The Samveo Team

1 The Samveo team

Sri. Prasad .M - Executive Coordinator Dr. Ramanathan P.V - Chief Editor Sri. Anoop V.K - Technical Coordinator

Editorial Board Staff Dr. Ramanathan P.V ASA Dr. Manjula Nair ASE Ms. Indhu B ASA Mr. Arun K.C ASA Mr. Ravishankar A.N ASE Ms. Manjusha Nair ASE Mr. Ajith M ASBT Mr. Ramadas P.V ASAY Mr. Jayaram S ASB Students

Ms. Sharda K.S ECE Mr. Pramod Satish R EEE Ms. Anjali Vargheese ECE MR. Prasath K EEE Ms Greeshma Nair ECE Ms. Anupama B ECE Ms. Abhirami K.N ECE Ms. Suryasree B EEE Ms. Priya Sonpal ECE Mr. Chinmaya K ECE

Note: Any possible omission of news items since they did not reach us in time is regretted. Our student & staff editorial assistants in the various departments are requested to be alert to avoid recurrence of such a lapse in the future. Thank you all. (Please send feedback & Article to [email protected])

3 Samved Newsletter Contents From Amma to Us (and ALL humanity): Satsang on the Eve of Amma’s Birthday

From Amma to Us (and ALL humanity) 3 TAP Energy, July 4 - 6, 2013 4 4 Welcome to New Batch of Students 6

Sanjeevanam –July 20-21, 2013 8

India4EU Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Winners 10

Amrita Bioquest 12

Birthday News 14 6

A Slew of Programmes Launched 16

Sri Narendra Modi at Amma’s 60th Birthday 18

News at a glance 19

Quotes from our Chancellor 21 nxiety is the worst enemy of mod- old man in a rocking chair, anxiety some, the source of their problem is 8 Aern-day mankind, leading to keeps us moving without ever taking us their relationship while for some oth- The Torrent of Bliss 22 not just waste of time over pointless anywhere. But while the old man my ers, the want of it. For several others, The ‘Amritavarsham-60’ Occasion thoughts, but adding to a defeatist atti- possibly find some comfort and sleep, the problems are pecuniary. There are tude among people. Far too often one anxiety only makes us lose sleep and all others whose problems are health-relat- AMMA’s Birthday Message 26 finds people fretting over matters that peace. ed. However, the one problem that is never took place nor are likely to hap- common to every one of us is anxiety. pen. When we analyze the cause of our anx- Guests Meet Chancellor Amma 27 12 iety, we see that it typically arises either Acting with an understanding of this Anxiety is the result of a gross misuse from our fear of the unborn future or in mind and the sufferings of other of the power of our imagination. It is from thoughts that dig uncontrollably people is the true service we can ren- a thief to whom many of us willingly at the graves of our past. Immobiliza- der. The whole world is ever yearning hand over our most precious possession tion at the hands of ceaseless waves of for such a service without distinctions – our inner strength and precious time thoughts – that is what anxiety is. It is of any kind. The first thing needed to to be stolen away right in our presence, like one coming forward eagerly and extend this kind of service, we should as it were. We have all become experts voluntarily to pay interest on a loan be able to see ourselves in others and 18 at triggering ourselves off into unnec- which has not even been applied for, others in ourselves. We should be able essary anxiety. We take for granted leave alone approved.” to understand the frame of mind of the 16 that only the worst will happen in any sorrowful and reach out to them. May situation with not one single valid rea- It is true that people are prompted to all Amma’s children be blessed with the son to justify such a conviction. This is desire success and happiness in life. At capacity to make space for each other in in spite of the fact everyone is certain the same time, all of us phase, without their hearts. May we see the world with 14 that merely fretting over them can in exception, also face problems. These a vision of oneness, understanding and no way resolve any situation. Like an problems vary with the individual. For compassion.

4 5 Samved Newsletter

for presentations on several research Dr. Dharesan Unnithan, Director, generation in CHP (Combined Heat topics including power quality and Energy Management Centre, Kerala, and Power) made by developing TAP Energy, July 4 - 6, 2013. smart grid technologies. delivered a special address, Energy network of gas pipe lines may be Efficiency – The Need of the Hour. encouraged,” suggested one speaker. Pre-conference sessions addressed “In the Kerala situation domestic Others pointed out the operational challenges in maintaining power consumption of electricity is 48%. problems in a utility under scarce quality in renewable energy Simple steps like switching off power scenarios. “Economic systems and energy management unwanted lights, fans, motors, and productivity is more closely tied considerations in industrial load heaters and introducing energy to energy efficiency than energy scenarios to enble research scholars efficient equipment will mean much,” production.” gain insights into potential research he pointed out. problems. “It was a good experience Dr. K. Gopakumar, Professor and Chairman, Department of Electronics to be a part of such an innovative Conservation is as important as Systems Engineering, Indian Institute technical conference; valuable insights technological advancement in finding of Science, Bangalore spoke on power were received,” shared Ajay Ingle, solutions to the world-wide energy convertors for medium-voltage MTech student at Fr C Rodrigues crisis of our day, all asserted. Shift variable-speed-drive applications. Institute of Technology, Mumbai. in modes of transport from roads to He provided an overview about railways for freight, promoting use of “I am very lucky to learn so many multi-layered invertors designed and public transport in cities and better new things. Also the underlying developed at his Center. theme of many expert talks was the water transport etc were discussed. contribution we can make to society. Pre-conference sessions were also very “New technologies like IGCC informative,” commented Chidanand, (Integrated Gasification Combined PhD scholar working in Smart Grids Cycle) and energy efficient use of gas at Amrita University. plants through facilitating distributed

ere was a Call to Make Use of Re- model for academic institutions else- Hnewable Energy Sources! where.” “The era of dependence on fossil fu- Expert talks, technical paper pres- els is coming to an end. For mankind entations and panel discussions to survive, we have to resort to maxi- marked the rest of the conference pro- mum utilization of renewable sources ceedings. A panel discussion on the of energy, without causing detrimen- last day examined the role of power tal effect to the environment,” stated electronics in distributed power gen- Dr. Chandramohan, Chairman, De- eration. partment of Electrical and Electron- ics Engineering, addressing the dele- Distributed generation can be used gates t the Amritapuri campus during most efficiently with renewable the inaugural ceremony of the Na- energies and also the relatively lesser tional Conference on Technological polluting fossil fuels, such as natural Advancements in Power and Energy gas. But energy transfer needs power (TAP Energy). electronics. “Power electronics engineers will need to understand The keynote address was delivered by very large-scale integration, that is, Dr VK Damodaran, Director-Gen- the process of creating integrated eral, International Non Govern- circuits by combining thousands of mental Cooperation Organization transistors into a single chip,” panel for Renewable Energy (INGCORE). members observed. Speaking on technologies to power Over 70 research papers were the future, he also had encouraging received from all over India. These remarks for Amrita. “This university were reviewed by peer experts in two has been created to make a difference rounds. About 32 papers were chosen in the field of education and become a

6 7 Samved Newsletter

Welcome to New Batch of Students

Amrita School of Ayurveda – Shishyopanayanam, July 15, 2013.

he Sanskrit word Shishyopanayan- day with Dhanvantiri Homa. Followed Tam indicates a ritual that one by chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama. undergoes when beginning a formal Following this came singing of devo- course of study. tional songs. This ritual or Samskara is described Br. Dr. Sankara Chaitanya, Medical Di- with spirituality and its relevance to our examinations was aa recent highlight- in classical Ayurvedic treatises such as rector of the Amrita School of Ayurve- modern lives. “Learning of Ayurveda is which was organized. In the coming Charaka Samhita, Sushrutha Samhita da, led the early morning ceremony. not only for the purpose of practicing days, we are planning to have plans of and Astanga Hridaya. Faculty, staff members and senior stu- medicine, but also for becoming a more an international-level conference too,” dents also participated. The newly enrolled students of BAMS valuable human being who can contrib- he shared. (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Later during the day, Br. Dr. Sanka- ute to society.” Meritorious outgoing students from the Surgery) programme were initiated ob- ra Chaitanya welcomed students and Dr. L. Mahadevan, Managing Direc- senior batches were honored for their served this ancient ritual, beginning the spoke about Ayurveda, its relationship tor of Sri Saradha Ayurvedic Hospital, academic excellence. Vijayalekshmi Nagercoil, shared some of his academ- D; Aswathy Y.S; Geethika and Vidhya ic and clinical experiences. “Ayurveda bagged the prizes. is the science of life. Fortunate are the BAMS is an undergraduate medical students who have the chance to study degree awarded upon the successful this science. Understand everything in completion of the five-and-half years your life in terms of Tridosa Theory, programme that focuses on the study which is the basic fundamental princi- of an integrated system of traditional ple of Ayurveda.” Ayurveda and modern medicine. Dr. Mattakara Ramachandran Nair, As- tangaratna Laureate of 2011, and a well- known Ayurvedic physician in Kerala was the special invitee on the occasion to be honoured with the traditional ‘Guru Pooja’ by the gathered senior students. “Ayurveda can be learnt only with true dedication,” was his advice to students. Dr. Vasudevan Namboothiri, Principal, Amrita School of Ayurveda, adminis- tered the oath to the new students. Providing a brief overview of recent developments in Amrita, he stated, “We conducted campus recruitment for graduates for the first time in the history of our school, last year. We are now arranging monthly guest lecturers wherein eminent Ayurvedic Scholars from across the country regularly inter- act with our students. Naipunyam-13, a workshop for internees on clinical

