.in Mangalore, India lives a Prof. Arunachalam Kumar. he is India's most eccentric genius. even has a name in the limca book of records.   www.hindu-religion.net/showflat/cat/hinduism/82885/0/collapsed/5/o/1     A LITTLE BIRD TOLD ME  sulekha.com   Some twentyfive and more years ago, when I had just moved into a quaint tile roof house in the monsoon drenched coastal city on western fringes of Karnataka, I saw hanging from the entrance door post, an odd looking mess of webs and bric a brac, which I assumed to be a nest of a kind. I requested the masons, carpenters and plumbers, who were attending to getting the house working, to leave the hanging nest alone. I left for work, but upon returning for lunch, shocked to note that the nest was missing. I queried the motley crew around, all denying any knowledge about the hanging nest. I was a trifle upset at the turn of events. After a short interlude, having a few minutes to spare before return to work, I sat down on the verandah floor, there being no furniture yet in the house. I was interrupted by a to and fro sortie of a bird, that appeared agitated, uttering, on wing a continuous chirr-chirr alarm call. I watched the bird for a few minutes before returning to my crossword puzzle of the newspaper. But the bird was determined, and continued flying all around, even diving close to my head. I understand the agitation to be of message potential, and observed the behavior of the bird, which seemed to fly towards a particular pillar on the northeast of the porch. I walked up and ferreted the area, and found nothing. I resumed my crossword, but no way could I proceed. The infernal bird was back, zipping in circles near the pillar, again and again. I called my wife to the scene, she too was quite perplexed at the oddity of it all. I walked up to the pillar once again, where lined along the bottom were some cloth bags belonging to the carpenters, who had gone for their luncheon break, and despite her cautionary word, reached out for a bag, which had adzes and saws peeping out from it’s knotted end. I opened the satchel, and lo, within it I found a polythene bag, into which I found, stuffed, was the missing nest. I quickly emptied the contents, finding to my amazement, one live chick, the other dead. I walked up to my compound edge, where I placed the near adult fledgling, which then quite promptly hopped away into the thickets and shrubbery beyond, under the watchful eye and guiding chirrups of the mother bird. The events were extraordinary in nature, but what struck me, was not that the bird was telling me something repeatedly, but that it reasoned that I would comprehend what information she was conveying. The bird, I later gathered was a purple sunbird. The incident got me interested enough in bird ethology to take birdwatching as a hobby. In fact so serious that for my PG dissertation in my specialization too, I chose avian embryology. I have since written more than one hundred articles in the press on birds and their ilk, conducted talks and nature camps, published about 18 articles in the Newsletter for Birdwatchers…. And to cap it all, the little purple sunbird led me to apply for, and receive, the plum post of Executive Director of BNHS in 1992, when Mr. Daniel retired (due to some other reasons I didn’t take up the assignment). I have met with hundreds of very nice people in the field whose knowledge and courtesy humble me. Who knew, 25 years ago, that one little bird would open so many hearts and doors; suffice to remember, that the language and lexicon of emotions, pains, sorrows, love, transcend beyond biological and evolutionary chasms and spans, and but are be understood by all creations   WHY DO PRETTY GIRLS END UP MARRYING ORDINARY GUYS sulekha.com Ever wondered how, the more pretty girls are always hitched up with the less handsome men? My own survey of the odd scenario reveals that eight out of ten beautiful women, actually hook up with or get married to men who are just passably handsome, and in many instances, very plain looking. The ‘Adonis’ types end up with Venuses only on movie and cinema screens; In real life, the princesses invariably pair with toads. I myself am counted a toad, and am nicknamed ‘cockroach’. Mainly because of my average in height, weight, colour and below average in looks department. Maybe too, because I am really an amphibian or arthropod in anthropomorphic form. Either way, the point is, much to the utter amazement (and often, utter consternation), the ‘crow’ look-alikes of my college end up with the ‘swans’ of the campus. The population of the bevy of beautiful belles that hover round plainsmen, amazes. I have a possible explanation for dichotomous crow-swan coupling. You see, the crows, know they are crows and the cockroaches know they are just that, insects; vermin and overlooked: They have nothing to lose anyway, so, they dare to send the valentine card, or the bunch of roses or tinkle a bell - to the prettiest in the city. Rejection they can take, they know they probably will be, but they never give up trying. Now the swans, all decked and dolled up, enveloped in a cloud of perfume, eyelashes aflutter, stand in vain for the never-forthcoming Lochinvars in shining armour. Instead, they have a bunch of Sancho Panzas, strewing petals at their feet, making them feel heady. The crows are born courtiers and wooers. They will boldly walk up to Aishwarya, sitting alone yonder, to ask for a dance: all the while, the handsome smooth shaven Gallahads, reeking of after-shave and dripping in gold necklace and bracelets, wait at the other end of the dance floor, and hesitate; Afraid of asking, for fear of being rebuffed. That is the key. They cannot take no for an answer, these macho types: their egos won’t permit them to take risks. But the cockroach, he is ready in approach, open in his admiration and genuine in his motive-and lo! The crows get the crown. Next time you see an ill-matched married pair, the male Corvus splendens (common crow) with arms of the female Pavo cristatis (pea fowl) draped around him, don’t rant, just rationalize, and rue: it could have been you and her, instead it is her and ‘it’. The hare always loses the race to the tortoise. So said Aesop. And so say all of us, the Periplaneta americanas (the roaches). Amen   CURRICULUM VITAE   Name: ARUNACHALAM KUMAR   Sex:  Male       Age: 56     Date of Birth:  27. 04. 1949    Qualification:  M.B.B.S., M.S. (Mysore University)              Post: Professor & Head, Dept. of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore Visiting Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait, 2002 & 2003.   Academic & Administrative   Chairman, Board of Studies, M.A.H.E, 2003 - Member, Board of Studies, Mangalore University, 1990 - 1992 Deputy Registrar, M.A.H.E, 1994 -1998 Chairman, Malpractice Committee, M.A.H.E, 1994 - Warden, KMC Hostels, 1984 - 1994, Secretary, Research Committee, 1992 - 1996 Chief Superintendent of Examinations for M.A.H.E. Examinations at many centers MAHE Flying Squad member for Allahabad, Tirupati and Cudappah Examiner for MBBS, MS, MD, MSc, BDS, BPT & BNYS courses  Recognized Guide for Ph.D.  for M.A.H.E 27 years (1979 - 2004) teaching experience UG & PG students for medical, dental, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, medical laboratory courses Associate Editor for M.A.H.E in-house quarterly, Manipal Linq, since 1994 Vice-Chancellor’s nominee on Technical Staff Selection Board of MAHE. Member, Manipal Marketing Council, Manipal Enterprises, Bangalore MAHE Representative at GHEDEX in Muscat, Oman, 2005   Awards    1.  Roll of Honor, KMC Students’ Association, Manipal, 1969  2.  Best Public Speaker Award from Indian Jaycees, 1977  3.  Jaycees ‘Outstanding Young Person Award’, 1983  4.  Rotary ‘Professional Competence Recognition’, 1984  5.  Dr. T. M. A. Pai Gold Medal for Medical Research, 1984  6.  Rotary Foundation ‘GSE Award’ for study tour of U.S.A, 1984  7.  Rotary Foundation ‘Paul Harris Fellow’ recognition, 1985  8.  Best Paper, State Conference of Community Medicine, Mangalore, 1989  9.  Commendable Service Award from D.K. District Scouts & Guides, 1990 10. Distinguished Alumnus Award, K.M.C, 1992 11. Elected Fellow, International Medical Science Academy, 1996 12. Best Paper, National Conference on Biomedical Engineering, Manipal 1998 13. Intel Award ‘Best Computer Science Project’ at Zonal & National, 2001 14. Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, for Medical Service, 2002 15. Air India - Deccan Herald, B.O.L.T. Award 1st Place for teaching, 2003 16. Certificate of Appreciation, for contribution to Medical Literature, K.M.C, 2004   Credits   Over a hundred and fifty scientific research papers published or presented at state, zonal, national & international conferences and journals & thirty-one other scientific publications or presentations. Cited in Limca Book of Indian Records, 1994, for having the maximum range of scientific research papers in India. Subjects researched on include Anatomy, Paediatrics, Urology, Medicine, Surgery, Orthopaedics, Forensic Medicine, Dermatology, Community Medicine, ENT, Ophthalmology, Biomedical Engineering, Sports Medicine, Dentistry, Ornithology, Computer Science, Political Science, Environmental Science, Entomology, and Sociology. Included among ‘Scientists - Karnataka’ in Leading Indian Personalities (www.lip2000.com). Addressed over 400 plus organizations in India, Middle East & U.SA.   Authorship   Books: (1) Crossword Decoder, (2) Footprints (3) Americana  (4) ABC Handbook of Human Embryology. Over 130 plus articles in newspapers & magazines in India and abroad and around 450 articles on the web / internet specialty sites.   Memberships   Life Member, Bombay Natural History Society Life Member, Worldwide Fund for Nature Life Member, Andhra Pradesh Birdwatchers Society Member, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Life Member, Ornithological Society of India Fellow, Academy of Higher Education Fellow, International Academy of Medical Sciences Advisory Committee, Lead Referral Center Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International Member, Pilikula Nisarga Dhama Wildlife Advisory Wing Listed in Anthropology Review Board, Buffalo University, U.S.A.   Formerly   President, All College Union of SK 1972 President, K M C Students Association at Manipal & Mangalore, 1969, 1972 State Committee Member, WWF-India, Karnataka Asst. District Commissioner, DK Scouts & Guides Organizing Secretary, IX State Jamborette, Scouts & Guides, Suratkal,1989   Articles on the Internet   www.DCRegistry.com / www.krishsrikkanth.com/ nathistory-india@Princeton.Edu/ www.bngbirds/www.meditimes.com/www.adbhut.com/www.bbc.co.uk/www.sulekha.com/www.indianjungles.com/www.humanracearchives/www.birdsofdelhi/www.rediffblogs.com/www.bmj.com/www.birdersworld.com/   1.Pax Anglo Americana. 2.Christ in India. 3.Crucible of History. 4.The Church of Nativity. 5.Must the two-legged mum cry? 6.Doctors. 7.Thumb position in the obese. 8.Birds of a feather. 9.Two great birds. 10.One last bow. 11.Hopping in birds. 12.Last call of the flycatcher. 13.Flamigos in Kuwait. 14.Birds of Kuwait. 15.Kuwaiti bulbuls. 16.Repaired dog’s tale. 17.Dolphins in duel. 18.Geneva Convention. 19. Pigeon Story. 20.Bull-dog from Mangalore. 22.Auto-biography 23.Sparrows chirrup no more. 24.Spider web pharmacology. 25.Beehive and fullerine. 26.We are lucky aren’t we? 27.More football coaches please! 28.Level playing field. 29.The blue numbers. 30.Dog story 31.Thank God they’re human! 32.Sachin’s on drive 33.Frozen moments in cricket. 34.Innovations in stroke-play. 35.Sachin’s medical problem. 36.The bouncers are back. 37.Not alone, Shane.  38.Shame on you, Shane.  39.Level Playing Field. 40.Hopping in birds. 41.Electrocution in bats. 42.ReflectionsI. 43.Reflections II.  44.Rope tricks. 45.Shooting snakes.  46.Scanning snakes.  47.Hyderabad blues. 48. Parthenium growth. 49.Sunbird diet. 50.Cobweb soot as clotting factor. 51.Indian elephant anatomy. 52.Morphometrics of Elephas maximus. 53.Snake in bathroom. 54.Paradise flycatcher.55.Mongoose cat frolic. 56.Koel frog interaction. 57.Rajaji elephants. 58.Wildlife conversations.  59.Pitta kill.  60.Magpie robin on attack mode. 61.Giant snails. 62.New species of frogs. 63.Crow-magnon. 64.Murder of crows. 65.Crooning crows. 66.Crow wing pattern. 67.Scare crows. 68.Butterfly migration. 69.Blue tigers and common crows. 70.Vision in birds. 71.Raining owls. 72.Atlas moths. 73.Muthodi. 74.Trunk call. 75.The Bandipur Tiger. 76.Kaalikeshwaran the jumbo. 77.Urban wildlife. 78.Mama kite knows best. 79.Clay in kite nest. 80.Hornbills of Mysore. 81.Jumbo top. 82.Egg heads. 83.Wolf snake. 84.Witness to a carnage.  85.Kite-pigeon interface. 86.Crow colour. 87.Pride of India. 88.Botanist medico 89.Silk story. 90.The kurunji. 91.Bear gait. 92.Bandipur tiger. 93.Bhadra elephant. 94.The Anamalai elephant. 95.Lacrimal function. 96.Westwards ho! 97.The river Merrimack. 98.Live free.  99.John Wells R I P. 100.Cheever and his garden 101.Keene & Karakorams 102.Chikkappa Rai & chickens. 103.John Shepherd and his computer. 104.Great Bear. 105.Bush & the Blue Star. 106.The Blue Numbers. 107.Pathogen free 108. The country doctor 109. Indophillia & authors 110. Rainy days. 111. Taj & all that. 112.Enola Gay. 113.Mayflower downwards 114.The final lesson. 115. No entry. 116.Risus sardonicus. 117.Heartbeat of the dead 118.The horologist. 119.The ethical orthopaedician. 120.Situs inversus. 121.Bus ride to evolution. 122.Hemmings and Headingly. 123.The dentist’s story. 124.The medical library. 125.Garden lizards. 126.The sparrows chirrup. 128.Squirrel-babbler interaction. 129.Boa rescue. 130.Pigeon’s tale. 131.Barn owls. 132.The western-ghat train. 133.Freddie the frog. 134.Repaired dog tale. 135. Mona Lisa.  136.The eyes of Jesus.  137.JAMA cover.  138.Looking for Denise.  139.Hildene. 140.Your slip is showing.  141.Butterfly migration in the Deccan. 142.Concorde from Siberia. 143.Monkey-kite interaction.  144.Sunbirds & webs. 145.Owl season in Mangalore. 146. The Greek Restaurant.  147. Bovine Wisdom. 148. Hildene. 149. Lessons from a chessboard.  150.Night Watch.  151.Risus sardonicus.  152.Ode to a silent angel.  153.The bottled specimen.  154.Bull-dog from Mangalore.  155.Ayoni.  156. Level playing field. 157.Rainy days. 158.Mona Lisa.  159.JAMA Cover.  160.Looking for Denise. 161.Squatting facets as markers. 162.Fossil finds in India. 163.Was brachiation the first step? 164.The yeti may yet be. 165.Index finger biomechanics. 165.Was the first hominid Indian? 166.Thumb sign in the obese. 167.A tear shed for bipedalism.  168.Another tear shed for bipedalism. 169.Must the two-legged mum need to cry? 170.Human origins: predictions. 171.Flamingos in Kuwait.  172.Birds of Kuwait.  173.No crows in Kuwait. 174.Kuwaiti bulbuls.  175.Last call of the paradise flycatcher.  176.Lacrimal glands-revisited.  177.My daughter Eva.  178.Stop! leech!  179.Jumbo top. 180.Two great birds, one last bow. 181.The Concorde from Siberia. 182.Kalyani’s story. 183.The school head-master. 184.Darwin’s point 185.Clay lumps as nesting material. 186.Witness to a carnage.  187.Sustainable development.  188.The pride of India. 189.The Blue Mormons.  190. Spider-sunbird nexus. 191.Eggheads. 192.Paradise flycatcher. 193.Birdwatcher, forever. 194.Ayoni in a wide world.  195.Scarce sparrows. 196.Paradise Flycatcher. 197.Last call of the sparrow. 198.Eggheads. 199.Birdwatcher forever. 200. Concorde from Siberia.   201.Christ, in India  202.The Church of Nativity.  203.Mona Lisa Smile.  204.Pax Anglo-Americana.   205.Christ & Christians in India.  206.More football coaches please.  207.Two great birds, one last bow.  208.Level playing field. 209. Kalyani’s story.  210.The Bandipur Tiger. 211.The story of Kaali.  212.Mum to be.  213.Knuckle walking bio-mechanics.  214.Mona Lisa smile.  215.Thumb sign in obesity.  216.We’re lucky aren’t we mum?  217.Azhar, please come back.  218.Sex & only sex.  219.Sparrows, sparrow, quo vadis?  220.The dog that God returned.  221.Cure for hiccups.  222.Evolution of a birdwatcher. 223.The 46th tiger of Bandipur.  224.The brat elephant, Kaali.  225.Christ, in India.  226.The church at Bethlehem.  227.Christianity & India.  228.Gorilla gait.  229.Daft dads: membership.  230. Libido and libel.  231.Snake-scan.  232.Freedom at midnight.  233.Lowly leech trick.  234.Paradise flycatcher.  235.Egg heads. 236.The Siberian Concord.  237. Birdwatcher, forever.  238.Autobiography.  239.Nagaland scores again & again.  240. Daft husbands: membership open.  241.An auto-biography.  242.Choli ke peechey: revisited.  243.Herbs & Humbug.  244.Arbor vitae. 245.Why my friend Keith cried?  246. Circadian rhythms and malaria.  247.Orofacial response: atavism.  248.The steel bars. 249.The snake that got away.  250.Mona Lisa. Syndrome.  251.Knuckle walking and bipedalism.  252.Forelimb axial position & obesity.  253.Oro-facial muscle response & atavism.  254.New theory on evolution.  255.Freed from Veerappan.  