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Mangalore, India lives a Prof. Arunachalam Kumar. he is India's most eccentric genius. even has a name in the limca book
of records.
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 |
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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
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
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
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?
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
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
1.Arunachalam Kumar & Kumar J C
G
Forces and fracture – falls
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."
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)
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
|
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.
| | |
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.
On Dec.4, 2004, Dr. Kumar from Mangalore, India warned of an impending earthquake after noticing mass breaching of whales and dolphins!
He remarked that tracking the dates and plotting
the locales of tremors and earthquakes, it has been found that major earthquakes usually follow within a week or two of mass
beaching of cetaceans. He also wrote that he will not be surprised if within a few days a massive quake hits some part of
the globe. Dr. Kumar explained that whales and dolphins migrate thousands
of miles along the geomagnetic wave, using it to align themselves. If they're beaching, it means their direction-finding capacity
has gone wrong, perhaps due to seismic activity. His words proved prophetic.
|
|
|
Disaster warning:
a whale of a tale
By Michael McCarthy
On the Internet, it is already a spreading legend:
did the mass stranding and deaths of whales and dolphins on an Australian beach signal the advent of the earthquake that caused
the Boxing Day tsunami? And did an Indian professor, as a result of the first event, warn of the second? You might think
it’s a pretty wacky idea. But it’s got currency. Yet is it true? Now, that’s a different, and rather
more complicated, matter. What is true is that on December 4, three weeks before the earthquake off Indonesia, an Indian
academic, Dr Arunachalam Kumar, Professor of Anatomy at Kasturba Medical College at Mangalore in Karnataka, posted a note
about a recent whale-stranding in Tasmania, and its possible implications, on a “listserve”, an email distributor,
hosted by Princeton University. Kumar is a well-known figure in India. An amateur naturalist of some repute and a prolific
author, he is a larger-than-life character who is frequently written up in the press.
“It is my observation,
confirmed over the years, that mass suicides of whales and dolphins that occur sporadically all over the world are in some
way related to change and disturbances in the electromagnetic field co-ordinates and possible realignments of geotectonic
plates thereof,” he wrote. Tracking the data 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 cetacians (sic). I have noted with
alarm last week’s report of such mass deaths of marine mammals on an Australian beachside. I will not be surprised if,
within a few days, a massive quake hits some part of the globe. The inter-relationship between the unusual ‘death-wish’
of pods of whales and its inevitable aftermath, the earthquake, may need a further impassioned and unbiased looking into.”
There’s no doubt that he posted his note on December 4; if you want to read it in chronological order in the listserve
itself, then you can go to it at new-lists.princeton.edu/listserv/nathistory-india.html and click on “December 2004”. And there’s no doubt either
that, in reading it, many people are likely to experience a certain rising of the hair on the back of the neck. But the
story hasn’t remained there. It has been widely reported across India and across the Net. And, in the telling, the story
has grown. On January 10, it surfaced on the discussion board of the electronic version of the British Medical Journal. There,
in response to an earlier article on “Medical Emergency Alerts in Natural Disasters”, a letter from one Jairaj
Kumar Chinthamani, a research fellow in Mangalore, said the professor had predicted the earthquake “almost to the day”. He
actually said “within a week or two” and “within a few days”. The quake took place three weeks later. Chinthamani
said the professor “wrote that he had made a five-year record of dates and locales of whale strandings, plotted their
locales, and correlated them to occurrences of upheavals on land or undersea, and had observed a remarkable connection between
the events”. Kumar never mentioned anything as precise as a five-year record; in fact, he never mentioned five years
at all. Chinthamani continued, “The larger the pod of mammals that beach, the more certain and powerful the quake
will be, Dr Kumar adds”. He doesn’t. But never mind. It would not be surprising if the legend continued to
grow until eventually Kumar was regarded as having signalled the beaching on shore of the tsunami itself to the very minute. It
remains the case, though, that his original message is intriguing enough. Yet does it have any substance? The answer is that
it may have some. Scientists are aware of the possible connection between the behaviour of cetaceans (whales and dolphins)
and the Earth’s magnetic field. “There is thought to be a correlation between some whale strandings and geomagnetic
anomalies,” says Dr Simon Northridge, of the Sea Mammal Research Unit at St Andrews University, Britain’s principal
whale and dolphin research centre. “It’s certainly out there as a hypothesis.” In fact, the idea was
put forward in a series of papers in the late 1980s by Margaret Klinowska, from the University of Cambridge. Klinowska argued
that whales navigated partly by following geomagnetic contours, and that in certain circumstances, such as when the contours
ran at right angles to the coastline (that is, into it rather than parallel to it) they could run themselves aground. The
theory is still discussed, and it is a respectable one.
But could it be taken a step further? Are stranded whales
precursors of earthquakes? You won’t find a lot of backing for that. Mark Simmonds is the director of science at
Britain’s Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. He has studied strandings in detail because one of the questions most
frequently asked of him and the society is why they happen. The main answer is, he says, that most whales are intensely
social animals, and act together: if one heads into the beach, the others follow. It may be an accident; sometimes human agency
may be partly to blame; sometimes the Earth’s magnetic field may play a role. "But nobody has shown any correlation
between whale strandings and earthquakes,” he says. “If you’re saying there is, you would have to present
the data to prove your case.”
Over to Kumar. His original email strongly implies that he is in possession of
just such data. But, reached by phone at his office in Mangalore, he was unable to provide any. Did he have a list of the
correlations between previous whale strandings and earthquakes?
"I don’t have a lot of these things,”
he said. “I’m just an avid reader. I watch with particular interest. As a science man, I don’t want to put
these things on paper,” he replied. “It would take me a long time to put it right.” So Kumar appears
to have no evidence at all for backing up his core assertion that cetacean strandings and earthquakes are linked. Yet he undoubtedly
did post his solemn warning of a huge event, just three weeks before the biggest earthquake of the past 40 years. Chance?
Luck? Science? Spooky prophecy? Make of it what you will. Plenty of other people already are. – Tribune Foreign Service
- This article was originally published on page 19 of The Sunday Tribune on February 06, 2005
Published on the Web by IOL on 2005-02-06 11:07:00
© Independent Online 2005. All rights reserved. IOL publishes this article in good faith but is not liable for any loss or
damage caused by reliance on the information it contains.
