Old memories, new insights
A Kaleidoscope is a fascinating little toy. I immensely enjoyed it and even made one in my woodcraft class, guided by my teacher “Tyagi Sir” in Dev Nagari Intermediate College, Meerut, in 1967. We took three mirror strips, tied them together as a triangle, put some broken colored pieces of glass bangles and packed them into a tube together. I used a bamboo piece for the tube.
Wonderful symmetrical patterns are formed due to repeated reflection, presenting an ever-changing view when the tube is tilted. I strongly recommend that every child, before finishing school, must make one kaleidoscope and examine (scope) the formation of (edios) of beautiful forms (kalos). It would be a great primer to the Maya that this world is for the eternal observer of the soul.
I have come to believe that we are all human kaleidoscopes, a walking collection of memories, like shattered glass with bits of crazy color churning inside our minds. Mundane little events keep happening as we grow through life. We experience them first as curious children; then, as adolescents bubbling with hormonal surges; then, as energetic, hardworking adults; then, as mature, wise, grown-up people; and finally, as a reflective older lot, a group to which I now belong. In September 2007, I accompanied Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on his first foreign trip after he relinquished the Presidency. He did not go to the United States as President and this visit was indeed long due.
The “Fifty Years in Space” international conference at the California Institute of Technology provided the best fit. Dr Kalam included me in his speech writing team that included a punch line, “Planet Earth has twin human needs. One is the protection of the earth environment for living and the other is energy independence. The Earth is experiencing both stratosphere cooling (due to the ozone hole) and troposphere warming (due to increased greenhouse gases) …”
My friend, James Lupino, who was born to his Italian immigrant parents and grew up to be a brilliant electrical engineer, flew in from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to meet Dr Kalam. We had a chance meeting with a famous singer-song writer, William “Smokey” Robinson, in the lobby of Hotel Indigo where Dr Kalam was staying. Robinson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. We had a tête-à-tête with the “star.” Robinson was friendly and open and when I asked why he was called Smokey, he said, “As a child, I loved cowboy movies. My uncle not only used to take me to these movies, he also gave me a cowboy name – Smokey Joe. If people asked me what my name was, I didn’t tell them my name was William, I told them my name was Smokey Joe.” And then he laughed with a tinge of tears in his eyes.
Once free from the official engagements of Dr Kalam, I had a good time with James who drove me through Los Angeles – the iconic Hollywood sign on Mount Lee, Beverly Hills, and the famous shopping street Rodeo Drive nearby. We passed by the stunning billion-dollar Getty Center perched high atop Brentwood Hills. We of course did not enter and see Vincent van Gogh’s “Irises,” Claude Monet’s “Stack of Wheat,” and “The Abduction of Europa” by Rembrandt, famously displayed there.
In the evening, we leisurely walked in Hollywood Boulevard, where more than 2600 five-pointed stars on the walkway celebrate famous stars. I had my first Corona beer in a Spanish restaurant there with a lemon slice stuck in the opening, giving the beer its wonderful taste. I don’t know if the Corona beer would still retain its immense popularity after the coronavirus pandemic.
From LA, we flew to Minneapolis, transiting at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, Arizona. Situated in the vast Sonoran Desert that wraps around the northern end of the Gulf of California, Phoenix receives the most sunshine of any major city on Earth. I was fascinated to see the air traffic control tower, made of war-time underground fuel storage tanks welded together. You need audacity of imagination and engineering competence to accomplish such feats. In contrast, I found that in India, we are scared of going out of the box and even while innovating, the mind is gripped with fear. There are so many naysayers everywhere, waiting to see you fail.
James lives in Minneapolis. He has been working with US Electronics there. I spent a few days in this beautiful city, spread on both banks of the Mississippi River. Minneapolis is home to five Fortune 500 companies, and together with the neighboring St Paul City, they make up the fifth-largest hub of major corporate headquarters in the US. We visited the United Health Group – a healthcare company with a revenue of more than $200 billion. I learned there that improved health outcomes can be achieved in spite of 40% lower treatment costs. I don’t see anyone even minding these matters in India. If you fall sick, it is your problem, and you are at the mercy of the healthcare business about what they do to you and how much you are asked to pay.