256. Bear & camel gait. 257.The Kumar hypothesis on evolution.  258.Birth & baptism, by fire.  259.Kalyani’s story.  260.Two birds, one bow.  261.Mudhols & Rajapalayams.  262.Atavistic orofacial response.  263.Human fossils in India.  264.Knuckle walking as precursor for bipedalism.   265.Mum to be: beware.   266.Humanized Hounds.  267. Snakes aslither.  268.Goodbye Sachin.  269.Why the boy adores Saurav.  270.The mysterious carton.  271.The K 9 Brigade.  272.Training dogs.  273.Hand position in obesity.  274.The Kumar Hypothesis.  275.Squatting facets on femora.  276.New species: Human fossils.  277.Egging my life forward.  278.The resident shrew.  279. The yellow flowers. 280.Death of romance.  281.The hot girl in hipster sari.  282.Pax Americana.  283.Wildlife conversations.  284.Identification confusion.  285.One-legged pigeon.  286.Dolphins in duel.   287.The prisoners of war.  288.Pardon, your slip.  289.No crows in Kuwait.  290.The spider web material.  291.Beehive architecture.  292.Level playing field.  293.The South African fiasco.  294.The faded blue numerals.  295.Last flight of the Concorde.  296.Beware, mum to be.  297.The watchful doctor.  298.Sustainable development.  299.How women handle handling.  300.Why do pretty girls marry?  301.Eclipse & elephants.  302.Birds of Kuwait.  303.Flamingos in Kuwait. 304.The crimson patch.  305.Two headed snakes & teas  306.Snakes a-slither.  307.Looking for Denise.  308.Birds of a feather.  309.Doctors.  310.To ‘a girl’, on tackling  311.Final frontier.  312.Away from it all.  313.Scarce sparrows: quo vadis?  314.Identification confusion. 315. By any other name 316.Birds of a feather.  317.Mum to be, beware.  318.The Mona Lisa Syndrome.  319.New species of frog.  320.Tigers and woods.  321.Prostitutes of my town.  322.Lessons from a chessboard. 323.Busride to evolution.  324.Sachin’s form   325.Tyson.  326.Viagra world.  327.Bye, for now!  328.God! How I wish I was. 329.Walk, pedal, ride, drive, walk.  330.New arsenals in Sachin’s armory.  331. Memorable innovations in stroke-play.  332. Ominous portents on the field.  333.Pants down situations.  334.First love.  335. The bullfrog, Freddie.  336.Whale breaching and earthquakes.  337. Vagina-less in a viagra world.  338.The Iraq War.  339.The Greek restaurant  340.Dolly, for two good reasons.  341.Forwarded from Zoolekha.com  342.  A Christmas tale.  343.Bar on the border.  344.The birth of Shaalu’s baby.  345.Jumbo tale.  346.A bit of India in Vermont.  347.Who says size doesn’t count?  348. M. S. Subbalakshmi, Suprapaadam, Stereophonic.  349.How I nearly became.  350.Should I have ?  351. Should I have ? II  352. I should have III  353. Predictions and premonitions.  354. Prediction an earthquake.  355. Story of silk.  356.Another silk story.  357.Hair combing techniques.  358.Thanks, a hundredfold.  359. A tribal story.  360. Smile the year in.  361.100 Days, 101 blogs.  362. 101 Blogs; prelude 1.  362. 101 Blogs; prelude II.  363. 101 Blogs; prelude. III  364. She of intimidating fingernails.  365.Back to where I belong. 366.My India. 367.The Weighing Scale. 368.American Waterloo. 369.The Ebony Pamela. 370.The Hands of Time. 371.Hair today, Gone Tomorrow. 372.The Earthquake Revisited. 373.Requiem for the Mudhol Hound. 374.The Prince of Calcutta. 375.Elephant Sub Species. 376.A Simple Test for Breast cancer. 377.Non-invasive Treatment for Chronic Backache. 378.Parental Choice. 379.Cure for Hiccups. 380.Farewell Freddie. 381.Insanity & HIV.  382.Moxibustion Branding. 383. On Today, yesterday. 384.Farewell, Freddie.  385.How Silk & Sachin. 386. Today, On my Birthday. 387. Yesterday, on my Birthday.  388. Boomerang Brando. 389. Shedding Tears.  390.The World Forgot Her.  391.The Rolex. 392.Personal View. 393.Hindustan hamara.  394.Mangos and maxim.  395.Wheeler dealers.  396.Cranio-caudal shifts.  397.Evolution: a new theory.  398. Last battle.  399. Most bizarre. 400. Star Crossed.  401.Cops & Robbers.  402.Four Hundred Friends.  403. Happy wife.  404. The Ideal Woman.  405. The Ideal Woman II.  406. Anthology.  407. The last battle.  408. Robert Frost.  409.Coming of age (II).  410. ab Moti ki kya.  411. Institutionalized infidelity. 412. The two Rekhas. 413. How a petticoat. 414. A love story.  415. Alpha male or omega man? 416. Fertility symbol. 417. Core of feminity.  418. Five star mess.  419. Carthikeyan.  420. Sexual harassment.  421.For Devassy.  422. A love story, another kind.  423. Passing of an era.  424.HIV & Insanity.  425.Chronic backache.  426.Prevention not proof.  427.Moxibustion scarring.  428. A simple test.  429. Passing the buck.  430. Elasticity of ethics.  431.The rains, the children.  432.Why is this girl?  433.Lessons from geography.  434. Migration of talent.  435. Journals and pharma industry.  436. Arrival & departure.  437. My vote goes to.  438. Be human.  439.The surveillance report. 440.Fairy Tale, Retold.  441.My last write.  442. Orange peel as biofuel       ARTICLES IN LAY PRESS   1.The Hindu / 2.Times of India / 3. The Observer / 4.The Week / 5.The Canara Times / 6. Coastal Times /7. Morning News / 8. Hindustan Times / 9. India Journal / 10. Manipal Record / 11.Manipal Linq / 12. WWF Quarterly / 13. Nature News / 14. India Magazine / 15.Biz Mag / 16. Metronews    1.The parakeets  2.The hoopoes  3.The bulbuls  4.Kites 5.Kingfishers  6.Lapwings 7.Lapwings. 8.Houbara hunt 9.Green Bee-eaters 10.Blue Rock Pigeon 11.Racket-tailed drongo 12.Owls 13.Barn owls 14.Caring two hoots 15.Paradise flycatcher 16.Orioles 17.Barbets 18.Green barbets 19.Magpie Robin 20.Magpie Robins 21.Tailor birds 22.Tailor birds 23.Kingfishers 24.Green Bee-eaters 25.Lapwing 26.The last ninja 27.Forest cane turtle 28.Urban wildlife 29.Environmental awareness 30.City wildlife 31.Green vine snake 32.Pollution 33.SK Environment 34.Trunk-call from Bhadra  35.The real hero 36.The tigers collared 37.The Bandipur tiger 38.Fortysixth tiger 39.Bhadra elephant 40.Yakshagana puppetry 41.Tendulkar’s left knee 42.Footwork flaws 43.Harbhajan Singh  44.Ominous portends 45.The writing on Azhar’s wall  46.Urvashi 47.Bangkok Buddha  48.An ode to Silk Smitha  49.Memories of Dr. T.M.A. Pai  50.Rangoli 51.Rangoli, Indian art 52.The egg   53.The colour purple  54.Giant Atlas Moth  55.Muthodi 56.Turtle  57.Short story 58.Short story  59.Short story  60.Miracle Man  61.Private medical colleges 62.Better teachers  63.School bag weight  64.Satchel science  65.Rainy days again 66.Jurrasic park and Jupiter  67.Cartography  68.Beehive and buckyballs  69.Proof of the pudding  70.The Fibonacci numbers  71.Clouds  72.Origin of man  73.The biomechanics of pace bowling  74.Déjà vu  75.Black death  76.Short cut  77.The Ganesha psyche  78. The Ganesha worship 79.Incredible, but true  80.Incredible II  81.The specter of unemployment  82.Mangalore history  83.History of DK  84.Urban wildlife  86.S.K, I weep for you  87.The sphenoid sir  88.Kaprigoodays  89.Kaprigoodays  90.Lecturer talk  91.Voice of silence  92.The leper  93.Heartbeat  94.Eaten by the Japanese  95.Crasta raasta to moksha   96.Kingfishers  97.Chuck the law  98.Auto-biography  99.Woman of substance  100.Risus sardonicus  101.City wildlife 102.Magpie Robins 103.The paradise flycatchers 104.Kingfishers 105. The eyes of Jesus Christ 106.Mona Lisa 107.The flying jewels 108.The bulbuls 109.Camping at Muthodi 110.Urban pythons  111.Eaten by the Japanese 112.Rainy days 113.Index finger biomechanics 114.Yeti may yet be 115.The ‘Kumar Hypothesis’ on human evolution 116.Predictions:fossil finds in India 117.A tear shed for bipedalism 118.Another tear for bipedalism 119. Was brachiation the first step forwards?  120.Thumb sign in the obese  121.Fossil finds in India  122.Squatters and facets 123.Sesamoid fracture for Tendulkar  124.Fortnight in focus 125.Houbara hunt  126.Kingfishers  127.Ganesha worship  128.The dentist who loved cricket  129.Risus sardonicus   RADIO   www.globalradio2020.com   1.Why I do not vote?  2. The year 2004 reviewed (politics) 3. The year 2004 reviewed (sports) 4.The year 2004 reviewed (religion) 5. Radio Interview with Bobby Aloysius, Olympian   PRESS   The following newspapers and magazines have featured articles on me. The Indian Express, The Deccan Herald, Observer, Mid day, The Hindu, The Times of India, The Telegraph, The Tribune, The Independent, New Zealand Herald, Udayavani, Mungaru, Hosa Digantha, Vijaya Karnataka, Vijaya Times, Outlook, India Today, Linq, Cetacean, Rotarian, WWF News, Nature India, India Journal, India Magazine, Panorama, The Tribune, The Singapore Times, Rutland Herald, Concord Reporter, Sanctuary, Eesanje, Eenaadu, Mangalore Today, Metro News, The Sun, Rakhno, Mangala, The Week, Vanitha, The Cetacean          CONTACT   Office: Professor & Head, Department of Anatomy Center for Basic Science, Kasturba Medical College, Bejai, Mangalore – 575004   Residence: ‘Set-In’, Opposite Shanti Cathedral, YMCA Road, Falnir, Mangalore 575002   Phones:                               (0824)2211746 (office) 2432239 (residence)  9880530539 (mobile) Fax: 2428183 E-mail: ixedoc@hotmail.com    PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS (1983-2005)   120.Kumar A Witness to a birth Canadian Medical Association Journal, Oct 2005   119.Kumar J C, Sharma V K & Kumar A Jetlag & malaria susceptibility Medical Hypothesis 65, 2005.   