BLOGS / Sulekha.com/ixedoc
Pants-down situations, and face saving tips Posted by ixedoc on Nov 30, 2004
|
...Traveling long distance by car is exasperating, and when it has to be done with three ladies, it
becomes exhaustingly exasperating. Some years ago, I found myself in such a pickle. Two girls, medical students, and the missus.
All of us to drive all the way to Nilgiris. The Kurunji was in its ‘once in twelve years’ bloom, and quickly drafted
myself in as member of the tour party. The mandatory half hour intervals, for a soft drink, for a stretch, for some fresh
air, interrupted every sixty miles of road. Anon, a more urgent call for a stop for a more pressing call of nature followed
the liberal doses of coke and pepsi. In the parts we were driving through, just at the fringes of the blue mountain biosphere,
washrooms and toilets are unknown. One just has to pull up at the kerb, look hither and thither, dash into some shrubbery
or behind a bole, and do your ‘minor irrigation’ job. But the ladies have very particular tastes on habitat and
environ, even for such mundane chores as micturation, so we cruised along, till all three yelled – hey hold it, this
nook looks pretty!... ...The ladies scouted around for a few yards off the road, till they found a spot, they pronounced urea-friendly.
Then waving a crooked finger at me at the driving wheel, to keep a lookout for trespassers and voyeurs, they disappeared beyond
a massive banyan trunk. I hummed a Tamil Sivaji film number to while away time… ...unai solli kutram illai, ...ennai
solli kutram illai-...kaalam sayida kolamaddi, ...kadavul sayida kutramadi’... ...Suddenly I spot a cyclist meandering
with a lazy pedaling routine, down the road, then he leaves the road taking a detour, across to wherever he needs to go, and
his short cut appears too precariously close to the banyan tree. I raised the decibel of my hum, hoping that the shrill raise
of timbre in tempo, would alert the unwary threesome. All of a sudden I heard a muted shriek, then, surprisingly stifled giggles.
I also saw the cyclist pedaling off in some haste from the arena. Now, I fancy my powers of observation and deduction, but
for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out the cause or role of the uncontrollable and hysterical laughter that soon
ensued. ...The ladies emerged, from their hideout, all toothy and grinning. Allowing a few minutes to lapse, I curiously queried
on the cause for the mysterious mirth. The final year medical lass, then told me, that despite my hi-fi effort to alert them
musically, they had been shocked on spotting the cyclist weave right towards their chosen haven. With no reaction time, as
it was too late to interrupt the micturation reflex, which as most of you will know, can result in uncomfortable strangury,
she, a fiesty Punjabi kudi had quickly suggested that all three quickly raise their dupattas and cover their faces. Instinctively
the others had obeyed. And all three had then proceeded with their task of minor irrigation, with considerable ease and palpable
relief....I was somewhat perplexed - why cover up your head and face? I thought there were more hide-able exposed areas of
their anatomy the cyclist could find more riveting? Ha ha sir, the medic chortled, “It is not which or how much of what’s
exposed that the public is curious about sir, it who’s how much of what”. The minute the identity of the individual
is obliterated by covering the cranial half, the interest in pelvic anatomy gets watered down. “All women look the same
sir…hee hee at their base-wise, they look different only facewise”. Then all three ladies went into another paroxysm
of guffaws.... ...Inscrutable feminine logic this. I am, years later, still ruminating over the profundity of the Punjabi
philosophy. Flash a pic of an anonymous faceless nude on the net, and you may have a dozen logging in, but morph the pic into
carrying, say Shilpa Shetty’s face, and boy you have a zillion clicks. ...Not the base pal, it’s the face. That’s
where sex really is: I have taught much anatomy for three decades, but I still remember the merits of post-pelvic infra-umbilical
versus thoraco-abdominal-cervico-cranial anatomy lesson the young medical student taught me that log faraway day, along the
Mysore-Ooty highway.
Hindustan Hamaara
|
He was fifteen or less. A cheerful
mess hand, doing odd jobs in our mess. Wiping tables, serving water. One among the many such, who worked in the medical college
hostels. On weekends or when he had some little time off, he’d ask if he could wash our motorbikes or scooters. A fiver
or less, some hostelite or other would give him for his labors. Surprised that he said a polite thank you sir after his tip,
I asked whether he’d been to school. Up to seventh class sir. Why don’t you study more? How sir, we are six, and
I’m the eldest, and there isn’t enough around for all of us. My two brothers go to school, but I…....A few
of us seniors, met up in our room. We would send this chap to school. So we worked out a schedule, he’d work eight hours
a day, but be off by five, no night duty. He would have to go to some evening or night school in the city. We’d help.
