Venkataramanan Ramasethu

In Memory of Dr. R. Chidambaram (11 November 1936 – 4 January 2025) We deeply mourn the loss of Dr. R. Chidambaram, an iconic scientist and former Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, whose contributions have profoundly shaped India’s scientific and technological progress. Born on 11th November 1936, he was a pioneering physicist whose leadership was instrumental in India’s nuclear achievements, including the Pokhran-I (1974) and Pokhran-II (1998) nuclear tests, which established India as a global power. Dr. Chidambaram’s illustrious career was marked by numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri (1975) and Padma Vibhushan (1999), in recognition of his groundbreaking work in nuclear energy, condensed matter physics, and materials science. His visionary leadership extended to supercomputing, nanotechnology, and energy security, ensuring India’s advancements in strategic and technological domains. He also played a pivotal role in initiatives such as the ...

In 2024, we bid farewell to a Muslim, a Parsi, a Sikh, and a Hindu—each a remarkable soul, a son of Bharat Mata. Yet, their loss was mourned not for the faiths they followed but for the humanity they embodied, the love they shared, and the legacy they left for this sacred land. Irrespective of our respective faiths and the paths we walk, our destination remains the same—at the feet of the Almighty, where we are united as one. As a poet beautifully expressed: "Ek hi safar hai, raaste alag ho sakte hain, Khuda ke dar pe sabke qadam milte hain." This is the India I cherish—the India of tolerance, humanity, and unshakable secularism. It is this spirit that fills my heart with pride and devotion, making me stand tall as an Indian. Venkataramanan Ramasethu January 4, 2025

Today is World Braille Day – a day to honor the brilliance of Louis Braille, whose writing system has empowered blind and visually impaired individuals worldwide. 🌍💙 Did you know the first-ever World Braille Day was celebrated on 4th January 2019? 🎉 Let’s continue championing inclusion, accessibility, and equal rights for all! 🌟🙌 #WorldBrailleDay 🖋️ #InclusionMatters 🤝 #AccessibilityForAll 🌈 #EmpowermentThroughBraille ✊ Venkataramanan Ramasethu 4th January 2025

Sadhak Ramprasad: A Cinematic Masterpiece of Devotion and Poetry The 1956 Bengali film Sadhak Ramprasad, directed by Banshi Ash, is a cinematic tribute to the life and spiritual journey of Ramprasad Sen, the revered 18th-century Bengali Shakta poet and mystic. Known for his devotional songs, "Ramprasadi," Ramprasad's works remain a cornerstone of Bengali spiritual literature. The film beautifully portrays his unwavering devotion to Goddess Kali and the struggles he faced in his path toward spiritual enlightenment. The narrative begins with Ramprasad's humble origins in Halisahar, Bengal. Born into a Brahmin family, he displayed an early inclination toward spirituality and poetry. However, societal and familial expectations compelled him to take up a mundane job. Despite these pressures, his heart yearned for divine connection. The film captures his internal conflict between worldly duties and spiritual aspirations. Ramprasad’s life takes a transformative t...

Satyendra Nath Bose: A Visionary Scientist and Multifaceted Genius Born on 1st January 1894 in Calcutta, India, Satyendra Nath Bose remains a towering figure in science, education, and the arts. Renowned for his groundbreaking work in quantum physics, Bose’s 1924 paper to Albert Einstein laid the foundation for the Bose-Einstein condensate, a phenomenon that revolutionized our understanding of particle physics. His pioneering ideas also paved the way for the discovery of the Higgs boson, famously known as the ‘God Particle.’ Although never awarded the Nobel Prize, Bose’s indelible legacy lives on through the term ‘boson,’ named in his honor. Bose’s influence extended beyond his scientific achievements. A visionary educator, he was deeply committed to making science accessible to all, using his writings and teachings in Bengali to inspire generations of young minds. His efforts played a pivotal role in shaping India’s scientific community. Bose’s brilliance was not confined ...

Margazhiyil Koodu Madhavanai Paadu மார்கழியில் கூடு மாதவனை பாடு Celebrate Margazhi with devotion and joy! As part of the Dhanurmasam Mahotsavam, Ved Bhavan Kolkata invites everyone to participate in Nagar Nama Sankeerthanam and the chanting of Vishnu Sahasranamam on Sunday, 5th January 2025, from 6:15 AM to 7:15 AM. Schedule: 5:00 AM: Dhanurmasam Bhajan & Puja 6:15 AM: Veedhi Pradakshinam (Procession) 7:30 AM: Puja, Deeparadhana, Upacharam, Haarathi 8:00 AM: Maha Prasadam Route: Lake Avenue → Lake Temple Road → Lake Place → Sardar Sankar Road → Bompass Road → Lake Avenue. Radhe Krishna! Rejuvenate and Rejoice this holy season! Venkataramanan Ramasethu 2nd January 2025

Wishing you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year 2025! 🌟 I am delighted to share that an article authored by Dr. Anuradha and myself, has been published in The Indian Optician magazine's November-December 2024 edition. The article highlights the remarkable journey and vision of the Sankara Nethralaya Elite School of Optometry, Kolkata, emphasizing its role in shaping the future of optometry education and advancing community eye care. As we step into this new year, let us continue to work together to create a brighter future in eye health and education. Venkataramanan Ramasethu 1st January 2025