8 9 Samved Newsletter Sanjeevanam – July 20-21, 2013

bout 90 students from all Schools Aat the Amritapuri campus came together for a Youth Camp titled San- jeevanam during July 20-21, 2013. These students from the Schools of Engineering, Arts and Sciences, Bio- technology and Ayurveda, have played major roles in the activities of Amrita Sanjeevani, the student-run seva as- sociation on the campus, during previous years. Coming together to visit orphanages and old age homes, organ- izing clean-up drives, spearheading anti-smoking and anti-liquor campaigns, educating the public on cleanliness etc were some of the major contribution made by these students in the past. The additional purpose of the camp was to plan the activities for the upcoming year. Inaugurating the camp, Sampoojya Swami Poornamritananda Puri, luded their ‘seva’ activities and attitude in the true spirit of our Chancellor, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi. “There are three types of people in this world. They are like ice, water and va- The soft-spoken Swamiji commanded is why Sanjeevani is extremely impor- The Sanjeevani motto that has contin- pour respectively. Those who are like an astounding rapt attention from all tant to Amrita,” stated Dr. Balakrishnan ued to inspire many, since the associ- ice cannot share love and they remain members of Sanjeevani with his simple Shankar. ation’s inception in August 2005, Pray closed all the time. They are useless. with your hearts and serve with your examples and telling phrases. “‘Education for life’ is being achieved In the case of others who are like wa- hands rang loud and clear in the camp. ter, their love can flow only in a certain “You can get maximum grace through through Sanjeevani. In fact, Amrita direction. They love their relatives and selfless actions. Wherever you are Sanjeevani helps us accomplish an im- “The camp was nourishing. We inter- friends. But they are selfish. “Then working, if your action is selfless, there portant part of the mission of our Uni- acted with each other and prepared there are some people who are like va- definitely is a reward.” The Swami- versity,” said Br. Sudeep, referring to ourselves to continue serving society,” pour or air. These are the Mahatmas. “It is our duty to protect nature, to take ji summed up glorifying selfless love the difference between education for a stated Rohit Prakash, final-year student They can shower love endlessly and un- and dedication, saying, “Love makes meaningful living and a mere living – of BTech (Electrical and Electronics En- conditionally. Every action performed care of poor people and to give peace everything beautiful. Invoke the divine the latter focuses ‘merely’ on one’s ca- gineering). with love becomes spiritual.” to those who are suffering. We have love within you and enjoy each and reer or livelihood. The former is what Swamiji shared more insights with the every moment of your life. Your life can we emphasize on. “The camp was well organised. I strong- students. He told them that the great- certain responsibilities to the universe. then become a celebration.” ly believe that it made an impact on all The highlights of the two-day camp est paradox of life is that when one’s of us. It will help us keep up the momen- Giving love unasked is one of them.” Others who spoke included Campus greatly enjoyed by all participants alike desires are controlled all fortunes and tum and serve, stated Amrita, final-year Director, Br. Sudeep and Associate were group activities, planning upcom- happiness come after her/him. “When student of BSc (Microbiology). Dean, Dr. Balakrishnan Shankar. ing events and future activities, putting we don’t want anything, all things will “Amrita is not just about producing together a Camp TV show – in addition come to us,” he emphasized. Exhorting computer scientists, engineers, doctors to invited talks, watched inspiring mov- students to carry out their ‘dharma’, he and journalists alone. They must all ies and participating in Amrita Yoga said, be also great human beings first. That sessions.

10 11 Samved Newsletter India4EU Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Winners

yshakh P. T.,final-year BTech Israel’s contribution to the scientif- dus scholarship, funded by the Euro- Vstudent of Mechanical Engineer- ic world in different areas including pean Commission. Recipients study ing, was recently selected to complete drip irrigation, flash drives and ad- in the best universities of Europe in a a one-month summer program in The- vanced solar thermal technologies. wide variety of academic fields with oretical Tribology and Nonnegative Winston Churchill is said to have the scholarship providing subsistence Matrices at the Technion Israel Insti- once remarked, “Technion has a great allowance, travel costs, tuition/regis- tute of Technology, Haifa, Israel. contribution to make to Israel’s future tration fees and insurance. The program offered during August prosperity, and Israel’s prosperity In addition to Vyshakh, three more 1-30, 2013, attracts applicants from cannot but be of great benefit to other students from the School of Engineer- all over the world. countries, as well.” ing at the Amritapuri campus, will Vyshakh received a scholarship from In recent times, scientists at Technion head to Europe as part of the same the Institute that will cover all ex- have designed, built and launched program. Sowmya Ravidas, Savita penses, including food and stay. one of the smallest satellites in the Seetaraman and Sreepriya Chalakkal Located on the shores of the Medi- world. They have also printed a Nano are all final-year students of BTech terranean Sea in Haifa, the Technion Bible on an area the size of a pinhead. (Computer Science and Engineering). Israel Institute of Technology has While Sreepriya and Savita will en- While Vyshakh will be fortunate to roll in classes at Politecnico di Tren- Nobel Laureates on its faculty. The study at Technion, he will also be get- Institute has awarded 95,000 degrees to University, Italy, Sowmya will be ting ready for another overseas stint. based at Aalto University, Finland. since its inception and the main lan- Upon return, he will proceed on a ten- guage of instruction is Hebrew. month student exchange program to “We are extremely happy about these An ancient language, just like San- the Politecnico di Torino University, developments. We encourage our jun- skrit, Hebrew was once considered Italy. iors to avail the enormous opportuni- a dead language. When the nation of ties that are being made available to Israel was formed in 1948, it was re- This will enable him to complete his us. bachelor’s degree as well as his fi- vived when a decision was taken to We thank our friends and mentors who nal-year project. In addition to taking conduct all official business in He- motivated us to move on ahead, despite brew. Jews who came to live in the classes in his discipline, he will also hurdles,” the students shared, under- new nation from all over the world participate in a few field and research lining, “Life is short, make the most took great pains to learn it. projects at the host university. of it and help make the world a better The Technion Israel Institute of Tech- This exchange program will be facili- place.” nology has played a major role in tated by the India4EU Erasmus Mun-

