Striving towards Excellence

Annie L' Huillier-Nobel Prize Physics 2023

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Annie L'Huillier was unreachable on the morning of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences tried reaching L'Huillier to tell her she was one of the 2023 physics laureates. However, her phone kept going to voicemail.

Luckily, they were able to reach L'Huillier's husband. He explained that she was teaching a class on atomic physics, but she would have only a very short break just before the announcement.

During the break, L'Huillier picked up her phone and received the news about the physics prize, but she cut the call short to return to her students. Before going back to class, she turned her phone off again.

When she returned to the class, she told the students she would have to finish a few minutes early but did not give a reason.

L'Huillier ended the lecture only five minutes before the 11:45 physics announcement and left the room. Suspicious, her students decided to stay and watch the physics livestream in the lecture hall.

When L'Huillier's name was announced, her students broke into cheers. Annie L'Huillier's dedication to her students and her passion for teaching atomic physics is truly admirable. Her students must have been thrilled to witness their teacher's moment of recognition during the Nobel Prize announcement. It's a testament to her commitment to education and her contributions to the field of physics.

Courtesy Photos: Nobel Prize.org 

Anne L'Huillier teaching her atomic physics class on 3 October; Anne L'Huillier taking a call with Nobel Prize Outreach on 3 October; Anne L'Huillier's atomic physics class cheering as her name is announced during the 2023 physics announcement.

Kinkaku-ji

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Rokuon-ji  commonly known as "Kinkaku-ji", is a Zen temple of Shokoku-ji school of Rinzai Buddhist denomination. It's famous for its breathtaking Golden Pavilion, a three-story structure covered in shimmering gold leaf that reflects beautifully on the surrounding pond. This area used to be the Salonji family's villa. In 1397, "Yoshimitsu", the third Shogun of Ashikaga Shogunate, took it over and built the Kitayama palace  centering around the golden stupa, "Kinkaku". When the Kitayama palace was founded, it was the center of politics and culture and was used to welcome the Emperors of Japan and trading partners from China (Ming).

After he passed away, it became a temple according to his will. Rokuon-ji Temple garden, designated both a Special Historic site and a Special place of Scenic Beauty. They have retained the atmosphere of those days and maintained it really well. Throughout its history, Kinkakuji has faced its share of challenges. It has burned down several times, most notably in 1950 by a deranged monk. Each time, however, the temple was meticulously rebuilt, ensuring its stunning beauty continues to captivate visitors from around the world.  It was registered as World Cultural Heritage site in 1994.

Here are some interesting facts about Kinkakuji:

• The Golden Pavilion is covered in approximately 200 square meters of gold leaf.
• The pond in front of the pavilion is called Kyōko-chi (Mirror Pond) and is said to reflect the Pure Land of Buddhism.

Happy 50th Birthday, Susi!

-Karthik Gurumurthy

SAT Update: Varun

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Congratulations Varun on getting perfect score in Math and 770 in the English section (Aug 26, exam) . It is all his hardwork and he made it happen for yourself.

SAT Update: Alex

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Alex C got a perfect score (1600) in SAT. Not surprising at all. I have been working with him last 1.5 years and he was consistent in his preparation despite his summer internship. Winners find a way to make it happen. 

Conserving your energy

-Karthik Gurumurthy

To protect your energy, it is okay to cancel a commitment.

It is okay not to answer a call.

It is okay to change your mind.

It is okay to want to be alone.

It is okay to take a day off.

It is okay to do nothing.

It is okay to speak up.

It is okay to let go.

Saturday Special

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Time-out

-Karthik Gurumurthy

 Travel is about finding incredible experiences, so don’t chase familiar surroundings, go after your biggest dreams before the chance slips away.

Thought for the day

-Karthik Gurumurthy

“Choose a day as your day of simplicity. Speak little, and listen with attention. Do something incognito and nice for a person you are close to. Eat simple and natural food. Create time periods for not doing anything – just walk, look around, live the  moment. Have your mind open to a more profound and silent sensitivity. Appreciate each scene and each person as they are.”

Djurgarden

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Every new destination, every foreign country, offers a valuable lesson you are yet to learn. Remain open to learning new things. Everytime I travel, I learn so much.

No Gasoline zone

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Life is different in every country, and traveling opens your eyes to all living conditions. Traveling puts into perspective your blessings and privileges as well as facing the harsh realities that many people live with.

Rosenborg Castle

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Rosenborg was built as a pleasure palace by Christian IV at the beginning of the 17th century, and quickly became the king's favorite castle. Christian IV left a deep impression on Danish history through his colorful personality, building projects and waging of war.