Instead of bothering about your plans, your wishes, goals and ambitions, holding a telescope always, as if looking into future and writing the script for tomorrow, why not examine the kaleidoscope of your memories instead and you will find all that you need to know to become your best. You will feel a spring of energy inside, bathing you with enthusiasm. Dr Kalam, the NASA lecture, Smokey Robinson, the Mississippi River… are all unconnected and different, like broken glass pieces in a kaleidoscope. But they become one in my mind and I am able to communicate to you the beautiful picture they make together.
While writing a comment on my blog, “Hot Fudge, here comes the Judge,” 77-year-old veteran attorney, Bart Fisher, connected to his childhood in St. Louis and his passion for Baseball. My erstwhile colleague at Care Foundation, Arun Arramraj, recounted the American values as he had observed them during his study there in what could be the best description I had ever read. Dr Ramaiah, my student at Hyderabad University, now a professor at the University of Hail in Saudi Arabia, recollected that I had narrated the fudge story to his class in 2008. It is amazing to see how things get connected, creating positive energy!
Habits of getting into arguments, always complaining, focusing on inadequacies, and lamenting about a half-empty glass are not only bad, but they are also dangerous. They keep you forever trapped in your miseries. So, in the New Year, learn to spend some quiet time with yourself, tilt the kaleidoscope of your memories and watch the beautiful patterns it makes with the strange combinations. You will find your signs, your cues, suggestions, guidance, help, whatever you are looking for, coming out from your inner being.
Here is the truth that I learnt a little late in my life. Not only is each one of us a speck of consciousness, but the whole universe is also consciousness itself. When you start feeling your consciousness, you will also start sensing the consciousness in your surroundings, in the form of vibes and subtle happenstances. You will indeed taste the bliss that God had embedded while creating life!
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A wonderful piece of writing Arun.
Keep at it.
Keep turning the kaleidoscope.
We need more insights, more reasons to live and wonder, more ways to connect the unconnected.
Wonderful piece of writing.
Looks like Prof. Tiwari never keep aside his Kaleidoscope even when he was visiting Lokheed Martin and that probably answers Ashutosh’s question…what keeps him so positive.
Prof. Tiwari has kept the child in him alive and healthy…Please don’t let it grow up. Thanks a lot.
You have provided a fascinating insight into the bliss that is embedded in life with your brilliant blog, Prof Tiwariji!
Your analogy of Kaleidoscope for feeling the subtle happiness with reflective memories is superb !!
Respected Arun Sir, Thankyou very much for such an insightful , gripping & well readable writeup for each & every conscious being . As you explained how pattern changes in kaledioscope in every tilt, in same way tilt in our intrepretation changes past .Your use of bamboo for tube in kaleidoscope making reminds me of my using bamboo in making water- gun during Holi Celebration in Childhood.
This exuberantly apt written blog , Gives us insight, How to meticulously watch memory of past in display of mind with the help of neurons to Interconnect contemperory & non contemperory events “realize win-win ” ( Habbit of Effective people , As few days ago you explained fourth lesson by Stephen Covey on another platform) And not to became slave of past mishappening .
This memory’s pattern seeking habbit automatically inoculate us understanding of cause & effect of past events , Hence will make us aware & careful for present & future step .
Sir, Examining my kaleidoscope of your writings, I wonder about the creation of magic. Probably, your gradual mastery of writing and my improved comprehension together are creating the spell.
I first started following you through your works at Pantnagar University.
Your sports commentaries attracted more than your other literary activities. After a few decades, your ‘Wings of fire’ caught my attention. I bought it for my children remembering you and wondering whether you would still recall me?
