New Year....New dawn...

Hey Folks,

The new year has already set-in, here's wishing you all a very happy and prosperous new year...

How green was my valley....

Not long ago, in May 2015 I was traveling through the picturesque dense jungle of Kodaikanal. I was awestruck with the vast expanse of greenery.

Reading my facial expressions the tour guide started his conversation with me.  

"Sir, you should have been here 5 years ago. The jungle was even denser and greener”. 

“There were many migratory birds in this season. We locals can feel the difference now; there are not many birds now. Earlier even at 2 pm one used to feel lot cooler than it's now. We feel that after 20-25 years there will not be any jungle left".

I was reminded of this incidence while reading about the recently concluded Paris Climate Summit.

Ref: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/20150126IPR15004/Climate-change-MEPs-discuss-roadmap-to-Paris-conference

There have been many instances of unseasonal rains and flood like situations in many states in India. The Paradise on the earth- Kashmir getting flooded and more recently Chennai getting wiped out are examples of natural catastrophes that we have seen and faced in this year. El Nino is certainly getting stronger day by day. 

That's why the participating countries joining forces and agreeing to sign the Paris agreement, to reduce the world temperature by 2°C and to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels is really a watershed moment of 2015.

But it's just the beginning... for we really need to work hard for its implementation.... 

The role of developed countries is going to be very crucial.  Putting the entire onus of reduction of carbon emissions on the developing and semi developed countries is like politician preaching someone about how bad it is to enter in politics. Developed countries should help with the technology transfer to developing or under developing countries to help set up the greener and cleaner ways of energy production. In my earlier posts I had written few alternative energy sources, such newer ways of renewable, recyclable energy sources need to be evaluated, developed and deployed very soon. Limiting greenhouse gases and containing the temperature rise below 2°C is a responsibility of all the habitants of planet earth. 

The latest 'Odd-Even Formula' by Delhi Government to control the vehicular traffic and improve air quality index needs to be applauded. In order to comply to this 'Odd-Even Formula' Delhiites have already started to evaluate the option of car pooling!! In addition to improving the air quality, it may also turn out to be a great community-building exercise!!!!!!!!   

Let's take a pledge of contributing our bit in maintenance of planet earth. Such small steps of every human being, will lead to giant steps for the man kind.

Frames of Reference, Eyes of the beholder… E= mc2

Hey folks, let’s play a little visualization game. 

Here are the rules of the game, a la Transporter style:

1. Read the short sentences
2. Without blinking, try to visualize first image/ picture that comes to your mind

A crater brimming with water….

OR.....

S1, S2, S3...

OR....

I am sure every phrase will evoke many visuals among the readers and the reason for that, is our mental set-up. The ‘Frames of Reference’ that are associated with each individual; create the images/ visuals in our mind.

Taking the visualization game forward, name Albert Einstein has a strong visual recall of his famous hairdo and E=mc². 

Source: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9810.Albert_Einstein 

Just like an actor is known by the roles/characters he plays, a man is known by the company he keeps; scientist is generally known by the Nobel award winning invention/work. However our man is clearly an aberration to this assumption. Such is a strong association of E=mc² to Einstein that we have almost forgotten that in 1921 The Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Albert Einstein "for his services to Theoretical Physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect and not for his work on relativity”!!!!!! 

Some two years ago, I wrote about what is E= mc² ,whereas today, I am writing on E=mc² from another perspective. Cursory Googling indicates that E=mc² is very popular scientific equation. Here’s my take on understanding the secret of popularity of the equation, and as always I stand to be corrected, corroborated…..   

Unlike the other scientific equations it’s very easy on mind and simple to remember, making it ‘relatively’ easy for the most adored species of R K Laxman, a common man, to understand one of the complex concepts in the science arena. Somebody might counter argue and say “Yeah it’s simple, but so is ‘F= ma’ or ‘V – E + F = 2 (Euler’s Equation)”.  

Agreed, but E=mc² is not just about energy and mass equilibrium. As aptly writ by Encyclopedia Britannica blog; “E = mc² is the world’s most famous equation—a mathematical formula with the power to transcend the barriers of language and culture. Matching its popularity is its deceiving complexity. Its symbols, although easily recognized, embody concepts contrary to the way things seem to be.” 

In my opinion, this seemingly simple scientific equation connects with human psyche, human nature.

Said Plato, “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder” and thus indicated subjective/ relative’ nature of human behavior. The origin of E= mc² i.e. ‘relativity (special relativity)’, gives every human being a chance to think that he/she is right even when he is not!!!!   

Philosophers always preach, ‘starve the ego, feed the soul’ however the equation is very easily able to feed both ego and soul at the same time and in my opinion that’s the ‘causa fundamental’ for such popularity.

For commoners like us, the equation has other uses too……one would find the equation pretty useful even in daily life. One can also use this equation as a way to resolve conflicts. Since relativity, subjectivity gives everyone a chance to be right/correct, anytime you have a conflict, rather than using crass language/ foul words, wear a smile and just say E= mc². The baffled expression on the other person’s face could soothe you!!!!!!

2014: New Year and Another beginning

Hey Folks,

A very happy, prosperous and eventful new year to you and your loved ones. I sincerely hope that all your resolutions stay firm, all your dreams turn into reality, all your efforts turn into stupendous achievement.  

 

At this moment, I would like pause a little and take this opportunity to thank every single reader of 'Cameos of Life' for visiting this blog and spending your time to read the posts. Such support gives me the reason to continue writing.

Cheers folks!!!!!