12 13 Samved Newsletter

la Open-Source Software Foundation Ramani and Adithya Rao who gradu- Regarding her work, she explained, during the four-month period. ated with BTech CSE degrees in 2010, “Mozilla Firefox has incorporated a The GSoC Internship Zubin Mithra and Prasanth Kumar A global program that offers stipends new in-built pdf viewer component, Amrita Bioquest who were awarded BTech IT degrees in to write code for open source projects, but there are a few issues which need 2011 and Bithin A. who completed his ‘the Google Summer of Code intern- to be fixed and improved in this com- August 10-14, 2013 MSc (CS) in 2011. ship’ is designed to provide exposure ponent. My project revolves around to real-world software development to All these students were mentored by implementing some new features for students, even while they are studying. Vipin Pavithran, Assistant Professor, this component and fixing the existing The process begins with the potential Amrita Center for Cybersecurity. problems.” interns submitting project ideas, com- Sristhi received additional mentoring Srishti has mastered many program- plete with abstracts and detailed de- from Aditya, an alumnus of Amrita ming languages during her academic he first International Conference the nation.” This TIFAC Center soon scriptions. University, Amritapuri campus pres- tenure and she keeps an eye on the soft- on Biotechnology for Innovative become the Amrita School of Biotech- T ently working in the Department of ware horizon to stay abreast of chang- Applications, Biofest 2013, hosted by nology, offering programs of study Sristhti submitted a project idea that Srishti Srivasthava, final-year student aimed to improve text selection and ro- CIR (Corporate and Industry Rela- ing technologies. She is keenly inter- the Amrita School of Biotecnology and research to bachelors, masters and of BTech in Computer Science and tation features of the PDF plug-in for tions). ested in Android programming and and Research on August 10-14, 2013, doctoral students. It obtained the first Engineering will soon complete her the Mozilla Firefox web browser. When Android application development. is now a greatly talked about confer- ever US patent for Amrita University “I feel blessed that I was made aware of prestigious Google Summer of Code her idea was chosen, Srishti became the ence in the scientific community. for the design of the insulin pump. (GSoC) internship. such opportunities in which students first female student from Amrita to be like me can participate. I hope that AMRITA BIOQUEST 2013 which Dr. Bipin Nair, Dean, Amrita School Beginning on May 24, 2013 and slated awarded this opportunity. next year many more Amrita students was hosted by the Amrita School of of Biotechnology declared that today, to end on September 29, 2013, the in- Amrita students have been recipients can get this internship, and also receive Biotechnology provided an ideal fo- Biotechnology has the potential to ternship provided Srishti with an op- of the GSoC since 2010. Past GSoC exposure to new, upcoming things,” rum to discuss exciting and emerging change the employment opportunities portunity to write code for the Mozil- awardees from Amrita include Varrun said Srishti. multidisciplinary themes related to in our country and create intellectual the use of biotechnology in address- wealth.” ing several pertinent societal needs. can play a significant role in shaping “We were at one point near an apple The seven tracks that were organized on the theme “The Role of Science and The conference focused on the ways Eminent scientist and scholar Dr. the Indian economy.” He compli- grove. The owner of the grove was as part of Amrita Bioquest 2013 were: Technology in Creating a Sustainable in which research areas such as trans- Suresh Subramani, Vice-Chancellor of mented the ASBT and the Amritapuri also with us. It was a pleasant evening, World.” lational medicine, nanotechnology, Academic Affairs, University of Cali- 1. Genomics and Translational Med- Campus for being a unique campus, clear and sunny. We spent about half neuroscience, genomics, proteomics, fornia, San Diego, USA, echoed the icine: Here are some of the other interesting and agreeably special in so many re- an hour there just experiencing na- bioinformatics and bioengineering same thoughts. A call was given by events at the Conference which in- spects. ture’s abundance and the pure air. 2. Biomedical Engineering contribute to alleviating human suf- all unequivocally to the international cluded over 300 poster presentations When we were about to leave, Amma 3. Neurobiology and Computational fering and improving the quality of life research community gathered here for Why and how Amrita was special was in seven conference tracks: wanted to give something to every- Neuroscience for everyone. This conference served the 4-day conference to focus on mak- explained during the benedictory ad- one as prasad. The owner of the ap- Ten Talks was a PhD symposium se- as an ideal platform for distinguished ing medical diagnosis and treatments dress by Swami Amritaswarupananda 4. Bioinformatics and Computation- ple grove requested Amma to pick a lecting 10 novel papers from current experts from diverse areas of biotech- more affordable for the common man. Puri, recalling an incident from one of al Biology few apples and distribute to everyone PhD students. The goal of the “ten nology to come together, discuss and Amma’s tours in Switzerland. Amma, Dr. P. R. Sudhakaran, Director, Kerala there. So Amma walked to one of the 5. Bioprospecting and Bioengineer- talks” event was to highlight their deliberate on established as well as the Chancellor of Amrita University Biotechnology Commission, Govern- apple trees, and gently and lovingly ing work to te external experts to get val- emerging platforms and strategies. travels all over the world conducting ment of Kerala said, “The Indian bio- touched and caressed the tree first, uable feedback and additional guid- spiritual ‘Satsangs’, retreats and other 6. Bioanalytical Techniques. Dr. Venkat Rangan, Vice Chancellor, technology sector is one of the fastest then with her palms joined together, ance. programmess. 7. Biotechnology in India from a Amrita University recounted how growing knowledge-driven sectors; it bowed down to the tree and asked the Global Perspective Pitchfest was a contest for entrepre- ASBT had come into being and the tree to allow her to pluck a few ap- neurial start-ups with innovative ide- phenomenal growth of this School in ples. Amma waited a few seconds, as One very interesting, informative as in Biotechnology. Pitchfest offered less than a decade. “Receving funding if waiting to receive the tree’s permis- and significant feature of Amrita Bi- the perfect platform for new business from DST’s Technology Information, sion, and then gently plucked the fruit. oquest 2013 was a live webcast in- ideas to be presented with the poten- Forecasting and Assessment Council Before returning, Amma bowed down teraction with Prof. Leland Hartwell, tial for useful applications, to a panel (TIFAC) to start a Center of Excel- to the tree again. She sprinkled some (Nobel Laureate for Physiology and of experts in the field. lence in Biomedical-Technology in water at its base and remarked, “It is Medicine for his discovery of protein Everyone present opined that Amrita 2004, this Center has emerged as the your willingness to share everything molecules that control cell division) Bioquest 2013 had thus provided an leading TIFAC Center in India. With- with others that makes you so beau- who addressed the conference del- ideal forum to discuss and deliberate in a span of three years, it was being tiful. May we human beings become egates, live from his office in Seattle, on established as well as emerging nationally recognized as one of the inspired by your example and remem- USA, followed by a live question and platforms and strategies in their area. best performing research centres in ber it forever.” answer session. Prof. Hartwell spoke