118.Kumar A & Kumar J C Moringa oleifera: for non-chemical water prifiucation BMJ 2005 (letters)   117.Kumar J C, Kumar E A & Kumar A The functional anatomy of coronary arteries Annual State Conference of the Cardiological Society of India, 2005, Mangalore   116.Kumar A Career Focus: Why is this lifeless girl killing me? BMJ 2005 (in press)   115.Kumar A Anatomy for the bird brained BMJ 2005 Filler (in press)   114. Kumar A Very patient me BMJ 2005 Filler (in press)   113.Kumar A Crying wolf BMJ 2005 July 2005   112.Kumar A Aspirin for everyone over 50? The buck stops in the consulting room BMJ 2005, 5 JUL 16; 331 (7509): 161   111.Deokar A, Kumar J C & Kumar A Why does the contracting heart produce an impact on the chest wall? Student-BMJ, 2005 (in press)   110.Kumar A Gag reflex for arrest of intractable hiccups Medical Hypotheses, 65; 2005 (in press)   109.Ashwini Kumar E, Vyas B V, Kumar J C, Chitkara G, Mishra N & Kumar A The spectral analysis of resonant sounds of chest percussion as a non-invasive diagnostic- prognostic tool. Proceedings of the National Conference on Devices, Intelligent Systems & Communication, 2005, Manipal   108.Kumar J C, Ashwini Kumar E, Chitkara G, Mishra N & Kumar A Abdomino-electrography. Proceedings of the National Conference on Devices, Intelligent Systems & Communications, 2005, Manipal   107.Kumar J C & Kumar A Atavistic facial grimace in pain Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 2005, (in press)   106.Kumar J C, Kumar A, Ashwini Kumar E & Ashoka B Sudomotor Dysfunction: A New Bedside Diagnostic Aid BMJ (S. Asia) 21 June 2005   105.Kumar J C & Kumar A Magnetic Forces for Bone Lengthening Medical Hypotheses, 65: 2005, (in press)   104.Kumar J C & Kumar A Magnetic Attraction as Maintenance Force in Fractures Medical Hypothesis, 65: 2: 418, 2005   103.Kumar A & Kumar J C Atavistic Orofacial Response to Manually Dexterous Activity Medical Hypotheses, Vol. 65: 161, 2005   102.Ashwin K & Kumar A Sports Injuries: Newer Perspectives on Muscle Action National Conference of Sports Medicine, Chennai, 2005   101.Ashwin K & Kumar A Pronation, Supination and Biomechanics of Spin Bowling National Conference of Sports Medicine, Chennai, 2005   100.Kumar J C & Kumar A Coronary Arterial Array Geometry & Haemodynamics: A New Biophysical Perspective Indo-Australian Seminar on Biotechnology, Manipal, 2005   99. Kumar J C & Kumar A Nail Growth in Diabetes Mellitus International Colloquium on Diabetes, Chennai, 2004   98. Vasudha S, Kumar A & Prabhu L V Morphometry of Middle Ear Ossicles Indian Journal of Otology, Vol. 10 2004 (in press)   97. Nayak S, Bhat S & Kumar A Analysis of Plantar Prints in Tree-climbing Communities National Conference, A.S.I., Hyderabad, 2004   96. Nayak S, Narayana K, Walid R & Kumar A Styloid Process Elongation: Case Report & Discussion National Conference, A.S.I., Hyderabad, 2004   95. Kumar J C & Kumar A Chaotic Plantar Weight Distribution in Bipeds National Conference, A.S.I., Hyderabad, 2004   94. Kumar J C & Kumar A The Biophysical Mechanisms of Phonation National Conference, A.S.I, Hyderabad, 2004   93. Kumar J C & Kumar A View Point: The Physiodynamics and Biomechanics of the Cardiac Apex BMJ (Asian Ed.), Vol. 20: No.3: 19-20, 2004   92. Kumar J C & Kumar A The Biophysics & Physiology of Phonation Indo-Australian Symposium on Biomaterials & Biotechnology, Manipal 2004   91. Kumar J C & Kumar A The Physiological Dynamics of Cardiac Apex Beat Indo-Australian Symposium on Biomaterials & Biotechnology, Manipal 2004   90. Kumar A The Fibula as Graft, Workshop on Cadaveric Dissection of Facial Nerve Dept of Maxillofacial Surgery, C.O.D.S, Mangalore, 2003   89. Kumar A Paleopathology & the World of Medical Art Workshop on Medical Art & Photography, Mangalore 2003   88. Kumar A The Thumb Sign in the Overweight British Medical Journal, (Asian Ed.) Vol.19:  No.3: 16-17: 2003   87. Manou J & Kumar A Ellis van Creveld Syndrome in Adult Female Journal of the Indian Association of Oral Medicine & Radiology, Vol.15: No.1: 2003   86. Kumar A ABC Pocketbook of Human Embryology JP Brothers, ISBN 81-8061-165-5, New Delhi, 2003   85. Bhat S & Kumar A The Medial Longitudinal Arch in Professional Tree Climbers Indian Journal of Public Health (in press)   84. Prabhu L V & Kumar A The Functional Anatomy of the Lacrimal Sac Karnataka Journal of Ophthalmology, Vol.20, No.2, 26-27, 2003   83. Kumar A Unilateral Anophthalmia in Chick Embryos due to Vincristine Sulphate Toxicity Karnataka Journal of Ophthalmology 2003, (in press)   82. Manou J & Kumar A Mayer Rokintansky Custer Hauser Syndrome: Palmar Dermatoglyphics Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology (in press)   81. Feroz K & Kumar A Fingerprint Profile in Female Arabs of Kuwait 49th A.S.I. National Conference, Gulbarga, 2002   80. Latha V P & Kumar A The Classification of Branches of the Internal Iliac Artery Acta Karnataka, Vol. 2 No. 2, 2002   79. Feroz K & Kumar A Palmar Dermatoglyhics in Kuwaiti Female Medical Students Karnataka Chapter of Anatomists, Hubli, 2002   78. Kumar A The ‘Thumb Sign’ in Obesity Human Races Monthly, Vol.1, No.10, 2002   77. Kumar A An Osteological Clue to Bipedalism Human Races Monthly, Vol.1, No. 9, 2002   76. Kumar A A Tear Shed, Again, for Bipedalism Human Races Monthly, Vol.1, No. 9, 2002   75. Kumar A Shedding a Tear for Bipedalism Human Races Monthly, Vol. 1, No. 9, 2002   74. Kumar A The Index digit rotation and opposition evolution Human Races Monthly, Vol. 1, No.9, 2002   73. Kumar A Hominid Fossils in India: Some Predictions Human Races Monthly, Vol. 1, No. 9, 2002   72. Kumar A Was Brachiation ‘One Small Step’ for Mankind? Human Races Monthly, Vol. 1, No. 9, 2002   71. Kumar A The Kumar Hypothesis on Hominid Fossil Finds in India Human Races Monthly, Vol. 1, No. 9, 2002   70. Kumar A Fossil Finds in India: Early Hominids Human Races Monthly, Vol. 1, No. 9, 2002   69. Manou J & Kumar A Palmar Dermatoglyphics as a Diagnostic Tool in MRKH Syndrome State Conference of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Bangalore, 2002   68. Manou J & Kumar A Mathematical Analysis of Flexion-Extension of Index Finger 48th A.S.I. National Conference, Manipal, 2001   67. Manou J & Kumar A The Rotational Kinetics of Index-Pollex in Opposition Exercise 48th A.S.I. National Conference, Manipal, 2001   66. Vasudha S & Kumar A Morphometrical Analysis of Middle Ear Ossicles 48th A.S.I. National Conference, Manipal, 2001   65. Prabhu L V & Kumar A The Functional Anatomy of the Lacrimal Sac: A Reassessment 48th A.S.I. National Conference, Manipal, 2001   64. Anuradha, Jaijesh & Kumar A The Brachial Artery: Anomalies & Applied Anatomy 47th A.S.I. National Conference, Dehradun, 2001   63. Prabhu L V & Kumar A Osteometry of the Nasal Septum 47th A.S.I. National Conference, Dehradun, 2001   62. Prabhu L V, Minnie P & Kumar A Branching Pattern of the Internal Iliac Artery: Classification 47th A.S.I. National Conference, Dehradun, 2001   61. Kumar A Combing Techniques Journal of Irreproducible Results, Vol. 45: No. 4: 13: 2000   60. Thota B, Sonia R, Radhika M, Rao A & Kumar A Eagle’s Syndrome & Anatomy of the Styloid Process Indian Journal of Dental Research, XI 2: 65-70, 2000   59. Mehboob S & Kumar A The Kinetics of Spin Bowling; Off-spin, Supination & Pronation National Conference on Sports Medicine, N.I.S., New Delhi, 1999   58. Mehboob S & Kumar A Biomechanically Produced Sports Injuries National Conference on Sports Medicine, N.I.S., New Delhi, 1999   57. Kumar A Medical Research in Third World Scenarios 45th Annual Conference, International College of Surgeons, Mysore, 1999   56. Rao A & Kumar A Styloid Process Osteometry & Eagle’s Syndrome S. Zone