the van taking us back to our Gurgaon motel blew its horn cacophonously.
2nd September, 2004, 2.30 p.m.
Three vans carrying us 10 teammates, CII – DST officials and our parents followed the route to Rashtrapati Bhavan….The vans came to a halt. Getting down, our whole cavalcade marched through the Rashtrapati Bhavan gate. There, gargantuan security guards were waiting...but they welcomed us with a generous smile. We smiled wanly looking at the size of their body and guns. But they didn’t let us go away from them so soon….we were going to face the security checking done by those stout men. With the help of equipment, they scanned us. Soon came my turn. Suddenly there was a loud ‘bip’ sound startling me. I looked at the face of the guard. He simply turned and asked me if I had any metal object in my pocket. Metal object? Why should I bring any metal object? I groped in my pocket and there it was! The key of my room! I forgot to remove it before standing for checking. I promptly removed it and relieving a sigh of relief marched forward as the guard pointed towards an inside passage.
It was 2.45 by now. Within another half an hour we would be talking face to face with the President….simply 30 more minutes…simply?...each minute was bringing loads of anxiety to us….and we had to be patient for thirty more minutes.
While I was thinking about next moments, all my thoughts halted as we stepped in a magnificent hall. But before we could sense its splendor fully, we were led in another hall. This one was really big…the entrance was so splendid…I thought we were in a palace…golden light rays splashed the beautiful inner decorated wall and picturesque paintings hung from the walls enhancing the elegance of the hall. Neatly arranged chairs were waiting for us. There was a special throne in the front of this seating arrangement. So, the king- the president was going to address us subjects from this throne, I thought.
As soon as my mind started marching back in the palatial epoch, we were called in another hall, which really had surprise waiting for us there. No, Dr. Kalam’s entry comes later, what surprised us was that the president had indeed arranged snacks for all of us. I felt like we were the luckiest persons on the earth, enjoying the snacks offered by Hon. President!
We were taken back to the earlier golden hall after finishing the feast and asked to be seated by the Secretary of the President himself. What I liked in that seating arrangement was that the entire first row facing the President was reserved for us students, the second row for parents accompanying us and the last row for the officials accompanying us. In childhood, it was big fat bellied officers who always sat in the front reserved seats while children kept raising their heads to try and see a bit of stage view from the shoulders of these officers…I felt like showing those officers thumbs down as we sat in the foremost row now!
As we settled in our seats, silence grew. We ten students had started exchanging anxious looks as the hands of clock were staring at us. Suddenly the door moved and the Secretary moved in. All eyes turned towards him as he entered. But he just regretted for keeping us waiting and said we would have to wait another ten minutes before the golden moment. The President was on the way to meet us.
You heard it! The President was finally coming here…in front of us…for a face to face talk…
It was eleventh minute after the secretary had announced. The twelfth started…and…the Secretary reentered, this time with a smile…His smile itself spoke everything and we all stood up, all eyes staring at the door of the hall…There a five feet figure emerged in the company of gargantuan body guards…Alas, he had entered! He – Dr. A. P. J. Kalam, The President of India! I felt like Biguls had started blowing up all over….
He stepped forward, smiled at our stunned faces and requested all to seat down. There was an awful silence in the hall after everybody had taken seat. Dr. Kalam sat in the chair exactly in front of us and smiled again.
“I am going to spend the next forty minutes with you. But we need to distribute the time. Since you are ten students, I will give three minutes to each one of you. We will have questions-and-answers in the remaining time. Ok. Now, start from this end.” He said, pointing towards Kyan who was at extreme right of our row.
Listening to this, I felt as if I had to speak to my grandfather for three minutes! After Kyan, Madhav and Janani explained their project in brief, the mike came in my hand. I was seating on the chair which was exactly in the front of Dr. Kalam. I looked at him, lifted the mike up confidently, and for the rest three minutes, forgetting everything else in the world spoke only with Dr. Kalam. As I finished, he asked me, “ what is the time needed to make the biscuits?” – a question which was never asked to me before! As soon as I had answered that, he was ready with the next question – “ Have you brought the biscuits here for tasting?” I was exulted at the realization that the President himself was ready for tasting my biscuits; but was disappointed as the second realization that the biscuits had all finished in Japan, sprang in my mind. I took that opportunity and invited the President himself to come to Nanded and have them…He smiled at that answer.
Further, he asked, “ Have you applied for its patent?” I told him about the provisional patent being filed on my name by C.S.I.R. He nodded.
Then, keeping track of time, he turned his gaze towards Mookami sitting next to me, and said, “Let us move towards our next speaker now.” Wondering why the hands of clock move so fast, I handed over the mike to Mookami.
Mookami too spoke confidently along with her project partner Janani. The President asked the name of the plant from which they had prepared the herbal formulation to control the growth of larva. When they told him the name in English, he confirmed its name in Tamil. Janani and Mookami were quite exuberated at that and we were stunned to see the vastness of the President’s interest and ken in each field- be it physics, chemistry, mathematics or biology.
It was Sudhanwa’s turn after Mookami and Janani. His project was on toy laser. To explain the President the exact working, he went near Dr. Kalam, keeping the trophy on his chair. Each one of us had brought the trophy we got in Japan, to show to the President. So, while Sudhanwa had gone to explain the project with projectreport in one hand and toy laser in another and trophy lying on chair, we were wondering how he was going to seat back and were afraid if he wouldn’t mess it all up. Thanks to Mookami - she cleared off his chair before he returned after the explanation!
After Sudhanva, it was Jaydeep Mandal from west Bengal to speak about his project.
Jaydeep was studying in first year engineering. When his turn came, he began explaining his project with such an involvement that when the president asked him, “In which year do you study?”, He answered- “River Hugli” ! There was a suppressed laughter let out from our group hearing that! Jaydeep blushed as soon as he realized what had happened, then corrected his answer as- “I am in first year engineering, sir”.
After Jaydeep finished, Sriram kumar was the one to speak at last. He was one of the youngest in our group – in class Xth, and explained his project well. What’s more, he even gifted the protocol his project to the President, who accepted it with appreciation.
There was a silence for a moment. Then, Dr. Kalam spoke, “ Indeed, you all tried well to explain the project in stipulated time. That is why we still have six minutes left with us. We can have question and answers. There is one condition though. The parents or teachers will not speak in between. Children, you can ask only one question each. So, you may start.”
None spoke for a moment because of this unexpected opportunity given by the President. But the mike was in my hand. Using this opportunity, I spoke first. “Sir, I wish that my project should not end here. Rather, there should be some factory implementing this project. Only then will the project serve its real purpose of reaching to the society. What do I have to do to achieve this?”
At that, he simply focused his gaze at the row sitting last in the hall. It was officers’ row! Suddenly, Anuj Sinha Sir stood up and said, “Sir, we are thinking about searching industrialists for practical implementation of all these projects. Accordingly, this question will be taken note of.” Dr. Kalam turned his gaze at me and said, “For this, you will have to persuade the matter persistently.” Then turning back to Sinha sir, he said, “Please ensure that all these projects have patents filed.” Then smiling, he looked at me and remarked, “If they don’t; just inform me…I will see what is to be done!” At this remark, everybody including Sinha sir had a hearty laugh!
Sudhanva was ready with the next question to the President. He asked, “What was your first question to your Mentor?”
The President momentarily plunged into the past. Then he said, “My mentor - Mr. Subramanyam Iyyer used to teach us when I was ten years old. One day, he was teaching us about the flying of birds. I had queried then, what engine empowers this flyng mechanism in the birds? That was my first question the mentor.
As soon as he finished, Madhav asked the next question. This was interesting one. “Sir, at what age did you first think of a change or innovation?”
