Like I have said a million times now, coming here made me realize how important my country was to me. Be it the success at the world cup or the political attempts, the happenings in my country affect my mood and in a big way. Tendulkar and Hazare, the two most talked about people in India past fortnight. And aptly so, a constant persevering effort to contribute to a positive growth of such a beautiful and omnipotent country, sure deserves a salute.
Let's talk about cricket first, ever since I was a little girl (I know, sounds like a cheap rehearsed line you use in company interviews, but for a change, this one is actually true ;) ), I followed cricket, I saw every ball Kumble bowled, cheered to every shot of Kambli and Tendulkar, and none of it seems that distant, it’s all etched in there somewhere. Then came the era of IPL's, it felt like someone commercialized my religion. I lost interest in some aspects of cricket, though ODI's were still quite dear to me. After the devastating world cup 2007, and all hope was lost. Following cricket turned into an on and off activity as a result. But even then, something urged me to follow this World cup ... maybe it was that dormant dream of watching my team perform awesomely or a certain faith in Indian cricket. And lo and behold, we won against Australia and then Pakistan. Winning against them is a matter of pride (at least for me). We were in the finals ... Man oh Man .... It was like, well ...pure bliss. The important part of reaching the finals was that reached there, and we crushed paks and aussies on the way. It was so picture perfect. Just the way I had always imagined it would be. The final match... I dint care much for the outcome, I knew the team was in good shape and wouldn't let us down ... (turns out they dint ;) ). Flash forward to Sachin's untimely return to the dressing room in this crucial match. Tension. Grief. And then, the strong Indian batting order truly displayed its complete power! And now, flash forward to the epic match winning last sixer and the priceless expression on Dhoni's face. This is how heroes are made. This is why they are cherished. This is what makes them different from you and me. The magic of 10. Eighteen years of fanboyism boiled down to this one moment in history. Man, it felt good to be alive !!! And man, it felt good to be Indian.
Just when we thought we couldn't have a bigger better issue. The debate. A Political one. Pros and cons of it. Trying to figure out where the democracy was heading. On one hand there was this notion of all the corrupt politicians, on the other hand the basic funda of what the junta wants. Some argue that passing of the bill is actually 'against' democratic principles. If we have so much faith in the Bureaucrats, why not let them lead India to glory? Why the pretence of an entire election just to prove they are corrupt later on? All this while the more optimistic ones saw a ray of hope for India, it was deemed as a signal that India was ready to face at least one of its many demons. Nevertheless, for better or for worse, India is changing, growing and shining. It is basking under the glory and power of ten.( or more )
Monday, April 11, 2011
How to read a research paper - in style
Almost during ever assignment now, I have a new idea for a blog ! Because these are the times when you start looking at your life seriously, you start feeling like you have some knowledge that could really help the next generation ( alas ! the next generation doesn't want to read your advice ) Nevertheless , I'll do my part ...
One of the most important part of completing a Master's degree is reading tons of research papers day in and day out ! Literally hundreds per semester ( believe me ) Initially they'll be the most intimidating part of your life.But once you get the hang of it, you end up mentally provoking them by the proverbial ' Hit me with your best, I can take you down' attitude.
Now first, like any other sincere student, count the number of pages in the document, mentally preparing yourself to devote a (2*n/60) hours of continuous time slot to it. Where n is the total number of pages. Once this calculation is done, move on to the next important thing, subtract the number of pages containg diagrams and references and mentally smirk about the amount of work done in the first 15 secs. This should be motivation enough to continue. Next, start reading the abstract, and get a feel of what the topic of today's ordeal is ;). This part should be done most carefully, if this is your 2,3,4...nth paper on the topic then try and guess what the method in the paper may be.(This part is important because in case your guess is right, you get to pat yourself on the back and move onto to the next paper, otherwise you get to reason with yourself why one of your or his method is better or perhaps give you an idea for your very own shiny new research paper). Next, read the conclusion section. See if they actually achieved things they promised earlier. For the next step, I kind of like to look at the results, in case a tabular accuracy is given, to see what kind of results the paper achieved. In case they seem like they could use an improvement, I try to look at their method more critically. Next look at the previous works section. Look at (or mentally make a note of some paper that seems interesting) the various papers mentioned, use blah blah instead of the names( again, trust me... it gives you a kick :P). Phew, so now you are done with almost 40-60% of the paper. The most important 2 sections remain .... Actual method and Results. While reading the method, see if you can point out the Input data used, replace the method with a black box and look at the output.Then look at the accuracy. Then look at what the limitations of each step in the black box is. See if they have been properly addressed.If they are not, mock the researcher (after rechecking your initial stand and conforming it with someone else though).
Then reward yourself with a few episodes of big bang theory,eat some maggi and move onto the next 'promising' research paper.
