Activities & Fun

Traveling: Trip to Malaysia

Travel

In 2019 and 2020, I had the wonderful opportunity to explore the beauty of Malaysia. Traveling to Malaysia was an incredible experience that left a lasting impression on me. Let me share some of the highlights from my trip:

The Twin Petronas Towers: Designed by Cesar Pelli & Associates, the Twin Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur are iconic structures that held the title of the world's tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004. These magnificent twin towers, along with the nearby KL Tower, are a true landmark of the city.
Batu Caves: One of the must-visit attractions, the Batu Caves captivate visitors with their massive statue of Lord Karthikeya. Although the climb up the stairs can be challenging, the breathtaking views from the top make it all worthwhile.
Kasturi Walk in KL: Located near Pasar Seni or the Central Market, the vibrant Kasturi Walk offers a delightful shopping experience for those looking to purchase T-shirts, shawls, and other unique mementos.
Melaka (all of it!): A treasure trove of history and architectural marvels, Melaka is a city that captivates with its well-preserved heritage. Take a stroll through the historic streets and marvel at the charming buildings and houses, some of which have stood for over a century. Start your exploration with the iconic Stadthuys and let the city's rich history unfold before you.

These experiences have enriched my appreciation of cultural differences, enhanced my understanding of historical contexts, and fostered in me an interest in collaborative problem-solving with global teams.

I hope this brief summary has ignited your interest in visiting Malaysia, a destination that seamlessly blends cultural heritage and modern marvels. It was a pleasure to share my travel experiences through Malaysia with you.

Writing: Books & Columns

Activity

I have been passionately engaged in writing for over a decade and a half, exploring various aspects of literature and knowledge. During my time in India, I had the opportunity to delve deeper into writing about Indian history and Indology. Here are some noteworthy books I have authored:

A Book of Poetry Written in Seven Hours for India & America (single author).
I, A.I. - the Mughal Era (single author).
I, A.I. - the Recipe Book (coauthored with Amita Roy)

In conjunction with my column for Namaste Bharat magazine, I collaborated on the creation of the last book, which delves into recipes from India's history, particularly those derived from the royal kitchens, and presents them in a beautifully designed format. Previously, I also contributed a mathematics column to the Times of India Group.

Furthermore, I have made contributions to the following books:

The Essence of Leadership, co-authored by my father.
Strategic Management: A South-Asian Perspective, co-authored with my father.

All of these books are available for purchase on popular platforms such as Amazon.com, Flipkart, and Amazon.in.

Marketing: Stanford Projects

Projects for Wells Fargo, East Asia Based Entrepreneurs

Throughout my tenure at Stanford, I had the opportunity to contribute to diverse projects for notable firms in both the Bay Area and East Asia. Specifically, I collaborated with the San Francisco branch of Wells Fargo, as well as a technology entrepreneurial firm based in East Asia. These projects encompassed various domains, including Finance and Marketing.

Under the expert guidance of esteemed professionals such as Tom Kosnik & Lynda Smith (for Marketing), and Sam Savage (for Data Science), I worked alongside a talented team consisting of Raymond Yang, Annie Lau, Soham Chowdhury, myself, and others.

In addition to these endeavors, I also dedicated my efforts to the development of a second textbook focused on the subject of leadership during my time at Stanford.

These experiences have enriched my understanding of marketing strategies, enhanced my analytical skills, and fostered collaborative problem-solving. It has been an invaluable journey of practical application and continuous growth.

Team: Raymond Yang, Annie Lau, Soham Chowdhury, myself + others.

Research and Patenting

Interest

I have been involved in research in computer science, computer technologies, management theory and other areas over the past 20+ years. In all, I have authored over 10 papers in computer science. I have been involved in patenting as well (15+ patents as listed on the United States Patent and Trademark Office website).

Below is more information about some of the research and patenting I have been involved in:

Computer Science publications: I have worked in a number of areas of computer science. Areas of Computer Science I have worked in and published papers in: data science, database management systems, XML, OSs, distributed systems, parallel computing, artificial intelligence, computer networking/Internet technologies, algorithms, real-time systems. Here is a link to some of my publications in computer science as listed on DBLP: https://bit.ly/3xeuceO.

Patents: when I was an employee at Oracle, I had the chance to work that led to a number of patents being filed. Here is a link to my patents on the USPTO website: https://bit.ly/3geX6Wo

Management research: I have also been involved in management research. Among other work, I have contributed to a textbook entitled "Strategic Management: A South-Asian Perspective", which is considered a classic in its field.

Other areas: I have also worked on research in other areas, including philosophy, linguistics and law.

Writing: Poetry Books

Interest

I have always been captivated by the art of writing, particularly as a means of creative expression. In my journey as a writer, poetry holds a special place as the purest form of artistic expression, though some argue that distinction belongs to sculpture. Over the past two decades, I have explored the realms of poetry, alternating between periods of intense inspiration and periods of extended breaks.