So, the boy enlisted. He passed his eighth class, and then the ninth too, and finally he was taking his school final certificate
examination....One afternoon he knocked on my hostel door. Sir, can you come to our school and talk to the children. Our headmaster
asked me to find out if you could come. Me? OK, I will, when tomorrow at seven P.M....So next day, I was in a small narrow
street, bustling with vendors, auto-rickshaws, pedestrians and honking cars. The din was incredible. Smack amidst this chaos,
was the tiny night school. ...The headmaster was on the pavement, a broad smile, and deferentially jointed palms, namaskara,
namskara, banni doctor. Just a step, and we were in a single classroom. A tiny space with eight or nine rows of dilapidated
desks and creaking benches. A faded blackboard, and peeling walls. We entered through a door and exited to the other door
on the opposite wall. A small stepped staircase, enough breadth to walk single file, we went upstairs into another identical
classroom. These two classrooms one atop the other was the complete night school. Two rooms, suffocating and amidst the street
din, sat eighty children, forty in the classroom on ground level and forty on the first floor. I was still in a state of disbelief,
when, all of a sudden, the headmaster went to the front of the class, bidding me to follow....Here students we have a friend
of this school. I have invited him to advise you all on what to study and how to, so listen carefully and ask him questions
too. He then sat himself on the front row along with a row of grimy working children from poverty stricken sections of the
city. I stood up, not before asking the headmaster, what about the other forty kids sir? Won’t they be attending this
talk? They are attending doctor, they will listen to you from downstairs, only talk a little loudly please. We have no space
here. This is a charitable set up, and we make do....Now students, we will all sing our school song. Eighty voices chorused
and crooned a chosen song* ...And so I spoke, passionately and powerfully. With a huge lump in my throat. Imagining how the
forty kids, sitting with rapt attention, trying to hear amid a thousand car honks, and street peddlers, and without even seeing
the spokesman....I returned to my room, quite upset. How could this be? I was teaching here in an air-conditioned lecture
hall in my medical college. With OHP and LCD and PA systems to help the students understand the lessons. Yet within a few
miles was another teaching spot, where children half the age of my students, sat on broken benches, and listened to a lecture
given by an unseen man, twelve feet above their head....The mess boy walked in with a broom to sweep the room. I could hardly
look him in the face. He told me all the boys downstairs liked the speech very much, and it was far better than hearing lessons
from their single teacher who droned on and on, unseen, upstairs. I shook my head, this school had a single teacher, who taught
all students, up and downstairs, from one room only....The next day, I bought a public address system with a collection from
my classmates, and sent it across to the school, which trained the future generations of the real India. Not much, you could
say, but at least the kids downstairs from today, may at least hear their teacher better, or their guest lecture with more
clarity, even though they may not ever be able to see either them delivering their lessons or homilies....The mess worker
passed high school, went on to finish pre university from an evening college, then qualified for a degree, went on to complete
his post-graduation. And yes, he still wishes me, everyday. He works with me, as a Senior Technician in my own Department
of Anatomy, of which I am now Professor & Head.. A friend who was with him there is bank manager, and another is….the
list is impressive.... ...We who know only public schools and debate over weight of school bags and burden of homework. To
those who gripe about lack of sports, or play ground, or library, or transport, or clean toilets for our kids in posh schools
– I just have this to say, come over sir, to the night school in Mangalore, and just see for yourself what the other
half of India, has and has not.... ...Saara jahan se accha, hindustan hamaara...Hum bulbulen hai uski, yeh gulsitan hamaara,
hamaara...
*The lilting
tune and killing words of Iqbal torment. This was the song the children of the night school had chosen to sing on that faraway
day when I was invited to speak to them |
|
The Carthikeyan I Married Posted by ixedoc on Jun 3, 2005
|
There she was driving at 120,
along the Mysore-Bangalore Highway. me, a nervous wreck beside her. Feet stamping on make believe brakes. Hand clutching onto
the front seat edges. Agreed, she was a damn good driver, she could swish and slither through the narrowest of sinuous alleys,
and calculatedly miss the oncoming truck by the proverbial whisker. ...Agreed she knew her car like the back of her palm.
Okay, agreed, she could, if she so desired give Karthikeyan a run for his money - but, I felt my insides jiggle like jelly.
This wasn't any deserted road, this corridor of asphalt connected the two busiest cities in the state, and vehicles whizzed
this way and that at a fair clip. ...But who am I to whine. I had to shut up, and pray. I didn’t know car driving, and
she did. The moral of the story is 'what can't be cured, must be endured'....So I sat mum, while she bobbed her head up and
down, in sync with the number 'Who let the dog's out'. I, just shook mine sideways, eyes shut. Screech, honk, screech, squish.
The smell of burnt rubber assailed my senses. I had to go through this annual ordeal. Part of my commitment to family welfare,
you could say. ...Zip, zap, zoom in and out of twenty towns at breakneck pace, pit stops for cokes and chips. Some holiday.
But I kind of liked the outing, for once a while the route was through Bandipur or Mudumalai sanctuaries: and I'd give anything
to have a look at the magnificent peafowls, the majestic jumbos, and the darting deer herds. Though the visual contact with
these faunal specimens was in split seconds only, thanks to the hi-octane streak of the car, it was worth for me. I love jungles....Somewhere
past Hunsur, on a village outskirt I felt the car swerve , and re-swerve. Bang bang, rattle rattle, jangle jangle. Strange
loud sounds emanated from right under my seat. The car slowed down, with the jangle jangles petering down their staccato racket....
...What happened ?...Nothing really, let me see. So she goes out of the car and shakes her head, sideways this time. Uhoo,
we have a problem. I get down too, and see the mess. The two wheels on the left side of the car, I distinctly recall had rims
that were circular: now they were heart shaped. She had gone rumble tumble over a huge crater of a pot hole, and the wheel
metal had dented. ...She looks around. Anyone around. the afternoon heat is at its peak. Just then we spot a few men walking
towards us, in fact walking past us, animatedly discussing the damage. One man stops, looks at me, as I sat under the banyan
tree with a smoke...Thale sari illava saar, familyna ittkondu heege hutchunaagi drive maduvada?...(off your rocker sir, to
drive like a madman, that too with the family in the car?)...I was fuming, but kept shut. The missus winks at me, and gestures
through her eyebrowsd, she can handle these to get her car moving. So the men sit down beside the wheel, and remove them,
and un-dent the rims. For the next half hour, the missus put on a sad countenance, the import of expression was meant to convey
her helplessness in being married to a speed maniac. To add effect she walks up to the car and pats my little five year old
daughter's cheek...Allubeda, allabeda magu, ivatthinda appa slowagi car biddthare anthe......(Tut tut child, dad's promised
to drive slowly from today)...The gall. Grrr. But highway etiquette demands I keep shut, at least until the sweating men are
done with their job....I heard the men clucking sympathetically, and give me dirty looks. ...Well the car moved after the
repair, and the men were thanked. Then in a final coup de grace, she says to me, loud enough for all the men around to hear....'Eega
naan drive maaduthini ree, neevu maguna nodikolli'...(Please, I drive from now, you just look after the baby)...Then she slides
into the cock pit and inches off from the spot very, very slowly. The men watch the car lumber forwards, like a snail, and
nod their heads approvingly....In ten minutes she is doing 120 and as if on cue my head starts shaking sideways again. | | |
BUSRIDE TO EVOLUTION
Like rats. Scurrying and hurrying. Hither and thither. This infernal city bus. Crowded, jostling elbows, stamping
toes, hanging onto sweat-wet leather straps. Shoved and pushed. The banshee whistle blowing conductor & his tinnitus friendly
toy. I hated it all. This ride, this life. A junior doctor, an intern, a 'rotating houseman', a nobody. The lowest rung in
the medical ladder, the doormat. Just apron wearing errand boys. It is crack of dawn now, and I was returning to my small
one room hovel. To shower, maybe snatch a bite…then run again in an hour, back into another jerry can of a bus to work…like
helots. All night long, case sheet writing, lab investigations, urine tests and blood counts. Twenty three ward admissions.
