Rohan Mittal's Blog

India, Child Education, Transformation

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:20:00 +0000

Shukla Bose: Teaching one child at a time

After having spent almost 25 years in India, today when I watch Shukla Bose's video on 'Teaching one child at a time', I feel I still haven't seen the real India. When, I came to the United States, my colleagues asked me about India. The impression they had about the country was as if it was backward and dirty, basically a slum (credit to Slumdog Millionaire). And, I never believed them. Why? Because I came from there, I believed what I had seen. Akshay Kumar summarizes it well in Namastey London as below.

Akshay Kumar summarizes India

"Child education" has always been closer to my heart than technology has ever been. While in school and through college, I always loved doing things with my hands and I loved fascinating kids with the wonders of science, mathematics, and computer science. Science exhibitions were so much fun as was the time I spent questioning kids about their fascination, project, and its application.

I wanted to take the wonders of the real world back into the classroom. I wanted to make learning seem like an interesting project. I feel that is the way I learnt best - by engaging in something that fascinates me. I wanted to make the classroom a live experience than just walking through static pages in a wonderful text or some animations on a big TV screen. Children may awe at it but to be able to do it with their own hands, it is a mind-blowing experience! You can't beat that. The amazement in their eyes and the electrifying kick in imagination, believe me, it is a different world, it is a different experience! Check out Prof. Walter Lewin's lecture video from MIT. Some may say that these kind of resources are unavailable, but I disagree. It is remarkable what can be done with basic inexpensive stuff.

Prof. Walter Lewin's lecture video from MIT

I wanted to relate the real world to the teaching in the conventional classroom. I wanted to convince them that we were there for more than just degrees and grades - we were their for a taste of life, to learn, and to have fun. I wanted to give them a feel for the things they learnt. I wanted to amaze them, energize their senses, and elate them. I wanted to infect them. And, I wanted them to infect everybody they knew, passing it on to their family and friends in the evening. Education would be so much fun.

But first, I want to go back to India, and this time, I want to go to the real India to get transformed - to kindle that fire in myself that Kiran Bir Sethi lit in her students by making them roll incense-sticks to give them a feel for Child Labor. And, only then, once I feel it myself, can I do something to change.

These kids have an incredible potential for learning. We need a freedom movement, just this time for Child Education.

Jai Hind!

Contagious is a good word. :)

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:28:00 +0000

Kiran Bir Sethi teaches kids to take charge

Contagious is a good word. :) [Jaw-dropping, fascinating, and inspiring]

P.S. Kiran, you've infected me w/ the "I can bug!" blurring boundaries between school and life is the way of laughter, passion, and inspiration. Teacher told me to and I am doing it! Making the school a lab. by embedding learning in real world context.

Let's infect every kid, let's make them aware, enable them, and empower them, and let's make them wonderful. If not now, then when. I hope to join soon.

Kudos to you for the initiative!

Jazz w/ Google Maps

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:07:00 +0000

Google Maps has fascinated me for a while now. I have always loved to have my friends pinned on a map, and Maps lets me do just that. However, it would be so much more fun if it were slightly easier to use. :)

Touch Pad is History

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:03:00 +0000

Be it a desktop or a portable computer, the traditional touch pad (mouse for sure) is history. While the new multitouch pad may be more useful, it still doesn't beat the ultraefficient IBM TrackPoint which is what most of us use while hard at work.

Mostly sported by signature IBM/Lenovo ThinkPads and some high-end HP & Dell business machines, these mini-sticks are handy and incredible to use.

The video above explains the idea.

Samsung Galaxy Note (Google Notes?)

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 23:55:00 +0000

Somehow, Tablets have turned me on for almost half-a-decade now. Their ability to support and house a fine-tip stylus (like a Wacom digitizer) to take fun hand-written notes amazes me like few others things in the world of technology. After having played with the ThinkPad X200, X201 convertible tablets (basically a laptop that converts into a tablet) and the new ThinkPad Tablet (form-factor like an iPad), I seem to have set my eyes on the Samsung Galaxy Note.

