Independence Day and the concept of Nations..

As I stood singing the National Anthem in Mantri and watching the guards do the routine of 'Attention, Standitees', thoughts wondered on how nations are sectarian in their fundamental nature.  Does the concept of a nation touch a raw animal instinct in all humans ? Or is something which has been nurtured and doctored in all of us through our growing years.

We end up celebrating that we invented zero (and not marveling the concept of zero), we are proud we produced the Vedanta 5000 years back, but sadly most of us have not read or understood it.  I guess is that if we had not had nations , that would not be the case.

My guess is that the need of identification is so important in humans. Bhagvad Gita talks about discovering ones' self, which over centuries few have managed (or claimed to have managed). Our beliefs, physical features, where we live etc have proved to an easy way to provide an identity.

Good time to remember and 'Imagine' ...

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people living life in peace

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRhq-yO1KN8

Till then Happy Independence Day ...

Chetan Bharat on JEE / IIT

This is in reference to Chetan Bhagat's article on the plans of changing JEE.

I do agree on Chetan's point that by taking into account the marks in the 12th standard, that too 50%, it will increase the stress level on the students than decreasing it. Also the way the practical exam marks are awarded, leaves a lot to be desired. I remember all those years back, if you did not take tut ions classes from the school teachers, you would have had to sacrifice a few marks (used to be 30 out of 100). The smart thing obviously was to take a few classes, just to ensure you hit the bulls eye. Also it would ensure the students would toil through the year ensure equal attention for class XII and what is arguably  the toughest entrance exam in the world. Expect stress to really shoot through the roof !

As far as the comment on excellence goes, I think IIT's have been very disappointing. No doubt they have the best faculty, the best students (thanks to JEE),  huge grants, and this deadly combination should have resulted in something special. (Would extend this to NIT's also).

Would be interesting to dig up data to see the connect (which seems to be there) with the industry and IIT's on developing latest technologies and in research (impact).