E.N.T. Conference, Mangalore, 1999   55. Rao A & Kumar A Osteometry of the Nasal Septum S. Zone E.N.T. Conference, Mangalore, 1999   54. Rao K P S & Kumar A A Biomechanical Study of Sachin Tendulkar’s On-drive 46th A.S.I. National Conference, Karad, 1998   53. D’Souza A & Kumar A Styloid Process Osteometry & Eagle’s Syndrome 46th A.S.I. National Conference, Karad, 1998   52. Minnie P, Prabhu L V & Kumar A The Branching Pattern of Ulnar Nerve in the Tunnel of Guyon 46th. A.S.I. National Conference, Karad, 1998   51. Anuradha & Kumar A Observations on the Tibial Collateral Ligament 46th. A.S.I. National Conference, Karad, MH 1998   50. Prabhu L V & Kumar A The Functional Morphology of Palmaris Longus Muscle 19th National Conference of the I.A.B.S, Mangalore, 1998   49. Rao A & Kumar A Flexion-Extension of the Index Digit: A Kinesiological Analysis 19th National Conference of the I.A.B.S, Mangalore, 1998   48. Rao A & Kumar A Linearity or Chaos? An electro-cardiographic perspective 19th National Conference of the I.A.B.S, Mangalore, 1998   47. Ahmad K, Susheel Chandra S & Kumar A The Kinetics of Pace Bowling 19th National Conference of the I.A.B.S, Mangalore, 1998   46. Rao A & Kumar A Opposition Mechanics of the Favoured Index-Pollex Complex: A Community Study Proceedings of the N.C.B.E., Ed. U C Niranjan, VIII 19, 1998   45. Rao A & Kumar A Opposition Biomechanics: A Community Study National Conference on Biomedical Engineering, Manipal, 1998   43. Rao A & Kumar A Mathematical Analysis of Flexion-Extension of Index Digit Proceedings of the N.C.B.E., Ed. U C Niranjan, VIII 21, 1998   42. Rao A & Kumar A Mathematical Analysis of Flexion-Extension of Index Digit Proceedings of the N.C.B.E., Ed. U C Niranjan, 1998   41. Rao A & Kumar A Intrinsic Cardiac Randomness & Diagnostic Pitfalls National Conference of Biomedical Engineering, Manipal 1998   40. Rao A & Kumar A Intrinsic Cardiac Randomness & Diagnostic Pitfalls in Electrocardiography Proceedings of the N.C.B.E., Ed. U C Niranjan 1998   39. Kumar A Non-metric Analysis of Post-cranial Skeleton Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Vol. 14 (2) No 29 1997   38. Kumar A & Bose K V Moxibustion Scarring: An Aid to Identity Establishment Journal of the Karnataka Medico-legal Society Vol. 6 (2) No 25 1997   37. Kumar A State of the Union: Health & Medicine IV S. Zone Conference, Urological Society of India, Mangalore 1997   36. Kumar A Despite a Busy Medical Practice Merck Oration, IX State Conference, Indian Medical Association, Goa 1997   35. Bhat P & Kumar A A Simple Technique for Malaria Control Ross Centenary National Conference on Malaria & Tropical Diseases, Bangalore, 1997   34. Kumar A Itching & Immunity The Lancet, Vol. 348, No. 9038, 1382, 1996   33. Prabhu S P, Kumar A & Hegde B M Electrocardiography & Chaos: A Closer Look National Seminar on Chaos Theory, Haridas Foundation, Bangalore, 1996   32. Kumar A Cerebral Dominance, Handedness & Paper Shredding Journal of the Karnataka Medico-legal Society, Vol. 4 No. 1 15 1995   31. Ramakrishna A & Kumar A Vincristine Sulphate Induced Sperm Shape Abnormalities Journal of the International Medical Sciences Academy, Vol. 7 No.1 9 1993   30. Savita S & Kumar A The Unco-vertebral Joints of Luschka XVI State Conference, Karnataka Orthopaedic Association, Belgaum 1993   29. Kumar A Embryology & Anomalies in the Development of Heart Seminar on Paediatrics & Neonatology, Mangalore 1993   28. Kumar A & Savita S Morphometry of the Bony Palate & its Asymmetry Journal of the Indian Dental Association, Vol. 63, No. 7, 277 1992   27. Bose K V & Kumar A The Physical load on Primary Schoolers in Mangalore City Karnataka Paediatric Journal.  Vol. 6, No. 4, 19 1991   26. Sanyal A K & Kumar A Comparative Analysis of Evaluation Methodologies Under Three Universities Annual Conference of the A.S.I., Imphal 1991   25. Kumar A Ethical Considerations in Medical Research IV State Conference, Kerala State Urological Society, Mangalore, 1990   24. Savita S & Kumar A The Ulnar Nerve & the Tunnel of Guyon XIV Conference of Indian Society of Hand Surgeons, Manipal, 1990   23. Savita S & Kumar A The Thumb-Index Complex Biomechanics in Opposition XIV Conference of Indian Society of Hand Surgeons, Manipal, 1990   22. Savita S & Kumar A The Tibial Collateral Ligament: Morphology & Variations XIC State Conference, Karnataka Orthopaedics Society, Mangalore, 1990   21. Savita S, Vivek S R & Kumar A Paediatric E.N.T Profile & Southwest Monsoons Journal of Karnataka Association of Community Health, Vol. 6, 1990   20. Savita S, Vivek S R, Ballal R & Kumar A Paediatric E.N.T Profile & Southwest Monsoons IV State Conference, Karnataka Association of Community Health, Mangalore, 1989   19. Sanyal A K & Kumar A Syllabus Rationalization & Preclinical Course 46th Conference of Anatomical Society of India, Calcutta, 1989   18. Kumar A Advantages of Private Professional Education Journal of Maharashtra State Dental Association Vol. 14 No. 2, 39, 1989   17. Kumar A & Agarwal A Diabetes Mellitus & Nail Growth Rate Bulletin of the Voluntary Health Association, 1988   16. Kumar A & Pai M L Foramen Magnum Index for Sexing Adult Indian Crania Anatomical Adjuncts, Vol. 1 No. 7, 1988   15. Kumar A Branchial Cysts, Sinuses & Fistulae Karnataka Paediatric Journal, Vol. 2, No.1, 9, 1986   14. Ravikumar R & Kumar A Broad Toe, Mental Retardation & Unusual Facies: A Report on Five Cases of Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, Karnataka Paediatric Journal, Vol. 1 No. 7, 1986   13. Kumar A & Agarwal A Gingivo-labial Sulcus Abrasions & Faulty Toothbrush Anatomy Karnataka Dental Journal, Vol. 4, No. 1, 20, 1985   12. Baliga B S, Kumar A & Krishnamurthy P N Intra-oral Anomalies in Ellis van Creveld Syndrome Karnataka Dental Journal, Vol. 3, No. 4, 115, 1985   11. Kumar A Complementary Rotation of Index in Thumb-Index Opposition Proceedings of the International Conference of Biomechanics & Clinical Kinesiology of Hand & Foot, Eds. Patil K M & Srinivasan H, IIT Madras, 1985   10. Kumar A Complementary Rotation of Index in Thumb Index Opposition International Conference on Biomechanics of Hand & Foot, I.I.T., Madras, 1985   09. Kumar A Developmental defects of the Skeletal System South Kanara Homoeopaths Association Seminar, Mangalore, 1985   08. Das R, Pai M L & Kumar A Foramen Magnum Index for Sexing Adult Indian Crania 1st World Conference of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Bhopal, 1984   07. Kumar A Vincristine Sulphate Induced Ectodermal Dysplasias in Chick Embryos Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology, Vol. 50, No. 1, 42, 1984   06. Kumar A Adductor Pollicis Test for Ulnar Nerve Lesions Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Vol. 78, No. 3, 420, 1983   05. Kumar A Vincristine Sulphate Induced Neural Tube Malformations in Chick Embryos IV S. Zone Conference, Association of Physicians of India, Mangalore, 1983   04. Kumar A & Koranne S P Squatting Facet on Femora in the West Coastal Indian Population Forensic Science International, Vol. 21 No. 2, 19, 1983   03. Kumar A Vincristine Sulphate Induced Neuro-ectodermal Dysplasias in Chick Embryos Dissertation for award of M.S. (Anat.), Mysore University, 1982   02. Kumar A More Nose Blowing for Foreign Body Removal Canadian Family Physician, Vol. 28, No. 2, 198, 1982   01. Kumar A & Pai M L Greater Sciatic Notch Angle: An Additional Parameter for Sexing Adult Hip Bones IV National Conference, Indian Academy of Forensic Sciences, Hyderabad, 1982   E - Journal Publications   17.Arunachalam Kumar Choosing the of gender of the unborn Bmj.bmjjournals.com, June 2005   16.Arunachalam Kumar Needlessly alarmist Bmj.bmjjournals.com, Aug 2005   15.Arunachalam Kumar Three problems & three solutions Bmj.bmjjournals.com, Aug. 2005     14.Arunachalam Kumar & Kumar J C Mental instability, vitamin C & common colds PloS Medicine, Aug 2005   12.Arunachalam Kumar Simpler self-diagnostic test for breast cancer Bmj.bmjjournals.com, 2005   11.Arunachalam Kumar Non-manipulative relief for chronic backache Bmj.bmjjournals.com 2005   10.Arunachalam Kumar & Kumar J C Branding and moxibustion: diagnostic aids? Bmj.bmj.journals.com 2005   9. Arunachalam Kumar Journals and pharma industry PloS Medicine 2005   8. Arunachalam Kumar A telling comment on mass migration PloS Medicine 2005   7. Arunachalam Kumar Bell’s palsy: aetiology should include iatrogenic too Bmj.bmjjournals.com 2005   6. Arunachalam Kumar & Kumar J C Medical ethics & prenatal sex determination Bmj.bmjjournals.com 