“In 1958, it was the first time I drove an air cushion vehicle. This concept had struck me when I was attending my physics class in the St. Joseph College at Trichi. I was eighteen or nineteen years old at that time.” The President replied.
After brief two more questions, the clock ticked towards the end of the session. But Priyanka requested for a last question. Curiosity was evident on her face. Dr. Kalam did not deny the permission. Priyanka spoke, “Sir, you are a great scientist as well….but currently you are here… means you… your…” she floundered with words for a moment. There was a silence for a moment….The time was running…and everybody’s face reflected a frown attempting to understand what Priyanka wanted to ask. But Dr. Kalam’s face was serene and he still showed interest in knowing what she wanted to ask. Priyanka again made a diligent effort, this time letting out her question perfectly, “ Sir, which life do you prefer- that of a scientist or that of a presisdent?”
Amazing question…we all thought…and looked at Dr. Kalam with curiosity. He had an appreciative look on face and had spoken only a few words when the clock rang, telling us that time of our meeting had finished! Poor timing for excellent question, I thought. The President stood up. We looked at our watches… indeed the great man had kept his word… he had given forty minutes of his life to us….forty most precious minutes of our life…
When we requested him for a group photograph, he agreed with a smiling face and even obliged us with an autograph. I must say, he was a motivator till the last second, for he did not forget to congratulate the parents and teachers who had come along and gave them the precious advice of keeping up their spirit in creating something positive and encouraging their wards. What’s more, he asked the officials accompanying us to catch the talent like us young, as he listened attentively to the brief report of the Japan exhibition, pointing to the foreign students’ average younger age as compared to our Indian group. To us, his last message was to keep innovating and be creative throughout the life. He had already filled our minds with creative fuel; this was like kindling the spark. Then he went.
We were still standing looking at his diminishing figure through the exit…with wonderful feelings. The Prsident of India had himself been here with us for forty five minutes! The unforgetful forty-five minutes of our life…but of his life? … Will he remember us?
The answer to this question came on Fifth September, The Teacher’s Day. The President had given our example to the country through his speech!
It stated, “As a fellow teacher, I can state that the teachers are backbone of any country – a pillar upon which all aspirations of the country are built to become realities. Education is the learning process and leads to creativity. The creativity is indeed the result of the education process and the environment of the school and above all the teachers’ capability igniting the minds of the students. The essence of it can be seen in following verses : Learning gives creativity. Creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge, knowledge makes you great. I would like to share with the teachers about the six young innovators from various schools of our country. I met them at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 2nd September, 2004. There innovations were: A system to prevent the soiling of railway tracks by Madhav Pathak of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Herbal pesticides Tablets for storage of food grains by Priyanka Guleria of Sionty village in Punjab, Low calorie biscuits made from banana peels by Rucha Joshi of Nanded, Maharashtra, A toy laser for educational applications by Sudhanwa Hukkeri of Belgaum, Karnataka, a software program for embedding of text through audio signals by Kyan Pardiwala of Mumbai, Maharashtra and an optically controlled wheel chair by S. Harishchandra of Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
The group was chosen following rigorous selection process and the innovations had the largest number of footfalls at the Tokyo Exhibition. The process of selection and sending the group abroad was coordinated by Confedration of Indian Industries (CII) and Department of Science and Technology (DST).
This example shows how, many of our teachers have successfully groomed young innovators who can innovate and create innovative gadgets, which are relevant to the society. The success of your students is testimony to your great service. I am sure that each one of you would create many such innovators.”
After a few days of our meeting with the President, a letter waited for me in the letter box. Bearing a seal of Rashtrapati Bhavan, it was a letter congratulating me, my parents and teachers for the innovation and signed by the President himself!
My first USA journey!
Bon Voyage! I woke up from the day–dream! This was the second time since my project presentation at Japan in class XII, that I pinched myself again, to ensure that I was not dreaming and indeed flying off to present my paper ‘Low calorie Biscuits from Banana Peel Pulp’, in United States of America. I had sent the abstract of my paper four months ago to the Twenty Second International Conference on Solid Waste Technology and Management, March 18-22, 2007, Philadelphia, USA, and completely forgotten about it. In fact, I had even started working along with my two other classmates- Amit and Digvijay on another project ‘Study of pollution due to firecrackers in Diwali 2006 at Kolhapur’, which was gaining momentum. (Surprisingly, later even this paper got selected in Fourth International Conference on Energy Conservation, June 4 - 8, 2007, Croatia; and we exulted with joy; but we could not go due to lack of funds. Anyways, we will do it next time!)
So, one fine evening, I was checking my mails and there was this good news of my paper selection in the USA conference. At first, I couldn’t believe it, and then when I trusted my eyes, I started thinking of the probability of my actual going….too low! It was not just going from Nanded to Kolhapur….It meant going from Mumbai to the first capital of United States of America- Philadelphia, clearing hurdles of VISA, travel ticket, accommodation, food, and so on and on and on. And who was supposed to come with me? NOBODY! …Literally nobody… I shivered initially at this thought…. it was me who was going to do it all alone right from arranging funds to presenting paper and representing my college in America.….Was I capable of doing it all alone? I started doubting my capability……
Then I rang home. Spoke with Papa. We had a long discussion. Finally, I became stable and chalked out the things that I needed to do if I wanted to turn this paper presentation into reality. The first thing I scribbled on paper was applying for funds. I searched the net for travel grants, scrutinized newspapers, spoke with different persons….only to learn that there were schemes for teachers or even post-graduate students presenting paper abroad, but not for the undergraduate students! I had spent days in gathering all this information, and got nothing in hand….the time was running out….
Then, one day I straightway went to Principal sir and requested him to tell me if he knew any link who could help. He shook his head, but asked me to speak with Ghewde sir in Mechanical Dept. I did, and there I got the contact email of college alumini in US…I mailed that evening itself….and next day opened inbox and whoa!!! Our KIT alumni had replied….he had asked me to keep patience and check back mail on next Saturday until he would try something out….Meanwhile, he asked me to answer few of his questions like why was the conference important to me? What could I gain from it? What way could it help others? The details of conference, paper presentation and so on. I prepared my answer that night and mailed him. I attached my resume and Dr. Kalam’s appreciation letter to it.
Alas…..it fetched me funds for my air fare! The accommodation and food problem was also solved later and the only big hurdle that was waiting now, was that of VISA. VISA agents denied my work since too little time was left. But by now, I had learnt to be resistant to obstacles and so decided to do it myself. I went to Pune, studied the documents needed, and submitted my VISA application. I got interview appointment of 28 Feb, Mumbai.
28 Feb, 2007, Mumbai
It was interview day….hands loaded with files and documents….Waiting amongst tensed faces in the Stripes and Stars lounge for interview time to approach….a bus arrived….took all candidates to US embassy….security checking….got pink receipt….the pass to attend interview….entered inside……15 windows…..again waiting….random number calling system……8915…..Alas! It was my number!!
The cabin was of telephone booth size. There was one microphone and speaker inside. There was glass barrier between the interviewer and me. As I entered, He greeted me and that lessened half of my apprehension. Then he questioned me for next 15 minutes and finally uttered “Enjoy your presentation in Philli!”. I couldn’t believe my ears….that just meant – VISA was granted, and further, it was a multi-term VISA of ten years!!
I felt so frivolous…I had done it…
Now, that the way had been cleared for booking the air ticket, various airlines were searched for a seat….but none had direct flight to Philladelphia…Finally, ticket was booked up to Boston, USA via Heathrow, London. Total journey - 17 hours, 30 minutes. Take off- 16 March, Mumbai Airport- Terminal 2, British Airways, BA198.
March 14, 2007
The zeal of all my hostel friends had already strengthened my confidence by now. Final preparation was over and I left Kolhapur for Mumbai. Parents were going to come from Nanded to bid me good bye there itself.