It fascinates me like my favorite X200, and maybe more with its ultramobile form-factor. The very idea I've been drooling over for almost four months, seems to be a reality, at least in some ways and from a trusted vendor, Samsung. I hope the Galaxy Note will woo some of the hardware functionality of the ThinkPad Tablet.

However, I hope Google Notes or Nexus Notes is out soon too as it may offer more room to play around and customize.

Google mail for family

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 07:31:00 +0000

This video made me think how nice it would be if we had something like Google Mail for Family. When a kid is born, parents can maintain their account, manage it for them, capture the special moments. This continues until they are 18 years (or so) when all administration is automatically transferred to them.

20110612 DESY inForm - Ph.D. at DESY

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 18:49:00 +0000

Questions for a Student (in School)

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 05:42:00 +0000

These questions were asked to MIT applicants way back in 2003. They are particularly useful if you are in std. X, XI, or XII and are planning for your career not necessarily at MIT. Answering them can bring a lot of clarity in your mind. So, let's get to know you:

What is more important for you - knowledge or education (degree to get a job)?
The person you admire the most. One from whom you draw inspiration.
What are the qualities you look for in any institute you would like to join?
What kind of books do you prefer reading? Mention titles and authors.
What picture of MIT do you hold in your mind?
You have nice institutes like IITs in India. Why do you want to join MIT only?
How being born and brought up in India has influenced your character and personality?
Apart from academics, what are you other interests?
Why do you think you will be able to adjust yourself in a new environment?
Mention your one weakness which can hinder your progress. How can you improve it?

If you have any questions, or need help / counseling, you can leave comments here. Thanks.

Laser Plasma Interaction at Ultra High Fields

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:22:00 +0000

Title: Laser Plasma Interaction at Ultra High Intensities:

Various Process Studies & Ultrashort Pulse Characterization

Duration: 30 mins

Date: Saturday, July 24, 2010

Venue: School of Physics, Devi Ahilya University, Indore, India

Delhi Metro Feedback - As posted on DMRC website.

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 09:19:00 +0000

Hello Dr. Sreedharan!

Traveled first time from Noida City Center to Rajiv Chowk. Absolutely world class service and stations. Beats the German and American metro trains anyday! The clocks at the end of stations - highly impressive!

I found one issue though, in the new trains (which have led in the map in coaches indicating current station), water drips from the air conditioning vents onto our faces. Very sad, :( Luckily while returning back, I was traveling in an older coach which did not have this problem. We certainly do not want water falling on Indians and certainly not foreigners traveling in the train. I tried to reach DMRC over all phone nos. listed but impossible. Have taken some photographs but a quick inspection should do the trick.

Hail thy India and Delhi Metro which totally rocks!! :)

Thanks.

Photos (1-3) Link: http://bit.ly/DelMetro

TA-Citibank - Highly Impressed! :)

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 04:11:00 +0000

Dear Customer Services to CitiPhone Banking numbers have been resumed. You may reach us on 0120 2552484.

TA-Citibank - Impressed! :)

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Sat, 29 May 2010 13:25:00 +0000

Dear Customer CitiPhone contact no. 2542484 will not be in service between 00:00 to 07:00 hrs on 30th May '10. Alternatively you may reach us on 1800 22 5484.

Particle Accelerators - Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:39:00 +0000

Title: Particle Accelerators - Part II

Subtitle: (Setting up the Experiment)

Duration: 45 mins

Date: Monday, April 12, 2010

Venue: School of Physics, Devi Ahilya University, Indore, India

Particle Accelerators - Part I

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 20:59:00 +0000

Title: Particle Accelerators - Part I

Subtitle: (Introduction & Applications)

Duration: 1.18 hours

Date: Saturday, April 03, 2010

Venue: School of Physics, Devi Ahilya University, Indore, India

I have never been a fan of learning in a classroom!

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Sat, 02 May 2009 02:36:00 +0000

“I have never been a fan of learning in a classroom. Inside a laboratory or a garage, I always wanted to know more, but never inside a classroom.” - Caltech physicist Caolionn O’Connell, PhD.

Thinking of ragging? Think about this!

