News on December

Christmas Message - December 2024

As Christmas Day approaches, we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, which happened over 2000 years ago. His birth was truly special—a bright star appeared in the sky, and wise men traveled far to visit Him in a humble cattle shed. Though He was the King of Kings, His birth was simple and unexpected, teaching us lessons of humility and wonder that still touch our hearts today.

But Christmas is not just about remembering His birth or His death—it’s about how He lived. In the Bible, it says:

"The Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)

Wherever Jesus went, He brought happiness. People felt drawn to Him, often without knowing why. Even small acts like breaking bread with others carried deep meaning. He once said:

"I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty." (John 6:35)

His life showed how we are all connected, and this truth continues to unite people, even today.

But are His teachings still practical in our world? Take, for example, His advice to “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39). It might seem difficult or even impossible in tough situations.

Let me share a recent event from our campus. Last week, a postgraduate student was attacked by a motorcyclist. In such moments, forgiving someone feels hard. Many would agree that we’re not like Jesus, and we might even feel like seeking revenge.

However, Jesus’ message of kindness and forgiveness had a purpose. He shared these lessons with His disciples, those closest to Him, to guide them in living a better life. But He also stood against wrongs. Remember when He cleared the temple, saying:

"My house will be called a house of prayer, but you have turned it into a den of thieves!" (Matthew 21:13)

This shows Jesus believed in justice as well as forgiveness. His wisdom was always balanced. For instance, when asked whether people should pay taxes, He replied:

"Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God." (Mark 12:17)

This simple answer reflects how we can balance our worldly duties with our spiritual lives.

We don’t need to search far for peace or meaning. Even here, on our campus, we can find it. This year, I feel particularly blessed as a proud member of CLIF, for after 10 years of service at Kerala University, I received a Christmas friend for the first time. I sincerely thank all the organizers for their efforts in making this celebration special and memorable for all of us.

As we celebrate this season, let us remember the heart of Jesus’ teachings—kindness, unity, and hope. His story continues to inspire us, reminding us to live with purpose and love.

"Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased!" (Luke 2:14)

Wishing you all a joyful and meaningful Christmas.

Warm regards,
Sibi K S

https://youtube.com/shorts/dWZcIWImOEc?feature=share

Link to photos

Honored to Chair the National Webinar Session on Advancing Indian Education

I am deeply honored to serve as the Chair for Session I of the Three-Day National Webinar on Advancing Indian Education: Insights and Strategies from National Education Policy - 2020, organized by the Department of Sociology, University of Kerala, from December 16th to 18th, 2024. This event provides a platform for thoughtful discussions and knowledge sharing on the transformative potential of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in reshaping Indian education.

Session Overview: Technology in Education, Digital Infrastructure, and Use of AI

The theme for Session I, held on December 16th from 3:15 PM to 4:30 PM, focuses on the intersection of technology, digital infrastructure, and the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Papers Presented

1. Leveraging Technology in Education: Insights from NEP 2020
2. Teacher-Student Dynamics in the Age of AI: Redefining Roles in Education
3. Perspectives of College Students on the Emergence of Artificial Intelligence: A Sociological Analysis
4. Challenges of AI Technology in the Educational Sector.
5. Navigating the Digital Age: A Critical Analysis of Social Media Usage and Digital Literacy Among Malabar Teenagers
6. AI in Indian Education: Balancing Innovation and Privacy Under NEP 2020
7. The Digital Classroom: Revolutionizing Education Through Technology and AI
8. AI and Educational Equity: Addressing Rural Education Challenges Under NEP
9. Use of Haptic Technology in Education: Revisiting the Essence of NEP 2020
10. Exploring the Field Reality in Teacher Education System: A Case Study of Student Teachers from Kerala

My Reflections as Chair

The session highlighted the immense potential of technology and AI to revolutionize education while addressing key challenges such as digital equity and privacy. I was particularly impressed by the participation of students and early-career researchers, whose fresh perspectives and critical insights enriched the discourse.

Gratitude and Acknowledgment

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Prof. Sandhya R S, Head, Department of Sociology and its organizers for inviting me to chair this enlightening session. Special thanks to Dr. Uthara Soman, Dr. Nisha Jolly Nelson, and all the presenters for their invaluable contributions. It was a privilege to engage with such a vibrant and intellectual community.

As we continue exploring the implications of NEP 2020, I hope this session inspires further collaboration and innovation to advance Indian education in the digital age.

 A note to share

I have always held a rather deep, perhaps even childlike, view of friendship. For me, friendship has always been absolute—total and unwavering. But over time, I have come to realize that not everyone shares the same perspective. Most people, it seems, see friendship as something context-dependent. You have school friends when you are in school, then you move on and build bonds with college friends. Later, as you step into your professional life, those friendships fade, and new ones take their place. Life, for many, seems to flow like that—shedding friendships as they move from one phase to another.