March 16, 2007, Sahar International Airport, Mumbai
Departure Terminal 2A…Two bags….caution taken that weight did not exceed 23 kgs. ….no liquid items…. no open foodstuffs…..I kept my baggage on a trolley…. and…gave a final gaze to Mom and Dad, our eyes spoke a lot as they met….before emotions crawled, I railed my trolley towards the Check in counter. Distance between me and my parents widened as they stood amongst visitors’ crowd and I disappeared in the passengers’ crowd… I reached the British Airways counter and was about to hand over the passport, ticket and other forms, when I heard the announcement…. “British Airways passengers going to Boston are requested to kindly transfer to Jet airways, the flight will be delayed due to bad weather…”
Oh! I just thought of going back to my dad standing amongst the visitors and tell this to him, but no, I didn’t. I resolved, from now onwards, no looking back… only me and my bag, until I complete this journey….
From British Airways counter, I moved on to the Jet Airways counter. Registered my baggage there, checked in, collected the boarding pass and proceeded towards the boarding gate.
Unfortunately, the Jet Airways too couldn’t take off on scheduled time due to bad weather and we nearly waited for an hour on the runway….as the minutes passed, I was grasped by the next apprehension….I had just one hour margin on Heathrow airport to catch the next flight….If the Jet would land late in Heathrow, London, even by an hour, the next flight would be gone……!! I had nothing in my hand except praying that the Captain would do his best….….
16 March, 2007, Heathrow, London
Ten hours passed….The route-map on the LCD in front of me depicted the plane position above London…the clock read 7.05 p.m. of London. I had to catch the next flight at 7.15 p.m. and where was I? Still in this plane…which was yet hovering above the Heathrow airport - waiting for clearing of runway….There was no hope for boarding the next plane within 10 minutes….I pulled on my jacket and kept the next flight ticket ready to show, in case I got it by chance!
We landed on Terminal 4…. Here was the Heathrow International Airport….the world’s biggest one…and amongst its pomp, I was searching any British Airways personnel who could help me in those 5 minutes left for the BA flight….There was none, but Jet Airways understood the difficulty and led us to the BA check in counter in hurry…There were 4-5 more such passengers like me who wanted to catch the same flight, so we were checked in on priority. But did it help? “The last bus for the flight just left a minute ago, we are sorry.” –we were told by BA officer.
How could he just say sorry? I mean…we were so upset….Our next flight was taking off in front of our eyes….
We were asked to wait for some time. Finally, they figured out next possible flight for us at 10.25 following morning. What till then? Were we supposed to stay in London? Yes! Where? How?
We were given coupons of Hotel Hilton, connected to the airport, for lodging till next morning. The matter ended for British Airways persons, but for us? A temporary Transit VISA was needed to stay in London, which was to be obtained from the immigration counter on the airport. And what about our bags? We enquired anxiously…. “your bags will go nowhere unless you go”- they assured.
I was hungry and awaiting dinner but transit VISA procedure was also awaiting me! Also, I needed to inform the person who was going to pick me in Boston about my changed flight schedule. So, I needed some Euros to ring him from airport….all I had were dollars…so, first thing I did was search a Travel exchange office…convert some dollars into euros…then buy a calling card…..and ring him. Then I rushed towards immigration counter, answered the officer’s questions and heaved a sigh of relief when he signed my transit VISA.
Now, I was free to search Hotel Hilton. Where was it? I searched the whole terminal four, asking officers and cops the directions….once I even went out through exit of air port and immediately came back as my hair froze in the outside cold! Then one cop realized my difficulty and led me to the hotel way.
Finally, I checked in the hotel. Straight went to have dinner…baffled at the veg-nonveg variety, I ordered food at 10.30 in the night….it took half an hour to appear in front of me, mounting up my impatience….I swallowed it and went to the room at 11.30 p.m. Oh, and did I tell you, we didn’t have our baggage with us….so had to sleep in same traveling apparels. I put on the jazz and closed my eyes, switching off from the day’s frustrations. However, the night was not peaceful either…I suffered from a bad leg cramp due to cold at the night…and had no option other than bearing it.
17 March, 2007
Morning alarm rang…..I saw the time - 6.00 a.m. and the date- 17 March… I missed my mom and dad so much!….it was my birthday today and they couldn’t speak to me…!
I got down from bed and peeped outside window…it was snowing! I felt the spirit of that cheerful morning. I had breakfast soon and went to Terminal four, well in advance of my 10.25 flight. I had two hours in hand, but there was such a long queue on British Airways check in counter….I had to repeat the whole process of yesterday evening….Finally got the boarding pass….and started walking towards Gate no. 25. I kept walking, keeping track of boards displaying Gate numbers, but where was this Gate no. 25? I had to walk another 20 minutes to reach it. Heathrow airport was indeed huge! I was very thirsty….and had no water since had to dispense off the water bottle during the check in…So, I dropped in a cafeteria there and paid five dollars (Rs.230!) for a 200 ml lemonade to satisfy my thirst.
Finally, the plane BA 214 took off…. I looked around after fastening the seat belt…The changed passengers.… the changed crew….the changed accent…..and the unchanged me! I just wondered whether the next ten days away from my country would keep my values unchanged…..
Alas…the captain made announcement- we were landing in Boston. I held my breath for a while as I became ready for stepping out- Will it be too cold outside? Would uncle- (dad’s friend) have come to receive me? What if not? Oh, I need to even collect the baggage…Thus thinking, I went through all the formalities before stepping out on the American demesne. I thought God was teaching me the chapter- ‘How to practice patience’. This time it was not me; my flight companion auntie though. After I collected my luggage, she started panicking… as we stood near the conveyor belt waiting for her baggage which never turned up! Finally, she had to lodge a complaint, and I could head towards the exit door where I saw uncle waiting for me.
The clock struck 12.30 midnight when we reached home. After dining, I soon went to bed. The next beautiful morning, after chatting about life in India, uncle briefed me about the plan he scheduled for me. I was going to spend that day at his place and next day we were going to the Rhode islands, from where I was to board the plane to New Jersey. So, he asked me what I would like to see that day in the downtown, and I chose to go with auntie who was a gynaecologist, to see her clinic.
Auntie was also Indian, a very composed personality. She looked calm and unperturbed. She enquired about my hostel life, study, ambitions, project, and other things all the way while driving adeptly at the speed of 40 miles per hour. Then she described their life. She told me about the cops who could be seen outside in their cars checking speeds of cars passing by. She told me about the traffic rules, about the GPS system in the car from which you could literally put the car on auto mode and relax while it keeps running straight at set speed on the high way, and so on. She was also picking up phone calls from her patients while telling me all this, once on pager, once on cell. Then she asked me if I knew, which was the disease from which Americans suffered most, heart attack? Cancer? AIDS? No! It was ‘stress’, she informed. She told me about one of her patient, who loved her cat deeply, and spent dollars 12000/- to cure its eye by operation, but when the cat again developed problem in vision, the lady went in depression. She was now victim of stress!
We reached the hospital, where auntie was a visiting doctor. Holding I-card, she told her name to the receptionist there, the receptionist read it as “Ms. Shu-ba-da Haw-le-kar” instead of “Ms. Shubhada Jawlekar”, but auntie didn’t waste time in correcting her. When I later asked her about this, she just smiled, and said that she was now used to that crooked pronunciation since last twenty years as they settled in US. True, how many times and how many people would she correct, I thought. As she asked me to take a seat in a spacious waiting room until she returned, I relaxed on a sofa. There were few persons waiting there, some enjoying reading books, some just looking down on their pagers, some just doing nothing. But none spoke with each other, and the room appeared as if somebody had muted the sound inside by remote control! Then arrived a mumma and her little naughty daughter in the room. The mumma took appointment of some doctor from receptionist and led her pretty daughter’s hand on sofa opposite to mine, as they waited until their number arrived. Soon, the kid was off her feet, peeping in a nearby box, and fetching up a handful of toys from the box. I thought, mumma would scold the kid now, but no, she in fact joined the kid in playing!…only then I understood, the hospital had kept toys especially for children! Who would think that such happy child would have been brought here for treatment?