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:45:00 +0000

MUKUNDAGIRI SADAGOPAN

When our son was accepted as a freshman at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, we were asked to attend a two day orientation seminar. Accordingly, my son, my wife and I arrived at the sprawling campus on the day before the seminar. Cheerful and courteous student volunteers were swarming about, handing out lollipops as they directed the visitors to the reception area. We checked into an austere dorm room for the night.

The next day started with a sumptuous breakfast at the student cafeteria. Everyone then gathered at the university’s stadium for an "Information Fair". There were dozens of booths representing various academic, recreational, cultural, ethnic, religious and international campus organisations canvassing for membership. Then it was time for the opening session, where we heard the trustee, several professors and student representatives welcoming us.

What to expect

The message was simple: the freshmen could expect new experiences ranging from the pleasant or puzzling to the dismaying — but they were not alone, and had nothing to fear. They were among friends eager to help.

We split up into many small groups and met with student councillors and professors from the respective colleges (e.g., Liberal Arts and Sciences, Fine Arts, Engineering etc.) to get an overview of campus life. Then several men and women students shared their personal first-year experiences. There were more opportunities to mingle with the students at a reception at the Student Union, which was followed by a buffet dinner. The menu thoughtfully included many vegetarian items.

During a two hour variety entertainment at the university auditorium, the students enacted hilarious skits highlighting expected norms of behaviour, etiquette, conventions and rules. Some dormitory student managers presented skits on sexual harassment ("zero tolerance"). For girls, it gave tips on how to put a stop to unwanted attention. Many freshmen then went for flood-lit co-ed volleyball, basketball or tennis with their seniors. The next day professors explained academic expectations — prerequisite subjects, recommended course loads, hours of study per week, and the like.

Appreciative gestures

A student volunteer presented information on scholarships and aid programmes endowed by generous alumni, industrialists, corporations, sports and film stars. Some of these opportunities were not advertised anywhere else. An administrator presented the deadlines — to pay fees, to withdraw from a course without a grade loss, etc. The Student Body president led an animated discussion focussing on student conduct, discipline and penalties. He also described how to report grievances. The university has a strong and active Parents’ Association, intended to provide various comforts and services, such as delivering home cooked delicacies. In the next discussion, a student described housing options available to newcomers.

Students from the university’s fraternities and sororities made a presentation next. A campus bus tour of the hallowed lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, pool table (billiards) rooms, gym, bowling alleys, swimming pools, the university stadium, its out-door sculptures and other points of interest was most welcome. Finally a student farewell team served us coffee and cakes before seeing us off. This seminar took place during June 17 and 18 1992, but I remember it like yesterday. Not merely for the invaluable networking and survival tips, but because it started the new students’ unforgettable college days on an exciting and harmonious note. We are grateful to all those unknown senior students who were so gracious and considerate. During the entire two days there was no mention of "ragging".

To anyone thinking of ragging today, I have but one appeal. When you can direct your boundless youthful energy to inform, educate and help, why squander it on a negative act like ragging?

CERN Opens Its Doors to the World - April 06, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:55:00 +0000

On 6 April 2008, CERN will open its doors to the public, offering a unique chance to visit its newest and largest particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), before it goes into operation later this year. This scientific instrument, the largest and most complex in the world, is installed in a 27km tunnel, 100 metres underground in the Swiss canton of Geneva and neighbouring France. CERN will open all access points around the ring for visits underground, to the tunnel and the experiment caverns. On the surface, a wide-ranging programme will be on offer, allowing people to learn about the physics for which this huge instrument is being installed, the technology underlying it, and applications in other fields.

In the LHC, particles such as protons or heavy ions will be accelerated to close to the speed of light in two tubes. At four intersection points the particles will collide at an energy never before reached in a particle accelerator to study new areas of physics that so far have not been accessible. Experiments at the LHC expect to be able to answer a number of fundamental questions, such as the origin of mass or the nature of the so-called “dark matter”. However, since the LHC will explore a new energy range, there will also be unexpected results, resulting in new questions and new physics.

On the Open Day, many visitors to CERN will be able to descend and see the LHC and its big experiments, ALICE, ATLAS, CMS and LHCb in place in their underground caverns.