Christian IV ruled the counry together with the Privy council, but absolutism was introduced with his son Frederik III in 1660. Many of the furnishings in the castle reflect the pomp of the absolute monarchy. 

From the 1700s Rosenborg was no longer used as a residence, but became the place where the kings placed their oldest. finest and rarest objects. Here the king's guests could see the wealth  and status of the Danish-Norwegian kingdom in Europe. Rosenborg opened to the public as a museum in 1838. This displays the king's lavish collection of valuables, often acquired as  gifts from foreign rulers.

Why Travel?

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Traveling forces you to break out of your daily routine and all that you are familiar with. It might be uncomfortable, scary even; however, the rewards are worth it. The knowledge and experience you gain will outweigh any self-doubt and worry you had before you began traveling.

Travel also forces you to self-reflect and understand yourself as a person. As a result, you will be more prone to being open and comfortable expressing yourself without worrying about others’ approval.

Round Tower-Copenhagen

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Disvoveries have been made in the Round Tower. Institutions have started here. Important historical figures have come here. And people from all walks of life have passed each other in search of Copenhagen's most charming  view 34.8 metres above the street. The whole world is passing through the Round Tower and has done so since 1642, when the tower was finished. For centuries , the views of the city's roofs and sights from the top of the Round Tower have been Copenhagen's major attractions.

With its distinctive Spiral Ramp, the Round Tower is one of Denmark's best-known and most visited structures. It was built as a platform  for the university observatory and for centuries it was the centre of Danish Astronomy.  The foundation stone was laid on July 7, 1637 (344 years later MS, Dhoni was born which is a different story altogether). Five years later the Round Tower was finished as the first part of the Trinity complex, which was designed to accommodate three things : the observatory at the top of the tower, the University library above the Trinity church and the church itself  below.

The Round Tower is built by King Christian IV, who constructed its round walls in the royal colors yellow and red. The king himself also sketched the famous golden rebus on the front of the tower: Lead , God, the right teachings and justice into the heart of King Christian IV.

Halfway up the tower you will find the library Hall since its reopening in 1987. The platform on top of the tower has a great 360 degree city view  centred by the Observatory, which is still used in the winter months and thus the oldest functioning observatory in Europe.

The Spiral ramp twists 7 1/2 times around the tower's hollow core and is the only way to the top. It is inspired by both German Renaissance castles and ancient structures and is unique in a Danish context. 

The Round Tower planetarium shows the solar system with the sun in the centre. The observatory telescope dates from 1929 when the current observatory building was opened 

Vasa

-Karthik Gurumurthy

The warship Vasa capsized and sank on its maiden voyage in Stockholm (about 395 years back) on 10 August 1628. After 333 years on the seabed, the mighty ship was salvaged, and its voyage continued. Vasa is the world's best preserved 17th century ship, magnificiently adorned with hundreds of carved scupltures and 98% original.

If you visit Sweden, please do checkout Vasa Museum. I strongly recommend watching the short film about Vasa and take the guided tour around the ship.  All around the ship, there are exhibitions that tell the story of Vasa's history and what the artefacts, sources can tell us about the ship, people and society in early 17th century Sweden, The order you visit the different exhibitions is for you to decide. 

Why Travel?

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Life is constantly changing. Setting up rigid rules and expectations will leave you disappointed. Travel teaches you to go through life with a sense of wonder, live in the moment, and learn to be comfortable in an ever-changing environment

Christiansborg Palace

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Christiansborg Palace was the main residence of Danish monarches until 1794,when the royal family moved to Amalienborg. However, even today the royal family still use large parts of Christiansborg Palace.

If you visit the Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, you will be given a tour of the kitchen beneath the palace where it gleams with one of the Europe's largest collection of copper kitchenware. You will experience a sensory bombardment of culinary artistry, pastry cakes and colorful flower arrangements from the 1930s.

You will also get to explore the 800 year old underground ruins. The oldest ruin is the curtain wall from Bishop Absalon's 12th  century castle.Another famous ruin is the Blue Tower, the fabled prison from Copenhagen Castle.

The Royal reception rooms provide the magnificient setting for the Queen to carry out her official duties. Her Majesty receives her guests in these rooms surrounded by the green marble plasters, golden silk wall coverings and tapestries. She also signs acts of parliament into law and holds New Year banquets in the palace just as her predecessors have done over the centuries.

At the heart of Christiansborg Palace lies  the Great Hall where the Queen holds the gala dinners when there are state visits and other festive occasions. Visitors can explore 1100 years of Danish History on the walls of the Great Hall which are decorated with colorful tapestries. The Great Hall can accommodate up to 400 guests for banquets, state visits and New Year receptions. The Danish artist Bjorn Norgaard's modern tapestries were a gift to Queen Margrethe II in 2000. They narrate 1000 years of Denmark's history, from Viking times to the present day.