14 15 Samved Newsletter

Release of Three Books implement, test and eventually demon- can easily be triggered by its user with Birthday News strate innovative solutions. multiple options to ensure stealthy and Three books written by the disciples The idea behind the Amrita Live-in- secure communication,” Ms Achuthan The ‘Amrita RITE-Rural India Tablet Education’ of Amma were released. ‘Colours of Labs came early this year when Amma said. the Rainbow’ by Vice-Chairman Swa- suggested in Her speech at the 150th The nationwide outrage sparked by mi Amritaswarupananda Puri was re- birthday celebrations of Swami Viveka- macabre incidents like the Dec 16 rape leased by Sri Shashi Tharoor by hand- nanda that a way to ensure that at least and death of a girl in Delhi had set the ing over a copy to Ron Gottsegen, one child from every family served in professionals at Amrita Centre for cy- President of Mata Amritanandamayi rural areas for one year after their grad- ber-security to work. Centre, US. Amma Herself released uation. She also recommended gov- the books ‘Guru Sishya Bandham Oru ernment funds for such a programme, The Amrita Centre for Cyber Security is Hridayalayanam’ written by Swami saying the initiative would help awaken making efforts to ensure that this device Thuriyamritananda Puri by handing compassion in the youth besides uplift is securely lodged in the wearer who over a copy to Uttar Pradesh former the poor and ensure a holistic growth of will have no discomfort of any kind on Chief Minister Sri Jagdambika Pal and the nation. this account and springs into action in- stantaneously when alerted. A P J Abdul Kalam : ‘The Fragrance of Pure Love’ by Swa- mini Krishnamrita Prana by handing As part of the programme, Amrita Uni- India needs twin-tracked development versity signed a memorandum of un- “We are designing it so that it can be over a copy to Home Minister Thiru- affordable. The device will soon be Former President of India, Dr APJ Ab- vanchoor Sri Radhakrishnan. derstanding (MoU) with the University of California (UC), San Diego, to en- equipped with technology that can vid- dul Kalam said that India must imple- eotape events,” added the director. ment a two-layered development pro- A study conducted by the Bharatiya hance research and student exchanges. gramme to bring in rural prosperity. It Vichara Kendram on Amma’s life and The signatories included UC executive A distinct feature of APSS is that it can should ensures employment potential teachings was released by Sri O Rajago- Vice-Chancellor Sri Suresh Subrama- function even in rural areas where the and holistic socio-economic progress pal, a senior politician. A souvenir on ni and Amrita University Vice-Chan- speed of communication is minimal. the occasion of Amma’s sixtieth birth cellor Sri P Venkat Rangan. The MoU to every villager. He was addressing a Also, this device intelligently combines day, ‘Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi- will also facilitate exchanges of faculty, public meeting on the occasion of Am- many location-aware technologies and The Impact of Her Life & Teachings in undergraduate students, graduate stu- ritavarsham 60 at Amritapuri. it can function both indoors and out- Societal Transformation’, was also re- dents and postdoctoral scholars, joint doors. Dr Kalam also said that Amma’s Univer- leased. research projects and publications, sity should focus more on developing virtual labs, exchanges of publications, “This customisable device provides a model for sustainable development Amrita Live-in-Labs materials, and information; and also in- flexibility in design so it can be eas- of villages through implementation of itiate special short-term programmes to ily worn, and integrates more than 15 ‘The focus now shifts to the villages’ — Providing Urban Amenities in Rural focus in all relevant areas that need to features pertaining to women’s safety to understand the rural population’s Areas (PURA) systems. A comprehen- be addressed. and security. Significantly, it can also his is a programme designed for Maharashtra Governor Sri K Sankara- problems in areas of health, hygiene, sive model for the development of vil- be used as a safety device for mentally after-school tutoring and adult lit- narayanan and Union Minister Oscar energy, water, waste management and T lages was needed, he said. “India has challenged people with many func- eracy among the rural folk with the use Fernandes gave away the beneficiary environment. Amrita University, in 6,00,000 villages where 70 percent of Women’s Safety tionalities to quickly help identify their of custom developed tablet computers certificates. collaboration with the University of her people live. Bridging the rural-ur- A security device put together at the whereabouts.” and was unveiled on the occasion the California launched an experiential The Minister of State for Human Re- ban divide is closely interlinked with Centrel for Cyber Security Systems 60th birthday celebrations of Mata learning programme that encourages The product is inspired by the concern source Development, Sri Shashi Tha- the mission of overcoming poverty and and Networks at the Amrita University Amritanandamayi at Amritapuri. the youth to live and experience the of the Chancellor of Amrita University, roor distributed the Math’s financial inequity.” Campus in Amritapuri promises to of- problems in the country’s villages so as Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi. The e-learning project was launched by assistance of Rs 1 lakh each to the fam- fer women the chance of alerting their In Kerala, the development of an to find meaningful solutions leading to ‘Amma’ by handing over a tablet to the ilies of the nine persons killed in a boat families in any sort of crisis situation. The APSS prototype was formally un- all-season smart waterway would be general welfare and all-round progress Minister of State for Human Resource tragedy in Alappuzha earlier this year. veiled during Amritavarsham 60 cele- the best option for ensuring sustainable in the villages of India. Krishnashree Achuthan, director of the Development, Sri Shashi Tharoor. The brations, Sep 26-27. Several welfare programmes of the MA development of villages. Centre for Cyber Security Systems and project would be initiated in the villag- The varsity’s Amrita Centre for Interna- Math already benefiting thousands Networks in te University Campus, led es adopted by the Math. Eminent scientist Dr M. S. Swami- tional Programs floated its new ‘Amrita Amritakeerthi Puraskar were extended to additional thou- the team which developed the Amrita nathan said that Amrita University Live-in-Labs’. The scheme envisages The Amrita Institute of Medical Scienc- sands of beneficiaries. For instance, Personal Safety System (APSS). The Amritakeerti Puraskar Nation- has been an agent of change as it was students of Amrita as well as interna- es in Kochi unveiled a package to pro- the Amrita Nidhi Pension Programme al Award for writer and literary critic instrumental in bridging the digital tional students from some of the best “APSS is an inconspicuous, wearable vide free surgeries worth Rs 50 crores was extended to 69,000 from the cur- Sri Manoj Das and Amritakeerti Pu- divide and making use of technolog- universities of the world to live in In- and easy-to-operate electronic device to the poor. rent 59,000 and Vidyamritam Student raskar State Award for Thuravoor Sri ical advancements for the benefit of dian villages for six months to under- that will help girls and women to trig- Scholarship Programme to 46,000 from Viswambharan were also presented on The package included free kidney the people. Nobel laureate Dr Leland stand the problems of rural India’s. It ger communication with family and 41,000. the occasion. transplants, cardiac surgeries and can- Hartwell also addressed the mammoth also aims to define projects that seek to police when in distress. The device will cer treatment to deserving patients. gathering. address the problems, devise solutions, remain invisible to the offender and yet

16 17 Samved Newsletter Centre for Amrita setting up A Slew of Programmes Launched Spiritual Studies disaster sensor network A Centre for Spiritual Studies was launched by Amrita University on this occasion to strengthen the understand- in the North East ing of India’s rich spiritual traditions. Coinciding with the 60th birthday a first in the country, said Dr Maneesha. The academic research and extension of Amma, an important step Amrita “We will be installing more than 100 activities will focus on spiritual, social University has taken is about setting sensors in the landslide prone areas. and cultural development and aware- up an advanced integrated real-time The project is to take off next month; ness at the centre. The idea is also to wireless-sensor network system for the process of setting up the initial fa- promote and institutionalize a ser- continuous monitoring and real-time cility will completed by October 2014.” detection of disasters in the North- vice-oriented education steeped in self- Recalling that 150 geophysical sensors eastern regions. The move from the lessness in keeping with Amma’s uni- connected to 20 wireless-sensor nodes varsity’s Center for Wireless Networks versal message to “Love and Serve all.” were deployed in Munnar, she said the and Applications (AmritaWNA), a system did successfully issue a sec- Academic and research collaborations first-of-its-kind system for anywhere in ond-level warning of a possible land- with similar centres of repute around the world, the technology has also re- slide during the torrential rains that the world are also in the offing. Study ceived the required go-ahead-nod from lashed across the State in 2009. programmes in Sanatana Dharma, the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, spirituality and culture at post-graduate said Dr. Maneesha Sudheer, Director Dr. Venkat Rangan, the Vice Chancel- and doctoral levels will be on offer. It of AmritaWNA. For the researchers at lor of Amrita University, said ‘Amma’ goes without saying that research activ- the varsity’s Center, the Assam project has guided the team at every step of the ities into spiritual subjects will include comes soon after the roaring success research and also provided the required the study of Sanskrit and the scriptures, of its inaugural venture in 2009 at the funding and extra manpower for this arts, science, technology, literature, as- landslides-ravaged Munnar in Kerala’s research project, adding, “Even though trology… and allied subjects. hilly Idukki district funded by the Eu- the project did not demand a real test- Documentation, dissemination and ropean Commission under the ‘FP6’ bed for landslide detection, Amma in- spread of the universal message of Am- programme. The system can prevent structed us to identify a landslide-prone ma’s life and teaching will also be done loss of life and property, as it continu- area and perform a real-deployment, by the Centre. The centre will also ously monitors natural changes below that can save human life.” ground which result in disasters. work on what Amma has termed “Vish- It must be added here that AmritaWNA wa-matrutvam” – the quality of view- “Our Center is equipped with the na- is a winner of the Union Government’s ing every aspect of the universe with a tion’s first-ever life-size landslide lab- NABARD Innovation Award in Tech- he MA Math (MAM) has launched Through the village adoption pro- Other welfare programmes launched ‘motherly attitude’ and equating all cre- oratory set-ups. Our technology is nology for Rural India in October 2012, Ta slew of developmental schemes, gramme, the Math has plans to adopt were the ‘Amrita RITE- Rural India ation with the love, patience, compas- cutting-edge,” said Dr. Maneesha. The and also holds the credit of having de- including a plan to adopt 101 villages 101 villages where it will provide basic Tablet Education’ for after-school tutor- sion and selflessness that motherhood laboratory arrangements are equipped veloped real-time monitoring systems across the country, on the occasion of facilities like schools, drinking water ing and ‘Adult Literacy’ in these villages. stands for. with an indigenously designed and de- for other disasters. the spiritual leader’s 60th birthday. and healthcare, according to a press re- The e-learning project, ‘Amrita veloped seepage simulator and a rain- lease. Amma’s charitable, humanitarian and The projects - one of them also envis- RITE-Rural India Tablet Education’ was social programmes will also be assessed fall simulator to generate the required ages a relief package for Uttarakhand MAM will also build 500 houses in Ut- launched by handing over a tablet to and studied to give them greater reach water infiltration. – were floated in her presence at a tarkashi and Rudraprayag districts in Minister of State for Human Resource and effective to benefit society. Teach- “We have created large and medium function on the concluding day of ‘Am- Uttarakhand, the state which was hit Development, Sri Shashi Tharoor. ing of meditation and yoga like ‘Inte- laboratory set-ups for cooperative ritavarsham60’. by flash-floods during the recent mon- The session also witnessed the release of grated Amrita Meditation Technique’ use with the wireless-sensor network soons. While ‘Amrita Svasrayagramam’, the three books written by the disciples of and ‘Amrita Yoga’ are also on the cards deployment that aims to detect land- 101-village adoption programme, was The ceremony also witnessed presenta- Amma. to benefit individuals at deeper levels. slides,” the expert said. “They can also launched by Union transport Minister tion of ‘Amritakeerti Puraskar Nation- The Centre will seek to bridge the gap come in handy for modeling and simu- Sri Oscar Fernandes, the Rs 50-crore al Award’ to writer and literary critic between Eastern and Western knowl- lating the landslide phenomena.” Uttarakhand relief and rehabilitation Prof Manoj Das and ‘Amritakeerti Pu- edge systems, and institutionalise self- The advanced integrated real-time scheme was launched by Union Labour raskar State Award’ to Prof Thuravoor less service activities as part of its cred- wireless-sensor network system to be Minister, Sri Kodikunnil Suresh. Viswambharan. it-based curriculum. installed in the Northeastern region is