A decade later, Amit Gupta, a literary genius of our batch, asked me to reach out to you about my heart valve-related distress. I took the chance, and your response to a ‘once upon an acquaintance’ junior was magnificent. I was all set to visit Hyderabad where you intended to show me! My condition deteriorated rather rapidly, and the doctor decided my air travel as risky. The visit did not happen. But it is not this halo effect or my getting ‘clean-bold’ to your magnificence that I am scribbling about your journey to masterly writing.
I have many questions to ask? Here I would restrict it to one. You have already answered to your journey, and your writings reflect them. My question is — what makes you such an incredibly positive person?
Dear Bhaisab congratulations on writing a wonderful blog. There could be no better way to look back at memories then through the kaleidoscope. Your article will inspire many to look back at the life the way you have described your experiences of your US visit with the great Dr Kalam. Your friend James Lupino and walking on the streets of LA and the walk of fame and the first Corona beer!
As kids we use to play with the kaleidoscope for fun and were fascinated with joy to watch beautiful patterns unfolding. It was so much fun when we used to visit any festive fare and insist on our parents to buy us this fascinating toy from the street vendor. We enjoyed it only as a toy but never looked at it in terms of the kaleidoscope of life, your experiences as we hardly had so many memories as a child. When we grow we start building them and it becomes a book of life. Your blog has given us a wonderful way to look back and enjoy the memories.
I can recall starting my life as a kid in a small town of MP then to city for higher education and great city of Mumbai for carrier. Mumbai served as a springboard for me to move further to Bahrain my karmabhumi spending more years than my birth country. Like as you said I also had dreamed of visiting USA and see the high rise buildings, the Statue of Liberty, the Disney Land. When I tilt the Kaleidoscope I recall how I first came to the dreamland in 1988 with my family as a tourist and fulfilled the dream.
We have now settled in USA after my sons studied here and made this place as their karmabhumi. I am not sure if we have achieved the dream or not but as you said look at the glass as half full. A truly wonderful inspiring blog. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and look forward to more from you. Jai Swaminarayan!
Dear Sir, No doubt Kaleidoscope was a fascinating toy at least in those days when modern day technology was not available. You have once again very thoughtfully evolved a very beautiful relationship between old and the new and given an apt name – Old memories and New Insights. It has infact awakened my own memories of 1962-63 when we were taught, how to make Kaleidoscope in the Govt primary school.
You have joined every piece of the instrument with the bits and pieces of our life. Its true that life evolves as we grow through the churning inside our minds, Then as adolescents bubbling with hormonal changes and finally as a reflective grown up old man. To explain your case and your thought process, you have brought out the instances from the visit of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in 2007 to NASA, USA and you witnessing the events as they happened in front of your eyes as you accompanied him. It is really befitting to have brought out the essence of the talk given by great man and you being the writer of the script. The two human needs of protecting the environment and to make the world energy independent. are the true needs of mankind and it was so great of you to have chosen the same on the occasion of International Conference, 50 years in space.
You never forget to write about your friends and all those who have been nice to you in any way in your life time. A great virtue of a great man indeed. James Lupino from Minneapolis, Minnesota, your friend and probably your guide during that visit, flew in to meet Dr Kalam and then after the official engagements were over, you spent lot of fascinating time with him before you flew back to India. Another word you are very much concern about is Corona as you relate it with your corona beer, you had in a Spanish restaurant. This gives an idea to tell the masses of today that CORONA is not yet gone and is very much present and we have to continue to take the precautions as brought out by our PM. You are in a way conveying the message of Modi ji through this blog. A great idea and a great thought indeed.
You are reminding every one to reflect upon oneself and examine the Kaleidoscope of your memories to become a better human being rather than bothering about your wishes and ambitions. This will generate an ocean of positive energy and enthusiasm because when you inclusively look upon the different aspects of life through the prism of memory, the whole picture becomes one. Its amazing to see how things get connected creating positive energy.
In the end you bring out the essence of leading a happy and contended life beautifully. You advise that we should not waste this beautiful and blissful life in arguments and negativity. Because these traits keep you trapped in your miseries. Your advise to live 2021 by reflecting upon yourself and by watching the life from inside by observing your inner self. Wonderful teaching Sir. You have chosen a subject very close to my heart. After studying spirituality formally for 7 years, I found a blog which gives the essence of life by joining all broken pieces of happenings in our life and look at them like as you see them in a Kaleidoscope. Jai Hind.