There is room called Alexander Hall which depicts the entry of Alexander the Great into Babylon. This also holds Queen's library which is Queen Margrethe II's book collection where many of the books date from the 18th century.

Grundtvig's Church (Grundtvigs Kirke)

-Karthik Gurumurthy

This is a must see in Copenhagen.

Grundtvig's Church was erected in commemoration of the great Danish priest, poet, and reformer N.F.S. Grundtvig (1783 - 1882). This monumental church is referred to in modern terms as a Gothic cathedral.

Master builder and architect Peder Vilhelm Jensen Klint (1853 - 1930) died before the church was finished. The task was entrusted to his son architect and designer Kaare Klint (1888-1954), who completed the building of the church in 1940. Kaare Klint has also designed the chairs for the Grundtvig's Church - a chair made of beech wood with a wickerwork seat - a Danish furniture design.

 

Amalienborg Palace and Marble Church

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Amalienborg is the home of the Danish royal family, and is located in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Inside Marble Church (Frederik's church)

 

It consists of four identical classical palace façades with rococo interiors around an octagonal courtyard ; in the centre of the square is a monumental equestrian statue of Amalienborg's founder, King Frederick V.  Amalienborg was originally built for four noble families; however, when Christiansborg Palace burned on 26 February 1794, the royal family bought the palaces and moved in. Over the years various kings and their families have resided in the four different palaces.The Frederiksstaden district was built on the former grounds of two other palaces. The first palace was called Sophie Amalienborg. It was built by Queen Sophie Amalie, consort to Frederick III on part of the land which King Christian IV had acquired outside of Copenhagen's old walled city, now known as the Indre By district, in the early 17th century.

 

Marble Church, also known as Frederik's Church, is a stunning Baroque church located in the Frederiksstaden district of Copenhagen, Denmark. It was designed by the architect Nicolai Eigtved and construction began in 1749, but was not completed until 1894 due to various interruptions and setbacks.Today, its turquoise dome stands as a captivating focal point in the Copenhagen skyline.

Rain or Shine

-Karthik Gurumurthy

 

Why Travel?

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Travel is the most amazing wrapped present - the inside is the transformation of you.

I travel because it makes my life so much better in many ways.

And because it makes my life rich and full with wonderful memories of cherished moments around the world with cherished people in beautiful settings.

Example of Great customer service

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Present

-Karthik Gurumurthy

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly."

 

Plagiarism-Everything you need to know

-Karthik Gurumurthy

About three decades back, I was fortunate to work on a research project at IGCAR with Dr. KS. Viswanathan. It is one of the best eye opening period of my life. Not only I learned how to work in a laboratory and different scientific methods/tools associated with it, I learned how to take notes and Dr. KSV spent quite a bit of time emphasizing on plagiarism. Up until that point of time, I didn't think much about it but Dr. KSV made all the research scholars in the lab  understand and shared the importance of how to cite an article and make sure you give credit to the original authors. This was one of the valuable lessons that I learned from Dr. KSV and am thankful to him for taking time to share te nuggets. 

Today I read an article titled "How to avoid the twelve types of Plagiarism" by Dr. Curtis Newbold who wrote about the same and am giving the link to actual article here. I am attaching the infographic (which I think is very useful) below for your reference. I have listened to Dr. Newbold in OReilly training sessions and find his teaching very helpful and useful.

Source: thevisualcommunicationguy.com

 

Summer 2023

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Career in Science

-Karthik Gurumurthy

This is a personal message from 2022 chemistry laureate Carolyn Bertozzi to all young researchers on why to aspire for a career in science:

”I would want to share with them how a life in science is incredibly rewarding. It is rewarding because it is creating. You are discovering knowledge and gifting that to humanity for all of prosperity. Because once you learn something no one can take that way. It is not an object. It is in intellectual currency that will be shared throughout the generations. And you created that. It has a permanency that ironically a physical object doesn’t have. You can paint a painting, but eventually it will fade. But knowledge doesn’t fade. Knowledge stays with us forever and it becomes the foundation for the next generations.”

Courtesy: Nobelprize.org

Happy Birthday, MSD!

-Karthik Gurumurthy

From Ranchi's heart, a legend did arise,

With gloves and willow, fire in his eyes.

M.S. Dhoni, Captain Cool they'd say,

Calm in the storm, leading the way.

 

Flick of the wrist, a six soared high,

Hope rekindled, beneath the summer sky.