Hell on earth, medicine ward was. Internship sucks.
In two hours, I have to be running back after my whole-night shift to pay homage to the unit boss who will be
on his rounds, checking entries, cross checking diagnosis, like a presiding deity trampling over us minions like lord almighty.
Dapper and smart. Reeking of after-shave, these professors just warmed their air-conditioned plush leather chairs for a living…and
hunted us bonded-labour interns for entertainment.
Another elbow ploughed into my ribs, another foot stamped my toes and another shrill toot pierced my eardrum…a
bus stop, a few in, a few out. The standees in the aisle surged fore and aft. I spotted a vacant spot on the third row, and
furrowed my way forward. “Excuse me.” Whatever be the station of the intern, the visible symbol of status dangling
from my shoulders, my stethoscope, did have some plus points. And in poverty stricken town like mine here, white coats still
commanded reverence. The 'excuse me' password had an 'open sesame' effect when uttered by a steth-sporting medico. I almost
sat down on the empty aisle-side seat, when I looked askance at my fellow passenger. Seated on the window side was a gargoyle.
A grotesque caricature. Sunken nasal bridge, leonine features, stubby worn digits, pustule skin, a leper. Leprosy. Hansen's
disease. The biblical curse. The lepra bacillus ate one up, inside out, outside in. No wonder this seat was still un-occupied,
even in this sardine-packed bus. Leprosy is a universal taboo. Lepers are shunned.
This one was holding a cheap tabloid in its hands, head was buried in rapt concentration within the pages. For
a second the page moved downwards, and the leper glanced at me, standing on the aisle, dangling from the overhead strap. His
eyes looked askance at the empty seat beside him. I saw him shake his head ever so slightly. Then, back he went to reading
his tabloid.
Boy, not me! I wasn't going to sit here, not beside this cartoon. Toot toot, a few in, a few out, the bus stops
come and go. My eyes scanned the headline on the tabloid the leper was holding up. A sex scandal, in lurid detail, in lusty
colour too. Some 'Profumo' like big wig, exposed through a sting scoop…caught pants down. Hmmmm! I craned my sights
to focus on the item, the intimate details and style of reporting were worth this bumpy ride. Boy, I was beginning to enjoy
this tabloid story. Toot toot - that blighted banshee whistle again. A few in, a few out. Suddenly I saw the leper move. He
stood up unsteadily. Lepra doesn't spare the toes or foot you know. It erodes them too, to pitiable stumps. God, what punishment
is this, just when I was at the part where the sting was stung…this cussed creature decides to get off the bus. I hated
the bacillus, and I loathed its victims even more now. Damn you, I muttered under my breath.
Quickly I side-stepped to allow the pachyderm to shuffle out. Just as he was passing me, I saw the leper look
up to my face. Straight. The sunken moist eyes hovered for a wee moment over my shining stethoscope and starched white apron.
They moved up again to look into eyes, and oscillated ever so slightly in a nystagmus like tremor. The leper shifted his gaze
at the twin empty seats now, and gestured to me to sit down.
As a punch right into my ribs, the leper removed the neatly folded tabloid he had tucked under his arm and dusted
the vacated seat, then in a coup de grace, he left the tabloid, its front page bold red font crowing about the scandal.
Then he was gone. Now read on doctor, his eyes had said. Read on, uninterrupted, about the sex escapades. Read
on, divorced from pathos and pain, read on, cocooned from suffering and sickness. In sterile comfort. With a mollified conscience.
In a sanitized environ. Hiding yourself from life and truth, behind a white apron, shielding your soul from truth, hunger,
poverty and illness. In one single moment, through a singular gesture, this man had taught me what five years at the medical
school had not. Kinship with the ailing, empathy for the afflicted, solace for the suffering were as powerful therapeutic
regimens as drugs and doctors for those in throes of disease.
That
bus ride taught me that though it had taken two and half million years of life on earth for man to evolve, few of us really
had. Into human beings, may be. As humane ones? No. Only a chosen few among us have reached that plane of evolution to become
Homo sapiens sapiens - true Man. I haven't. But that faceless lepra infested passenger on a crowded bus surely had. |
ORANGE PEEL BIOFUEL
In a series of experiments I have found that the
fine spray squirted out by squeezing fresh orange peels is very inflammable. The spurt of small quantities of hi combustion,
easily ignitable medium from peels can be used as a hi-efficiency biofuel. Presently, I am in the process of extracting the
small quantities of peel juice from fruits, to produce a larger volume of fluid to increase the range of experiments. That
millions of pounds of hydrogen rich natural produce is today wasted, especially in a world so depended on fossil and nuclear
fuel, appears to defy common sense. I welcome suggestions and inputs from readers of this site on this project. To: nathistory-india@Princeton.EDU Subject: EVOLUTION: A NEW HYPOTHESIS Some time ago, a
nat - history contributor raised a question or two on the discovery or possible alternate theory to Darwin’s. How will
a new theory 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 behavior 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
The Lessons From A Chess Board
Dr.
Arunachalam Kumar
LESSONS FROM A CHESSBOARD
LESSONS FROM A CHESSBOARD
Accessed
2127 Times |
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This is absolutely harrowing. A nightmare. I mean, exactly how does
one go about teaching a six-year-old, and a girl at that, to play chess? Yes, that infernally exasperating board game, sixty-four
squares, and a zillion combinations of play. Thirty-two chessmen, pawns, bishops, castles, knights… I mean, to a six-year-old
in pigtails! I had to call them camels and horses and elephants -- sacrilege, if you ask me. The little one had coaxed and
cajoled threatened and tantrum-med till I gave in. And she had a full six-second attention-span to boot. Helpless, hopeless.