One of the most important part of completing a Master's degree is reading tons of research papers day in and day out ! Literally hundreds per semester ( believe me ) Initially they'll be the most intimidating part of your life.But once you get the hang of it, you end up mentally provoking them by the proverbial ' Hit me with your best, I can take you down' attitude.
Now first, like any other sincere student, count the number of pages in the document, mentally preparing yourself to devote a (2*n/60) hours of continuous time slot to it. Where n is the total number of pages. Once this calculation is done, move on to the next important thing, subtract the number of pages containg diagrams and references and mentally smirk about the amount of work done in the first 15 secs. This should be motivation enough to continue. Next, start reading the abstract, and get a feel of what the topic of today's ordeal is ;). This part should be done most carefully, if this is your 2,3,4...nth paper on the topic then try and guess what the method in the paper may be.(This part is important because in case your guess is right, you get to pat yourself on the back and move onto to the next paper, otherwise you get to reason with yourself why one of your or his method is better or perhaps give you an idea for your very own shiny new research paper). Next, read the conclusion section. See if they actually achieved things they promised earlier. For the next step, I kind of like to look at the results, in case a tabular accuracy is given, to see what kind of results the paper achieved. In case they seem like they could use an improvement, I try to look at their method more critically. Next look at the previous works section. Look at (or mentally make a note of some paper that seems interesting) the various papers mentioned, use blah blah instead of the names( again, trust me... it gives you a kick :P). Phew, so now you are done with almost 40-60% of the paper. The most important 2 sections remain .... Actual method and Results. While reading the method, see if you can point out the Input data used, replace the method with a black box and look at the output.Then look at the accuracy. Then look at what the limitations of each step in the black box is. See if they have been properly addressed.If they are not, mock the researcher (after rechecking your initial stand and conforming it with someone else though).
Then reward yourself with a few episodes of big bang theory,eat some maggi and move onto the next 'promising' research paper.
On the right Course -Top 10
Choosing a course, though seemingly menial a task ... could turn into the most confusing decision you ever have to make( especially for perennially confused people like me.These are the parameters I use in my equation :
1)Like/ Dislike towards the course topic
2)Popularity of the Prof. (taking into account your first impression - I tend to like the infamous ones better)
3)Distance of the building in which class is held from home
4)Time of class - Never enroll in classes that start before 10:30 AM
5)Compatibility of one class with the other
6)Number of Midterms/ Finals ( US schools)
7)Number of assignments
8)Type and scope of course project
9)Dates of finals and midterms in each
10)Prof's style (read leniency in grading)
1)Like/ Dislike towards the course topic
2)Popularity of the Prof. (taking into account your first impression - I tend to like the infamous ones better)
3)Distance of the building in which class is held from home
4)Time of class - Never enroll in classes that start before 10:30 AM
5)Compatibility of one class with the other
6)Number of Midterms/ Finals ( US schools)
7)Number of assignments
8)Type and scope of course project
9)Dates of finals and midterms in each
10)Prof's style (read leniency in grading)
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Master's - To be or not to be ?
There I was living my life comfortably, having fun, perhaps on some path to happiness. One fine day, I decide to take a risk, in search for something, something bigger, something better. I have always felt that there's a thin line between being brave and being stupid. Well, the important decision now was whether deciding on Master's was in the sane range or not. I have always been a social person, living in a country full of strangers would be the last thing one would expect me to do. I love my food, and love my people. Letting go of all that love and comfort ... and for what? was the other side of the world going to be all that was promised? But then, something in me urged me to 'Check it out', I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing out on something great ..and here I was on 15th August 2010 ( ironic I know ) taking my first few steps on this unknown land, with a million hopes and dreams, and wondering each second of it, whether this was truly worth it.
Like every debatable topic worth its mettle, this one had its pros and cons. The number of factors involved were mind boggling ... It not just a question of whether or not to pursue it, but a question of when and where. I did have a feeling that something was missing from my toolkit, turns out it was complete knowledge. I did know what to do, but lacked the sense of why it was being done. There could have been a hundred different ways in which a particular problem could be solved. Choosing a particular path should have a very strong reason attached to it. Once the power of imagination was unleashed, and what ensued was sheer beauty. Nothing seemed impossible or 'black-box'y any more. Everything had a reason, a reason that was told to me, a reason that was convincing, and sometimes so beautiful. I know most people would categorize people like me, who can find algorithms beautiful, geeks. But the label isnt what matters. Its the way things have a way of working out. Trying to imagine how exactly the person who came up with it might have thought about it is fascinating. Then there's the rush of doing and seeing things in a way you never did before.