I, however, have never been able to look at friendship this way. For me, once I form a bond, it is enduring, without conditions or two ways about it. I remember all my friends, though they are few, and the connections I built with them remain significant to me even today. I sometimes wonder if they remember me the same way. Perhaps I am a bit of a fool for holding on to these bonds so tightly, but I’m not disappointed. Instead, I see it as a learning experience.

Friendship, for me, has never been about personal gain or necessity. I don’t crave friendships or seek them out excessively, but once I find one, it means everything to me. Many have moved on now, and perhaps they have forgotten me. But I hold on, not because I need them, but because I believe the bond we shared was meaningful. In fact, I often feel their need for me was greater than my need for them.

When I see how others approach friendships—loosely, contextually—it occurs to me that many people can’t truly bind themselves to anything. It’s not a judgment but an observation. Life, I think, has been extraordinarily generous to me. It opens up to me effortlessly, and perhaps that’s why I have always been able to hold on to friendships so deeply. I don’t see these bonds as transactions or tools to make life better. To me, friendship is not about utility; it’s about the overlapping of lives, of humanity itself.

Recently, I met computer centre Director at a high-level committee in my role as an instrumentation engineer. Even in a professional context like this, my sense of sharing and connection feels permanent. I see it as an ongoing process, while others might view it as something fleeting or temporary. My outlook may seem outdated—old-fashioned, even—perhaps not in line with modern social norms. But for me, friendship transcends practicality or advantage. It is something far more profound: an expression of life itself, a human connection that endures.

 

Met Madhu Sir, Computer Centre Director as I was invited as Instrumentation Engineer for the Purchase committee meeting at Syndicate Room, University of Kerala, Palayam

Conclusion of FYUG Semester 1

The Semester 1 FYUG program concluded on 09.12.2024, and I enjoyed a lighthearted moment with my mentees before the Semester 2 orientation program began at EMS Hall, capturing a memorable photo together.

Welcome all

Launch of the Science Community at the Department of Physics and Nanoscience

Link to YouTube short

The Science Community, a group dedicated to promoting science and fostering scientific careers, was officially launched today at the Seminar Hall, Department Nanoscience. The event included the release of the community's logo and an insightful invited lecture by Dr. Jayakrishnan, Professor of Physics at the University of Kerala.

Dr. Jayakrishnan's lecture, titled "Career Guidance," emphasized the importance of passion for one's subject while exploring diverse career opportunities beyond conventional teaching roles. He highlighted possibilities ranging from competitive exams like UPSC to prestigious research positions in organizations such as ISRO, IISc, and the National Institute of Oceanography. He passionately discussed the critical need for integrating science with technology, advocating for skill development in programming and AI-based algorithms, which are pivotal in modern research. Translating academic research into technological applications, he noted, is the next frontier for PhD scholars. His talk was a testament to the impact of spending time with individuals who speak passionately and inspire growth, as he did for the benefit of students today.

During my felicitation address, I reflected on hope, drawing inspiration from an image with contrasting quotes on hope by Charles Bukowski and Friedrich Nietzsche. While Nietzsche viewed hope as prolonging torment, Bukowski highlighted its necessity in driving perseverance. I encouraged the audience to embrace hope as a guiding force, provided we follow the middle path, using hope wisely to balance optimism and realism. I concluded with a short poem on hope:

"Hope is like a small light.
Use it wisely, and it will help you see the way
Without hiding what’s real."

This poem, whether seen as a quote or verse, encapsulates the essence of hope's transformative power.

The program commenced with a warm welcome by Anuja, a first-year undergraduate student, and was seamlessly compered by Afna from the Nanoscience Department. The vote of thanks was delivered by Shabana. The event celebrated the efforts of Luthfa, whose vision and dedication brought this initiative to life. Karthik, a student attending the lecture online, was appreciated for his active engagement, underscoring the value of attentive participation.

The launch of the Science Community is a significant milestone in building a vibrant platform for students and researchers to explore the boundless possibilities in science and technology.

Prof. KN Iyer Remembrance Meeting - A Heartfelt Tribute

On Monday, December 9, 2024, the Department of Physics, University of Kerala, hosted a heartfelt and memorable event to honor the legacy of the esteemed Prof. KN Iyer. The Prof. KN Iyer Remembrance Meeting, which started with profound respect and reverence, concluded successfully around 10: 45 AM, drawing a warm gathering of participants both online and offline.