I was trapped. Where do I start, eh? You tell me…
“Well, this fellow, is a pawn, a soldier; he jumps one square
at one time, but he can leap a square ahead diagonally too, when he wants to cut down another, and hey! hold it, he, the soldier,
the pawn, I mean can jump on and on till he reaches the far end of the board, when presto, he can become a camel, a rook,
no castle, er elephant, knight, horse remember, or even a queen.”
“How can a soldier become a horse, papa?”
“He can, in chess,” I said, “Remember, in real
life too sometimes some housewives become queens… like your mother… like that. Now let's get on lady. And this
fellow, the horse, knight to be right, is an odd chap. He can jump in angular motion… like this, in a 'L shape' loop.
Got it, front or back or sideways too, the horse can leap.”
“Horses cannot jump backwards, pa.”
“Ok, horses can't; that's why I call them knights. Ok, now
let's go on. Now watch this, I can take this camel who, as you can see, can jog along like a sidewinder across the squares,
and watch how he now bumps into the soldier, a pawn, and boom, he knocks him over…” and in a flourish I rapped
the head of the black pawn till he went tumbling… chuckle, giggle, she liked that stuff. Frankly, I was not up to it…
this coaching was getting nowhere. I wish I could get hold of a real elephant now, and trample the works, the horses, knights,
camels et al.
And my student was showing more enthusiasm in toppling rooks with
horses than learning the subtle nuances of the king of games. Damn you, Humpy, and Swathi and Bhagyashree and Mrinalini too.
If only you had stuck to tic-tac-toe or knitting socks, I wouldn't be where I was now, doing what I am, teaching this confounded,
complicated, complex mind game to this pig-tailed piglet…
Just as I was about to call finis to the tutelage, I saw the mess.
I had set the board orientation askew. “Now, now, before we start, we must make sure that the right corner of the board
is, well, in the right corner, not like this, on the other side.” So saying I levo-rotated the board, the right inner
corner square now white.
“You set the board, papa!”
My fists clenched at the inflection and tone and most importantly
the content of that remark.
“I did. Ok, I did, but, er, that's it. Enough for now. We'll
continue the lessons tomorrow,” I said, folding the board and picking up the pawn… without looking at her. I tried
not to.
There she was, a cherub in yellow frock, sitting like some divine
apparition, cross-legged, with two pigtails, which ran straight down, exactly parallel to two large tear drops that now cascaded
down her two chubby cheeks. Hurt, she was; and hurt I was too. Teaching chess was not my forte or fancy. The large bovine
eyes, brim with lachrymal output, killed me. Softly, in slow motion. But I had to say no. No chess, not today. In fact, not
ever again. She bent down, and picked up each piece and laid
them in neat rows inside the plastic tray, and slowly stood up, looking all the time at me with pathos. Then she turned, equipment
in hands, and mumbled something.
“Uh-uh, what did you say?” I asked.
“Nothing,” she says.
“You mumbled something, I heard it.
What was it?” “Nothing, papa. I just told myself, someone, somewhere must have taught you to play chess, just like you
were trying to teach me…” She walked away.
I didn't sleep well that night. Watching the angel asleep, the dried
up tracks of saline on her cheeks visible, seen in the dim glow of the night lamp. What she mumbled, nagged me. And ate me
up. True, someone, somewhere had taught me chess. With infinite patience, when or where I don't even remember. Taught me well
enough for me to become a chess player of some standing. Who was the unnamed soul, who with generosity and benevolence, and
genuine empathy, that had sat across a checkered board decades ago, teaching a wide-eyed boy of six, the travels of the camels,
the prance of horses and trumpets of elephants… across the sixty four black and white squares? Tears welled in my eyes.
I woke early next day, and waited at the breakfast table
for my moppet to rise. And she did, and sleepy-eyed plodded up to nuzzle her button-nose against my shoulder… and there
in front of me I had a set chessboard, all thirty-two pieces, neatly arrayed, the right corner of the board aligned…
I was ready.
“Come,” I said, “I'll teach you chess.”
She looked wide-eyed, and planted a wet smooch on my chin, and
then I taught her chess. All through the day... the gambits, the King's defence, the end game, the finishing touch, the works…
She, the pigtails, may never become another Mrinalini, Humpy
or Bhagyshree… she may never notch up enough FIDE points to give the likes of Judith Polgar the jitters… but someday,
long after I am gone, she may sit down across a board, in front of another small, cross-legged squatting moppet, a small girl,
her daughter maybe, and teach her chess. The baton must move
on, hand to hand, across the generations, across the checkered board. I owe this much, to the anonymous benefactor, who long
ago, very long ago, pressed a cold wooden chess man, and breathed life into the inert piece, telling me, “This fellow
here is a soldier, or a pawn, and he jumps one square ahead, one at a time, and he can, if he so wants, move in an angle diagonally,
to knock down another fellow… like this,” and maybe I chuckled and giggled too, at the toppling piece. But unlike
me, my unknown coach, had re-arranged the pieces, and started all over again… and again… till one little boy could
play chess. And maybe teach another little one, another day
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. | | | | |
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Hindustan hamaara Posted by ixedoc on May 8, 2005
|
He was fifteen or less. A cheerful mess hand, doing
odd jobs in our mess. Wiping tables, serving water. One among the many such, who worked in the medical college hostels. On
weekends or when he had some little time off, he’d ask if he could wash our motorbikes or scooters. A fiver or less,
some hostelite or other would give him for his labors. Surprised that he said a polite thank you sir after his tip, I asked
whether he’d been to school. Up to seventh class sir. Why don’t you study more? How sir, we are six, and I’m
the eldest, and there isn’t enough around for all of us. My two brothers go to school, but I…....A few of us seniors,
met up in our room. We would send this chap to school. So we worked out a schedule, he’d work eight hours a day, but
be off by five, no night duty. He would have to go to some evening or night school in the city. We’d help. So, the boy
enlisted. He passed his eighth class, and then the ninth too, and finally he was taking his school final certificate examination....One
afternoon he knocked on my hostel door. Sir, can you come to our school and talk to the children. Our headmaster asked me
to find out if you could come. Me? OK, I will, when tomorrow at seven P.M....So next day, I was in a small narrow street,
bustling with vendors, auto-rickshaws, pedestrians and honking cars. The din was incredible. Smack amidst this chaos, was
the tiny night school. ...The headmaster was on the pavement, a broad smile, and deferentially jointed palms, namaskara, namskara,
banni doctor. Just a step, and we were in a single classroom. A tiny space with eight or nine rows of dilapidated desks and
creaking benches. A faded blackboard, and peeling walls. We entered through a door and exited to the other door on the opposite
wall. A small stepped staircase, enough breadth to walk single file, we went upstairs into another identical classroom. These
two classrooms one atop the other was the complete night school. Two rooms, suffocating and amidst the street din, sat eighty
children, forty in the classroom on ground level and forty on the first floor. I was still in a state of disbelief, when,
all of a sudden, the headmaster went to the front of the class, bidding me to follow....Here students we have a friend of
this school. I have invited him to advise you all on what to study and how to, so listen carefully and ask him questions too.