On our way home, auntie showed me how to fill up gas (we call it petrol) in the car at gas station, and I did it by myself. Then we went to a car washing garage. I expected some man to come out as we parked the car in front of the garage, but no! It was automated garage, so auntie just swapped her magnetic card through machine, the shutter opened, and sitting inside, I watched amusingly as the machines poured water, soap on the window-panes, rinsed, wiped them and then dried it completely, as the car turned up from the other side of the garage.
When we reached home, uncle, clad in a thick coat, muffler, hand gloves and gum boots, was clearing snow in the front yard. He shouted if I was interested to join him, and I cheerfully went in the same attire like uncle’s. The dress was so heavy, but as soon as I stepped out in the front yard, I felt chilled weather through my gloves. Somehow I reached to uncle through that one foot thick snow bed, and he showed me clearing snow with machine. Then he handed over the machine to me and asked to go on, but ah! What a heavy piece that machine was! It didn’t move an inch through that thick snow bed. I thought as if I would sweat now even in that chilled weather!
In the evening, I was introduced to their two daughters, one in grade 12th and the other in grade 9th. They both were indeed happy to see me and quite excited to show their house around- it was 3400 sq. feet large…They showed their own rooms decked with their own paintings, the gym, the play yard and so on…
Afterwards, they all had a look at my presentation poster and they adored it so much. Both uncle and auntie were interested in details of my project. Auntie glanced through my files, and suddenly stopped and smiled at me. She pointed her finger to my birth date in the bio-data, and said, “today is 17th, isn’t it?” I said yes, and smiled as she wished me happy birthday. The younger sister with perplexed look said, “Today is 03/17/07 mumma not 17/03/07…” Mumma answered, “It is 03/17 in US but 17/03 in India dear!”. That evening, a cheese cake was relished with light music, and some special dim lights….hmmm….yummy!
The next day I flew to New Jersey via Providence. There, I was going to stay with another Indian family of acquaintance. This plane journey was not so pleasant. It was a smaller jet, so quite jerking through clouds. I tightened my seat belt, ate some peanuts given by air hostess, but suddenly started feeling giddy. I looked away through window, and the moving mountains rivers daunted me more… so I closed eyes, only to feel the whole plane rotating about me, I felt vomiting sensation, and was about to get up but the flight captain requested all passengers to be seated until the plane crossed this bad patch of atmosphere. I started breathing deep, then enounced “om” in mind until I felt relieved.
And thanked God for keeping me alive as we landed safely!
“How was the journey?” – Rajan uncle who had come to receive me enquired. “It was very fine!” I replied, then murmured in mind- not at all! Then we drove home. On the way, I could see men at gas stations, uncle informed- “New Jersey is the only city where you can get gas filled from workers.”
Rajan uncle had one son and one daughter, son in 11th, daughter in 6th. Son- Sujan was engulfed into reading a big fat chemistry book for his exams (so the condition of students seemed the same be it India or America!)), while daughter Shriya was busy with some project work of kite decoration when we reached home. They welcomed me. Anu auntie was cooking food. She was a smart, busy lady. Next day, when I went out with her, was amused to hear her say “shoot” whenever she missed a road or when signal held us, when we wanted to move fast. I learnt few American desi words while living with this family, like - ‘sounds good’, ‘you are wel- come’, ‘Can I help you maa’m, ‘Have fun…you too’ and so on.
That evening, we enjoyed watching American idol. Sujan, Shriya were briskly telling me about each singer’s profile, and they expressed their views on the Indian contestant as well. I enjoyed with them, but when the contest actually started and singers came up one by one screaming irrelevantly, the music seemed so harsh…I hoped I could make them hear the best of Indian music, and so invited them earnestly to India.
Sujan had been to India when he was two years old, hence he could understand bit of Marathi. But for Shriya, it was out of question, since she was born in US. It seemed very absurd that auntie, uncle spoke fluent Marathi with me, but while speaking with their own children, they had to switch to English, and speak and listen to their kid’s American accent.
Next day, there was dance dress rehearsal of Balvihar- the NRI kids association in Shriya’s school, so we went. On the way, auntie lost way in some locality, and there were no boards indicating the route we wanted to take. There were no people on roads, so whom could we ask the route to? There was some four wheeler coming up slowly, so auntie was about to ask, but the car speeded forward as soon as it saw us! Finally, auntie got down, and went to ask the route in a nearby house, but they opened the door with such a caution! This option not being of any use, auntie finally rang home, asking Sujan to see the route from Google map on internet, and for the next five minutes, Sujan was dictating the route from net and auntie drove following his instructions on phone, until we arrived on correct route. If only it was India, people would flock in plenty to tell the directions and the driver would be perplexed which direction to follow…it happens only in India!
The dress rehearsal started, and all parents encouraged their own children….every lady was so fashionable, their language, their subjects….eveything seemed so pompous….but behind those masks, I could feel some hidden discontent. On the stage, came a group of little kids, clad in forms of Rama, Hanuman, Ravan, etc. They were looking so innocent and sweet! But when their play started, Rama asked Ravan to give back his Seeta in American accented English and Ravan denied it in American accented english! It also sounded very funny for my ears accustomed to Sanskrit dialogues, to hear dhoti clad Hanuman worshipping Rama in English!
With the last item on the stage, tears rushed in my eyes…it was a hindi patriotic song on India with the kids dancing in Michael Jackson style to its tune, probably without even understanding the song’s meaning…Were they really expressing any love for India? What attachment could those children have for their mother country, when their parents themselves had given it up? I returned home, dejected.
From next day onwards my conference was starting at Philadelphia.It was 35 minutes by train from New Jersey. Checking the railway time table I chose to board 8.25 a.m. train next morning. Next morning, all set with presentation material, I was dropped to railway station by auntie. I bid her good bye, and headed towards ticket machine. The to and fro ticket to Philadelphia was 5 dollars. I put the coins in the machine, and the ticket came out. Inserting the tickets in the gate notch, I waited for the gate to open, but oops it didn’t! I panicked first at the thought of loosing train and 5 dollars note both...but then checked the direction of ticket again- ah there it was- inserted in the wrong direction! I reinserted it in right direction and the gate opened! I hurried towards the platform. Reaching there, I stood stunned at the site of approaching train- no, not because it was super fast or had a very advanced design, but because it had only two bogies- a train with only two bogies! I remembered, uncle had told me, “passengers on Sundays are very less, so few trains run”. I got in with others on the platform and the automatic door closed. I confirmed it was the same train, by asking to a fellow lady passenger, she just nodded. Nobody spoke in the train, some people were reading newspaper while some were reading book. Then at one station a passenger boarded in our compartment, not alone, but with his bicycle! He was sweating after enough cycling at country side and was probably returning home in the city.
Philadelphia underground station – time to get down…I dumped the ticket that I held tightly in my fist until now. What a fate of the ticket! Its place is in the most safe pocket of passenger until it travels, and as soon as the journey ends, it is nowhere!
My conference venue Radisson Warwick Hall was at 10 minutes walking distance from this station. I was on 19th Locust street and wanted to reach 17th Locust. It was not as easy to walk on the snowy roads with sports shoes as I had thought. There was every chance of skidding. My walk was accompanied with sighs of relief as I passed each lane. Suddenly, a skidding noise startled me- a man in front of me skidded badly, but no one even looked back…what a world, I thought! The man somehow got up. I glanced at the watch, conference inauguration was at 9.30 and it was already 9.10 b by now. I hurried to the Radisson.