18 19 Samved Newsletter Sri Narendra Modi at News at a glance

th “PULSS: Prenatal Ultrasound Scan Manager”. She also touched upon mat- 2013 BTech EEE batch, titled ‘A strain Amma’s 60 Birthday System for Low Resource Settings”, a ters regarding road safety. gauge based landslide detection system’ has been selected as first entry for the project submitted to IEEE EPICS (En- The third edition of Amrita-TIDE ‘All IEEE-Region 10 Young Engineer’s gineering Project In Community Ser- Innovation programme, a multi-cam- Humanitarian Challenge” from among vice), NJ, USA, by our IEEE Student pus initiative to encourage innovation more than three hundred entries from Branch was approved for a funding of among students and faculty members various Asian countries of which only $4840.00 USD. Vishnu G B (S1 MSc was launched by Amrita TBI on Sept 7. CS) and Sarath Kumar (S1 MCA) are twenty one were selected. (Ten of the working in this project under the guid- ASAPS, the official launch of ‘Amrita selected were from India.) The selec- ance of Rajesh Kannan Megalingam. Serve an Hour Partnership in Schools’ tion is based on the ‘Humanitarian was done o Sept 5, co-ordinated by Sri Problem + Technology Solution + En- “Webtesla” a workshop on Web tech- Binu.P.K and a few energetic student trepreneurial Leadership’ basis. nology, organized by MITRA associa- volunteers of ‘Amrita SAH’ tion was conducted on October 26-27. Sixteen students from Amritapuri It covered the following areas: http://www.amrita.ac.in/serveanhour/ Campus were selected to participate in • HTML5 and css3 Amrita IEEE Students won the coveted 9 events representing Amrita Vishwa • Javascript Richard E Merwin scholarship, thanks Vidya Peetham in the AIU South zone • PHP and Mysql to Br. Bijukumar and Sri Sreethu. Youth Festival to be Held at Mahathma • Twitter bootstrap Gandhi University, Kottayam during Sri Rajesh Kannan, IEEE SB Coun- September 18-22. These students were A team of 30 students of S-1 BBM and selor, won this year’s IEEE Outstand- selected after two screening sessions, BCom guided by their class advisors Ms ing Branch Counselor and Advisor first at Amritapuri and then at the Etti- Ambily and Ms Aarathy, and along with Award’ from IEEE, NJ, USA, a global madai Campus. Bri Meera and Ms Malu visited with recognition from IEEE conferred on great initiative and enthusiasm the Am- individuals who, through their work as The Samskriti Amrita Nandnam The- rita Sanskrit Higher Secondary School, Counselors and Advisors, exemplify the atre Club screened its 6th drama SA- Parippally, on Sept 11. They also donat- Institute’s commitment to the educa- KETAM (an excerpt from the Ramaya- ed liberally for the utilities-front for the tional, personal, professional, and tech- na) by the noted Malayalam dramatist children at Parippally. After dinning nical development of students in IEEE C.N.Sreekandan Nair. It was a joint ujarat Chief Minister Sri Narendra Sri Modi said the Amma could have been undermined.” Even the nation’s with the children they had long interac- related fields of interest. The award venture by the staff and students of GModi who was here to take part in limited the scope of her work to spirit- freedom struggle had been enriched es- tions with the children, planted saplings carries a prize money of US$500 and a ASE, ASAS in September. (The theme the celebrations said that humanitarian uality but she, instead, chose to extend sentially by the presence, blessing and and took part in the cultural extrava- certificate and also rewards the Student of the drama had been taken from the projects taken up by Amma’s Ashram it by adopting scientific and technologi- grace of spiritual masters. ganza arranged there. Branch that submitted the nomination Ayodhya Kanda in the Ramayana that and the other institutions attached to depicts the emotional turbulance start- cal progress by establishing institutions Sri Modi launched a host of technology with US$200. it have offered hope for mankind at a “Women in Industry Awareness Pro- ing from the preparations for the coro- under Her Ashram. He lauded her role projects devised by the different insti- time when not merely our country but gram” was organized on Sept 10, as part The team of students- Goutham P, nation of Sri Rama eventually resulting as an inspiring presence that brings ed- tutions run by the Ashram in the pres- the entire world is being thwarted by of activities of the IEEE- Industry Ap- Vivek J and Mourya G of S7 ECE – in the tragic death of King Dasaratha.) ucated youngsters back to the country ence of Amma. Various spiritual and ever-increasing terrorism and violence. plications Society (IAS) Student Branch have won the IEEE Student Enterprise and use their skills to make lives here community leaders and other guests in- The BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate Chapter of our campus to motivate Award this year, again under the guid- A Lecture series by Dr. Sampadananda better. Through her social service initi- cluding acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar for the Lok Sabha elections in 2014 re- women to involve more in the engineer- ance of Sri Rajesh Kannan. It is signif- Mishra, Director, Sri Aurobindo Foun- atives, she’s actually carrying out a ma- Kapur were present on the occasion gretted that, on the one hand, violence jor chunk of what is otherwise the work ing and related fields and to showcase icant that our students have done this dation for Indian Culture (SAFIC) at has been killing innocent people in re- of the government. how women too have been torch-bear- for the third year in a row. This year, it Sri Aurobindo Society enlightened and cent times almost every day, as it were, ers in the industry section along with was for the project titled PULSS: Port- thrilled the audience at the Acharya citing the recent terror attacks in Nairo- Sri Modi, commencing his speech in men. The distinguished guest on the able Ultrasound Scan System for Low Hall organized under Amrita School of bi, Peshawar and in Jammu ‘this very Malayalam, also called for a return occasion was Dr.B G Sreedevi, Direc- Resource Settings. The award consists Ayurveda’s Sankrit lecture series. m o n t h’. to traditional value systems to help tor, NATPAC (National Transportation of US$1500 towards project implemen- the country match its potential. “The Planning & Research Centre), R&D tation. Cisco Networking Academy Program “On the other side, we have people like Macaulay education system has led to Centre, Govt of Kerala, who shared her – The Cisco Academy in our Campus Amma who serve humanity and are misinterpretation of all our values and work experiences with the students and The project of the final year students Sri has been recognized as an Advanced working towards making the world a what our ancient seers have done and spoke on the “Role of Women in So- Ayyappan.A, Sri Ashik.A, Sri Deepa- Level Instructor in the world wide net- better place for everybody,” he said. said. Our great tradition of service has ciety and How to become an Effective k.N.D and Sri Diljith.P.C of the 2009- working instruction venture. We are