Recently, I embarked on an exciting project that combined my passion for poetry with the power of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.). Through this endeavor, I collaborated with A.I. technology to create a remarkable book of poetry. The software developed during this project holds intellectual property rights and has significantly enhanced my creative process. You can learn more about this very interesting project on my Professional Projects page, accessible through this link.

To showcase my work as a writer and author, I have curated a blog that features some of the highlights of my literary journey. You can visit the blog by following the provided link. Additionally, I invite you to explore my Amazon Author page, accessible by clicking the image on the right-hand side. For a glimpse into my poetic endeavors, I have provided samples of my work on the linked website.

I believe that through poetry, I can convey emotions, thoughts, and experiences with unparalleled beauty and depth. It is an honor to share my passion for this art form with you.

Meditating

Interest

I have a deep interest in meditation, particularly Mindfulness Meditation.

One of my friends, Ramya Ranganathan, an alumna of IIT Madras and currently a faculty member at IIM Bangalore, conducted a comprehensive twelve-day Meditation Class on YouTube in mid-2021. To access the complete playlist, click on the image on the right, which will direct you to her YouTube page.

If you're interested, Ramya also offers private coaching sessions and a Life Coaching Beginner Bootcamp through her website, which you can find at the link here. Please note that this mention is not intended as a promotional effort, but rather a sincere recommendation for a friend.

Traveling: Trip to Peru

Travel

In 2010, I had the opportunity to visit Peru. Machu Picchu was one of my dream destinations, and I am grateful to have had the chance to visit the Incan ruins there. Some of the highlights of my trip:

Machu Picchu: Machu Picchu, which is the site of the famous ruins from the Inca period, is about 300 miles from Lima, the capital of Peru. Located in the Cordillera de Vilcabamba of the Andes Mountains, the Incan ruins are a sight to behold, and most definitely ranked as one of the most stunning places I have ever been to.
Cuzco: Being a history buff, visiting Cuzco was another amazing experience. Cuzco has many attractions, chiefly around the Plaza de Armas and the surrounding streets.
Lima: We did not spend much time in Lima. It just happened to be the airport we landed at, but I heard that it was a nice city to live in with few dangers.
Lake Titicaca: Lake Titicaca is the largest freshwater lake in South America. It is located on the border between the State of Bolivia and the Republic of Peru in the Andean Mountains. It is also the largest navigable lake in the world. Worth visiting are the Floating Reed Islands in the middle of the lake.

I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to visit Peru. That Peru has a history spanning post-industrial, industrial, colonial and pre-colonial periods, like India, makes the country a fascinating place to visit and an unforgettable experience.

Historical writing

Interest

The Mughal Empire holds a captivating place in history. Visitors to India often embark on the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur circuit, where they are mesmerized by the grandeur of this era. Beyond its architectural marvels, the Mughal Era made significant contributions to art, food, language, and more, leaving an indelible cultural impact on India. As a self-taught enthusiast, I delved into the history of the Mughal Era, driven by fascination and a thirst for knowledge. Through extensive research and self-study, I have meticulously crafted a book-length manuscript that delves into the rich tapestry of this era.

As a child, I had the privilege of visiting Delhi and Agra, where I witnessed firsthand the splendor of iconic monuments such as the Taj Mahal. I sincerely hope that every individual in India will have the opportunity to experience the magnificence of these cities and their remarkable historical treasures.

Traveling: Trip to Japan

Travel

In 2005, I had the opportunity to visit Japan. Some of the highlights of my trip:

The Tokyo subway: You may have been to New York. You may have been to San Francisco. And you may think you have seen crowds. And nothing, but nothing, will prepare you for the crowds of Tokyo. If you visit Tokyo even for a layover, you should visit the Tokyo Subway. Nothing exemplifies the crazy, frenetic pace of life in Tokyo as the Tokyo Subway.
Shinjuku: Shinjuku is one of the 23 wards in the city of Tokyo, but when people talk about Shinjuku, they are often only talking about the large entertainment, business and shopping area. Definitely worth a visit!
Sensoji Temple: The Sensoji Temple is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Magnificent!
Kamakura: The Great Buddha at Kamakura is a bronze statue of Amitabha ("never-ending light") or Amida Buddha. I visited Kamakura, in part, because of the Kipling poem. I have below a few verses from the poem, which I hope will fill your day with a little bit of delight. Savor that. Then, of course, seize the day!

The grey-robed, gay-sashed butterflies
That flit beneath the Master’s eyes.
He is beyond the Mysteries
But loves them at Kamakura.

Life Coaching: Enhancing Productivity, Beating Procrastination & other Workshops

Public Service Project

I have had a deep-rooted passion for personal development and have been actively engaged in conducting workshops on various topics. One area of focus has been enhancing productivity and overcoming procrastination.

Throughout my journey, I have been dedicated to empowering individuals to unlock their full potential and achieve their goals. With a long-standing interest in personal development, I have explored subjects such as triggers that can lead to loss of focus, strategies to combat procrastination, and effective methods for countering distractions. I have taught a few workshops over the years, and they have been quite well received.