He then sat himself on the front row along with a row of grimy working children from poverty stricken sections of the city.
I stood up, not before asking the headmaster, what about the other forty kids sir? Won’t they be attending this talk?
They are attending doctor, they will listen to you from downstairs, only talk a little loudly please. We have no space here.
This is a charitable set up, and we make do....Now students, we will all sing our school song. Eighty voices chorused and
crooned a chosen song* ...And so I spoke, passionately and powerfully. With a huge lump in my throat. Imagining how the forty
kids, sitting with rapt attention, trying to hear amid a thousand car honks, and street peddlers, and without even seeing
the spokesman....I returned to my room, quite upset. How could this be? I was teaching here in an air-conditioned lecture
hall in my medical college. With OHP and LCD and PA systems to help the students understand the lessons. Yet within a few
miles was another teaching spot, where children half the age of my students, sat on broken benches, and listened to a lecture
given by an unseen man, twelve feet above their head....The mess boy walked in with a broom to sweep the room. I could hardly
look him in the face. He told me all the boys downstairs liked the speech very much, and it was far better than hearing lessons
from their single teacher who droned on and on, unseen, upstairs. I shook my head, this school had a single teacher, who taught
all students, up and downstairs, from one room only....The next day, I bought a public address system with a collection from
my classmates, and sent it across to the school, which trained the future generations of the real India. Not much, you could
say, but at least the kids downstairs from today, may at least hear their teacher better, or their guest lecture with more
clarity, even though they may not ever be able to see either them delivering their lessons or homilies....The mess worker
passed high school, went on to finish pre university from an evening college, then qualified for a degree, went on to complete
his post-graduation. And yes, he still wishes me, everyday. He works with me, as a Senior Technician in my own Department
of Anatomy, of which I am now Professor & Head.. A friend who was with him there is bank manager, and another is….the
list is impressive.... ...We who know only public schools and debate over weight of school bags and burden of homework. To
those who gripe about lack of sports, or play ground, or library, or transport, or clean toilets for our kids in posh schools
– I just have this to say, come over sir, to the night school in Mangalore, and just see for yourself what the other
half of India, has and has not.... ...Saara jahan se accha, hindustan hamaara...Hum bulbulen hai uski, yeh gulsitan hamaara,
hamaara...
*The lilting tune and killing words of Iqbal torment.
This was the song the children of the night school had chosen to sing on that faraway day when I was invited to speak to them
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The Carthikeyan I Married Posted by ixedoc on Jun 3, 2005
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There she was driving at 120, along the Mysore-Bangalore
Highway. me, a nervous wreck beside her. Feet stamping on make believe brakes. Hand clutching onto the front seat edges. Agreed,
she was a damn good driver, she could swish and slither through the narrowest of sinuous alleys, and calculatedly miss the
oncoming truck by the proverbial whisker. ...Agreed she knew her car like the back of her palm. Okay, agreed, she could, if
she so desired give Karthikeyan a run for his money - but, I felt my insides jiggle like jelly. This wasn't any deserted road,
this corridor of asphalt connected the two busiest cities in the state, and vehicles whizzed this way and that at a fair clip.
...But who am I to whine. I had to shut up, and pray. I didn’t know car driving, and she did. The moral of the story
is 'what can't be cured, must be endured'....So I sat mum, while she bobbed her head up and down, in sync with the number
'Who let the dog's out'. I, just shook mine sideways, eyes shut. Screech, honk, screech, squish. The smell of burnt rubber
assailed my senses. I had to go through this annual ordeal. Part of my commitment to family welfare, you could say. ...Zip,
zap, zoom in and out of twenty towns at breakneck pace, pit stops for cokes and chips. Some holiday. But I kind of liked the
outing, for once a while the route was through Bandipur or Mudumalai sanctuaries: and I'd give anything to have a look at
the magnificent peafowls, the majestic jumbos, and the darting deer herds. Though the visual contact with these faunal specimens
was in split seconds only, thanks to the hi-octane streak of the car, it was worth for me. I love jungles....Somewhere past
Hunsur, on a village outskirt I felt the car swerve , and re-swerve. Bang bang, rattle rattle, jangle jangle. Strange loud
sounds emanated from right under my seat. The car slowed down, with the jangle jangles petering down their staccato racket....