After finishing registration for conference, I asked the way to inauguration hall. An Italian speaker was also searching the same, and passing by the ‘Cherry hall’, the ‘Spruce hall’, the ‘Walnut Auditorium’ and so on, we reached a corridor. A lean man stood there. Smiling at me, he enquired where I was from and asked me to take a seat. Thanking him, I thought of the well organized program coordination- so many volunteers to guide you. But as the program started, I was surprised to see the same lean man, speak on the stage as the Conference Chair!
We were given the program schedule. Accordingly, I rang an Indian friend of mine in University of Pennsylvania, telling him about my presentation, scheduled at 3 o’ clock in the afternoon.
It was quarter to 3.00. Some speakers hadn’t turned up, so I was the next. As soon as the Japanese speaker finished, the session chair uttered my name. There I went, confidently opening my presentation file already loaded on the presentation laptop. And the next 20 minutes forgetting everybody, I spoke up. When I stopped, there was a thunderous applause. Presentation was excellent - that’s what the session chair said. There were lots of questions, some people asked me questions in the poster session as well.
After the presentation, my friend Gautam who was doing post doc in University of Penn, showed me the entire campus, the sophisticated lab where he worked, the net room (where I could see some fellows enjoying a good nap!), the tennis court, and the huge library, where I could even find the famous Marathi author P. L. Deshpande’s books. One could issue even hundred books at a time on one card, I was informed.
Then, we had Falafal in the famous Starbucks. It was a delicious dish with stuffed fresh vegetables….and after savouring cup of hot coffee, I was all set to be enraptured by historic places in this first capital of USA. The Rosenbach museum in particular was astonishing – it had collections of most ancient books including the originals of some famous books like Alice in Wonderland. The rack with first books published in America, was attracting everyone’s attention.
It was evening by now and chill winds had started advancing. It was unsafe to hang out in the city after evening, since Philadelphia figured high in crime list. Pulling on the overcoat, cap and gloves, I hastened towards the railway station. Boarding the South station train which was already on the platform, I wondered why the TC was yelling ‘Wooster Express- Wooster Express’ on the platform- at the passing passengers, when we wanted to go to Worcester and there was nothing spelled ‘Wooster’ on the train route map that I was looking at. The answer to this, I got only after I got down at Worcester, as auntie who had come to pick me explained that Worcester is pronounced as ‘Wooster’!
After a memorable stay at New Jersey, I returned to Boston, where I was to spend two days, before finally returning to India. The next schedule for Boston was ready. Jawlekar uncle called me in the evening and handed over the printouts of route maps of trains to none other than the world’s most sought institutes- The Harvard School of Business and the Massachussetts Institute of Technology! I felt as if he handed over the treasure map to me! I could hardly wait for the morning.
I was quite excited the next morning. Taking light luggage needed for the day, I boarded Train to Park Street in excitement and within the next 20 minutes, I was…..
……standing in front of the World’s Number One Institute- Harvard School of Business! Could I believe my eyes?! Oh, I had to; otherwise my staring for a long time unbelievingly at the gate of globe’s best university would have compelled the armed guards there to throw me out! But no, they were quite kind and even told me directions to the science centre in the campus. One by one, I saw various institutes in the campus. The buildings had interesting names like one being- The Chain of Life, other being CH2 – CH2- NH2 and so on. Oh, I had enough of walk by now…I was walking continuously for 3 hours….and I still had to see second best university in the world- MIT! So, lunch time was must…hmmm….a yummy Thai Tofu on a cartwheel was good for the time being.
I was informed that MIT was near Harvard, and so was suggested to walk to it, but before taking the route I confirmed at the enquiry desk, and was shocked at their reply that it was ‘just’ half an hour walk away! Good Heavens!!So, I decided to try out the train, and locating by the sign boards, boarded the right one. It took only 10 minutes by the metro, but that was sufficient to rejuvenate my legs!
MIT campus was something which I can never forget in my life…This space just won’t be enough to tell about it….But the beautiful campus on the bank of river Charles certainly stole my mind….away from everything….I indeed consider myself fortunate for getting an opportunity to see what they call the BEST education is….One can surely get a glimpse through their websites but even the experience of sitting in an empty MIT class is so enthralling….
I returned India on 26th March. What remains with me now is memories….that are accounted into the past…Past? ...I think they have rather instigated my outlook towards future!
So, one fine evening, I was checking my mails and there was this good news of my paper selection in the USA conference. At first, I couldn’t believe it, and then when I trusted my eyes, I started thinking of the probability of my actual going….too low! It was not just going from Nanded to Kolhapur….It meant going from Mumbai to the first capital of United States of America- Philadelphia, clearing hurdles of VISA, travel ticket, accommodation, food, and so on and on and on. And who was supposed to come with me? NOBODY! …Literally nobody… I shivered initially at this thought…. it was me who was going to do it all alone right from arranging funds to presenting paper and representing my college in America.….Was I capable of doing it all alone? I started doubting my capability……
Then I rang home. Spoke with Papa. We had a long discussion. Finally, I became stable and chalked out the things that I needed to do if I wanted to turn this paper presentation into reality. The first thing I scribbled on paper was applying for funds. I searched the net for travel grants, scrutinized newspapers, spoke with different persons….only to learn that there were schemes for teachers or even post-graduate students presenting paper abroad, but not for the undergraduate students! I had spent days in gathering all this information, and got nothing in hand….the time was running out….
Then, one day I straightway went to Principal sir and requested him to tell me if he knew any link who could help. He shook his head, but asked me to speak with Ghewde sir in Mechanical Dept. I did, and there I got the contact email of college alumini in US…I mailed that evening itself….and next day opened inbox and whoa!!! Our KIT alumni had replied….he had asked me to keep patience and check back mail on next Saturday until he would try something out….Meanwhile, he asked me to answer few of his questions like why was the conference important to me? What could I gain from it? What way could it help others? The details of conference, paper presentation and so on. I prepared my answer that night and mailed him. I attached my resume and Dr. Kalam’s appreciation letter to it.
Alas…..it fetched me funds for my air fare! The accommodation and food problem was also solved later and the only big hurdle that was waiting now, was that of VISA. VISA agents denied my work since too little time was left. But by now, I had learnt to be resistant to obstacles and so decided to do it myself. I went to Pune, studied the documents needed, and submitted my VISA application. I got interview appointment of 28 Feb, Mumbai.
28 Feb, 2007, Mumbai
It was interview day….hands loaded with files and documents….Waiting amongst tensed faces in the Stripes and Stars lounge for interview time to approach….a bus arrived….took all candidates to US embassy….security checking….got pink receipt….the pass to attend interview….entered inside……15 windows…..again waiting….random number calling system……8915…..Alas! It was my number!!
The cabin was of telephone booth size. There was one microphone and speaker inside. There was glass barrier between the interviewer and me. As I entered, He greeted me and that lessened half of my apprehension. Then he questioned me for next 15 minutes and finally uttered “Enjoy your presentation in Philli!”. I couldn’t believe my ears….that just meant – VISA was granted, and further, it was a multi-term VISA of ten years!!
I felt so frivolous…I had done it…
Now, that the way had been cleared for booking the air ticket, various airlines were searched for a seat….but none had direct flight to Philladelphia…Finally, ticket was booked up to Boston, USA via Heathrow, London. Total journey - 17 hours, 30 minutes. Take off- 16 March, Mumbai Airport- Terminal 2, British Airways, BA198.
