GREAT PLACE TO LIVE -> TO THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD

THIS WORLD IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, AND THERE IS A PLACE FOR EVERYONE

Let me first start with my background.

I was born into a Hindu family, and my parents followed Hindu tradition. They learned that from their parents. I followed their suggestions/advice when it comes to going to temple or doing my tharpanams etc. I also grew up in a place known for religious harmony surrounded by temples, mosques, churches, and more. I believe that every religion promotes peace. For that matter, I was supporting a child through Children’s Christian Fund, when I was doing my graduate studies. There might still be records of it. At the same time, I also got into research and science. This area of focus led me to several areas including anthropology, and specifically into the works of Dr. Robin Dunbar on acquaintanceship, and social networks. I certainly value his work and his views on social networks, but I still practice my religion.

I think that if you have gotten into any religion, and if it helps you to lead a good and safe life, then there is no harm practicing it. There are certain things in this world, which we can’t explain, and we have to respect our elders and forefathers for what has been passed on to us. Some say cosmos, others say god and blessing from our parents and so on. Personally, I got into believing in god in my younger days, and still believe in god and my parents’ blessings, though I question at times, when I am struggling. At the same time, it will be difficult for me not to believe in god, as I have gotten used to it. I was also taught to be tolerant to other religions, which I always will be. I have had the opportunity to interact with individuals from different religions, and noticed that they are not much different from me once I took the time to know them.

Coming back to my family, I learned a lot from my parents. They shaped my younger days, and gave the best possible. It was not mansions or dining out, but they made sure that we get the best education possible. Then, my teachers at school, still showing interest in us and our progress after completing school program couple of decades back, whenever we meet them. When I stepped up to college, I had a great college professor, Prof. KN, who was also a family friend, and was always available for me. Not only the professor, but also his entire family was supportive and helped me to progress onto the next stage of experience. Similarly, my professors at IIT did the same.

Once I got my Masters degree, I was fortunate to come to a great school in US. My first experience in US can never be removed from my mind, which happened almost two decades back. I was weighing 110 lbs, and had two bags mainly full of books, as I was not sure whether I would be able to afford books during the first term or two. I was taking a transit train within the airport from Chicago to Detroit, and did not know that I could automatically transfer the bags to the next destination. Instead, I carried the bags out to take the train from the international to domestic terminal. It was so heavy, and I had a tough time taking it on the escalator. Then, all of sudden, a young American soldier, who was returning from a mission offered to help, and also brought the bags all the way to the domestic terminal without any expectations. It was my first fond impression, which has never gone away irrespective of how many struggles that I have gone through.

Coming to my current situation, and writing these articles, while teaching various courses, and by observing general real world trends, I started seeing patterns of evidence in the data from classroom interactions, discussion forums and other real world observations:

Observations cont'd

4. Lack of trust and generalized trust in institutions

5. Compensation mismatch repeatedly mentioned in the media

And so on.

Being a researcher, I was curious to see the trend myself, and started collecting data from various published reports, which resulted in these articles. Please understand that I had my own struggles and stress, but I doubt it had to do anything with these writings.

If you were to look at the data that I have shared, all the data presented has been assimilated from various sources (clearly shared), and the results are presented in a pictorial format. This is what analysis is all about. Data can be a powerful tool to look at trends and patterns, and if applied in the right manner along with religion, and many other areas can help in making entire global economy thriving again.

Another example that I would like to share is a recent ad that I came across on YouTube titled, "Patterns of Evidence: Exodus". I think that we should watch any interesting videos, and details presented in different areas. If not anything, it is interesting to know how researchers navigate through the findings, and will help us in knowing the history better. The researchers may not have all the answers for all the questions, but at least we know how patterns are determined.

-> Research Process in Religious Findings

Having grown up in India, and having spent the other half of the time until now in America, I believe that we all are trying to better our quality of life. If we can unite as much as possible not by becoming a homogeneous society, but by appreciating heterogeneity, this world can be a much better place than we might be thinking. For that matter, what we need around the world is homogeneity in a heterogeneous society.

I would like to wrap up this article by saying that, globalization and technology has certainly helped us in bringing the world closer. However, we have also chartered into slightly unknown territory, and hence, there are certain problems to be navigated. But, what we might think is our weakness and threats namely, creativity and population is also going to be our strengths and opportunities. Wait and see- the world we live will be roaring again within the next five years and we will go back to good times.

Note to Leaders - By the way, the final decision taken should be that of the leaders who are running the country. I am just presenting data from various sources, and then analyzing data based on facts and information presented. But, I have no expectation that these suggestions are implemented.

Observations

1. Students restless

2. Uncertainty and stability of families disturbed

3. Smiles receding away