IIT-M research generates lasers from carrots

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Education, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Nature, Records, All, Science & Technologies, World Opinion

Carrots cooked in alcohol may soon be a popular source of lasers.

Chennai :

Carrots cooked in alcohol may soon be a popular source of lasers. Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) have demonstrated the possibility of generating laser in an eco-friendly way, by using carrots as a lasing material, according to a statement issued by the institute.
The laser, generated through this technique, has immense potential in the field of bio-imaging.

Currently, the most common lasing materials, such as Indium-Gallium-Arsenic and Gallium-Nitrates, are manufactured using toxic chemical processes which are harmful to the environment. The new technique that the researchers have come up with uses just minimally processed carrots.“We fondly call this kitchen laser,” exclaimed Sivarama Krishnan, one of the guides of the research.

The research was undertaken by a team comprising Prof C Vijayan, Assistant Professor Sivarama Krishnan, and Venkata Siva Gummaluri, a PhD research scholar, from the Physics department of IIT-M.
The discovery itself was a result of the after-work-hours fun experiment, said Sivarama Krishnan. “We were pumping light through various organic materials and found that carrots have lasing properties. For example, we also tried orange juice and tomato juice,” he said. What set the humble carrot apart was the optically active bio-pigment called carotenoids present in the vegetable.

Although the fluorescence quantum yield of carotenoids is much less, compared to standard organic laser dyes, the vibrational spectra can be obtained even with extremely low concentrations of carotenoids, said Sivarama Krishnan. “We could easily increase the concentration of caretenoids on the surface of the carrots, by simply cooking it in alcohol. Then we pump light through a slice of the surface to get laser,” he said.

While the traditional polymers used were toxic and non-biodegradable, there has been search for more eco-friendly fluorescent polymers. In this search, the team looked at biological molecules as probable lasing sources.

Speaking about the importance of this research, Vijayan said, “There is now a move towards development of green, sustainable materials for various applications, including in photonics. The need for green photonic technologies is obvious in the current times where sustainability, bio-compatibility and degradability are of paramount importance.”

Carrots, in addition to having carotenoids, also have cellulose fibres that contribute to multiple scattering of photons and resultant optical amplification for Raman random lasing. The demonstration uses a process, first discovered by CV Raman, who won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1930.

The researchers plan to advance their research to make the material more commercially viable. Currently, this material has potential as it is natural, bio-compatible, safe to handle and highly reliable.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Sushmitha Ramkrishnan / Express News Service / February 05th, 2019

Kunal Sood: A techpreneur on celluloid

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Science & Technologies, World Opinion

KunalSoodCF05feb2019

Chennai-born, US-based social entrepreneur and impact investor Kunal Sood talks about instigating further futurism via tech-vestments

Having spent the past 20 years of his life in the US, Kunal Sood, the Founder of X Fellows and Partner at X Impact Group, uses technology to drive change. A TED Resident and Ambassador to Singularity University NYC, the 41-year-old empowers entrepreneurs and innovators to turn their dreams into reality.

Kunal’s expertise ranges from psychology degrees to being a global health scientist to, of course, entrepreneurship. All this culminates in two important bodies: X Fellows and Novus Summit.

X Fellows, a privately-held community of entrepreneurs, is considered the inner-circle of innovators with companies.

Excerpts from an email interview:

Working with world leaders

My work with world leaders is primarily about building extraordinary citizens. The men and women shaping the future of our planet can find common ground around solving our global challenges.

KunalSood02CF05feb2019

People sometimes ask me ‘what do the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and the President of Estonia, Kersti Kaljulaid have in common?’ I’ve been fortunate to play an important role in helping them unite around solving our world’s most urgent problems. Leaders that live their values in action help drive real-world results.

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Hear it from the leaders
  • As the founder and chairman of Novus Summit launched at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in 2016, Kunal has put the world’s most accomplished and exponential leaders together.
  • Such figures include Peter Diamandis, Anousheh Ansari and Astro Teller on stage, alongside tech titans like Sunil Mittal, Reid Hoffman and Marc Benioff.
  • Expect stories of transformation with a global audience of delegates representing 193 countries, consisting of Heads of State, UN Ambassadors and Youth Leaders.
  • While 2019’s summit on July 20 – to celebrate man’s landing on the moon – is invite-only, Kunal shares there will be a line-up of astronauts, influencers, artists, policy-makers and storytellers present.

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My hope is to make X Fellows and Novus Summit the pre-eminent gatherings at the UNGA, for exponential leaders to unite in action and work to achieve the 17 UN Global Goals.