March 14, 2007
The zeal of all my hostel friends had already strengthened my confidence by now. Final preparation was over and I left Kolhapur for Mumbai. Parents were going to come from Nanded to bid me good bye there itself.
March 16, 2007, Sahar International Airport, Mumbai
Departure Terminal 2A…Two bags….caution taken that weight did not exceed 23 kgs. ….no liquid items…. no open foodstuffs…..I kept my baggage on a trolley…. and…gave a final gaze to Mom and Dad, our eyes spoke a lot as they met….before emotions crawled, I railed my trolley towards the Check in counter. Distance between me and my parents widened as they stood amongst visitors’ crowd and I disappeared in the passengers’ crowd… I reached the British Airways counter and was about to hand over the passport, ticket and other forms, when I heard the announcement…. “British Airways passengers going to Boston are requested to kindly transfer to Jet airways, the flight will be delayed due to bad weather…”
Oh! I just thought of going back to my dad standing amongst the visitors and tell this to him, but no, I didn’t. I resolved, from now onwards, no looking back… only me and my bag, until I complete this journey….
From British Airways counter, I moved on to the Jet Airways counter. Registered my baggage there, checked in, collected the boarding pass and proceeded towards the boarding gate.
Unfortunately, the Jet Airways too couldn’t take off on scheduled time due to bad weather and we nearly waited for an hour on the runway….as the minutes passed, I was grasped by the next apprehension….I had just one hour margin on Heathrow airport to catch the next flight….If the Jet would land late in Heathrow, London, even by an hour, the next flight would be gone……!! I had nothing in my hand except praying that the Captain would do his best….….
16 March, 2007, Heathrow, London
Ten hours passed….The route-map on the LCD in front of me depicted the plane position above London…the clock read 7.05 p.m. of London. I had to catch the next flight at 7.15 p.m. and where was I? Still in this plane…which was yet hovering above the Heathrow airport - waiting for clearing of runway….There was no hope for boarding the next plane within 10 minutes….I pulled on my jacket and kept the next flight ticket ready to show, in case I got it by chance!
We landed on Terminal 4…. Here was the Heathrow International Airport….the world’s biggest one…and amongst its pomp, I was searching any British Airways personnel who could help me in those 5 minutes left for the BA flight….There was none, but Jet Airways understood the difficulty and led us to the BA check in counter in hurry…There were 4-5 more such passengers like me who wanted to catch the same flight, so we were checked in on priority. But did it help? “The last bus for the flight just left a minute ago, we are sorry.” –we were told by BA officer.
How could he just say sorry? I mean…we were so upset….Our next flight was taking off in front of our eyes….
We were asked to wait for some time. Finally, they figured out next possible flight for us at 10.25 following morning. What till then? Were we supposed to stay in London? Yes! Where? How?
We were given coupons of Hotel Hilton, connected to the airport, for lodging till next morning. The matter ended for British Airways persons, but for us? A temporary Transit VISA was needed to stay in London, which was to be obtained from the immigration counter on the airport. And what about our bags? We enquired anxiously…. “your bags will go nowhere unless you go”- they assured.
I was hungry and awaiting dinner but transit VISA procedure was also awaiting me! Also, I needed to inform the person who was going to pick me in Boston about my changed flight schedule. So, I needed some Euros to ring him from airport….all I had were dollars…so, first thing I did was search a Travel exchange office…convert some dollars into euros…then buy a calling card…..and ring him. Then I rushed towards immigration counter, answered the officer’s questions and heaved a sigh of relief when he signed my transit VISA.
Now, I was free to search Hotel Hilton. Where was it? I searched the whole terminal four, asking officers and cops the directions….once I even went out through exit of air port and immediately came back as my hair froze in the outside cold! Then one cop realized my difficulty and led me to the hotel way.
Finally, I checked in the hotel. Straight went to have dinner…baffled at the veg-nonveg variety, I ordered food at 10.30 in the night….it took half an hour to appear in front of me, mounting up my impatience….I swallowed it and went to the room at 11.30 p.m. Oh, and did I tell you, we didn’t have our baggage with us….so had to sleep in same traveling apparels. I put on the jazz and closed my eyes, switching off from the day’s frustrations. However, the night was not peaceful either…I suffered from a bad leg cramp due to cold at the night…and had no option other than bearing it.
17 March, 2007
Morning alarm rang…..I saw the time - 6.00 a.m. and the date- 17 March… I missed my mom and dad so much!….it was my birthday today and they couldn’t speak to me…!
I got down from bed and peeped outside window…it was snowing! I felt the spirit of that cheerful morning. I had breakfast soon and went to Terminal four, well in advance of my 10.25 flight. I had two hours in hand, but there was such a long queue on British Airways check in counter….I had to repeat the whole process of yesterday evening….Finally got the boarding pass….and started walking towards Gate no. 25. I kept walking, keeping track of boards displaying Gate numbers, but where was this Gate no. 25? I had to walk another 20 minutes to reach it. Heathrow airport was indeed huge! I was very thirsty….and had no water since had to dispense off the water bottle during the check in…So, I dropped in a cafeteria there and paid five dollars (Rs.230!) for a 200 ml lemonade to satisfy my thirst.
Finally, the plane BA 214 took off…. I looked around after fastening the seat belt…The changed passengers.… the changed crew….the changed accent…..and the unchanged me! I just wondered whether the next ten days away from my country would keep my values unchanged…..
Alas…the captain made announcement- we were landing in Boston. I held my breath for a while as I became ready for stepping out- Will it be too cold outside? Would uncle- (dad’s friend) have come to receive me? What if not? Oh, I need to even collect the baggage…Thus thinking, I went through all the formalities before stepping out on the American demesne. I thought God was teaching me the chapter- ‘How to practice patience’. This time it was not me; my flight companion auntie though. After I collected my luggage, she started panicking… as we stood near the conveyor belt waiting for her baggage which never turned up! Finally, she had to lodge a complaint, and I could head towards the exit door where I saw uncle waiting for me.
The clock struck 12.30 midnight when we reached home. After dining, I soon went to bed. The next beautiful morning, after chatting about life in India, uncle briefed me about the plan he scheduled for me. I was going to spend that day at his place and next day we were going to the Rhode islands, from where I was to board the plane to New Jersey. So, he asked me what I would like to see that day in the downtown, and I chose to go with auntie who was a gynaecologist, to see her clinic.
Auntie was also Indian, a very composed personality. She looked calm and unperturbed. She enquired about my hostel life, study, ambitions, project, and other things all the way while driving adeptly at the speed of 40 miles per hour. Then she described their life. She told me about the cops who could be seen outside in their cars checking speeds of cars passing by. She told me about the traffic rules, about the GPS system in the car from which you could literally put the car on auto mode and relax while it keeps running straight at set speed on the high way, and so on. She was also picking up phone calls from her patients while telling me all this, once on pager, once on cell. Then she asked me if I knew, which was the disease from which Americans suffered most, heart attack? Cancer? AIDS? No! It was ‘stress’, she informed. She told me about one of her patient, who loved her cat deeply, and spent dollars 12000/- to cure its eye by operation, but when the cat again developed problem in vision, the lady went in depression. She was now victim of stress!