The other side of the globe did in some ways show me the other side of the coin, but at a cost, my sleep. Its been a hectic time trying to live this life. It seems like forever since I last had a decent meal, celebrated a festival in the way it should have or had a proper weekend. I am trying to complete this blog post at a time where I have 3 pending assignment submissions due. It's like work always seems to keep coming, no matter how many things I complete, there's always more. I wish I had more time in the day. Though I must admit there's a sense of satisfaction in utilizing the available time in a productive way. Longterm, I guess I will never know which was the apt decision. I guess that's the funny thing about having to decide, because you never truly know how different your life would be, if you chose differently. But then, being the optimist that I am, I know things are going to be good either way.
Like every debatable topic worth its mettle, this one had its pros and cons. The number of factors involved were mind boggling ... It not just a question of whether or not to pursue it, but a question of when and where. I did have a feeling that something was missing from my toolkit, turns out it was complete knowledge. I did know what to do, but lacked the sense of why it was being done. There could have been a hundred different ways in which a particular problem could be solved. Choosing a particular path should have a very strong reason attached to it. Once the power of imagination was unleashed, and what ensued was sheer beauty. Nothing seemed impossible or 'black-box'y any more. Everything had a reason, a reason that was told to me, a reason that was convincing, and sometimes so beautiful. I know most people would categorize people like me, who can find algorithms beautiful, geeks. But the label isnt what matters. Its the way things have a way of working out. Trying to imagine how exactly the person who came up with it might have thought about it is fascinating. Then there's the rush of doing and seeing things in a way you never did before.
The other side of the globe did in some ways show me the other side of the coin, but at a cost, my sleep. Its been a hectic time trying to live this life. It seems like forever since I last had a decent meal, celebrated a festival in the way it should have or had a proper weekend. I am trying to complete this blog post at a time where I have 3 pending assignment submissions due. It's like work always seems to keep coming, no matter how many things I complete, there's always more. I wish I had more time in the day. Though I must admit there's a sense of satisfaction in utilizing the available time in a productive way. Longterm, I guess I will never know which was the apt decision. I guess that's the funny thing about having to decide, because you never truly know how different your life would be, if you chose differently. But then, being the optimist that I am, I know things are going to be good either way.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Steering towards progress
When I was about to take my first driving class ... I almost felt like I was attempting to tame a raging bull.But then as I sat on the driving seat,there was this instant feeling of control and responsibility ....while I sat there listening carefully and trying to absorb each word of my instructor like a dry sponge left to float (or sink out of excess absorption :P ) in a sea , I realized there was always room for more. Driving is more than a skill, its a responsibility.The front seat gives you power, an awesome feeling of control and it indirectly means you have other lives at stake(and your discretion :D) besides yours.I loved the feeling of being entrusted the safety of my instructor and my father ...though my father was sweet and sat confidently and showed full faith in me, the instructor was not so trusting and had his own set of clutch and break ( seeing that broke my heart a little ;) but then each man is entitled to looking after his safety :D )
It is when you drive a 4-wheeler you are amazed at the wondrous untapped potential of your brains.You never know its potential till you put it to test.There's the steering wheel,the gear box(with tons of confusing options :P ),the accelerator(the devil always luring you to greater speeds),then there's the break(the inner conscience that helps you stop when you realise you need to ) and the clutch( a divine force directly indirectly affecting the speed and course of your vehicle) and then my personal favorite the 'horn'(sounded frequently but with almost no effect now-a-days because men often act on will rather than acting/doing like they should).
You'd normally expect a big bright "L" to bring compassion,sympathy and cooperation from the seasoned drivers, but they tend to turn sadistic and derive happiness( immense pleasure) by the lowering confidence levels in novices by their honking horns.I always felt (in my younger years ) that I should be allowed a 4-wheel drive based on my height and not my age !! But then it is now that I realize that age gave me experience and maturity to deal with situations and pressures (during driving).One important factor in being able to drive is confidence,that comes out of experience.Being able to smile (and steer) when surrounded by mockery took maturity (and guts :D).I know I am making driving sound all philosophical and big when most of us feel its another mundane (skill) task that everybody "possesses" ,but believe me pondering on it does make it feel all magical ..... I mean look at the amount of concentration and coordination needed to change gears appropriately,and monitor traffic while simultaneously enjoying all the gossip from co-passengers!
I love being in control (partly the reason why I love driving) .It took me almost a year to learn a bicycle (I know that's too slow by all standards,my brother actually learned it in 3 days :P) .But then, all 'good' things have a 'good reason' ;) and the reason (or explanation) for my lack of 'balancing skill' was my ability (I mean tendency) to "abandon" my cycle (ship) as soon as it tilted by an angle of anything near 10degree.So that was the phase of my life when my way of dealing with problems was to run away from it.But then,I learned to trust.I had faith in my father/mother (whoever had enough patience for me on the given day during the 1-year long grueling period) ,and knew I wouldn't fall till they were around.And one fine day,the trust imparted confidence made me able enough to maintain balance and a skill was acquired.So it was during my 'cycle-days' that I learned the most important lesson in my life .... to trust,and never to give up hope ....to proceed confidently ....to try and be independent in life...and to try and maintain my balance. A simple act of driving can turn out to be quite a learning experience if you want (and perceive) it to.