Helicopter shot, a defiant roar,

Pressure defused, asking for more.

 

Behind the stumps, a keen mind at play,

Reading the game, each ball the prey.

Lightning throws, a blur in the air,

Wickets claimed, with a nonchalant flair.

 

Captaining India, with a quiet grace,

World Cups won, etching his place.

Under his helm, heroes were made,

A team transformed, their doubts all laid.

 

From humble beginnings, a giant he grew,

Inspiring millions, dreams coming true.

More than just runs, or wickets taken,

A leader, a mentor, a spirit unshaken.

 

Through cheers and boos, he held his ground,

Never a showman, never a sound.

His presence, a talisman, strong and true,

The heartbeat of cricket, in blue and white hue.

 

So raise a glass, to the man in yellow,

For MS Dhoni, a story to tell.

His legend etched in every score,

Forever remembered, forevermore.

Remembering Marie Curie

-Karthik Gurumurthy

89 years back, the world lost one of the greatest scientists:: Marie Skłodowska Curie.

Photo: Courtesy: Nobelprize.org

Curie dedicated her life to science. She was the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize, the first person to be awarded twice and is still the only person to receive the prize in two different scientific fields.

 

Why Travel?

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Traveling is more than sunsets and shopping–it’s a way to get your mind off things. It’s a way to allow you to develop yourself in a faraway land, and it’s a way for you to be who you want to be.

Take your Best shot

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Lovely, authentic, humorous, inspirational  and insightful commencement speech by star tennis player John McEnroe at Stanford. He talked about the epic Wimbledon Championship match in 1980. Though he gave everything he had, he lost to Borg in 5 sets, 1–6, 7–5, 6–3, 6–7(16–18), 8–6. He said: "I once had the privilege of meeting the great Nelson Mandela. He told me he listened to that match on a tiny radio from his prison cell on Robben Island, and that the whole prison hung on every point of that match. That we get, we gave Mandela a brief respite from the excruciating hell of 27 years of political imprisonment meant more to me than any award I've ever won."

So winning isn't everything. The journey and the effort were more important.

You can listen to the whole speech here.

Why travel?

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, by exploring new places and things, can increase the level of dopamine in your brain. Travel opens your mind in a way that few other things can. Speaking to new people and getting new perspectives will change how you perceive the world. Engaging yourself in various topics of conversation will help you see the world from many different points of view.

Why Travel?

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Travel brings in a fresh energy. Waking up in a new place is quite literally like hitting the reset button for your mind and body. The stimulation you get from traveling can boost your productivity and effectiveness in your daily work at home.

Why Travel?

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Bula from Fiji, where happiness comes naturally!

Traveling offers numerous leadership lessons, especially when approached with openness and curiosity. The significance of open-minded and open-hearted leadership has become a call to action for many.

One thing you will realize through your travels is the borders that separate us are man-made, and so are the preconceived misconceptions and generalizations that we have of each other. Setting aside barriers that we have created ourselves that have long kept us divided, you will realize that we are essentially the same.

Vinaka!

 

Summary of WTC 2023

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Brilliant summary  by Ramesh Srivats (WTC India vs. Aus) final..In a nutshell

Please check out Ramesh Srivats twitter Ramesh Srivats

Thankful and Grateful

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Happy News!

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Srividhya scored perfect score and Harsh's score improved by 270 points.Very happy about the same...Made my day!!Thank you God!

Nuggets from Dr. Ghez

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Ghez was born in New York City in 1965 and grew up with a passion for science and math. After earning degrees in physics and astronomy at MIT and Caltech, she began studying the stars at the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii.

It was there that Ghez made her most significant discovery: using a technique called adaptive optics, she was able to capture the first-ever images of the black hole at the center of our galaxy. This breakthrough helped confirm the existence of black holes and opened up new avenues of research into their properties and behavior.

Ghez has continued to push the boundaries of our understanding of the universe, using innovative techniques to study the motion of stars and other celestial bodies. She has received numerous awards and honors for her groundbreaking work, including the prestigious MacArthur "Genius" Fellowship and the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2020.

But perhaps most importantly, Ghez has served as a role model and mentor for countless young women and girls interested in pursuing careers in science and technology. Her dedication, intelligence, and passion for discovery are an inspiration to all of us.

Did you know that Astronomer Andrea Ghez is the 4th woman to ever receive a Nobel Prize in Physics for her work on the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way? 

 

Break free of your limitations

-Karthik Gurumurthy

You know the story about the elephant whose one leg used to be tied using a small rope since the time he was young and he used to experience a lack of freedom in moving around wherever he wished. At that age, the small rope was enough to tie the elephant. As the elephant grew bigger, he possessed the physical strength to break the rope and wander around freely but instead of making use of his strength to break the rope, he did not do so. He remained confined to the same small region where he used to be tied because his mind was conditioned that he cannot break the rope, which is an example of a mental limitation.

