Prejudice

The inspirational communicator of science, Dr Jayant Narlikar passed away on last Tuesday. The great astrophysicist, often spoke about prejudices in the context of science and society. Prejudice is preconceived opinion or attitude, often based on incomplete or inaccurate information, that can lead to discriminatory behaviour or unfair treatment towards others. 

Narlikar spoke about the importance of challenging conventional wisdom, questioning established theories and being open to new ideas. He encouraged scientists to remain objective and avoid being swayed by personal biases or preconceptions. 

 

Narlikar underlined the need for critical thinking and analysis in scientific inquiry. He advocated an open-minded approach, considering alternative perspectives and theories; and the avoidance of dogmatic thinking. He spoke against superstitions and pseudoscientific beliefs, emphasizing the need for evidence-based reasoning.

 

Prejudice can be overcome by education and exposure to different cultures, perspectives and experiences. We must engage with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. By recognizing and addressing prejudices, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

 

Narlikar urged to escape prejudice's dark night

To learn with an open mind seeking critical light!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Reading Habit

Last Saturday, Samraat Club Ponda started a meaningful initiative to be conducted in housing societies. ‘Vachchan Vel’ seeks to inculcate the reading habit among people, especially children. It is to help overcome the addiction of mobiles, internet and social media. 

 
The reading habits offers many benefits, including a significant impact on personal growth, cognitive development and emotional well-being. Books make for a desirable positive distraction in place of negative distractions. They aid better communication skills. 

 

Cognitive benefits include an improved vocabulary, enhanced critical thinking and better memory retention. The reading habit facilitates knowledge acquisition and broadened perspectives by reading about different cultures, experiences and ideas.

 

Emotional and social benefits include stress reduction and enhanced empathy and understanding. Reading requires focus and concentration, which can improve these skills. It also facilitates open mindedness and creative imagination by exposure to ideas, imagination and inventions.

 

Of course, the reading habit can be negative if we are reading the wrong books. The best parameter to ensure you are reading right is to examine the intentions of the writer and confirm the reality by exploring books which offer alternative interpretations. It is best to read deep and wide.   

 

The reading habit is truly fine

learn and grow with each line! 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Buddha

‘If You Meet the Buddha on the Road, Kill Him’ – Zen quote

 
Like all Zen quotes it is open to varied interpretation. A simple reading would suggest resisting charlatans who claim they are enlightened… It could suggest exposing and challenging the fake teacher... It could insist that reverence leads to the illusion of learning… there are other insights too! 

Buddha refers to the one who is enlightened. Siddhartha Gautama was a Buddha who propagated an interaction with the self to introspect, question and search for answers. On enlightenment, one becomes a Buddha! 

To see the Buddha, you have to BE the Buddha. If you aren't enlightened, you can't see the light. Once you become the Buddha, you can let him go. Once you ‘meet him on the road’ then you have no more to learn from ‘him’. 

Holding on to learning becomes a dependency, a crutch. No learning is meant to be held onto. It provides an experience for where you are at in the moment. In a different situation and different context, the same learning will not be valid. It will lead to a new meaning, and a new experience. 

Learning is a stepping stone to the next level of understanding. Holding onto learning keeps one in the same place. One must unlearn and move on to move ahead. Enlightenment from learning (Buddha) is necessary but we have to progress to further learning by transcending restrictive reverence! 

Learn from Buddha to become like him 
Next unlearn and step beyond his rim! 

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Othering

Othering refers to the process of creating and maintaining boundaries between individuals or groups, often by defining oneself or one's group as superior to others. This can lead to exclusion, marginalization, and oppression of those who are perceived as different or ‘other.’

 

Forms include Social, Cultural and Psychological Othering. The first creates social boundaries based on race, ethnicity or gender. The second defines one's own culture as superior to others. The third creates boundaries between oneself and others, often through stereotypes or prejudice.

 

Othering can lead to the exclusion of individuals or groups from social, economic, or political opportunities. It can result in the oppression and discrimination of marginalized groups. It can contribute to social conflict and tension between different groups.

 

To overcome Othering, we must educate ourself and others about the experiences and perspectives of marginalized groups. It is important to foster empathy and understanding between different groups. We need to implement inclusive practices and policies to promote diversity and equity.

 

Recognize and challenge Othering now
Inclusive and equitable society is wow!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Just do it

Amateurs worry about equipment, 
Professionals worry about money, 
Masters worry about light, 
I just make pictures! 
– Vernon Trent

Visual artist, Trent’s famous quote captures the choice of attitudes for not only photographers but all other professions and activities. He articulates the dilemma of the amateur as well as the master and the professional. So often, in the quest for excellence, we are paralysed by inaction. 

The crippling motives could range from concerns of the availability and quality of resources (worry about equipment), to the desired benefits (worry about money) to the vagaries of situational hurdles and problems. However, proactive persons ‘do it’, regardless of the resources, benefits or situation.

When we ‘do it’, we reach the crucial threshold point between planning and doing. We make the tipping transformation.  However, we need not totally ignore factors of material, money, etc. To fly, look beyond fetters. We must quit worrying and choose to ‘do it’!

At every crossroad of worry
just do it rather than be sorry!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Efficient? Effective?

A team is said to be efficient if it produces a product by optimizing resources, minimizing waste, using innovation, etc. However, if the product does not meet customer needs, it will not be considered effective as it is not achieving its intended goal.

 

Effectiveness refers to the degree to which one achieves objectives. It is about the outcome or impact of an action, process or system. It is also associated with quality, as it focuses on delivering high-quality results.

 

Efficiency refers to the optimal use of resources, such as time, money or energy. It is about reducing waste, minimizing costs and streamlining processes. It is associated with productivity… on maximizing output while minimizing input.

 

The key differences are on focus, outcome and priorities. Effectiveness focuses on achieving goals, while efficiency focuses on optimizing resources. Effectiveness is about impact, while efficiency is about the process. Effectiveness prioritizes quality while efficiency prioritizes productivity and resource optimization.

 

Effectiveness and efficiency are related but distinct concepts. By understanding the difference between them, individuals and teams can strive for both, achieving their desired goals while optimizing resources and processes.

 

Not only efficient, be effective too,

With goal clear and process anew!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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Explore Neighbourhood

Yesterday, Samraat Club Mayem organised ‘Mayem Darshan’: a journey  across the village and its neighbourhood. We were taken to different spots, including a canoe ride across the river, and different members presented information and oral history. They compiled it into a booklet as well.

 

We love to travel and discover new places. We love to discover new spots and learn more about them. We pursue information, capture photos and videos, and seek out locals who can tell us more about the place. However, often we are ignorant of our own neighbourhood, its history and heritage.

 

Discovering our neighbourhood can be a fun and rewarding experience. We discover different spots to explore and get to know our local community. We take in the sights, sounds and smells of our locality. We can check out local markets and support small businesses and artisans.

 

The local story tellers make the discovery insightful. We learn about the things as they were before and we also see them as they are now. Realisation of reality can help necessary interventions for protection, restoration or conservation of our heritage.

 

By exploring our neighbourhood, we gain a deeper understanding of the community and its culture. We have opportunity to meet new people, try new things and make lasting connections. And then like the cheerful Samraats of Mayem, we can help locals as well as others to explore the neighbourhood.

 

Meet folks and heritage that’s getting dear

Explore your neighbourhood with a cheer!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

 

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