We reached the hospital, where auntie was a visiting doctor. Holding I-card, she told her name to the receptionist there, the receptionist read it as “Ms. Shu-ba-da Haw-le-kar” instead of “Ms. Shubhada Jawlekar”, but auntie didn’t waste time in correcting her. When I later asked her about this, she just smiled, and said that she was now used to that crooked pronunciation since last twenty years as they settled in US. True, how many times and how many people would she correct, I thought. As she asked me to take a seat in a spacious waiting room until she returned, I relaxed on a sofa. There were few persons waiting there, some enjoying reading books, some just looking down on their pagers, some just doing nothing. But none spoke with each other, and the room appeared as if somebody had muted the sound inside by remote control! Then arrived a mumma and her little naughty daughter in the room. The mumma took appointment of some doctor from receptionist and led her pretty daughter’s hand on sofa opposite to mine, as they waited until their number arrived. Soon, the kid was off her feet, peeping in a nearby box, and fetching up a handful of toys from the box. I thought, mumma would scold the kid now, but no, she in fact joined the kid in playing!…only then I understood, the hospital had kept toys especially for children! Who would think that such happy child would have been brought here for treatment?
On our way home, auntie showed me how to fill up gas (we call it petrol) in the car at gas station, and I did it by myself. Then we went to a car washing garage. I expected some man to come out as we parked the car in front of the garage, but no! It was automated garage, so auntie just swapped her magnetic card through machine, the shutter opened, and sitting inside, I watched amusingly as the machines poured water, soap on the window-panes, rinsed, wiped them and then dried it completely, as the car turned up from the other side of the garage.
When we reached home, uncle, clad in a thick coat, muffler, hand gloves and gum boots, was clearing snow in the front yard. He shouted if I was interested to join him, and I cheerfully went in the same attire like uncle’s. The dress was so heavy, but as soon as I stepped out in the front yard, I felt chilled weather through my gloves. Somehow I reached to uncle through that one foot thick snow bed, and he showed me clearing snow with machine. Then he handed over the machine to me and asked to go on, but ah! What a heavy piece that machine was! It didn’t move an inch through that thick snow bed. I thought as if I would sweat now even in that chilled weather!
In the evening, I was introduced to their two daughters, one in grade 12th and the other in grade 9th. They both were indeed happy to see me and quite excited to show their house around- it was 3400 sq. feet large…They showed their own rooms decked with their own paintings, the gym, the play yard and so on…
Afterwards, they all had a look at my presentation poster and they adored it so much. Both uncle and auntie were interested in details of my project. Auntie glanced through my files, and suddenly stopped and smiled at me. She pointed her finger to my birth date in the bio-data, and said, “today is 17th, isn’t it?” I said yes, and smiled as she wished me happy birthday. The younger sister with perplexed look said, “Today is 03/17/07 mumma not 17/03/07…” Mumma answered, “It is 03/17 in US but 17/03 in India dear!”. That evening, a cheese cake was relished with light music, and some special dim lights….hmmm….yummy!
The next day I flew to New Jersey via Providence. There, I was going to stay with another Indian family of acquaintance. This plane journey was not so pleasant. It was a smaller jet, so quite jerking through clouds. I tightened my seat belt, ate some peanuts given by air hostess, but suddenly started feeling giddy. I looked away through window, and the moving mountains rivers daunted me more… so I closed eyes, only to feel the whole plane rotating about me, I felt vomiting sensation, and was about to get up but the flight captain requested all passengers to be seated until the plane crossed this bad patch of atmosphere. I started breathing deep, then enounced “om” in mind until I felt relieved.
And thanked God for keeping me alive as we landed safely!
“How was the journey?” – Rajan uncle who had come to receive me enquired. “It was very fine!” I replied, then murmured in mind- not at all! Then we drove home. On the way, I could see men at gas stations, uncle informed- “New Jersey is the only city where you can get gas filled from workers.”
Rajan uncle had one son and one daughter, son in 11th, daughter in 6th. Son- Sujan was engulfed into reading a big fat chemistry book for his exams (so the condition of students seemed the same be it India or America!)), while daughter Shriya was busy with some project work of kite decoration when we reached home. They welcomed me. Anu auntie was cooking food. She was a smart, busy lady. Next day, when I went out with her, was amused to hear her say “shoot” whenever she missed a road or when signal held us, when we wanted to move fast. I learnt few American desi words while living with this family, like - ‘sounds good’, ‘you are wel- come’, ‘Can I help you maa’m, ‘Have fun…you too’ and so on.
That evening, we enjoyed watching American idol. Sujan, Shriya were briskly telling me about each singer’s profile, and they expressed their views on the Indian contestant as well. I enjoyed with them, but when the contest actually started and singers came up one by one screaming irrelevantly, the music seemed so harsh…I hoped I could make them hear the best of Indian music, and so invited them earnestly to India.
Sujan had been to India when he was two years old, hence he could understand bit of Marathi. But for Shriya, it was out of question, since she was born in US. It seemed very absurd that auntie, uncle spoke fluent Marathi with me, but while speaking with their own children, they had to switch to English, and speak and listen to their kid’s American accent.
Next day, there was dance dress rehearsal of Balvihar- the NRI kids association in Shriya’s school, so we went. On the way, auntie lost way in some locality, and there were no boards indicating the route we wanted to take. There were no people on roads, so whom could we ask the route to? There was some four wheeler coming up slowly, so auntie was about to ask, but the car speeded forward as soon as it saw us! Finally, auntie got down, and went to ask the route in a nearby house, but they opened the door with such a caution! This option not being of any use, auntie finally rang home, asking Sujan to see the route from Google map on internet, and for the next five minutes, Sujan was dictating the route from net and auntie drove following his instructions on phone, until we arrived on correct route. If only it was India, people would flock in plenty to tell the directions and the driver would be perplexed which direction to follow…it happens only in India!
The dress rehearsal started, and all parents encouraged their own children….every lady was so fashionable, their language, their subjects….eveything seemed so pompous….but behind those masks, I could feel some hidden discontent. On the stage, came a group of little kids, clad in forms of Rama, Hanuman, Ravan, etc. They were looking so innocent and sweet! But when their play started, Rama asked Ravan to give back his Seeta in American accented English and Ravan denied it in American accented english! It also sounded very funny for my ears accustomed to Sanskrit dialogues, to hear dhoti clad Hanuman worshipping Rama in English!
With the last item on the stage, tears rushed in my eyes…it was a hindi patriotic song on India with the kids dancing in Michael Jackson style to its tune, probably without even understanding the song’s meaning…Were they really expressing any love for India? What attachment could those children have for their mother country, when their parents themselves had given it up? I returned home, dejected.
From next day onwards my conference was starting at Philadelphia.It was 35 minutes by train from New Jersey. Checking the railway time table I chose to board 8.25 a.m. train next morning. Next morning, all set with presentation material, I was dropped to railway station by auntie. I bid her good bye, and headed towards ticket machine. The to and fro ticket to Philadelphia was 5 dollars. I put the coins in the machine, and the ticket came out. Inserting the tickets in the gate notch, I waited for the gate to open, but oops it didn’t! I panicked first at the thought of loosing train and 5 dollars note both...but then checked the direction of ticket again- ah there it was- inserted in the wrong direction! I reinserted it in right direction and the gate opened! I hurried towards the platform. Reaching there, I stood stunned at the site of approaching train- no, not because it was super fast or had a very advanced design, but because it had only two bogies- a train with only two bogies! I remembered, uncle had told me, “passengers on Sundays are very less, so few trains run”. I got in with others on the platform and the automatic door closed. I confirmed it was the same train, by asking to a fellow lady passenger, she just nodded. Nobody spoke in the train, some people were reading newspaper while some were reading book. Then at one station a passenger boarded in our compartment, not alone, but with his bicycle! He was sweating after enough cycling at country side and was probably returning home in the city.
Philadelphia underground station – time to get down…I dumped the ticket that I held tightly in my fist until now. What a fate of the ticket! Its place is in the most safe pocket of passenger until it travels, and as soon as the journey ends, it is nowhere!