20 21 Samved Newsletter happy to be one of the top 25 percent mi (Conveners). An inspiring talk by mark with more than 700 partici- on the auspicious day of Gurupoorn- instructors at the world-level assess- Swami Amritageetananda Puri for the pants including 50 school students, 16 ima (22/07/2013) following a Bhajan ment. (Cisco Networking Academy event enlightened the first year students speakers and with eight parallel tracks and Satsang. Quotes from our Chancellor began in 1997 with 64 schools and has on our age-old value system. of which one track was exclusive for SANJEEVANAM’13 (July 20-21), a grown to become one of the “world’s school students. The entire event was Selection in the Top Five - Two teams Two day Youth Camp organised in the largest classrooms” with 10,000 acade- organized and coordinated exclusive- of final year ECE students HuT Labs Campus had special highlights like a mies in 165 countries, and nearly 4 mil- ly by student volunteers. It was also made it to the GHTC 2013, San Jose, session by SATGAMAYA Team to re- lion students having participated in the a grand show of great co-ordination USA. The first team was, Ajithesh Gup- ally help motivate the students, the program to date. between all – from the students to the ta, Uday Dutt and Hitin Sushruth (all S7 CAMP TV conducted by Br Shekhar highest authority of the Campus and ECE A), for the topic “Hand Orthosis and the AMRITA YOGA conducted by The Department of Social work or- several departments. ganised an invited lecture by Dr. Abey for Paralysed People” and made a mark Bri Shobana. The camp was meant for George, Asst Professor, Tata Institute of with their poster recognized as one of The prestigious Richard E Merwin students who had actively participat- Social Sciences (Kerala Centre) on the the top five selected for final presenta- scholarship from the IEEE Comput- ed in the various programmes of San- topic “ Decentralisation, delegation and tion at the Conference to be held in Oct er Society, NJ, USA, was awarded to jeevani during the previous semesters. 2013, San Jose, USA. The other team, the Student Chair Tom Charly and devolution of Power in Kerala: process, “Prosthetic Arm Control for Quad- Goutham P, Vivek J and Mourya (all the Treasurer and IES Chapter chair prospects and challenges. riplegics and Arm Amputees” was a S7 ECE A), with the topic “Heal-Well: Goutham Ravindran (both ECE S-7) of Student Paper Contest in the IEEE R10 Samskriti and Spicmacay presented a Health and Wellness Monitoring gadget IEEE Student Branch of the Campus in UG in which Sri Ajithesh Gupta, Sri programme of Baul Music by Parvathy for Home Bound Elders” gained rec- recognition of their exemplary involve- Uday Dutt and sri Hitin Sushruth of S7 Baul on August 27. ognition as one of the top five student ment in student chapter activities, ex- ECE won the 2nd Runner-Up prize of papers selected for final presentation at cellent academic achievement and will- “Design and Development of Mobile USD 150. The award was given at the the same Conference. ingness to act as student ambassadors. Operated Control System for Human- ongoing IEEE R10 Student Congress The scholarship consists of a certificate oid Robot”, a research paper authored Amritasanjeevani is organised a at Hyderabad. IEEE Region 10 (R10) and USD 1150. by Aswath Suresh, Chinmaya Krishna CleanUp Drive on August 15 as part includes South East Asian countries in- Tilak Kasarneni, Abhay Sengar (stu- of our Independance day Celebrations. Amrita’s Green Campuses initiative cluding Singapore, Japan and Australia. dents of Electronics and Mechanical The area of cleanup drive was the main began with Dr Rajendra Pachauri, No- The Department of Social Work ar- Engineering, III year) and Dr Ganesha road from Valickavu Junction to Am- bel Laureate and Director of TERI giv- ranged a workshop on presentation Udupa has been accepted in a prestig- rita Setu and the other paths around ing a session on Green Campus Initia- skills for the MSW students in the ious international conference and jour- the campus. The drive started at 9.45 tives telecast to all students and faculty Campus in July. Our Vice Chairperson nal. This is the first paper from our new am after the flag hoisting ceremony in of Amrita on July 25, organized by our Mr.Rajeev MM inaugurated the session Mechatronics and intelligent Systems the main building and went on till mid A-View Team. Research Lab. day. There was enthusiastic participa- and Mr.Ranjith Kavumkara handled tion from a large number of student and “Tholpavakkuthu” was organised by the session. The Samskriti Malayala Sarga Vedhi Samskriti based on the story of Rama- staff volunteers. Swagatam’13, Induction Programme – organised its 8th Literary get together yana by by Shri Ramachandra Pulavar was organized for the MCA lateral en- on the topic ‘ P. Padmarajan-Chalachi- Publication – by Chandra Sekharan and Team, at the School of Ayurveda. travum Thirakkathayum ( P.Padmara- Nair Omana Amma Sreekala , Jinchu try students of 2013 admissions on July jan-Cinema and Screenplay) on August Further studies in the US – our stu- 10. Lateral entry admission is being Indiramma1, Kandala Bala Subraman- Meaningful life and true love are not and self-created. It is not your real 16. It was followed by Poem Recitations dents secured admission in several pres- introduced for the first time in Amrita ya Pavan Kumar, Karyaveettil Savithri- two. They are one. To love means to see abode, for you belong to the light. You and Discussions. tigious campuses as below: Sri Deepak University for the MCA programme. amma Sreelatha and Mahesh Saran and feel life in everything. Life is here, are the light of God. Roy - in the Journal of Nano Structure Dileepkumar (Grand Valley State Univ. Twenty one(21) students have been se- Independence Day celebration was for M.S in Biomedicine - Full Scholar- lected, based on their performance in life is there, life is everywhere. There is organized in the Campus by Samskri- in Chemistry – “Functionalized Mul- nothing but life and there is nothing but One truth shines through all creation; ti-walled Carbon Nanotubes for En- ship and RA with stipend), Sri Anantha academics and the technical interview rivers and mountains, plants and anti. As a part of this various events and Krishnan (Univ. of Cincinnati for M.S for the direct admission to MCA sec- love. competitions like Quiz programmes for hanced Photocurrent in Dye-sensitized imals, the sun, the moon and all the Solar Cells” in VLSI - 87% Scholarship), Ms Meera ond year. The past is history, the future a mystery stars, you and I—all arte expressions of students on the Topic ‘India – Past and Viswanath (Univ. of Cincinnati for M.S An FDP (Faculty Development Pro- and today is a gift—that is why we call this one reality. Present’ which saw several rounds, and The Induction Programme for M.Tech in VLSI - 87% Scholarship) and Sri Sa- gramme) on Electronic Circuits was it the present. “Colour the Saga of Freedom Struggle” in E-Learning Technologies for the cur- chin Namboodiri (Villanova Univ. for Compassion is love expressed in its full- conducted in the Campus during July painting on a huge long canvas by about rent academic year, scheduled on July M.S. in VLSI - Full Scholarship and RA Let us strive to reach a state in which ness. 12-14, attended by several interested 50 artists of our Campus, both staff and 29 was organised by Ms Sruthy Anand with stipend). we are able to see all beings on earth as faculty from Bangalore and Ettimadai students. and Sri Kiran S. Pillai. a part of our own self. Samskriti presented an enchanting Campuses along with our own staff The Induction Programme of ASAS for ISEE 2013 – became the biggest IEEE Drupad (Hindusthani Vocal) perfor- members. You don’t belong to the darkness. The the First Year students was organized by Student event of IEEE Kerala section. mance by Vidhushi Alaka Nandi with darkness is a prison created by your Ms Amritalakshmi and Ms Durgalash- The grand Symposium made a great Kathak by Vidushi Sushmita Banerjee own mind and ego; it is self-imposed

22 23 Samved Newsletter

Guru: Brahma human. In short, a human life is to be any cost—‘good, bad or ugly; crooked, understood as extremely precious and corrupt or criminal’—the age-old vir- The Torrent of Bliss Guru: Vishnu: must be utilized to awaken one’s Inner tues and values have been made to take Divinity – and not be squandered away. the backseat today. Virtues glorified by Guru: Devo Maheswara | the scriptures appear—at best, illogical The verse above is a sample of how sig- and misleading, then superfluous if not The ‘Amritavarsham-60’ Occasion Guru: Saakshaat nificant a role the Guru plays to elevate impracticable. What beats modern in- man from his ‘low animal nature’ to his tellect is that it was none but these same Param brahma ‘original spiritual self’. The Guru is thus values that had been instrumental in the ‘ultimate’ for a spiritual aspirant. As ranking man high among the rest of Tasmai SreeGurave Nama || Swami Vivekananda puts it, The Spark creation, and holding humanity togeth- of the Divine is in Every One of us. The er for millennia! Ours is a world where Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara are goodness and greatness of the Guru is only by relegating our values one can Gurus (to the world) but (the/my) that she/he awakens one to this Divinity ‘go for the kill’ – a thing inevitable for Teacher is ‘Param-Brahma’, that is, the in oneself by removing the ‘ignorance’ ‘success’. Money, power and position Highest Guru. Him I salute. (result of maaya) enveloping it. alone buy ‘respectability’ and ‘status’ in the ‘modernist’ society which thrives on This Sanskrit verse can be elaborat- India is a holy land for the simple rea- the theory that ‘progress’ will happen as ed as praise of a Sat-Guru verily as son that her inbuilt spiritual fertility a matter of course! Can allow oneself Parabrahma (Guru Ultimate) for be- has made it holy by raising innumera- to be left behind in the cut-throat coming everything for a disciple. He is the ble great Gurus from time immemorial, petition? Creator Brhma (for creating awareness in every era, till this day. Inevitable is in the disciple of the Divine purpose of the grace of the Guru for the fructi- In this scenario how is one – especial- life); the Sustainer Vishnu (for giving fication of the efforts of a seeker after ly of the ‘growing’ generation – to be the required direction towards it); and Truth. Thus the Guru is the bestower expected to grasp the significance of the Destroyer Maheswra or Siva (for of the Ultimate Knowledge ‘from which ideals like Guru Charana (the feet of mending ways and removing obstacles all knowledge/sciences originate and the teacher), or Guru Paduka (his foot- on the path of progress towards the knowing which one needs to know wear) or Guru Paada Dhooli (the dust goal). nothing more’ (ya vijnaanam sarva vi- of his feet)? The roots of the problem lie jnaanam bhavati). The Guru elevates also in the casual manner one equates The sum and substance of this verse is mortal man to realize his own immor- the ‘guru’ of old with the ‘teacher’ we that in the life of a seeker after Truth, tality and hence such glorification of see and know of in our own panorama a (true) Guru plays all the three roles the Guru as in the verse above. of civilization. The teacher of today too – that of a creator, sustainer and de- is, by circumstances, forced to be ca- stroyer – accomplished by the Trinities To the vast majority of us today ‘such’ reer-oriented, compelled to move with of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva in Cosmic praise showered on or significance at- the times and coerced to worry about Creation. The Guru, hence, is the Ulti- tached to a ‘teacher’ is often not easily ‘climbing the ladder’ with the rest of mate (force in the life) for a true seeker. understandable and may even appear her/his clan. His ancient counterpart sinister or embarrassing. The reason was generally a recluse who had no Singing the glory of The Guru (noble for this is not far to seek. Distanced personal ends to gain, was looked after Teacher) in no uncertain terms and in from our great culture by centuries of by the society and had a ‘mature’ disre- a great variety of expressions is an es- foreign rule on the one hand and on gard for luxury and practiced simplic- sential feature of every scripture in San- the other by having lost our moorings ity. Additionally, there is the yawning adhana Dharma. It assigns to the Guru in the age-old spiritual culture our life gulf between the ancient and the mod- all the three functions seen as inevitable today is based blindly on an infatuation ern systems of knowledge transfer and in Cosmic Creation. He makes the life of everything ‘foreign’ as glorious. The knowledge content. of a disciple virtuous, meaningful and significance of the Guru can be grasped beneficial for himself and to the rest of only when one understands first that More unfortunate today is how the creation. Removing the darkness of ig- there is a higher purpose to human term ‘guru’ sounds a misnomer with a norance in the disciple, he fills him with life—underlined by the ancient rishi-s. volley of ‘them’ around in every aspect the light of knowledge. The hint here of life —management gurus, catering is that a human life which is not lived Caught in the mindless mundane rat- gurus, finance gurus, investment gu- in unison with Creation and to benefit race of life where the only goal is to rus, placement gurus, fashion gurus… it is in no way better than that of any equip oneself with the ‘skills’ needed to you name it!! The more eager one is to lower animal and is not worth calling accrue wealth, power and position at ‘learn the skills’ in this compartmental-