...What happened ?...Nothing really, let me see. So she goes out of the car and shakes her head, sideways this time. Uhoo,
we have a problem. I get down too, and see the mess. The two wheels on the left side of the car, I distinctly recall had rims
that were circular: now they were heart shaped. She had gone rumble tumble over a huge crater of a pot hole, and the wheel
metal had dented. ...She looks around. Anyone around. the afternoon heat is at its peak. Just then we spot a few men walking
towards us, in fact walking past us, animatedly discussing the damage. One man stops, looks at me, as I sat under the banyan
tree with a smoke...Thale sari illava saar, familyna ittkondu heege hutchunaagi drive maduvada?...(off your rocker sir, to
drive like a madman, that too with the family in the car?)...I was fuming, but kept shut. The missus winks at me, and gestures
through her eyebrowsd, she can handle these to get her car moving. So the men sit down beside the wheel, and remove them,
and un-dent the rims. For the next half hour, the missus put on a sad countenance, the import of expression was meant to convey
her helplessness in being married to a speed maniac. To add effect she walks up to the car and pats my little five year old
daughter's cheek...Allubeda, allabeda magu, ivatthinda appa slowagi car biddthare anthe......(Tut tut child, dad's promised
to drive slowly from today)...The gall. Grrr. But highway etiquette demands I keep shut, at least until the sweating men are
done with their job....I heard the men clucking sympathetically, and give me dirty looks. ...Well the car moved after the
repair, and the men were thanked. Then in a final coup de grace, she says to me, loud enough for all the men around to hear....'Eega
naan drive maaduthini ree, neevu maguna nodikolli'...(Please, I drive from now, you just look after the baby)...Then she slides
into the cock pit and inches off from the spot very, very slowly. The men watch the car lumber forwards, like a snail, and
nod their heads approvingly....In ten minutes she is doing 120 and as if on cue my head starts shaking sideways again. |
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'Train'ing to be an Indian Posted by ixedoc on May 28, 2005
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I
was young, maybe fifteen or less then; a weakling too. Pint sized and unimpressive (I still am, both!) A backbencher who merged
into the décor: not wanting to stand out, just wanting to be left alone. I doubt more than a dozen classmates knew my name.
All this changed though much later, when the mistreatment I got from seniors in the medical college as anew student (euphemistically
called ragging now), snapped something in me, and mutated me into an aggressive and extroverted individual.... ...Back then,
as I said, it was snail like existence, withdraw at the first sign of change. One summer, I had to travel all the way to Amritsar
from Madras. Alone. I was quite scared at the prospect. I managed to board the train, and some how events moved rather smoothly.
I just sat reading a book or two the whole while, night and day, not communicating with the garrulous bunch of villagers and,
men women and children who made the most of along distanced journey. They cooked chappatis, cut vegetables, pumped kerosene
primus stoves into life, and ate what appeared to be the most delicious smelling and looking fare I had ever chanced upon.
They gestured, asking if wanted some. I shook my head. No, and went back into my pages. As I mentioned, I was uncomfortable
in company....The journey was eternally long in the sixties, and trains were notoriously slow too. The longer the sojourn,
the more merriment the crowd in my compartment was having. Singing, playing cards. And, eating non-stop. About halfway during
the trip, a ticket collector comes in, chewing betel nut. He looked quite mean. And he reserved his special quota of nastiness
for me. He checked my ticket, then asked to see the details of my student concession form, and shook his head and clucked.
This wont do.... ...Yeh nahi chalega....What nahi chalega? He just chewed his cud, and started scribbling notes behind the
paper form and ticket I had given him. As if on cue, the train slows down to a grinding halt. A tiny railway station at the
Andhra border. All of a sudden the meanie says ‘yahin uttaro’. Get down here. You are traveling ticketless with
false papers. And very unceremoniously, takes my small handbag and me, and ousts me and my baggage out of the compartment.
The two minute halt at the remote outpost railway station is over. The whistle blows, and the train starts to strenuously
chug life into the wheels. I looked around. Desolate and silent, and except for the mean TC who stood a few feet away, chewing
cud, there was not a soul in the darkness of the platform. Puff, puff, the steam engine splutters, billowing clouds of choking
smoke, creak, squeek, the wheels find purchase and the train; my train. My eyes brimmed with tears. I was lost, and being
very insular by nature, didn’t know what to do. I looked as the train chugged slowly past, and read the yellow name-board
on the platform. Sirpur Kagaznagar....The TC gestured to me to follow him, and walked away quite quickly, spewing out a jet
of blood red salivated betel juice. Then, in an amazing turn of events. two of the sturdy turbaned villagers who were in the
compartment of mine, leapt down from the train, one grabbed me by my arms, the other clutched my suitcase, and in one swift
motion and action, had me back into the bogie. The train was moving a fair pace now, and before the stunned TC could summon
nerve and breath, Sirpur Kagaznagar faded into a twinkling specks of linear lights on the inky black horizon....Laughter and
mirth filled the cubicles, the whole compartment load of common folk, a microcosm of India joined in the merry making that
followed the daring ‘rescue and restore’ mission of the two unlettered men, who grinned showing their stained
teeth. ...I did not open my book the remaining part of the train trip. I sat with the family of twenty or more, and ate piping
hot chappatis made oven fresh and served with ‘sarson ka saag’ and chutney, all ground and pureed on the spot.
The six women too, joked and laughed with us, and I could hear their wrist-load of metal bangles and heavy silver anklets
jiggle with their spasms of uncontrollable mirth....Saala, uska chehra dehka? They chortled, picturizing the visage of the
hapless TC, who they had conned, he was furiously chewing leaves.. and grinding molars......This is India, where fellow travelers
become brothers, where fellow men become Samaritans. Where all live as one large content happy family. Sans language, sans
religion, sans caste, sans creed or gender prejudices and divisions. ...Late in the night, the train stopped interminably
long at a wayside station. Somewhere beyond Itarsi I think. I was half-fast asleep. The day’s adventures and escapades
had unnerved me and made me somnolent. I woke up early, and noticed the cubicle was empty. My companions and the family had
got down. Yes, gone. I felt marooned. There presence, laughter and warmth had me made me secure. Now I was alone again. I
got down from the top berth I was occupying, and something caught my eye at the foot end of the plank that doubled as bed
in those days. ...A neatly wrapped cloth bag, inside which were six chappatis and some curry……...all still warm.
Warm with the love of my fellow Indians. |
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Subject:[bngbirds] ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date: 19 Aug 2000 14:23:49 -0000 From: "arunachalam kumar"
Subject: Morphology of Asiatic Elephants
The Asiatic Elephant:Observations
On Morphometry
The Asian elephant,E maximus,
is apart from it's African counterpart E loxodonta, only one of two representatives of the once diverse species. Clear anatomical
differences mark out these two present day species from one another. Every now and then, an ocassional report does trickle
in claiming sighting of an odd herd or two, especially from the west coast of the southern Deccan peninsular India, of elephant
members exhibiting a shorter stature, these unconfirmed sporadic sightings, have even led to many believing that a
new , hitherto unrecorded subspecies of the asian elephant could exist in India. Local observers of these elephants
aver to their shortness, and christen the her members as "Kalyani". Despite much effort and expertise no scientific
records have confirmed these odd sighting reports.