My conference venue Radisson Warwick Hall was at 10 minutes walking distance from this station. I was on 19th Locust street and wanted to reach 17th Locust. It was not as easy to walk on the snowy roads with sports shoes as I had thought. There was every chance of skidding. My walk was accompanied with sighs of relief as I passed each lane. Suddenly, a skidding noise startled me- a man in front of me skidded badly, but no one even looked back…what a world, I thought! The man somehow got up. I glanced at the watch, conference inauguration was at 9.30 and it was already 9.10 b by now. I hurried to the Radisson.
After finishing registration for conference, I asked the way to inauguration hall. An Italian speaker was also searching the same, and passing by the ‘Cherry hall’, the ‘Spruce hall’, the ‘Walnut Auditorium’ and so on, we reached a corridor. A lean man stood there. Smiling at me, he enquired where I was from and asked me to take a seat. Thanking him, I thought of the well organized program coordination- so many volunteers to guide you. But as the program started, I was surprised to see the same lean man, speak on the stage as the Conference Chair!
We were given the program schedule. Accordingly, I rang an Indian friend of mine in University of Pennsylvania, telling him about my presentation, scheduled at 3 o’ clock in the afternoon.
It was quarter to 3.00. Some speakers hadn’t turned up, so I was the next. As soon as the Japanese speaker finished, the session chair uttered my name. There I went, confidently opening my presentation file already loaded on the presentation laptop. And the next 20 minutes forgetting everybody, I spoke up. When I stopped, there was a thunderous applause. Presentation was excellent - that’s what the session chair said. There were lots of questions, some people asked me questions in the poster session as well.
After the presentation, my friend Gautam who was doing post doc in University of Penn, showed me the entire campus, the sophisticated lab where he worked, the net room (where I could see some fellows enjoying a good nap!), the tennis court, and the huge library, where I could even find the famous Marathi author P. L. Deshpande’s books. One could issue even hundred books at a time on one card, I was informed.
Then, we had Falafal in the famous Starbucks. It was a delicious dish with stuffed fresh vegetables….and after savouring cup of hot coffee, I was all set to be enraptured by historic places in this first capital of USA. The Rosenbach museum in particular was astonishing – it had collections of most ancient books including the originals of some famous books like Alice in Wonderland. The rack with first books published in America, was attracting everyone’s attention.
It was evening by now and chill winds had started advancing. It was unsafe to hang out in the city after evening, since Philadelphia figured high in crime list. Pulling on the overcoat, cap and gloves, I hastened towards the railway station. Boarding the South station train which was already on the platform, I wondered why the TC was yelling ‘Wooster Express- Wooster Express’ on the platform- at the passing passengers, when we wanted to go to Worcester and there was nothing spelled ‘Wooster’ on the train route map that I was looking at. The answer to this, I got only after I got down at Worcester, as auntie who had come to pick me explained that Worcester is pronounced as ‘Wooster’!
After a memorable stay at New Jersey, I returned to Boston, where I was to spend two days, before finally returning to India. The next schedule for Boston was ready. Jawlekar uncle called me in the evening and handed over the printouts of route maps of trains to none other than the world’s most sought institutes- The Harvard School of Business and the Massachussetts Institute of Technology! I felt as if he handed over the treasure map to me! I could hardly wait for the morning.
I was quite excited the next morning. Taking light luggage needed for the day, I boarded Train to Park Street in excitement and within the next 20 minutes, I was…..
……standing in front of the World’s Number One Institute- Harvard School of Business! Could I believe my eyes?! Oh, I had to; otherwise my staring for a long time unbelievingly at the gate of globe’s best university would have compelled the armed guards there to throw me out! But no, they were quite kind and even told me directions to the science centre in the campus. One by one, I saw various institutes in the campus. The buildings had interesting names like one being- The Chain of Life, other being CH2 – CH2- NH2 and so on. Oh, I had enough of walk by now…I was walking continuously for 3 hours….and I still had to see second best university in the world- MIT! So, lunch time was must…hmmm….a yummy Thai Tofu on a cartwheel was good for the time being.
I was informed that MIT was near Harvard, and so was suggested to walk to it, but before taking the route I confirmed at the enquiry desk, and was shocked at their reply that it was ‘just’ half an hour walk away! Good Heavens!!So, I decided to try out the train, and locating by the sign boards, boarded the right one. It took only 10 minutes by the metro, but that was sufficient to rejuvenate my legs!
MIT campus was something which I can never forget in my life…This space just won’t be enough to tell about it….But the beautiful campus on the bank of river Charles certainly stole my mind….away from everything….I indeed consider myself fortunate for getting an opportunity to see what they call the BEST education is….One can surely get a glimpse through their websites but even the experience of sitting in an empty MIT class is so enthralling….
I returned India on 26th March. What remains with me now is memories….that are accounted into the past…Past? ...I think they have rather instigated my outlook towards future!
Differences amongst us?
1 August 2008
I wonder whether all humans had to submit a ‘statement of purpose’ to God, before coming to birth, stating why they wanted a ‘human’ birth! Indeed it would have been nice if it was so, since we all would then have some definite mission in life which everyone would have been struggling to accomplish, without wasting time in unproductive work or gossiping. Nobody would have had time for looking at others’ cast, religion or colour of skin, they just would want to progress and progress… either individually or through team – be it consist of ‘not people like us’!
Well, enough of imagination about ‘what would have been if…’ Let us think of present. Suppose an infant is born in some hospital. How does he recognize its parents? It starts recognizing them as it commences living constantly with them. As he slowly grows up, he learns to differentiate between his parents and other people. Then he is taught to differentiate in those other people too. And one fine day, when he differentiates people not like him, he is called as mature!
From where did this infant learn to discriminate the people not like him? It was environment around him that taught him to discriminate. That environment many times has major contribution by his parents, relatives and friends. If you tell a five year kid constantly that ‘XYZ is not like us’, that five year old will be teaching the same to his five year old kid, when he grows into adult! And this teaching will be carried to generations after him …
So, what can we do? Simple! Just break this chain. How? Do not spread any such prejudices about ‘people not like us’. Can we instead look into positive aspects of those ‘people not like us’ and try to incorporate their positive points into ourselves? If we are selfish, then it would be better option leading to our development, rather than wasting time on spreading prejudices.
Who does not have prejudices? Even I suffered with this drawback. Let me share my experience. Ii was my first year in hostel, and everything seemed new- new college, new friends, new diet, new home and new room partner. It is human tendency to expect for all the new things to be good. I was no exception to it and expected my room partner to be good. At least she should have interests like me- I thought. But when new partner actually arrived, we did not have similar interests, so suddenly I developed feeling that she was ‘not like me’. So, I was a bit unhappy.
One day I fell ill and was down with fever and weakness. I did not wake up at usual time in morning and when I woke up, was very thirsty. I felt very weak even to get up and get hold of water bottle. So, I just requested my room partner to give me some water. The moment I asked, she came up with water and enquired if I was not feeling well. She touched my forehead before I answered and suddenly went out. Within couple of minutes, she was back with a wet handkerchief, which she placed on my forehead, and asked if I was suffering from body ache. Then she massaged my head, hands and feet with oil without any hesitation. Indeed she cared for me like a parent! I was surprised by this and felt ashamed of myself when I thought of my prejudices about her. Why did she help me? Did she not think ‘ I was not like her’? I searched for answers. She has taught a big lesson to me- Do not have prejudices about anybody.
Now, I am proud to tell you that we live together very happily. Not only we two, but also all the girls in our hostel live together happily, as ‘one’. We do not look at each others’ cast, creed or religion, nor do we bother about each others’ father’s income. We do not worry about our urban or rural background. We are friends first, always ready to help each other in need.
This attitude is working wonders. I experienced this attitude in Mysore also. People do not look at differences among themselves. They do not shrug off their shoulders when you tell them your problem. They treat it as their problem. This spirit is the key behind their happy, ever progressing life.