P.S: should have named this progress in steering :P
It is when you drive a 4-wheeler you are amazed at the wondrous untapped potential of your brains.You never know its potential till you put it to test.There's the steering wheel,the gear box(with tons of confusing options :P ),the accelerator(the devil always luring you to greater speeds),then there's the break(the inner conscience that helps you stop when you realise you need to ) and the clutch( a divine force directly indirectly affecting the speed and course of your vehicle) and then my personal favorite the 'horn'(sounded frequently but with almost no effect now-a-days because men often act on will rather than acting/doing like they should).
You'd normally expect a big bright "L" to bring compassion,sympathy and cooperation from the seasoned drivers, but they tend to turn sadistic and derive happiness( immense pleasure) by the lowering confidence levels in novices by their honking horns.I always felt (in my younger years ) that I should be allowed a 4-wheel drive based on my height and not my age !! But then it is now that I realize that age gave me experience and maturity to deal with situations and pressures (during driving).One important factor in being able to drive is confidence,that comes out of experience.Being able to smile (and steer) when surrounded by mockery took maturity (and guts :D).I know I am making driving sound all philosophical and big when most of us feel its another mundane (skill) task that everybody "possesses" ,but believe me pondering on it does make it feel all magical ..... I mean look at the amount of concentration and coordination needed to change gears appropriately,and monitor traffic while simultaneously enjoying all the gossip from co-passengers!
I love being in control (partly the reason why I love driving) .It took me almost a year to learn a bicycle (I know that's too slow by all standards,my brother actually learned it in 3 days :P) .But then, all 'good' things have a 'good reason' ;) and the reason (or explanation) for my lack of 'balancing skill' was my ability (I mean tendency) to "abandon" my cycle (ship) as soon as it tilted by an angle of anything near 10degree.So that was the phase of my life when my way of dealing with problems was to run away from it.But then,I learned to trust.I had faith in my father/mother (whoever had enough patience for me on the given day during the 1-year long grueling period) ,and knew I wouldn't fall till they were around.And one fine day,the trust imparted confidence made me able enough to maintain balance and a skill was acquired.So it was during my 'cycle-days' that I learned the most important lesson in my life .... to trust,and never to give up hope ....to proceed confidently ....to try and be independent in life...and to try and maintain my balance. A simple act of driving can turn out to be quite a learning experience if you want (and perceive) it to.
P.S: should have named this progress in steering :P
Saturday, May 1, 2010
The Reason
I'm not a perfect person,
As many things I wish I didn't do,
But I continue learning,
I never meant to do those things to you,
And so I have to say before I go,
That I just want you to know.
I've found a reason for me,
To change who I used to be,
A reason to start over new,
and the reason is you.
I'm sorry that I hurt you,
It's something I must live with everyday,
And all the pain I put you through,
I wish that I could take it all away,
And be the one who catches all your tears,
Thats why I need you to hear.
I've found a reason for me,
To change who I used to be,
A reason to start over new,
and the reason is You .
I'm not a perfect person,
I never meant to do those things to you,
And so I have to say before I go,
That I just want you to know.
I've found a reason for me,
To change who I used to be,
A reason to start over new,
and the reason is you.
I've found a reason to show,
A side of me you didn't know,
A reason for all that I do,
And the reason is you.
As many things I wish I didn't do,
But I continue learning,
I never meant to do those things to you,
And so I have to say before I go,
That I just want you to know.
I've found a reason for me,
To change who I used to be,
A reason to start over new,
and the reason is you.
I'm sorry that I hurt you,
It's something I must live with everyday,
And all the pain I put you through,
I wish that I could take it all away,
And be the one who catches all your tears,
Thats why I need you to hear.
I've found a reason for me,
To change who I used to be,
A reason to start over new,
and the reason is You .
I'm not a perfect person,
I never meant to do those things to you,
And so I have to say before I go,
That I just want you to know.
I've found a reason for me,
To change who I used to be,
A reason to start over new,
and the reason is you.
I've found a reason to show,
A side of me you didn't know,
A reason for all that I do,
And the reason is you.
Monday, December 1, 2008
under-estimation of self
All your life, you keep thinking may be you are not worth this or you're not worth that. The truth ( no matter how cliche'd ) is that you are worth way more than you think you are. And others view your worth somewhere in the range in which you do. So, deserve better, dream higher. All this self-doubt and there comes this moment, when it starts making sense. when, a true sense of purpose is established. This point in life, comes sooner or later, you just have to wait for it. Like any sinusoidal function, life has its troughs and crests. Its what's helps keep you level headed all the time. Good times don't last, neither do the bad ones.
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