2005   5. Arunachalam Kumar Prevention, not proof, is the answer Bmj.bmjjournals.com 2005   4. Arunachalam Kumar Does insanity confer immunity to AIDS? Bmj.bmjjournals.com 2005   3.Arunachalam Kumar Aspirin for everyone over 50? The buck stops in the consulting room Bmj.bmjjournals.com 2005   2.Arunachalam Kumar Walk, ride, drive & walk again Bmj.bmjjournals.com 2005   1.Arunachalam Kumar & Kumar J C G Forces and fracture – falls Bmj.bmjjournals.com 2005     M.S / M.D. Dissertations & PhD Thesis   1. Avadhani R: Vincristine sulfate induced sperm shape abnormalities in mice, (M.S.)   2. Shivarama Bhat: The medial longitudinal arch in professional tree climbers, (M.S.)   3. Ganesh: Morphology and variations of the middle ear ossicles, (M.D.)   4. Jaijesh P: Effect of certain plant derivatives on osteo-arthritis, (Ph.D.)   5. Bincy R: A Community Study of Medial Longitudinal Arch in Feet (Ph. D)     PUBLICATIONS IN OTHER SUBJECTS:   1. Kumar A Hopping in Birds: Is it Vision Based? Blackbuck Vol. 14, No 1 (in press) 2004  2. Kumar A & Bose K V Checklist of Birds of Mangalore City Newsletter for Birdwatchers, 1989  3. Kumar A & Bose K V Checklist of Birds of Mangalore WWF-India Rotary Publication, 1990  4. Kumar A Techniques in Birdwatching Workshop on Avifauna, WWF-Rotary Club, Mangalore 1990  5. Kumar A Observations in Sholur Valley Newsletter for Birdwatchers, 32: 12: 1992 6. Kumar A The Nilgiris Magpie Robin Newsletter for Birdwatchers, 33:  6:  1993  7. Kumar A Rehabilitation of Birds; Some Experiences Newsletter for Birdwatchers, 34:  6:  1994  8. Kumar A Comments on the NLBW Index Newsletter for Birdwatchers, 33: 2: 1993  9. Kumar A Munia Nest in Mangalore Newsletter for Birdwatchers, 34: 2: 1994  10. Kumar A Scimitar Babbler in Mangalore Newsletter for Birdwatchers, 34: 4: 1994  11. Kumar A Nest Material Foraging in Kites Newsletter for Birdwatchers,  12. Kumar A Clay as Kite Nest Material Newsletter for Birdwatchers, 41: 3: 2001  13. Kumar A The White-throated Ground Thrush in Mangalore Newsletter for Birdwatchers, 40: 2: 2000  14. Kumar A Koel-Frog Interaction Newsletter for Birdwatchers,  15. Kumar A Kingfisher Hunting in a Well Newsletter for Birdwatchers, 39: 4: 1999  16. Kumar A The Last call of the Paradise Flycatcher Newsletter for Birdwatchers, 42: 2: 2002  17. Kumar A An All-Black Coucal Newsletter for Birdwatchers, 42: 4: 2002  18. Kumar A Audio Cassette Tape as Avian Deterrent Newsletter for Birdwatchers, 42: 4: 2002  19. Kumar A Evolution of a Birdwatcher Newsletter for Birdwatchers, 40: 1: 2000  20. Kumar A Rehabilitation of Maimed Birds: Experiences Newsletter for Birdwatchers, 40: 1: 2000  21. Kumar A Philosophy of Scientific Research: A Western Ghats Perspective Proceedings of the UGC - DST Seminar. Eds. Hussain S A & Achar P K, 1994  22. Kumar A Beehive Architecture & Fullerin Formula Insect Environment, Vol. 1 No. 4 1997  23. Kumar A Tutorials on Environment Awareness Syllabus UGC Mangalore University Seminar on Tutorials. Ed. Madhav Rao  24. Bucelo L, D’Souza L & Kumar A A Cost Effective, Re-usable, User-friendly Aid to Windows ’98 PC Operator Intel International Science Fair, Bangalore & Mumbai, 2002  25. Kumar A Philosophy of Scientific Research & Chick Embryology BNHS Seminar for Senior Scientists, 1991, Bombay  26. Kumar A Research Philosophy & Social Sciences National Conference Indian Association of Sociology National Conference 2002, Mangalore  27. Kumar A Cerebration; The Central Nervous System S. Zone UGC - Mangalore University Zoology Teachers Seminar, Mangalore  28. Kumar A The Ecology & Biodiversity of Western Ghats Seminar for Bioscience Faculty, Mangalore University  29. Kumar A Research Methodologies & Motivation S. Zone DST - UGC Mangalore University Seminar for Zoology Faculty, Mangalore  30. Kumar A IC 816: The Hijacking of Indian Airlines: Perspectives on Terrorism Karnataka Journal of Politics Vol. 1, No.1, 2000  31. Kumar A Techniques and tips on field-notes Workshop on Ornithology, Rotary – WWF Project, Mangalore 1988  32. Kumar A Wildlife and the urban scenario WWF-India Seminar on Environment Day, Karkala,  33. Kumar A Visual representation of wild-life and art WWF- India Seminar on Environment day, Karkala  34. Kumar A Crossword Decoder, Sridurga Agencies, Mangalore, ISBN, 1994  35. Kumar A Footnotes, Sridurga Agencies, Mangalore, ISBN, 1996  36. Kumar A Americana, Sharada Press, Mangalore, 1984   Is sesamoid fracture Sachin's problem? TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2001 12:44:58 AM ] Citibank NRI Offer Mngalore: is Schin's sesamoid really fractured? or is it a natural status often found wherein each sesamoid is double? prof arunachalam kumar, professor, department of anatomy, kasturba medical college here, says if sesamoids are to blame, why then does sachin manifest these injuries now? after all, he has played right from the schoolboy days. why didn't these problems surface earlier? why when he is 28? the only response kumar gives anatomically is that sesamoids of the lower limb ossify (formation of bone) during the late teens. if the fracture is along the long axis or transverse axis of the first metatarsal shaft, the problem could indeed be more serious. it could pose a recurring problem, he says, adding that in bipeds, the foot is as finetuned as a swiss watch. "once gone awry, it is never the same again."   GLOBAL RADIO Mother Theresa. Mahatma Gandhi. Dr. ... Bobby Aloysius. Arunachalam Kumar. Prof. more hits from: http://www.karnataka2020.net/ohmother/pray%20for%20us/nv1.dsp    ixedoc · asiananthropologist INDIA AS CENTER OF HUMAN EVOLUTION   The news item on the unearthing of fossil evidence of an extinct human species, Homo floresiensis from a remote island in the Indonesian archipelago confirms the `spontaneous evolution' theory (The Hindu, 28th Oct.2004). The long held opinion among western anthropologists, that humans evolved and dispersed from Africa (the `out-of-Africa Hypothesis), now needs re-assessment. My own research publications on human origins had long predicted the finding of distinctly native fossils of early man in disjointed and isolated sites along an swathe of land mass straddling East Africa, Madagascar, Northwest and Northeast India, Andamans, Southeast Asia, more specifically Indonesia. Support to this theory was found in a recent research confirms that a part of the genetic pool in Andaman Islanders is uniquely insular, confirming my theory that man must have originated, independent of the African crucible, in many other parts of the world. In simple terms, the my hypothesis demarcates the specific locales where fossils maybe found, and is based on the extrapolation of maps showing ape and gibbon population to locales of fossil find, the two maps in turn fused into another of the original land mass Pangaea, and its splinter mass, Gondwana. The data derived from this exercise reveals that the genetic pool that spawned man's pongid and pithecoid ancestors, and maybe early man himself, arose from a single arc of land passing across middle Gondwana. Continental drifts and realignment of land mass and seas, has, over the millions of years, fragmented the cresentric strip of land into isolated zones dispersed worldwide, across Africa, South America and Asia. My theory was covered as a news item by The Hindu (20th Dec 2001). I am positive that, in the near future, much more evidence supporting `spontaneous evolution' will emerge.     THE MONA LISA SMILE   Interest in paleopathology has me looking deep into the works of art and sculpture. One of the observations made over two decades ago, concerns the Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece, la Guiconda (Mona Lisa). Her enigmatic smile has always been a source of endless speculation. I add my theory for debate. I published this view in my medical college annual newsletter.Note the mid facial hypoplasia, the long philtrum, the hypotrichosis, the scant eyebrows. Note too, the left hand- the webbing between the fourth and fifth finger is obvious. Are we looking at a patient with Meyer-Schwikkerath Syndrome? A rare oculo-dento-digital congenital presentation, where poor dentition is adjunct. Is the enigmatic smile actually hiding a poor dentition? The more I look, the more I am convinced, Mona Lisa, has much to hide.Bad teeeth !? I am unable though, to spot spherophakia (small lens), another finding in the syndrome, but who knows, Leonardo may have improved on the features, or maybe the syndrome has common partial signs,and some absent ones(many syndromes do)    www.dcregistry.com   Subject: Early hominids in India?   