24 25 Samved Newsletter ized ‘education for living’, the more one ers in India, there has been a sea change own unique personal experiences in ‘falls westward’ headlong into the in- in the situation. The effect of the west- life. And every one of them is happy escapable competition, corruption and ernization of our life style brought to chant to Her merrily the verse given vicious cycle. about essentially through education, above, ‘ … tasmai Sree Gurave namah!’ was gradual but decisive. Its result on in all reverence and devotion. Swami Vivekananda emphasized that the Indian scenario was what made the if India perishes then humanity has no Every member of the Amritapuri Cam- Father of the Nation – mahatma Gan- hope on earth. His reference was to pus considers herself or himself truly dhi – vehemently accuse the British at the value system based on the four pu- blessed to be a part of this institution the Gandhi-Hartog convention in 1931 rushrthas cherished in India—dharma – and particularly on this occasion of in London, saying, ‘You have destroyed or righteousness in thought, word and Amma’s sixtieth birthday, for the oppor- the Tree of Indian Education’. It is quite deed; artha or securing material posses- tunity it has afforded to do what little unfortunate that the makers of modern sions essential to such a righteous liv- she/he could—yat-kinchit. Undoubt- India after 1947 did not see the urgency ing; kaama or desires and quest legiti- edly, the Amritapuri Campus itself is or importance of adapting suitably the mate to one’s station in life, and moksha indeed blessed to have been anointed old, proven, soul-enriching and mean- or freedom from ‘ignorance’ leading to as the venue of the ‘Amritavarsham-60’ ingful pattern of education, at least in salvation from the ‘hold of karma’. celebrations. All at Amritapuri Campus part. join the chant of Amma’s devotees from While taking pride that ours is a na- Not so long ago, Sri Ramakrishna – was more than two hundred lands the world tion which was a ‘Guru’ to the rest of it a coincidence, born in the same year over with ‘melting hearts’, the age-old the world in bringing them basic civi- as the said educational reform, that is, Vedic prayer, lization and life-values, it is imperative 1836 – transformed a Narendra into that we reinstall several of those miss- Tvameva Maata ca Pitaa Tvameva Swami Vivekananda to reinforce the ing values in personal and public life in faith of the faithful in the tradition of Tvameva Bandhu-scha essence a for the survival of man on this the land and to carry the message of planet. Sakhaa Tvameva the Vedanta to the West as well as to Changes were inevitable down the pas- restore it to the natives—a ‘miracle’ a Tavmeva Vidhyaa Dravinam Tvameva sage of time. Particularly after the edu- Guru alone can perform. And we now (Thou art [my] Mother, Thou art [my] cational reform of 1836 by the then rul- have in our midst ‘Amma’, whose ‘Am- spiritual guide to seekers after Truth— simple live-and-serve- all selflessly. She has been rightly described as the ‘Liv- Father, ritavarshm 60’ we are celebrating now, in short, a ‘Sadguru’ whose ‘life itself is is verily a ‘Guru’ and a ‘Mahatma’ read- ing Truth’ and ‘God’s Love in Human continuing the tradition of the great Thou [alone] art [my true] Kinsman, Her message’. In today’s world where a ily coming down to anyone’s mindset BodyBody’. For four decades and more Gurus of old and lighting the lamp of Thou art [my only] Friend [in need], few ‘big’ minds undermine the future for the sole purpose of elevating one to She has ‘taken little and given lots’—of values in our lives. of a hundred thousand families, Amma right living. All that one needs to have love to the distressed, help to the needy, Thou art Knowledge [which enlight- Amma, our Chancellor, described by is at work showing the way to creating is the yearning or inclination for the di- cheer to the gloomy, peace to the devas- ens], Thou art All Richness) the Western media as the ‘hugging a golden age for all mankind, making vine. She also makes it clear that if we tated, hope to the desperate, knowledge Aum Amriteswryi Namah saint from India’ is a model Guru in thousands ‘pray in their minds and willingly ‘go out of ourselves God will to the seeker, upliftment to the yearn- that unfailing ancient tradition. Those work with their hands’ in the true spirit go into the space thus vacated in us’ to ing devotee—and has wiped the tears of from the Desk of the Editors who have the ‘eyes to see and a mind to of the words well known to those famil- make our lives sublime. To Her there tens of thousands of grieved who came {happy to share thier Bliss} know’ are witness to how this primary iar with the Indian scriptures—lokaa: is no spirituality without selflessness to Her for solace. As much as those

school dropout is a direction-giver to samaaasta: sukhino bhavantu. and willing sacrifice—only these make who know Her at close quarters sever- even the research supervisors in Her in- spirituality meaningful. As acts no less al across the distance of continents too It will be right to add here what many of stitutions of higher learning, a mentor than worship, they are the seeds of di- consider Her no less than an incarna- us already know—that Amma’s message of earnest youth who matter, adviser to vinity, whatever we are and whichever tion – an avatar of the Creatrix Mother is easily discernible as universal and no many in high offices and power, and a faith we subscribe to. Living as a role in true spirit and merit, through their different from a Religion of Pure Love. model to any spiritual seeker, She is an It is what the message of every great re- embodiment of all that She teaches. She ligion worth its name boils down to—a