If you are interested in delving deeper into these subjects and more, I invite you to click on the image on the right to visit the website for one of my workshops. There, you will find comprehensive details about my offering and the wonderful workshop we had done on boosting individual productivity.

Traveling: Trip to Thailand

Travel

In 2012, I had the opportunity to visit Thailand. Some of the highlights of my trip:

Wat Pho: home to the reclining Buddha, Wat Pho's Buddha is a sight to see. Click on the image to the right to go to my old blog, and view one of my photos of the stunning Reclining Buddha of Wat Pho.
Wat Arun: Wat Arun is a stunning temple on the west bank of the Chao Phraya river. A must see!
Chao Phraya river: The Chao Phraya river is the heart of Bangkok. Flowing through the center of the city, it provides water and transportation. We took a cruise on the river and saw many important sights, adding an additional touch of history and culture to our trip.
Muay Thai: if you like action sports, make sure you catch a Muay Thai boxing match. Muay Thai is a complete fighting system that includes all the elements of boxing, wrestling, and plain ol' fighting. It is not only a sport but a tradition going back centuries.
Cooking classes: Thai cuisine is full of flavor, and is a mix of sweet, salty and sour, and so I wanted to try my hand at making Thai food. The amazing trinity of galangal, lemon grass and kaffir lime made every dish a true delight!

Being a history/culture buff, visiting Thailand turned out to be one of the highlights of my life. I would definitely recommend people to get themselves to Thailand if they ever get the opportunity.

Traveling: Trip to Singapore

Travel

During my visits to Singapore in 1999-2000 and 2019, I had the wonderful opportunity to explore this vibrant city-state. Here are some of the highlights from my trip:

Sentosa Island: Sentosa Island offers a captivating blend of entertainment and family-friendly attractions. Home to the expansive Resorts World, it boasts renowned destinations such as Universal Studios Singapore, the Singapore Butterfly & Insect Kingdom, and Adventure Cove Waterpark Singapore. Visiting Sentosa Island promises an enjoyable experience filled with fun and leisure.
Little India: A visit to Little India is a treat, particularly for its diverse culinary delights. From authentic Indian cuisine to Singaporean delicacies, the range of food options is enticing. Don't miss the Mustafa Center, a bustling retail hub and shopping center located on Syed Alwi Road in the Kallang planning area.
China Town: As one of the first Chinatowns I ever explored, Singapore's Chinatown left a lasting impression. Its captivating architecture and vibrant food scene evoke a sense of authenticity. If my memory serves me right from my visit in 1999-2000, it had a similar feel and charm to San Francisco's Chinatown. Perhaps you can even find remarkable antique furniture on the upper floors of some establishments, accompanied by skilled negotiators. When you know, you know! 🤣

Other notable attractions include the Singapore Zoo, the Singapore National Museum, and the Gardens by the Bay. I also highly recommend embarking on a Singapore City Duck Tour—an amusing experience where a boat with wheels takes you on a comprehensive city tour before venturing into the waterways. This unique adventure is both entertaining and worth the investment.

Life Coaching: Reducing Stress & Personal Development

Interest

Throughout the past decade, I have developed a keen interest in coaching, particularly in areas related to personal development, stress reduction, focus enhancement, habit-building, and effective learning techniques.

During my time in the Bay Area, I actively participated in numerous Vipassana meditation sessions, renowned for their effectiveness in reducing stress and cultivating mental focus. This experience deepened my understanding of mindfulness practices and their positive impact on overall well-being.

In addition to meditation, I have explored various avenues of personal development, constantly seeking ways to optimize my own growth and performance. These areas include cultivating focus, building habits for success, and enhancing learning and retention abilities.

If you're interested in improving your meditation skills, I can offer guidance and connect you with experienced meditation & life coaches who provide online instruction. This is purely a gesture of support and advice, with no intention to sell any services.

Swimming and Kayaking

Interest

In this section, I would like to share my passion for swimming and kayaking, two of my favorite water sports. These activities have not only brought me joy but also taught me valuable lessons along the way.

My journey into water sports began during my visit to California in 1998. While there on a personal trip, a fortuitous turn of events led to an internship opportunity at Oracle through their Summer Invitational Program. It was during this time that I discovered the thrill of water sports and developed a deep interest in them.

Water sports offer a unique blend of excitement and adventure. During that eventful summer, I embarked on a whitewater rafting trip to Glacier National Park in Montana, which ignited my passion for various other water activities. I delved into boating, canoeing, and eventually found my true love in kayaking, which became a significant part of my experiences in the Bay Area.

Learning to swim was another important milestone in my journey. Although I acquired this skill as an adult, the process taught me invaluable life lessons. I learned the importance of starting at the shallow end, spending ample time in the water, understanding the mechanics of different swimming strokes, and mastering one stroke at a time. Above all, swimming taught me the paramount value of safety. It has become a metaphor for my approach to learning anything new.

I firmly believe in lifelong learning and pushing our boundaries. Learning to swim and engaging in water sports have reinforced this belief. The process of acquiring new skills and expanding our knowledge knows no limits when we approach it with dedication and determination.