In a controversial theory, Prof. Arunachalam Kumar of the Department of Anatomy, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, has predicted unearthing of fossils from the northern ridges of the Western Ghats and the adjoining regions of the upper Deccan and the Rann of Kutch. The theory, according to Prof. Kumar, is a product of six years of study and is based on the break-up of Gondwanaland, the subsequent continental drift, the realignment of land masses of the world and the associated species distribution along the land masses. In a book titled, Biodiversity of the Western Ghats, edited by biologists, including Mr. S. A. Hussain and Mr. K. A. Achar, Prof. Kumar says: ``Species-specific locales of early primates and pongids, as seen today, lie in equatorial South America, South Central Africa, Madagascar, India and Indonesia.'' The theory, he says, is based on the assumption that ``all early prehensile primates and the later evolved gorillas and chimpanzees of Africa, the gibbons of north India and the orangutans of Sumatra and Borneo are seen localised along a single arc of land that spreads across South America, Africa to South-East Asia and then to upper Australia.'' The presence of these animals, on different continents or land masses separated by oceans, if transposed on the map of Gondwanaland, shows that gene pools that supposedly spawned all these species are restricted to a single crescent of land running south- west to north to south-east on the original land mass. Prof. Kumar is certain that anthropologists will unearth a new addition to the human evolution tree, possibly in the form of bipedal fossils from India. Prof. Uttangi, a senior biologist, backs Prof. Kumar's views as is evident from his letter to the latter. The letter suggests that it is possible to unearth missing links of hominids from the regions adjoining the Western Ghats. This view is based on a study made by him on intestinal parasites found in frogs. In 1948, Prof. Uttangi is said to have discovered the presence of bi- nucleated opalinid protozoa, a seemingly rare species that is predominantly found in Antarctica, in the intestines of frogs and some other species such as the microhylids living close to the Western Ghats in Dharwad region. The sightings confirmed that there were land connections between Gondwanaland and Madagascar, and the then ocean islands, and southern tip of the American continent. In addition to this is the recent discovery of dinosaur bones and skeletal fragments in the North-east and in the Hyderabad region. The discovery made in the early Fifties suggests that till 70 million years ago, vertebrates from the Jurassic era were roaming on the Indian subcontinent. Prof. Kumar says: Since almost 95 per cent of the human genes are present in the apes, it is probable that the pithecoid gene pool evolved sporadically as mutations from the pongid pool in disjointed locales across Gondwanaland. Supporting this theory is the finding of early preconsul and giant ape fossils that pre-dated hominids in the Siwaliks, indicating that the genetic material required for the mutation (genetic, environment- induced or spontaneous) into better evolved higher bipeds and hominids can be found in India. Prof. Kumar is of the opinion that reports of sightings of Yeti in Bhutan and the giant apes in Vietnam may not be figments of imagination. The Ramapithecus and Sivapethecus or their ape-like cousins may indeed have survived in the inaccessible locales of Asia. Early bipedal human fossils have been uncovered in geographically- disjointed locales across the globe, which proves that their origins could have been from a single area or strip of land that eventually got separated by continental-shelf drifts caused by tectonic plate movements. From primates such as chimpanzees to Mesopithecus, Dryopithecus, Pithecanthropus, Pliopithecus, Ramapithecus, Sivapithecus, and Gigantopithecus, (all proconsuls and giant Protohominid bipeds) into Paranthropous and Australiopithicines (probably the ancestor of humankind), the genetic pool remains static and concentrated along the crescent land mass of early Gondwanaland, he says. Source: The Hindu & The Times of India Subject: The 'Kumar Theory on Evolution'   How will a new theory on evolution be accepted or rejected, or debated? What could be the outcome of a newer look in the content and impact on current stands on evolutionary biology? Here is a very simplistic model on evolution, a purely hypothetical one, that may set the debate rolling. On a hypothetical basis, imagine just an individual with a very limited number of genetic characteristics in its chromosomal make-up. Say 1 & 2. If this pool finds fusion with another of its ilk, another 3 & 4, the results could be 13,14, 23, 24, 31, 41, 32 or 42; put simply, any random combination of any two of the four original genetic traits drawn from two individuals. Now if the offspring unite, say 13 with any other, the results should be yet another random combination of the original traits of the eight sets of uniting genes. Let us go on thus, each duo combining, at every generation with every other duo in the pool. The population growth is exponential. Now that we know that only 1,2, 3, and 4 are the originals and all other generations are combinations of the four, soon enough, mathematically at least, all possible permutations and combinations will be reached within a given span of time, dependent on the rate, age and frequency of multiplication of the particular species. That is, within a certain finite time frame, all possible combinations are exhausted, and by inference, any new offspring now spawned, will be a repeat or replica or clone of any one of the existing or extant members of the species. Soon enough, a point will b reached whence every other member of the particular species will be replicas, either in genotype or phenotype, and in extreme, both, to every other individual in the pool. A critical `gene-saturation' stage is attained. The particular species, say crow, becomes all black. Every crow becomes black. And all crows look alike; If the original gene pool was just 1,2,3 and 4 in crows, then all crows would not only look alike, but also behave and react alike. They simply do not, because the original pool is much wider in gamut, and despite the phenotype reaching the `gene saturation' point, the genotype for behavior and other traits have yet to exhaust their combination inputs. The crow population survives and grows, but a time will come when all crows become clones of all others. The species is then doomed. A single virus, or illness could wipe out the entire species. This has happened, and does quite frequently (as evidenced in phyto-clonal monocultures). And how does nature countenance the early onset of `saturation'? It just induces mutation. Not random, or accidental, but selective and incidental mutation. Just a single mutation of a single characteristic in one chromosome of the offspring pool, now opens up an entire new range of permutations and combinations. The species survives, and possibly forms sub-species, or newer ones too in the process. A crow with a white patch is not an odd ornithological specimen; it probably represents a mutant bearing bird trying to introduce a new set of phenotype into the population for its own survival against the a looming `saturation' stage. Everything in nature and life is finite, for it is mathematical. If nature fails in its attempt to engineer mutation at the appropriate juncture, annihilation and extinction are results. Dinosaurs or dodos, not only lost, but were considered too stupid to survive too. The mutations required to keep them alive, were either too late in their introduction, or too weak in their potency. At first glance, do not all Japanese and Chinese look alike? Is not most of Africa black and Asia brown? A phenotype saturation stage is operating here. Don't all lemmings commit mass suicide? Does not one sheep follow another? A `behaviour saturation' stage? Maybe? Evolution may not just be a sequentially programmed survival of species, it may yet be a case of simple mathematics applied in the right proportion, at the right time. www.birderswrold.org THE DYNAMICS OF HOPPING IN BIRDS Dr.Arunachalam Kumar, Professor & Head, Dept. of Anatomy Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore 575001 Some months ago, following a query on the status of hopping among birds, and a