26 27 Samved Newsletter

AMMA’s Birthday Guests Meet Chancellor Amma Message

Q : How can we combine ayurveda with taking medicine prescribed for choles- Comment to Amma: Being here is a ever forbearing and forgiving us, the modern biotechnology? terol which may also affect the liver or special experience for me. It is amaz- earth remains as our constant support. A: Amma is very happy to hear this. It the kidney in the long run. ing to see the science projects going on The sun gives us light. Trees absorb car- will be great to bring the two together, here at Amrita University. Everybody To give another example, we now have bon dioxide, which is poisonous to us, ayurveda and modern biotechnology. is very dedicated and focused. There new types of seeds. These are compar- and release oxygen. Rivers and lakes Of course, practically speaking, it may seems to be the perfect blend of science atively weaker and require chemical give us fresh water to quench our thirst. not be so easy. So a lot of effort would and spirituality. Here people are pray- fertilizers. They will not experience Air provides us with our life-breath. In be needed in this direction. Once we ing and doing research. healthy growth if organic manure is spite of all this, man, who has evolved put in the effort, once they have come used. When we go to tribal areas or from the five elements, fails to acknowl- together, progress is bound to be quite A: Research is one part of the activities into the countryside, we should try and edge their importance. spontaneous. of the ashram. Amma has good chil- ‘happy birthday’ and we become part- collect natural seeds so that they do not dren who form a good team. They go ners in the ‘progress’ already in place. “Just having a respectful approach to Q: I am very impressed by Amma’s pro- go extinct. It is not enough to merely hand-in-hand with a feeling of oneness. everything can bring about a huge appease hunger; a healthy, nutritious “This is possible only when we can add found understanding of everything in It is their goodness that is reflected in transformation in our society and in diet is also needed. Only divine grace more positives to ourselves and to the the world. What is Amma’s view on re- all the actions. For Amma, even the so- the world. To rise triumphantly in life, can really help humanity. world around us, wherever we are. This combitant DNA? Some people hate ge- called bad people have good qualities in we should begin from the bottom. To means that we step out and help the netically modified organisms and oth- them; Amma accepts everyone. When build a tall tower that stretches to the world become more positive. ers think they can bring huge benefits ugust 12, 2013 someone comes to her, she tries to see sky, we should start by building a sol- A to mankind. What is the ethical view Invited speakers and guests at Am- how the person can be transformed so “Real birthday is the day we realize, at id foundation down in the earth. It is of all of this? rita BioQquest had the opportunity that she/he may serve better. the human level, that our prime duty on humility that makes us rise high. It is to meet Chancellor Amma dur- earth is to remove the sorrows of oth- respect that gives one real power. A: There is no doubt that our ancient ing the conference. They posed Amma became interested in research ers, a day when our hands stretch out system was the best. However Amma “We should live our life in a manner that many questions and received after observing the people here in this to help another unselfishly in a spir- is not discarding the modern system. is helpful to both ourselves as well as to thought-provoking replies. Here coastal village. Here fishermen did it of sacrifice. More importantly, we For Amma, everything is significant. others. God has given lightening just a are a few of them. not have bank balances … if they had should not reserve this attitude just for Amma can’t say that only the old is few moments of existence. So too to a a good catch, they ate, otherwise they ransform this world into heaven that one day of celebration. It should needed and we should discard the new. rainbow. Some flowers blossom just for starved. In a hundred families, one per- “Birthday is the day we are born. extend and come to pervade our entire T a single day. The full moon lasts only To give an example, in the olden days, Q: Is it beneficial for all three major sys- son might have had a government job. Science tells us that evolution indicates life. Amma’s happiness is in seeing her till sunrise. A butterfly lives for only a in the initial stages of a fever, if one tems of medicine – ayurveda, allopathic Many had heart diseases but were ei- and leads to progress. Then, our birth children’s lives becoming the carriers of few days. However during their short inhaled steam from water which was and homeopathic to come together? ther unaware of this or did not have the is justified only when we are able to this message. existence, they all give so much beauty boiled with tulasi leaves, the fever would money for treatment. People who could ‘add’ to this progress. And real progress A: If these three major systems come “We live in an age wherein despite im- and happiness to the world. subside. The person also fasted and this have otherwise lived up to 80 died at 40, is the expansion of our minds to be able together, we can certainly develop a mense scientific and technological ad- provided a rest to the internal systems. because they could not afford to buy a to see and feel our oneness with the rest “Amma prays that we learn from their new system which will do less harm. vancements we are witnessing the dis- Now at the slight hint of a fever, we take stent. Seeing this, Amma felt that if a of creation. Every aspect of creation example and try to use our lives to We need to create a sense of unity integration of many other important antibiotics, and the beneficial microor- cost-effective stent could be produced stands as a supreme example of mu- make this world an even more beautiful among the various systems of medicine aspects of our lives. Therefore our focus ganisms are also killed along with the as a result of research and development, tuality and support – one cannot exist place. Let us color our lips with words and their practitioners. Each one has its today should neither be on dependence germs. many people could be helped. That is without the rest. As part of creation, of truth. Let us trace our eyes with the own ways for diagnosing and treating. nor non-dependence, but on interde- how the research activities began here. man is no exception to this rule. Thus anjana (‘kajal’ or traditional eyeliner) of But when fever rises to say 102 degrees, In ancient times, minds were subtle; pendence. This is because humans, it becomes our first duty to respect and compassion. Let us adorn our hands then there may not be any other op- the practitioners of ayurveda were also animals, plants, the earth, the sky, the help preserve all things in creation. We with the henna of good deeds. Let us tion, one might need to take antibiot- practicing meditation and leading aus- atmosphere, the sun, the moon and all should at least refrain from destroying bless our minds with the sweetness of ics. But the intensity of our allopathic tere lives. Their minds were receptive the planets are all interdependent. – for, we have no right to destroy what humility. Let us fill our hearts with the medicines is increasing and the chem- and capable of imbibing all the disci- we cannot create. Every time we move “Man is a part of nature. We have come light of love for God and all of God’s icals are having a harmful impact on plines of study. Actually Ayurveda is a closer to this realization, we are reborn from nature. The human body is com- creation. Like this, may we transform our bodies. There are often undesirable part of the Vedas. We should all work a better human being. It is our new prised of the five natural elements. For- this world into heaven.” side effects. For example, one might be together to create a balance.

28 29 Samved Newsletter

Dr. Lee Hartwell received the 2001 No- bel Prize in Physiology / Medicine for his discovery of protein molecules that control the division of cells. He was the President and Director of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington before moving to Arizona State University’s Center for Sustainable Health. Dr.Hartwell is also adjunct faculty at Amrita University. He spoke to the delegates at Bioquest from his office in the US, over Amrita’s e-learning platform A-View. Given below are excerpts from his address. I would like to address the young people in the audience. I know that many of you may have come to this meeting wondering, “How can I become a successful scientist? How can I prepare myself to make a contribution in this A-VIEW Interview with Dr. Hartwell world?” These questions are interesting to me also. (Q: How Can I Become A Successful Scientist?) Believe it or not, I am still trying to be acids and the atmosphere with carbon 1. First choose a problem to solve a successful scientist. That may sur- dioxide. We are using up top soil and 2. Ask questions to understand why prise you since you probably think that ground water, thereby reducing our ca- it is not solved a Nobel laureate must have found the pacity to feed ourselves. We are using answers. But the problem is that the up petroleum, the energy source that 3. Collaborate with those who can answers to these questions change with our entire economy is dependent on. help time and the answers are different to- These are problems we were largely un- 4. Develop a solution that works in day than what they were when I began aware of, fifty years ago. But these are the real world my career fifty years ago. The strategies problems that must be solved in your of the 1960’s doesn’t work so well any- life time. Chronic diseases are our major burden more. What is different now? and this burden will get worse. Heart The big question facing your generation disease, diabetes, cancer, dementia and First, what we know now is much more. is, how can human beings live sustain- other diseases. The good news is that For example, by 1970, no genes from ably on planet earth. Your two broad the chronic diseases are largely prevent- any organisms were sequenced. In goals on sustainability are 1) leave the able and more easily curable if detected 2013, we have the complete sequence of planet as you first found it for your early. One question that attracts me is the human genome. Second, not only future generations; don’t use up the how can we detect disease earlier when do we know much more today, access- resources and don’t pollute the planet it can be more easily cured? ing that knowledge is easy. Third, ob- 2) everyone deserves to have an equal taining new information is also much share of the earth’s resources. Can we use our increasing knowledge faster now. in molecular biology to identify bio- Income strongly determines one’s op- markers for early disease detection? Our rich understanding of science portunities in life. Many poor people and technology is now needed to solve succumb to chronic diseases and un- We need to collaborate very closely many serious problems. The human healthy environments. This inequality with clinicians who care for patients to population has reached the size where undermines our ability to live sustain- find out exactly where they need help. we are utilizing all available resource of ably. We can’t ask the poor to leave the I think if we apply our technology to the planet. We are utilizing all of the planet as they found it if they can’t sup- important clinical questions we will ac- agricultural land, all of the water, all of port their families. Education, health- tually save medical expenditure and be the forest and fishing resources. We are care, employment are essential to hav- well on our way to making a great con- also polluting the planet that we live on. ing a sustainable society. tribution to society. We are polluting the land with ferti- How can we be a successful scientist in lizers and pesticides; the oceans with 2013?

30 Serving the world with love and cooperation, you will find your own true Self. As

you help those in need, selfishness will fall away, and without even noticing you will

find your own fulfillment.

-Amma