But is the Indian
elephant a completely unitary species, or are there inbred mutations, that could,theoretically at least, produce genetically
distinct subspecies like characteristics, with identifiable phenotypes ? The presence of large herds in souther India
of Tuskless (makhnas) Bull elephants is certainly one such environment (or mutation?) induced change. Assuming that there
is scope for further study in these nebulous areas, I have made a brief study of the elphants in southern India, to
delineate visible or gross morhological differences or features between various herds, within known sanctuaries. Though I
claim no expertise in field studies involving large mammals such as elephants, I have at least, some level of competence
in the science of anatomy, with some knowledge of comparative anatomy, as part of my postgraduate studies in the medical faculty.
I have spent some two to three weeks a year in camp, visiting most national parks and sanctuaries in south India. Apart from
fairly close observation of other animals and birds, I have particularly looked for and noted elephants in their natural
habitats. I have also dropped in into Zoological Parks withing bigger cities, and had a look at Temple elephants, wherever
possible. I have collected hundreds of photographs and pictures of elephants from various parts of India, either from friends
or from natural history magazines.All with view to look beyond the larger picture. Are all asiatic elephants,more particularly,
Indian elephants, alike morphologically ? My own observations perplex me, and put a strain on my scientific grooming., for
the answer to the question is,no. No indeed, not all Indian elephants are uniform in their adult features. That is eliminating
nutrition , habitat, and stock influenced changes in size,shape or strength, some elephant herds do show slight but discernable
morphometric variations to regularly and too widely to be dismissed as possibly caused by the aforementioned factors.
I have observed that the trunks and their dimensions distinctly in some elephant herds from the Periyar region compared
to herds from other more dital areas. The difference is obvious to any trained eye even in photographs. The trunk of these
elephants do not taper down to tip from a broad cranial end, but taper abruptly at head ends, then proceed to
tip, as a cylindrical appendage, with the right and left sides of any single trunk running almost parallel. The elephants
from other parts of south India have trunks that taper gradually, that is they appear more conical. This conicality pronounced
even in the females and tuskless ones, showing the abutting of tusk base or its rudiments against the trunk base at the oral
end could possible apparently appear to broaden it. In fact so identifiable are the herdswith this peculiar morphological
variation that, it takes only a few minutes of photograph scanning by even amatuer naturalists, to separate pictures of elephants
from Periyar froma whole range of pictures of jumbos from other zones or areas. Are the elephant herds of this region more
endemic and less prone to long migrations and inter-population interaction and mating ? Is the narrow non-tapering trunk a
unique phenotype ? Is the sub-population in Southern India undergoing morphometrically identifiable change ? It would be worth
trying a genetic study, and compare karyotypes between various south based populations.
I claim no field knowledge,I reiterate, none whatsoever. My sole purpose for writing this note is to stimulate naturalists
who have deep understanding and wherewithal ,both in terms of scientific biological grooming and funds. It may not be out
of context to mention that, maybe I am not alonein this inference. Most calender artists of the south, protraying the elephant-headed
Ganesha, invariably paint the trunks more cylindruical than conical.,but artisans, scultors and painters of north, north-east
and west show a more broad-base narrow tipped trunk in their artistic reproductions.
Are these Periyar home range herd elephants, the elusive Kalyanis
?
Prof Arunachalam Kumar ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
MUST THE TWO-LEGGED MUM-TO-BE NEED TO CRY? www.dcregistry.com
Watch the ‘mum to be’ walk. Ungainly, tipping over gait, with
the third trimester foetus pushing against her anterior abdominal wall, stretching the muscles to tautness. Look at her as
she carefully weaves her way in that insanely narrow aisle at the supermarket, careful mum, that shopper yonder seems to be
in haste as she careens ahead erratically towards her. Then just in the nick of time, a collision is averted, a deft sidestep….and
the oncoming peril is averted. It is not the evasive side-stepping maneuver of the mum to be that gets me curious, it is another
instinctive action she takes to protect her unborn baby. She has hastily removed both her hands from the shopping cart, and
folded her elbows defensively on her abdomen, her wrists flex and digits curl. Flexion is a natural mechanism, the first
line of defense against perceived dangers. Watch how the caterpillar curls itself, or that pangolin. Or any quadruped for
that matter. Universal flexion, every joint in flexion, is used to protect every vital organ in the abdomen, pelvis, or thorax,
against assault. Why even the growing foetus in that mums womb, is in a position of universal flexion. But our ‘mum
to be’ just has to make do with just two forearms flexed against her abdomen as her only line of defence. Ever wondered
why? The answer is evolution. With the emergence of Homo erectus, the additional flexion-induced protective shield available
from the two lower limbs has been lost to the bipedal human. Were she still a quadruped, sighting the oncoming peril at the
mall, our mum would have squatted, or crouched, and drawn her knees up close, in complete flexion along with the hip, the
vertebral column itself would have flexed through contraction of the abdominal recti…but now, she just has to stand
erect, the product of seven months of gestation, exposed to any, or all elements that threaten frontally. In another article,
written for this site (‘Shedding a tear for bipedalism’) I had discussed how I felt that the human lacrimal gland,
and more particularly the apparatus appended to it, was slowly becoming functionally insignificant thanks to erect posture
and our two- legged mobility attribute. The question I raise now is, could not the partial loss of protective flexion, with
specific reference to the ‘mum to be’ analogy cited, be wholly attributed to the acquisition of bipedal gait and
erect posture? Is the modern Mrs. Eve paying the price for a decision her ancestor, Mrs.Lucy took three million years ago,
to move on in life, and up the evolutionary ladder, on two, not four limbs? Should another tear ready to be shed for ‘bipedalism’?
Is the time tested reflex of ‘universal flexion’ being shoved out of our lives? Evolution took away my appendix,
my platysma, my pyramidalis, and my auricular muscles.. It docked my tail. It has compromised the capabilities and range of
flexion in the gravid human female…what next? Pardon me mate, I must shed some tears, right away, for turning biped
and erect. Pass another tissue please, quick, before evolution deletes my even that tear shedding function of my lacrimals,
totally.
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