reference thereon for some comments from me on modulations (if any) in gait and hopping techniques among our feathered friends, I have spent some time on the issue. Inter alia the matter on the hop and it's absence in Kingfishers prompted by a million dollar question on national KBC quiz, was posted on a natural history discussion list by a interested reader. The query,' Do Kingfishers hop, on ground or from twig to twig ? If not, why not?' The correct answer shown on the quiz programme was, the bird does not. The debate is, why cannot,(if indeed it is true) the kingfisher hop? As an anatomist (albeit of the human kind) with a diehard interest in bipedalism and it's evolution, a the senior biologist Mr S A Hussain of BNHS, wanted me  to throw some light on the issue. Seeking time, I delved into material, and increased my observation hours. The upshot of the exercise, I am no wiser. However the intense focus did throw up some areas worth a further look: a) raptors (kites, owls and their ilk) or such other birds hop and strut far less than their arboreal and more terrestrial cousins, the passerines. b) arboreal and terrestrial, or low flying birds ground hop and walk more than the hi-fliers or nocturnal cousins c) birds that are endowed with a a better degree of cervical (neck) vertebral rotation hop less. That is, birds that have limited swivel of neck (upto 180 degree or less) can hop more efficiently and more frequently than  the birds that can rotate their heads through much wider arc. Birds like owls,  kites & storks are gifted with nearly 300 degree range of side to side swivel of neck vertebrae. In anatomical terms, the intervertebral cervical joints have wider articular surfaces of the plane / condlylar type in birds that soar, hover, or nocturnal. These birds, hypothetically at least, being gifted with a wider eye view and range of vision, thanks to an efficient cervical mobility,  require less need to hop, twist and turn their whole bodies to visualize a wider field, and end up have to use their legs, for hopping, or walking and thereby to continuously change the perimetric range of their eyes. d)The natural processes of adaptation has perhaps given birds that strut and hop less with better cervical articular vertebral inputs, and vice versa, birds that can better hop, jump, strut and perch, need less efficiency in head rotation & mobility - the range and axis of movement of the cervical intervertebral joints accentuating or diminishing range of field of vision. As these observation and conclusions derived are conjenctural, speculative and hypothetical, the entire question of biomechanics and of neck as having bearing on bipedal kinetics may require a much deeper probe. Perimetrical visual analysis and collation of data on orbital fields in passerines, perchers, raptors and predators should aid in clarifying issues to some extent. I welcome comments from enthusiasts interested in these nebulous areas of avian science.   THE DECCAN HERALD   Dr Arunachalam Kumar, a professor in the KMC. Considered to be one of the fastest solvers of the cryptic crossword in India, Dr Kumar is also the author of a best seller ‘How to solve crosswords,’ a book on deciphering crossword clues.   THE STRANGE FRIENDSHIP (by ixedoc on sulekha.com) “There, they are again, papa,” my eight-year-old daughter chuckles. Once again I see them, the cosy twosome, treading along in the noonday sun, on the road edge. Where to, where from? A stray black brahminy type bull, short and hefty, with a truncated tail and tiny legs, taking small, measured steps, balancing his enormous weight on his spindly knees. And scampering behind him, in a trot, a srawny brown mongrel -- another stray. Best of friends, these two animals were. Sun, wind or rain, at least once a day I would spot them at a garbage bin or the street corner, hardly a yard or two separating between them. I would espy the skinny dog, shivering and trembling in the monsoon deluge, whilst his pal, the bull, oblivious and thick-skinned, complacently chose a spot smack in the open cataract to chew his cud and ruminate over life and its dimensions. I would see the bull waiting patiently on one side of the road while his friend took off to chase another of his ilk that had scampered too much into his ken. And so it was -- an odd relationship. An unlikely camaraderie. One for the other, forever. I planned to write about this strange camaraderie, sometime. A few months later, I saw the bull no more. Only the lonely dog, now and then, yelping and running away from well-aimed stones pelted by urchins. I wondered where his friend was, as did my small daughter. One day, I knew, and I broke the news gently to her. It is quite common in smaller towns such as mine for mean men to take midnight prowls in the streets in mini vans. They look for stray cows and abandoned bulls. Then, in a posse, they lasso such animals and shove them into their vehicles, and scoot. The fate of the missing bull was certain. It was destined to become another freely procured mass of muscle and bone for the local slaughterhouse. My small girl was too distraught at the tidings, but I, being rational, felt the need to expose life in all its forms, the ugly too, to a growing child. Then one evening, I saw the cur again. Sitting on his haunches, waiting and waiting: behind and beyond the compound wall was the local slaughterhouse and the butcher stall. The dog had seen his friend being motored in. He was sitting, waiting for his dear chum to come out. Everyday, every night, sun, wind or rain, I see the dog...waiting, inert and attentive. For any sign from his friend, who would he didd'nt know would never return. I feel sick every time I see that emaciated dog. I feel like taking a stone and hurling it at the beast. Scat...go away, my mind screams. You idiot, your pal will not come back, now, get on with your life. My heart breaks for the sentimental fool. And I silently rage at the cruelty of my kind. Just for a few kilograms of protein and a new pair of leather shoes, a bull dies. And a dear friend, and not knowing much about humankind or its hues - man's 'best friend', the dog, waits...and waits.... Cetacean Society International Whales Alive! - Vol. XIV No. 1 - January 2005 Cetacean Strandings And then there was Dr. Arunachalam Kumar's prediction of the tsunami in Asia ... In early December he posted the following message to a Natural History list pertaining to India: "It is my observation, confirmed over the years, that mass suicides of whales and dolphins that occur sporadically all over the world, are in someway related to change and disturbances in the electromagnetic field coordinates and possible realignments of geotectonic plates thereof. Tracking the dates and plotting the locales of tremors and earthquakes, I am reasonably certain, that major earthquakes usually follow within a week or two of mass beaching of cetaceans. I have noted with alarm, the last week report of such mass deaths of marine mammals in an Australian beachside. I will not be surprised if within a few days a massive hit hits some part of the globe. The interrelationship between the unusual `death-wish' of pods of whales and its inevitable aftermath, the earthquake, may need a further impassioned and unbiased looking into." While Dr. Kumar's timing was unbeatable, and ignoring his unlikely assumptions about suicide and "death wish" as motives for the strandings, and "electromagnetic field coordinates" as well, what is known about precursory signals to earthquakes that might be sensed by marine organisms? There is ample evidence that terrestrial vertebrates sense low frequency signals well before a quake, and that underwater earthquakes produce powerful noises, but does anyone really know enough to be certain that cetaceans would not be made aware of an impending quake, or suffer the aftermath?

NATURE SYNC.COM

Some scientists believe that strange animal behaviour or 'mass suicide' is indicative of approaching disaster. On November 29, before the tsunami, an inexplicable mass beaching of over a 150 whales and dolphins was witnessed in Tasmania, an island on the southern coast of Australia and in New Zealand. On December 4, Dr. Arunachalam Kumar from Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India posted a message on a natural history server that mass suicides of whales and dolphins that occur sporadically are in some way related to disturbances in the electromagnetic field and possible realignments of geotectonic plates thereof.