The article presents a beautiful analogy of human life through a kaleidoscope. It is captivating to read how memories that seem so connected and united, can be compared to disconnected kaleidoscope visions. But looking closer and reading the entire article one gets the gist and the insight.
An excellent article, Prof Tiwari, which made me realize that indeed, things happen like in a kaleidoscope. All fragments of life — memories, people, events, occasions, interests, skills, keep coming together to make ever new patterns. After a `disturbance’ (or tilt), things shake up and then soon, there is a new alignment, new equilibrium. A new pattern, but as perfect and complete as the one before. Watching with wonder is the thing to do, rather than worrying or fretting over the what the next formation will be.
To be able to see new patterns emerging, there are two requirements: the first is a tilt — which allows for new possibilities. And the second is a desire to see things differently, to appreciate what beauty is, and to trust the process.
The first i.e. tilt could come from anywhere – a change in situation through our decisions, or from life itself. The second is the desire, the motivation — and that you have created through this write-up, with your assurance that cues, signs and guidance will emerge. I will share and quote your example of kaleidoscope with others, so more people can benefit.
I also plan to immediately order several good-quality Kaleidoscopes, as gifts for the next generation. Not only will they enjoy the simple yet fascinating process and patterns, it will also expose them to the lessons of `Maya and the continuity of consciousness, as you point out. Luckily, good ones are available on Amazon.
Thank you for sharing your memories; it was like looking into that enigmatic box, the `Bioscope’ of yore! I still remember the thrill that came from peering in, the feeling of being ‘in another land’. As the reel moved, the unconnectedness of the photos ensured that our curiosity and wonder remained piqued throughout!
Thank you Sir for sharing this lovely article. It reminded me of my memories in the USA when I had first gone for medical internships. I met so many lovely people who were kind enough to show me how the US hospital system works, give a tour of the cities like New York, Minneapolis, Virginia.
I remember going to the University of Minnesota for a Pediatric internship and then taking a solo tour of the city. It was such an amazing and liberating experience. I also remember a new friend I made took me on a tour of New York for the first time. We went to Staten Island, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, went for the Lion King musical and then she made me taste the best cheesecake in the city at this great Patisserie by Times Square.
All these are kaleidoscope of memories forever to be cherished. Your article radiates a lot of positivity and helps in gaining a better insight on how to look at things from the brighter side. It was wonderful reading about your experiences in the USA. Here’s looking to 2021 from a brighter side!!
Kaleidoscope of memories made a gripping read indeed, helping me realize that the memories that make up our lives are not only important to ourselves, but also to those people who have shared them with us. You are blessed and privileged to have made memories with accomplished humans. It also came across as a note of gratitude for the people you were with and how they’ve impacted your life.
Oh how I relived that tour, special places and wonderful times! Yes, in the end, all we are is a collection of thoughts and deeds. Dr. Kalam believed that the people he spent the most time with shaped him. As for his acquaintances and friends they know that he has only helped them propel forward. Being kind earned Dr. Kalam good friends and opportunities to spread goodness.
Dear Arun, Your blog “Old memories, new insights” is a wonderful journey graced with your wisdom, understated wit and sparkling intellect. God has gifted you the art of making the complex subjects of life simple and uncomplicated.
Your article is a perfect guide to readers who aspire for rational thinking and living the good life. Readers are entertained as they get a first class education in philosophy.
There could not have been a better time for your article than this as in 2020 the world was ravaged by disease and despair. It is in times like these, we need to go within, quiet our minds and search for answers with hope. Wish you good luck in your endeavours.
Our memories of people, places, and experiences of life constitute a valuable resource for guidance in our lives. After going through your blog, I feel that Kaleidoscope is a beautiful metaphor for the richness and colors of life Happy to learn about your observations and insights gathered during your visits to the United States. Thank you for writing this beautiful piece.