A central theme apart from the LHC, its magnets and experiments, will be superconductivity, the principle on which the operation of the LHC is based. At the heart of the LHC magnets lie 7000 kilometres of superconducting cables, cooled to a temperature close to absolute zero, which are able to conduct electricity without resistance. Spectacular experiments, exhibitions and films will introduce the public to this exciting phenomenon, visitors will be able to meet physicists to “ask an expert” and there will be the chance for an encounter with two Nobel laureates who will give lectures about their prize-winning discoveries.

Farewell - Physics Hons. Class 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 06:51:00 +0000

GoD! dis is da special Chak-De-Venky moment!! got a litt'l blur'd..bt da moment stays!! :)

DU students to mark teachers?

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 06:14:00 +0000

Delhi University's PG EVALUATION is set to gain a different meaning. The varsity, as part of a slew of reforms in its PG programme, is planning to ask students to give their feedback — on both the course and the teachers.

Suggestions include introducing a semester system in all PG courses, a uniform academic calendar, introducing interdisciplinary courses and a mechanism to get student feedback.

Predictably, its the last suggestion which seems to have university teachers into a tizzy. Student feedback has never been a part of the university system. The DU reforms committee, however, has not only recommended getting feedback from students but also suggested that action be taken on the feedback — by setting up a committee in each department.

The feedback form, a copy of which is with TOI, has several questions that pertain directly to teaching methodology as well as academic quality of the course as well as the teacher. e.g. if questions asked by students have been properly answered in the class.

The most pertinent query, however, is the one where the student has to give feedback on whether tutorials have been regularly held or not. Interestingly, tutorials are seldom held in PG courses. Teachers to protest against student feedback plan

Commenting on the proposed evaluation method for DU’s PG programme, Rajib Ray, member of the academic council and a teacher in Kirori Mal College, said: ‘‘There are several ways of getting feedback, but asking students is not one of them. We are not service-providers that action needs to be taken on feedback from the buyer, the student.’’ According to Ray, the university could have got feedback from the teachers themselves. ‘‘If the V-C is interested in getting student feedback, why doesn’t he allow student representation in the academic council, a suggestion that has been pending for many years,’’ he added. [Teachers are never open to feedback. Its rare and those who are open to it, I think they know they are amongst the favorites!]

The sentiment seems to be uniform, with teachers planning to protest against this recommendation of the committee. The recommendations are to come up for discussion in the next meeting of the academic council, the highest body responsible for academic decisions in the university.

QUESTIONS IN THE FEEDBACK FORM

- The syllabus of this paper/subject is well designed (Choose Yes/No)

- Classes in this subject have been regularly held

- An interactive and participative style has been used in the class for teaching this paper to us

- Tutorials/preceptorials in this paper have been regularly held

- Practicals in this paper have been properly held

- Adequate equipment have been available to support the practical

Ten Top Physics Stories for 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 21:11:00 +0000

In chronological order during the year:
Light, slowed in one Bose Einstein condensate (BEC), is passed on to another BEC (http://www.aip.org/pnu/2007/split/812-1.html);
Electron tunneling in real time can be observed with the use of attosecond pulses (http://www.aip.org/pnu/2007/split/818-2.html);
Laser cooling of coin-sized object, at least in one dimension (http://www.aip.org/pnu/2007/split/818-1.html);
The best test ever of Newton’s second law, using a tabletop torsion pendulum (http://www.aip.org/pnu/2007/split/819-1.html);
First Gravity Probe B first results, the measurement of the geodetic effect---the warping of spacetime in the vicinity of and caused by Earth-to a precision of 1%, with better precision yet to come (http://www.aip.org/pnu/2007/split/820-2.html).