In a similar manner, the inner region of our mind is the place where we as children got used to being tied with the different types of ropes of a lack of optimism or positivity. E.g. I cannot do well or I am not good enough or I am not as successful as others or I am low on self-confidence or I am an under-achiever. These ropes in many people are so strong that a time comes when situations of success have arrived in their life in different forms as they have grown up and they have achieved reasonably in different spheres of life. At that time they can easily break these different ropes, but they still remain low on optimism.

Student update: Rasika Sriram

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Rasika Sriram got admission with good scholarship at University of Florida and University of Miami. Yayyy! Made my day!!

Thankful and Grateful

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Digital Detox

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Mindless scrolling can numb you out. Plus, there is so much information out there on social media that can completely overwhelm you. Switch off your phone for at least a few hours. to start with. And increase the time as you progress. Take a week off social media if needed. It can help you feel rejuvenated and relaxed. Be completely offline, and make sure that your friends and family know that you are on a digital detox so that they can help you in that journey of inviting calm and peace into your life.

Giving

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Life is short. How do we meet the challenge of finding both joy and impact in the time and place we actually live in?

Each of us must learn for ourselves what we have to give and how to give it well. Our work is to give with the best of our abilities, the fullest of our love to create a lasting impact. Several years ago, I chose teaching is my way of giving it back to the society.

The Why?

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I am thankful and blessed to work with talented students who brings the best out of me and I try to do the same as well for them. There are times where things don't go the way they wanted and get upset.

When you get frustrated and want to give up, or maybe ask yourself “what am I doing” or “why am I doing this” always remember there’s more to what you’re doing than just the immediate results that you can see. When you get frustrated and think “why am I doing this?” I hope you’ll remember that some of the reasons you’re doing what you’re doing you will never fully realize because the impact that you’re making cannot be fully measured, or even recognized in this life. I hope this message encourages you to do one more thing one more time; plant one more seed one more time.   See the best that is ahead of you not the worst that is behind you or around you. 

Life is full of distractions, disappointments, and defeat … but life is also full of opportunities, victories, excitement and hope if we focus on what we want next not on what we have now. When you get frustrated read this message or even better write your own message of hope, excitement and anticipation. When we have our final conversation and take our final breath hopefully we will be proud of ourselves. Not an arrogant, egotistical kind of pride … but a peaceful acknowledgement that we fought the good fight and did not give up.

We should never give up regardless of how hard or how long the race is because we may be the only reason that others don’t give up. When we finish our race we should be at peace knowing that we overcame challenges and distractions and made a positive difference in the world. 

Our patience and perseverance may be the lifeline and the example that keeps another person from giving up on their dreams. The seeds that we plant today will provide comfort for others today and may provide comfort for others generations from now. Keep planting good seeds, expecting a good harvest. Be the best example you can possibiy be.

Bring your ideal self..into reality

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Spend time every day imagining your ideal self. Picture what you would look like, how you'd speak and your tone towards those that can do nothing for you. Think about how you'd act in uncomfortable situations, how you'd push through difficult scenarios or how you'd come up from being underwater. Picture what your wardrobe consists of, the environment you'd live in, and the places you'd explore. Visualize the memories you'd like to create with your closest friends and the success of the business your child you once dreamt of.  Envision how you'd act, think, believe, laugh, smile, move and speak. Visualize your ideal self and now, do everything in your power to become that person. Because if you were able to imagine and feel them- then they exist.

But it is only up to YOU and your power to become it. It is only up to you to match the energy that lays dormant within you and that ALIGNS with the world you envision living in.

 

Let it go

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Everytime you think about a negative event from your past, your body produces the exact same chemicals in the body as when it happened. That means you relive the experience hundreds/thousands of times simply because you haven't let it go. Move on. It is not worth it.

School friends

-Karthik Gurumurthy

There is nothing like spending time with school friends.

The Blessings

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Thankful to spend last few days with the coolest people...Thank you Susi family, Baji family for taking time out of your schedule to spend time with us. We are thankful and Blessed! 

Gratitude

-Karthik Gurumurthy

Do not spend time on people who aren't grateful. Those are the ones who take blessings for granted and live a life that lacks empathy. Your time once spent won't be gained back even by spending millions. So make sure you spend it wisely on those who respect your efforts and are grateful for the support they gained. As well, build this quality in your own life. Be grateful. Every interaction matters. Do not waste your energy and time on people who don't deserve it.