Thank you so much Sir, for another inspirational and mind blowing reality thought about life. It’s true our focus and prospective about life play a major role. It’s indeed true that by focusing on Krishna consciousness, we can escape from the material world, like a person avoid soot in a kajal’s cell. Wish you a very happy new year Sir.
Below is the perfect new year message for us to takeaway Sri Arunji..
“Habits of getting into arguments, always complaining, focusing on inadequacies, and lamenting about a half-empty glass are not only bad, but they are also dangerous. They keep you forever trapped in your miseries. So, in the New Year, learn to spend some quiet time with yourself, tilt the kaleidoscope of your memories and watch the beautiful patterns it makes with the strange combinations.”
We see this as a common pattern in us and wider society all the time. We look for happiness in watching a new movie first day first show. And coming out of the theatre complain on how boring it was or how acting or direction was substandard or even the cost of pop-corn we chose to buy in the intermission.. We plan to spend a beautiful evening in multi-cuisine luxurious restaurant often only to end up complaining of high taxes, rude staff, not enough options and so on.. We have mastered ourselves in finding the smallest black dot on otherwise all clean white board of life and blaming that little black dot is not letting us write the beautiful story on the white board..
The idea of kaleidoscope of memories and titling slightly to see beautiful patterns emerge out of something so insignificant is so wonderful by itself. Made me remember the book “India Unveiled” by Sri Robert Arnett who captured such amazing things of cultural life of India which we often oversee though experiencing it day in and day out.. But zooming out a bit and we realize how amazing the world around us is!
I am thrilled to read your US related articles. I never knew that you had such deep connections there. I spent many years there and returned rather reluctantly but I indeed cherish my time there and the way the system moves there. There is no denying that the US is nothing short of the world’s greatest empire. I do not know about the Roman Empire 2,000 years ago, but the influence that it swayed over the world I can feel through the US.
Your mention of the air traffic control tower at Phoenix Airport, made of war-time underground fuel storage tanks welded together, is very thoughtful. This spirit of doing things differently indeed measures America’s greatness. America has succeeded in putting itself on the path of producing knowledge and generating innovative ideas.
Exact opposite I find the fuss created around the Farm Laws and the way our leaders are changing their sides just to score a point over the Prime Minister. These attitudes have kept India away from becoming a powerful nation and I am sad that these are very much in operation.
The emphasis you place on experiencing every moment is so useful. And now your emphasis or reflecting upon the old memories rather than keep looking outside, I find it a great idea. I am going to write in the next few weeks about my own memories, starting with the turning points and some transformational moment and share them with you. Thanks for inspiring us selflessly.
Dear Prof. Tiwari, Your mention of kaleidoscope did bring back childhood memories and gave me some pleasant moments while navigating through them. Although the kaleidoscope visuals were illusions (Maya), the memories were of real events. I do not understand why this world should be considered a Maya by spiritual beings. The world is real and is inhabited by real living and non-living things. The happenings in the world are also real. Nothing is permanent in this world; it is ever changing. To this extent, one can call it a Maya. One can detach oneself from the world and rest in peace. I consider it an escapist route.
I visit Los Angles each year (Corona year being an exception) as my daughter lives there. I often visit Hollywood Boulevard. Walking over the iconic five-pointed stars with names of famous Hollywood stars engraved over them does not give me a good feeling. I would rather remain anonymous than allowing people to walkover my name.
There is plenty of audacity and engineering competence among common people in India. These are the people, who think and look for ‘out of the box’ solutions and give us famous Indian ‘Jugads’. The problem lies with educated professionals, who remain trapped looking for ‘inside the box’ solutions. They are afraid of failure as it is stigmatized in our society. One should not forget that failure also teaches us precious lessons to succeed in future.
Hope, 2021 brings in new hopes, new opportunities, peace and happiness all around for all living beings on this planet. Regards.