The Indian influence

Growing up in Chennai was my toughest lesson in life early on, and given where I am today, the biggest blessing. My life, when I was around eight years old, shifted drastically, and I suffered both physically and mentally. While others excelled academically, I was left behind — often lost and without an understanding of why I was not able to keep pace.

My experience taught me how to relate to people with compassion and extraordinary resilience. India continually influences me because my late mentor Dr T J Cherian was a renowned cardiologist and served as a father figure in my life.

The birth of X Fellows

The idea of X Fellows was born out of the extraordinary courage of people like Dr Cherian. The programme was also born out of the need I see in the world to create a new league of extraordinary citizens. It is focused on the vision that we are all gifted, even when seemingly cursed.

Given the fast and accelerated pace at which exponential technology is outpacing our lives, I have learnt that the right community with sparking the right kinds of stories can bring about real impact. Together, they drive a sense of urgent action and offer a genuine opportunity to learn, connect and create something that is larger than us and truly extraordinary at its core.

We have entities such as Astro Teller of Google X, Anousheh Ansari of X Prize and Craig Hatkoff, founder of Tribeca Film Festival and Disruptors to name a few involved with X Fellows.

Tech talk

X Fellows is unique in technology because we believe in the power of mass customisation. Exponential technologies, be it Artificial Intelligence, 3D printing, or life-saving drones, can help us design individual solutions at an unparalleled scale. For example, a child who needed a prosthetic limb 20 years ago would face a lifetime of extremely expensive, poor-fitting choices. Today, tailor-made solutions are available at a fraction of the cost.

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Sustainable solutions that are customised to the individual experience is where humanity is heading. By 2020, IDC analysts expect 3D printing global revenues to exceed $35 billion. It is human nature to want to create something that improves your life.

Human beings by nature are drawn to stories. Novus gives the youth a voice, as much as we give our elders a platform to share practical wisdom.

(As told to Akila Kannadasan)

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sci-Tech> Internet / by Akila Kannadasan / February 04th, 2019

Major General Dr AVK Mohan: Armed with adventure

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All, Sports

At 59, the medical doctor qualified in hospital administration is fit as a fiddle.

At 59, Major General Dr AVK Mohan is a cyclist, mountaineer, runner and rider
At 59, Major General Dr AVK Mohan is a cyclist, mountaineer, runner and rider

Chennai  :

What would be a more apt venue for a tete-a-tete with a passionate endurance and adventure sports enthusiast than a bicycle store? We are at Pro-Bikers, OMR — the city’s go-to shop for professional cyclists — to meet Major General Dr AVK Mohan. It’s hard not to notice Mohan with his walrus moustache and crisp-casual attire. At 59, the medical doctor qualified in hospital administration is fit as a fiddle. “I have always been conscious about having a healthy lifestyle. I think everyone should focus on their fitness and well-being,” he says.

Amid a plethora of cycles and spares mounted on the walls, we find a quiet spot, and one of the most admired personalities in the city’s cycling and endurance sports circuit talks to us about his zest for life. The self-confessed ‘daredevil’ goes by the principle — ‘Never wait for opportunities to come your way. You create it, and seize the moment.’

Mohan has done it all — from going on mountaineering expeditions to Mount Satopanth with Italians in 1991, being the first in an Army brigade to climb a live volcano in Mount Nyeiragango in Congo in the early 2000s, to motorbiking to Siachen Glacier to commemorate the Army Medical Corps reunion, and biking to all the eight states on the Northeast including two China borders at Nathu La in Sikkim, Bumla in Arunachal Pradesh, Myanmar border at Moreh, Manipur and Bangladesh border at Agartala, Tripura.
His second-self is diverse, and he has a hard time picking a favourite. “From mountaineering, motorbiking, to cycling and running, they are all my favourites. Each one compliments and empowers the other. For instance, I cycle as cross-training for running,” he explains.

After traversing the country, Mohan moved to Chennai in December 2014 — a shift he never imagined would change his life. “I came to Chennai with inhibitions. The culture here was entirely different in comparison with my previous placements. I have served and commanded in Military hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir, Tezpur and so on,” he says.

But, what happened next was serendipitous. In June 2015, during one of his usual morning rides to OMR, he met Ashish Thadani and Kirtanya Krishnamurthy, who encouraged Mohan to join the Chennai Joy Riderz, a popular cycling group in the city. “My love for cycling tripled, and we went on several long distance rides. I met many like-minded people after my initiation into the group. I will treasure these memories forever,” says Mohan.

The tetra super randonneur has completed several long-distance rides including the 1,000km brevet event from Chennai to Vijayawada and back, a 900km tour of Nilgiris cycling — in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu in 2015, and the 4,500 km Tour de Rotary K2K from Kashmir to Kanyakumari as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan in 2016.