The MiniBooNE experiment at Fermilab solves a neutrino mystery, apparently dismissing the possibility of a fourth species of neutrino (http://www.aip.org/pnu/2007/split/820-1.html);
The Tevatron, in its quest to observe the Higgs boson, updated the top quark mass and observed several new types of collision events, such as those in which only a single top quark is made, and those in which a W and Z boson or two Z bosons are made simultaneously (http://www.aip.org/pnu/2007/split/821-1.html);
The shortest light pulse, a 130-attosecond burst of extreme ultraviolet light (http://www.aip.org/pnu/2007/split/823-1.html);
Based on data recorded at the Auger Observatory, astronomers conclude that the highest energy cosmic rays come from active galactic nuclei (http://www.aip.org/pnu/2007/split/846-1.html);
And the observation of Cooper pairs in insulators (http://www.aip.org/pnu/2007/split/849-1.html).

22nd Dec, Winter Solstice Day @ Jantar Mantar, New Delhi

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:55:00 +0000

Participate in the Historic Calibration Work of the Jantar Mantar Observatory Instruments!

Be at the Jantar Mantar on the 22nd December, the Winter Solstice Day to participate in the historic calibration work underway for the Jantar Mantar Observatory instruments.

Have you been wondering what exactly are those structure-instruments? How do they tell the time? What other things can they be used for? Et cetera. Then I guess, that's the right platform to interact and know, do and learn, talk-discuss about your doubts, etc.

Further, you can also look through the telescopes there in the evening for certain celestial objects too!

Volunteers from the Nehru Planetarium & the Amateur Astronomers Association, New Delhi will be present at the observatory between 11 am to 5 pm (and maybe little beyond) on the 22nd Dec. They would assist and help-out students and visitors understand the astronomical significance and usage of these instruments. Once again, you should feel free to ask any questions you may have!

From Sunrise to Sunset, the position of the Sun, in the bowl of the Jaiprakas instrument will be traced by volunteer observers (you can be one of them too!!). Why? This will trace out the Tropic of Capricorn in the bowl, one of the markings originally present on the instrument.

Also, at 4 pm starting at the Misra Yantra, there will be a lecture on all the observatory instruments which will be conducted by Dr. Rathnasree, Director, Nehru Planetarium.

Its an opportunity to learn and know, a platform to know something new, etc. and off-course be a part of the historic calibration process.

Indian Ocean Live @ Venky!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:04:00 +0000

Guys, that was an awesome performance. I am amazed!

Btw, thank you soooo much 'Indian Ocean' for coming to our college 'Venky!' and playing live for us! :D

Keywords: Ram's Energy & the Fun he was having on-stage! Lov'd that! ;)

Doppler Shift a.k.a. frequency shift

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 07:58:00 +0000

Light from moving objects will appear to have different wavelengths depending on the relative motion of the source and the observer.

Observers looking at an object that is moving away from them see light that has a longer wavelength than it had when it was emitted (a redshift), while observers looking at an approaching source see light that is shifted to shorter wavelength (a blueshift).

Excerpted: Astro @ UCLA
Wiki Links: Doppler Effect; Redshift; Blueshift

Cerenkov Radiation

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 06:40:00 +0000

Čerenkov radiation is electromagnetic radiation emitted when a charged particle passes through an insulator at a speed greater than the speed of light in that medium. The characteristic "blue glow" of nuclear reactors is due to Čerenkov radiation.

Excerpted: Wikipedia

-----x-----x-----x-----x-----

Explanation through example: Electrically charged particles have electric fields around them as a result of their charge. When such a charged particle is moving, the electrical field moves along with the particle. However, since the electrical field is carried by photons, it can only travel at the speed of light. If the particle is travelling faster than the speed of light in a certain medium (such as water), then it, in a sense, out-runs its electrical field. This electrical field that is left behind forms a shock front, much like with sound. But, this shock front manifests itself in the form of light, not sound. As to why this light is blue, there are basically two reasons. In water, the blue light comes from excited atoms that emit blue light. The atoms in the water become excited by the Cerenkov shock wave and then de-excite, emitting blue light. But, another reason is that the number of photons emitted by such a charged particle is inversely proportional to wavelength. This means that more photons are emitted with shorter wavelengths, thereby tilting the spectrum to the blue side.

Excerpted: Physlink

My Public Calendar (Full-view)

noreply@blogger.com (Rohan Mittal) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 06:14:00 +0000