I have the same feeling about the kaleidoscope. It was one of my favorite toys, along with model airplanes made out of balsa wood that I could fly around. The kaleidoscope is also a reminder that life is not linear. We are not on a straight ladder to heaven. There will be disappointments, and jagged leaps backward, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, which has already claimed the lives of 400,000 Americans. On January 20 we will take a jagged leap forward, with a new president, and hope for a brighter day.
It’s an amazing catch!
Your this Blog for me, right after Pink Ball Reality is yet another of your thought provoking and thought dissecting moment. It forces one to ponder… life is but beautiful once you realize it’s full of pleasures and satisfaction, once you master the art of drawing on your accumulated wisdom, and once you involve in being satisfied and contended from what you possess. This charisma of the ever changing kaleidoscope of life, through its various stages as mentioned – childhood to an experienced retired person… there is enough which gets stored. Just opening the cupboard, churning the memories and unshackling earlier reservations will lend enough to learn, to enjoy and to indulge in making life a pleasant phase.
Fully appreciate and at times scorn and envy your brilliant memory, Arun ji. Your remembering names, places, even street names, incidents etcetera and then weaving a beautiful fabric with colourful pattern of warp and weft for us to wear, is indeed a joy forever. We love it and await our new dress every fifteen days. Enough to bring the excited child to the forefront…
Your mention of the famous singer – song writer, William Robinson (Smokey) loving his nickname ‘Smokey,’ brought forth my childhood memories too. I was nicknamed in school – Sunil Bijli. Bijli, culled from my father, the then city Executive Engineer electrical department. Contrary to William, I loathed for I was literary teased by fellow school mates. Also prior to that I fought with my grandfather (maternal) when he took pleasure in telling me a kid then, of my father being a lines-man and his job was to visit and mend electrical household fuses. That would spell gloom.
At present, with this as hindsight and probably stored in my mind box I am least bothered now. Call me what you can. Tease me if you want, I am what I am. I don’t bother if my clothes are a miss-match, don’t care if I am a bizarre spendthrift, a weird loony or scorned as a less mixing person. I enjoy living in my own world. Won’t agree less when you write “tilt the kaleidoscope of your memories and watch the beautiful patterns it makes with the strange combinations. You will find your signs, your cues, suggestions, guidance, help, whatever you are looking for, coming out from your inner being.”
To rise from the grave as a Phoenix for betterment of self and mankind is what gives the kick. Do as you want, take pleasure and enjoy living your life but do think about and take care of fellow citizens, your friends, relation, neighbours, acquaintance…to the best of your ability. This will add on to your happiness. The pleasure derived from giving rather than taking is manifold. Try it…taste the unforgettable happiness, it’s divine.
Besides your own happiness you would be contributing in your own small way in uplifting mankind, society and in turn your country. Let one be known in his own circle as a kind heart go to person, always ready to help in whatever small way one can.
It’s not necessary to be a known state, country or world figure, what one good one does for others or environment in his minuscule way is what adds on.
A drop of benevolence from each human will fill the pitcher enabling the crow to quench his thirst and fly away, happy and contended.
Dear Sir, Once again delighted to read your blog on kaleidoscope. Yes, we all are a collection of memories which guide us in moving forward in our life. I always remember your teachings during MBA course and take feedback to act and take decisions in my workplace and professional life.
Sir, you are a great master of teachings through story telling, I remember the story of Iblis (kuchh nahi hota, main hun na), which is a master piece of how to take decisions in life. It never ever failed me.
Thank you for all your teachings and blessing in life, I am, what I am today is because of teachers like you who tought me the value systems of life.
Hope to see you in Sydney this year 2021. Wish you happy, healthy and prosperous year 2021.
Thank you Professor Tiwari for rekindling the fond memories of our times together – not only in Los Angeles and Minneapolis, but also in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas, during our visit to Lockheed Martin and our time in Hyderabad at Care Foundation, ECIL and other venues. I’m glad to read V. K. Satram’s comments remembering our meeting! And most recently, my visit to Bangalore to visit BEL with your son Amol has added another fond memory for reflection in my kaleidoscope. I will look forward to adding more.