Mohan’s day starts at 3 am, where he runs or cycles for a minimum of 70 km, before heading to work. Recently, despite an ankle fracture, Mohan went on a 15-km run on the Marina circuit. “It’s healing, but I don’t think the fracture will stop me from doing what I love,” he shares.
Mohan is an unofficial mentor and inspiration for budding cycling and fitness enthusiasts not only in Chennai but across the country. “I make sure I push and motivate others to take steps towards a better living.

To be a role model is a big responsibility, but I enjoy being one,” he shares.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Roshne Balasubramanian / Express News Service / February 04th, 2019

Juicy Chemistry to show its organic skin care range at Vivaness 2019

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Nature, Records, All
Pritesh Asher and Megha Asher | Photo Credit: M.Periasamy
Pritesh Asher and Megha Asher | Photo Credit: M.Periasamy

Juicy Chemistry hopes to spread the good word about their certified organic range of skin care products at the prestigious trade fair, Vivaness 2019

City-based Juicy Chemistry that is an organic skincare brand gets ready to participate in Vivaness 2019. In association with BIOFACH, Vivaness is the world’s largest trade fare exhibition for organic/natural personal care, skin care and organic food products. It is to be held between February 13 and 16 at Nuremberg, Germany. Explaining its significance for Juicy Chemistry, its co-founder and Managing Director, Pritesh Asher says that it is the opportunity of a lifetime to participate in this fair that is in its 30th consecutive year. “As Juicy Chemistry is a 100% Certified Organic Skincare brand, we will co-exhibit with Ecocert (the worlds largest organic certification body). We will present over 100 products that are certified by the Cosmetic Organic Standard (COSMOS).”

Megha Asher, founder and CEO of Juicy Chemistry, reiterates, “This expo onlyshowcases brands that are 100 per cent natural/organic.” She explains the stringent screening process that preceded their participation and adds, “Every product we want to showcase here is screened for various parameters. Exhibitors are required to keep the necessary documentation to validate the products on display comply with these standards.” (see box)

The fair expects over 50,000 visitors and 2,900 exhibitors from 154 countries over four days and “gives us a chance to represent India and present to the world that we are built on a simple philosophy that emphasises on ‘less is more’,” says Megha. It is all a matter of pride for the country, says Pritesh.

“We are a clean, environmentally-friendly, sustainable, cruelty-free, certified organic brand. More importantly, we want to show the international buyers that we can deliver world class products, which comply to the highest international standards. And all of them are made right here, in India.”

Juicy Chemistry is a very young company, just four and a half years old. Says Megha, “We started with ₹5,000 and the rice and green tea scrub (it is still a bestseller). We then built up our brand one product at a time and here we are today with over a 100 items and going to this prestigious international fair. I am excited.”

Stringent screening

The products should contain only natural or organic raw materials

There should be no petrochemical-based raw materials

There should be no synthetic ingredients including synthetic fats, oils, waxes or silicones. The list of no-nos is long

All ingredients used should be declared on the products

The natural raw materials must not be produced from genetically modified organisms

Products should be manufactured without using ionising radiation

Products are, as far as possible, produced and processed to the latest technical standards in an environment-friendly way

The products must be cruelty free

Beauty, naturally

Juicy Chemistry is preparing to launch a complete range of organic care for athletes and an intimate care line for women. They also have a range for junior care. “The aim is to bring simplified chemical-free solutions in anything that we use in our day to day life,” says Megha

Find out more on www.juicychemistry.com

The range is also available on Amazon.com and Amazon.in

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Life & Style / by Pankaja Srinivasan / February 01st, 2019

Freedom fighters get focus at spiritual fair

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

Students usually find it too dry and tedious to learn about leaders from our State who contributed towards the freedom struggle.

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Chennai :

A sound and light show about freedom fighters, customised stamps by India Post and demonstrations of traditional Tamil musical instruments, were the key attractions at the second day of the Hindu Spiritual and Service Fair on Thursday.

School students who visited the fair were captivated by the sound and light show and infographs installed at various places throughout the fair about freedom fighters like Velu Nachiyar, Kattabomman, Theeran Chinnamalai, Vachinathan, etc.

“Students usually find it too dry and tedious to learn about leaders from our State who contributed towards the freedom struggle. The sound and light show about Jallianwala Bagh massacre and Andaman Jail were very illustrative and helped them grasp facts better,” said a teacher who accompanied students at the fair.
Members from the trust that organised the event, said over the six days, students from close to 1,400 schools, will participate in the various competitions being held.