Participation Highlights

Approximately 20 participants joined us virtually via Google Meet, while the physical venue welcomed around 50 attendees. The event was graced by the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including Balarama Rao Pendyala, Kandenkaniath Viswanathan, Narayanan Kalkura, Nisha NG, Renuka, S R Prabhakaran Nayar, Sunila Abraham, Unnikrishnan Nayar, Balan Sir, and Girish Sir, among others. 

Event Recordings and Memories

For those who wish to revisit this touching tribute, the entire meeting was recorded and has been uploaded as an unlisted YouTube video. This ensures that the recording remains accessible to participants and can be shared with family, friends, and others who cherish Prof. KN Iyer’s memory.

https://youtu.be/II3MmvCm7vs

Photos

A Special Note of Appreciation

A heartfelt thanks to Girish Sir for reading notes sent by dignitaries who could not attend the meeting online. These messages, rich with fond memories and warm tributes, were shared with the audience and are also included in the YouTube recording for posterity.

Cherishing an Enduring Legacy

The speeches and memories shared during the event vividly depicted Prof. KN Iyer’s inspiring legacy. The attendees' words beautifully captured his simplicity, profound contributions to academia, and the indelible mark he left on his students and colleagues.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed to making this event a fitting tribute to a remarkable individual. The love and respect evident throughout the meeting reaffirmed the profound impact Prof. KN Iyer had on our academic community and beyond.

Department Union Inauguration 2024-25

Attending and delivering the felicitation speech at the Department Union Inauguration 2024-25 was a privilege. Sharing the stage with esteemed colleagues like Dr. Nazeeb Sir was an honor. The inauguration highlighted the commitment of students and faculty alike to fostering a culture of excellence. Sharing a thought that i shared at the event

Link to Photos

🌟 Charles Lamb & Nikola Tesla: Kindred Spirits of Creativity and Longing 🌟

Have you ever thought about the intersection of imagination in literature and science? While Charles Lamb, the "Prince of English Essayists," and Nikola Tesla, the revolutionary inventor, lived worlds apart, their lives shared an undercurrent of genius, longing, and unfulfilled dreams.

Lamb, in his deeply emotional essay "Dream-Children: A Reverie," imagines a life where he could tell stories to his children—born of his love for Alice, a woman he adored but could never marry. He writes:

“We are only what might have been, and must wait upon the tedious shores of Lethe millions of ages before we have existence and a name.”

Tesla, too, often lived in the realm of "what might have been." A visionary whose brilliance electrified the world, he struggled with loneliness and saw many of his grandest ideas remain unrealized in his lifetime. Like Lamb, Tesla’s life was a poignant blend of extraordinary achievement and personal sacrifice.

🌌 The Parallel: Both men remind us that genius doesn’t shield one from the pangs of longing and the ache of human connection. Tesla revolutionized the world with his ideas, and Lamb touched hearts with his poignant reflections on life, love, and loss. In their own ways, they teach us that even in the absence of fulfillment, the beauty of their dreams inspires us all.

📜 Lamb’s Elegance in Poetry: While Lamb was primarily an essayist, his poetic voice often glimmered with the same heartfelt emotion. His poem "The Old Familiar Faces" encapsulates his deep sense of nostalgia and loss:

“I loved my love from youth; she was my soul's delight.

To think she is not now my love, but gone,

Where are my old familiar faces?”

💡 A Thought to Ponder: Imagine if Tesla’s visionary ideas had been fully realized in his time, or if Lamb’s dream-children had stepped into reality—how different would their lives, and ours, have been? Yet, perhaps their very struggles and unfulfilled desires are what make their legacies so profoundly human.

Let’s celebrate both the science that shapes our world and the literature that shapes our hearts. 🌠

link

#CharlesLamb #NikolaTesla #DreamersAndDoers #UnfulfilledDreams #LiteratureMeetsScience

December 09, 2024 Join us for the Prof. KN Iyer Remembrance Meeting organized by the Department of Physics, University of Kerala, to honor and reflect on the contributions of our beloved former faculty member, Prof. KN Iyer, who passed away earlier this year. Event Details:  Date: Monday, December 9, 2024  Time: 10:45 PM (IST)  Mode: Online Agenda Highlights: Observing a minute of silence in memory of Prof. KN Iyer Remembrance speeches by former and present faculty, alumni, and students Reflections on Prof. KN Iyer's legacy Your participation will add value to this gathering as we come together to celebrate the life and contributions of an esteemed academician.  Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/cez-teff-hwk We look forward to your presence.

When Monday Dec 9, 2024 ⋅ 10:45am – 1:45pm (India Standard Time - Kolkata)

Location University Of Kerala, HV6P+C38 University Of Kerala, C/11, Karyavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695581, India View map