Your message that “we are all human kaleidoscopes, a walking collection of memories” reminded me of an article I read earlier this week in Information Display Magazine highlighting the career of Vladimir Kuklev, who turned 100 years old in Russia, celebrated with 50 colleagues and guests at the Semenikhin R&D Institute of Automation Arrays. What an amazing kaleidoscope of memories Vladimir has had – battles in WW-II, setting up CRT fabs in Russia, teaching at universities and creating numerous innovations in the display industry. And he continues to teach and consult! He says “my biggest wish is to transfer my achievements to the young generation”.
Your advice for the New Year that we should spend some quiet time to tilt our kaleidoscope is well received by your readers. Once again you so eloquently remind us how to avoid dangerous habits in life but find strength and energy from within. Thank you again!
I’ve recently been listening and enjoying R&B Soul music at my home. Each time I hear a Smokey Robinson tune it lights up my kaleidoscope. And thanks to your writing I will now have a special smile each time I have a Corona beer with a lime! God Bless you my dear friend!
Delightful read Sir. I am amazed how you can relive your old moments. Your narrative is so lively that I could feel myself there with you in LA.
I am indeed struck with your words, “Instead of bothering about your plans, your wishes, goals and ambitions, holding a telescope always, as if looking into future and writing the script for tomorrow, why not examine the kaleidoscope of your memories instead and you will find all that you need to know to become your best. You will feel a spring of energy inside, bathing you with enthusiasm.”
And I am honestly going to put down the telescope I have been carrying all along and enjoy a quiet evening today. It has been a long time since I visited Dumas Beach.
Prof Tiwari, Thank you for a fitting reflection of a Kaleidoscope and the mentioned wonderful symmetrical patterns that are formed due to repeated reflection, presenting an ever-changing view when the tube is tilted, and the advice to relate our real life situations to what is seen and appreciated while learning to accept as just another kaleidoscopic pattern.
This resonated very well with what The famed Apostle Paul wrote in the Epistle to the Romans Chapter 8 and verse 28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” and what the Master Teacher Himself taught while addressing the subject of being anxious on and about what is happening in and around us in Matthew 6: 30-34. “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof”. Meaning if we put our trust and confidence in The Creator God, our today is certain and our tomorrows are assured, the past has shown this to be the case, learning from such experiences is essential
Truly habits of getting into arguments, always complaining, focusing on inadequacies, and lamenting about a half-empty glass are not only bad, but they are also dangerous. They keep one forever trapped in miseries, while there is more than a thousand reasons to rejoice for and be thankful!
Enjoyed reading it Prof Tiwari Ji. What you said is absolutely true: let us move from “complaining mode” to “contributing mode”. Rearranging old memories in different ways is like writing poems where re-arrangement of the same words often touches our heart and soul; makes us happy. A happy man makes a healthy society and a strong nation.
Prof Tiwari ji, Very interesting blog and can’t agree more on your comments on Innovation and affordable healthcare. We have been working with organizations like United Healthcare Group for several years in delivering some of those Health outcomes across the world. Happy to share our learnings and work with organizations like Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY.
Thank you for making us a part of this beautiful memory of yours through your blog. Loved reading it.
Such a positive post (the one I needed at this time) now that the nerve racking, adrenaline pumping, gripping, intense, dramatic and tempestuous 2020 draws to a close! Looking back, I observe the paradigm shift that the world and our lives have undergone. 2020 has been a teacher of the highest order, reminding us to value all the minutiae that we take for granted as so many families’ lives have been upended due to tragedy, illness and financial distress.
It has also been a year where a lot of us discovered new inherent talents, new ways of connecting, new ways of working. All invisible / self made barriers were broken when physical restrictions were put in place. Most of all, this year has brought forth the realisation that no matter the adversity, we will triumph. Here’s, looking forth to a brighter, better and healthier year and decade! Here’s looking to a glass that’s half full! Onwards and upwards! Happy New Year 2021 to you Uncle!