Hundreds who flocked to the fair’s 10th edition were especially intrigued by traditional Tamil instruments displayed by the team from Kosainagaraan, musicians who play these instruments at Tamil weddings. Students, elders and even policemen enthusiastically tried their hand at instruments like the Kombu, Parai, Thudumbu, etc. “Western instruments have replaced most of the traditional ones. Also several parts of these instruments have gotten plastic substitutes hence making the originals disappear over time,” Shivakumar, head of the team.

R Rajalakshmi, vice chairperson of the managing team of the fair, said that students are ferried from their respective schools to the fair to learn most about spiritual beliefs and India’s freedom movement. “Nowadays students don’t have the time or interest to divulge into specifics about how India got its freedom. It is our responsibility to make it more interesting for them,” she said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / by Express News Service / February 01st, 2019

Imbibing leadership values from the sidelines

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders
D.R. Sivakumar
D.R. Sivakumar

There are those who are groomed for a leadership role. And then there are those who rise to a position of authority, quietly watching other leaders at work, from the sidelines and imbibing leadership values.

Now, D.R. Sivakumar, who was elected secretary of Chitlapakkam Muthulakshmi Nagar Welfare Association (CMWA) in December 2018, fits into the second category.

Sivakumar was a member of the Sarvamangala Nagar Residents’ Association until two years ago, which was when he shifted residence to Muthulakshmi Nagar.

“My inspiration to be a neighbourhood activist came from Sarvamangala Nagar RWA president M. Ravi, who has been leading the Association successfully for more than two decades and deals with a variety of issues. Just like him, I wanted to be an active member of the community,” says Sivakumar, who is 39 years old.

Being a resident of Chitlapakkam for close to a decade, Sivakumar was aware of the civic problems plaguing the locality. And he contested the CMWA elections successfully, last year.

Many years ago, at his home town, B.B. Kulam in Madurai, Sivakumar had been a member of a ‘maanavar ani’ (student group) and later the youth wing, which focused on neighbourhood issues. The group assisted government agencies in health campaigns such as polio vaccine administration and education awareness programmes. When he moved to Chennai 10 years ago for work and made Chitlapakkam his home, he wanted to be an active participant in his community.

“I am one among those who benefit or get affected by anything that happens within the community. So I can’t just sit and watch. My experience in the student and youth wing groups in my home town taught me that when people come together, a lot can be achieved,” he says.

Now, at Chitlapakkam Muthulakshmi Nagar, the first challenge staring at the newly-elected RWA team in December 2018, was the introduction of a better garbage disposal system.

“A longstanding problem here is improper garbage disposal and irregular collection. As a first step, we wanted to control dumping of garbage on the streets, so we put up signboards at three streets — Vishwamitrar Street, Muthulakshmi Street and Kasthurba Street — urging people to segregate the waste at home before handing it to the conservancy workers. The Association also joined hands with the Chitlapakkam Town Panchayat and an NGO to conduct an awareness programme,” he adds.

In less than two months, he claims, the volume of garbage has reduced by 60% and he wants to make Muthulakshmi Nagar a plastic-free zone in the future.

Sivakumar, who is employed with a luxury hotel chain, divides his time between work and Association activities. His next aim is to increase the number of members to at least 500 from the present 225.

“Though I am an office-bearer I can’t achieve much without help and encouragement from the other members. If more people join the Association and pursue the civic issues, the results can be achieved faster,” he says.

He also plans to revive the student and youth wings of the Association.

M. Ravi of Sarvamangala Nagar is quite happy that youngsters are coming forward to make their community a better place to live. His word of advice for Shivakumar is to stay consistent and persistent in his pursuit.

“Leading an RWA is a job that comes with a lot of responsibilities. One has to juggle family, career and activism all at the same time. There will be difficult and non-cooperative residents and officials to deal with. I hope Sivakumar will work with determination for the betterment of his neighbourhood,” he says.

Sivakumar can be reached at 95001 73020.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Sofia Juliet R / February 01st, 2019

Records set quickly and healthily

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, World Opinion

Did you know that you can make South Indian delicacies like idly, kolukkatai or puttu without using fire at all? Chennai just bagged a world record for it on Wednesday.

300 chefs made dishes without oil or heat  A Aravind
300 chefs made dishes without oil or heat  A Aravind

Chennai :

Did you know that you can make South Indian delicacies like idly, kolukkatai or puttu without using fire at all? Chennai just bagged a world record for it on Wednesday.
The Geo India Foundation in association with the Airports Authority of India, created a world record in the city on Wednesday. Led by chef Padayal Sivakumar, 300 airport staff prepared 300 different dishes without using oil or fire, all in a span of five minutes.

The main attraction was that the chefs did not use oil or heat to prepare the dishes. P Shreyas, one of the visitors of the event said, “Though none of the items were boiled, no item smelled raw. They were equally tasty and some vegetables like pumpkin and ridge gourd taste even better when they are not cooked.”
The 300 dishes were a mix of fusion and innovation — pearl millet laddu, pumpkin kozhukattai, fig juice, lotus idly, coriander idly, pomegranate rice,  oragne rice, and sapota payasam.

“We trained around 1,000 people comprising airport staff and students and selected 300 of them for the record. All the ingredients used in the dishes today are used on a daily basis in every household in Tamil Nadu. One might wonder how idly is made without heat, we did it by using flattened rice that doesn’t require to be cooked, said chef Siva Kumar.

The items were all made from organic fruits and vegetables and served in eco-friendly bowls and plates. The record was part of the Healthy Lifestyle Festival held at the Chennai Airport Marriage Hall to educate the public on how to follow a healthy lifestyle.

Innovate and create

The 300 dishes included pearl millet laddu, pumpkin kozhukattai, lotus idly, coriander idly, hibiscus kheer,  mango pasumporiyal, navadhaniya sprout milk, pomegranate rice, orange rice, badam pisin jam, tender coconut jam, java plum kesari and sapota payasam.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service / January 31st, 2019

Meet ‘Vyasarpadi’ Muniammal, one of the few women gaana singers in Chennai

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

VyarsarpadiMuniammalCF30jan2019

She sings at home, for family, at funerals… ‘Vyasarpadi’ Muniammal is among the few women gaana singers in the city

‘Vyasarpadi’ Muniammal sings about her dead husband in a deep voice. “Nee irandha podhum unai marakka mudiyuma… (How can I forget you once you’re gone?)”

She emphasises each word, sounding matter-of-fact and pained at the same time. Listening to her is like eavesdropping on a conversation she’s having with her husband. But the melancholic tune reminds us that it’s a song, after all. Gaana is like that: deeply personal, and yet, universal.

Muniammal recently performed at Raga Sudha Hall, Mylapore, as part of Chennai Kalai Theru Vizha. She is upbeat that she got a platform to perform — it was her first stage. But little has changed in her life.

She has now gone back to her world, eking out a living from the little she makes by singing at funerals. The 52-year-old lives in a Housing Board tenement at Udhaya Suriya Nagar, Vyasarpadi. “I’ve been singing since I was eight years old,” says Muniammal. “My father Kanthayyan and my brothers kept singing at our home in Chetty Thottam, Royapuram, all the time,” she says. “He played the jamuki, a string instrument fashioned out of a molam and sang at happy and sad events.”

Muniammal learned to sing by simply listening to the men sing. She was neither trained nor encouraged. “During her time, it was taboo for women to sing gaana at public events,” explains her nephew ‘Gaana’ Muthu, who’s part of The Casteless Collective band. “But there are so many women who sing gaana in North Chennai. They sing at home, at family events… it’s only recently, after the exposure filmmaker Pa Ranjith gave to the art form, that more and more women are coming forward,” he adds.

A day in her life

Muniammal spends her free time sitting outside her building with women from the neighbourhood. She’s known to be tough, especially during arguments that come her way. And her booming voice flies beyond several streets; it’s among her biggest assets. “I often sing while I’m at home by myself,” she says. She has three children, who sometimes contribute to her financial needs. Mostly, though, she struggles. “Since most funerals I sing at are for people I know, I cannot expect to be paid. Sometimes I am, but it’s not a lot,” she says. Her music transforms her into a completely different person. “I never sang gaana for my husband,” she says, “He liked romantic film songs.” Muniammal’s husband died four years ago; he worked at the Koyambedu vegetable market.

On nights he was drunk, he requested that she sing for him. “I sang the kind of songs he liked,” recalls Muniammal. He too, like her father, didn’t encourage her to sing outside. And so she only did so in groups, at funerals of relatives, letting her voice mingle with many others.

Her songs are from her life — she sings about the mosquito menace in her area, about her children… at funerals, she notes down the name of the deceased and incorporates it in her gaana. Muthu says that by singing at funerals, the singers aid in mourning. “It helps people cry away their sorrow,” he adds.

But in doing so, the singer too, ends up grieving. In her mind, she believes that she’s lost someone close to her. This is an unwritten rule in gaana. Says Muniammal, “I cry all the time when I sing at funerals.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Society> Faith> History  & Culture / by Akila Kannandasan / January 30th, 2019