Respected Sir, I really enjoyed reading your post on ‘Old memories, new insights’. I always feel that I am so lucky to meet the Professor and mentor like you in University of Hyderabad. You are one of the persons who created a lot of positive energy in my life. I still remember the stories that you narrated to the class of MBA Health Care and Hospital management and the experiences of your interactions with Dr. Abdul Kalam Sir and other great people that you shared with us. Even today, I have been learning new insights through your posts, comments and writings. My interactions with Dr. Kalam Sir were just because of you which are greatest memory in my entire life. I too believe that “ we are all human kaleidoscopes, a walking collection of memories, like shattered glass with bits of crazy color churning inside our minds”.
I regularly read your blog and every article is amazing. But today when I found my name, I felt a deep sense of peace. I have no words to express… to be a part of your post. It has been more than a decade that you have taught me at University of Hyderabad. I used to be the Class Representative (CR) and made me interact with you perhaps more than my other colleagues. I met Dr Kalam through you.
You once sent me to Tamil Nadu, to Grace Institutions, Kaliyikkavilai, near Kanyakumari to meet Dr. Barns Joy (Founder of Grace Institutions). It was my first trip away from home and in some other state. It gave me a lot of confidence. You have always been full of loving-kindness whenever I met you after getting into work – with my wife and later with my son. Thank you so much for your blessings and love. I am indeed feeling a part of you, today. Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories and igniting us with your positive energy in this New Year, 2021. Thank you Sir.
What a wonderful article! A real treat to read.
Sir, the way you are keeping the memories of Dr Kalam’s alive is indeed praiseworthy. People are so used to forget their teachers and mentors and talk full of their own selves as if they were born learned and great. While you always remember your teachers and how have you reached at your present station. I can feel you and NK Sharmaji sitting in NRDC in late 1990s. Both of you were so full of entusisam!
I am taking your suggestion, “… in the New Year, learn to spend some quiet time with yourself, tilt the kaleidoscope of your memories and watch the beautiful patterns it makes with the strange combinations. You will find your signs, your cues, suggestions, guidance, help, whatever you are looking for, coming out from your inner being,” to my heart and write a journal of my transforming experiences.
Sir, I remember you sharing these memories after you returned from this trip. In fact you gave me a CD of Smokey Robinson. It is more than 12 years and yet this line I carry in my head.
We were just kids playing in the rain
When you threw a stone
And you broke a window pane…
I also met Mr. James Lupino when he was here. In fact, he has been the first American I met and got rid of my so many prejudices and fears through his kind and friendly ways. My heartfelt regards to you both.
Sir, You have hit a Bull’s Eye in this article. We are all walking around in our lives holding a telescope and unmindful of what is right there in front of you. Many of my friends are having their children growing up without discipline and sometimes I wonder why they can’t see this.
I also bought a kaleidoscope and enjoyed it but today you gave it a new meaning. I have visited after reading your blog today, my school in Amethi, Allahabad University and Kolkata already. It is such a refreshing experience! I also went to Ghana and met some wonderful people there but never bothered to capture those moments.
Beautiful sir!! enjoyed reading it and the Kaleidoscope brought all the beautiful memories and all the blessings of God in our lives. God bless you sir.
Arun ji, Thank you for the nice blog. Good beginning of year to tilt Kaleidoscope of memories and watch beautiful patterns.
Yes, in 2007, I was with Dr Kalam in this trip when we went to CISCO to meet their Chief John Chambers and Samosas along with the discussions.
We both also addressed Doctors of Stanford school of Medicine on Emergency management system of India-108 services. I was the first non-Doctor to have addressed the Stanford Doctors. I could tilt my Kaleidoscope to watch my experience with Dr Kalam at San Francisco.
Best wishes for the new year Prof!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful memories – rich and refreshing they are.
I could not agree with you more – living a life of gratitude daily is a powerful healing drink for the soul. I, like you, have made the conscious choice of looking at the half-full glass (and not the half-empty one).
More blessings your way in 2021!