From CAL with love - for my thesis advisor

Hi,

Here are the pics of my farewell from CU. Although many group members were out on vacation and some busy with experiments, all those who were there enjoyed it. What did we do? We went out got some nice drinks and than started playing ULTIMATE. I loved it. As a matter of fact outdoor activities and sports are something I enjoy a lot. I am one of those guys who will be ready to play and learn any game. So we played 2 games and needless to say that both the times my team was the winner, although one thing I noticed was that my boss (Jim Hone) is a pretty awesome player. He can do a forehand, backhand, can throw the frisbee this way, that way etc etc. In the first game we were in the same team and we completely obliterated the opposition. Then Jim switched sides and we had a difficult time in beating his team, in fact we were able to score just one goal in the stipulated 15 minutes (pretty lame compared to the 5 golas we scored in 15 min when both of us were on the same side). 

Pre-game relaxation

Hone group - Partial 

I think we did a pretty awesome job

Oh man I am tired 

Let me text my friend that we won

Victory tastes sweet

How do I describe Jim, who is rare combination of elegance, simplicity, and humility. My interactions with him have convinced me that he is one those guys who will excel in whatever they do in life. A true inspiration and role model he is a wonderful, wonderful person of the new world from whom I have learned a lot. I owe him an enormous amount of gratitude for what he has done for me. My whole time in his group was very fulfilling. He has had a great influence on my life and from him I have imbibed the importance of humility, dignity, and being dependable.

 Final goodbye pic - Me with Jim all sweaty and happy

Although words could never adequately express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for Jim -- I shall attempt to express my feelings by making him proud from my deeds as best as I can.
A poem by Emily Matthews is somewhat close to what I wish to say.

" There are wonderful people 

who give from their hearts

in thoughtful and unselfish ways,                                              

So willing to share, help out, or be there,                                               

no matter how busy their days...

There are people we count on,

whose wisdom and caring 

help everything workout just right - 

Wonderful people

who shine our lives

with their gentle and beautiful light".

Finally I would just say that -  if only you could hear the prayers that fill each thought of you. And the smiles that warm each memory of the generous things you do, you'd know your're treasured more than words can say. 

Thank you Sir, for showing me what I am not and what I could be!
Thank you endlessly,
For you, with you, always...

Anurag

Adieu Alma Mater

It is time for me to take the next step in my life, which means leaving the current place. My feelings are mixed, at times I feel very enthusiastic about the new place, people, and the opportunities it will offer but on the other hand there is a bit of apprehension. I guess it is human nature not to be comfortable with change, but seldom do we realize that the only thing constant is CHANGE. Whatever the future may behold one thing is sure, which is, my deep indebtedness to my Alma Mater i.e. Columbia University.  I owe this institution an enormous amount of gratitude for what it has taught me about life. My whole time here was full of growth - scientific, personal, and spiritual. Honestly, it is one of those moments in my life where I can look back and say - I do no regret any time I spent on and in the vicinity of this majestic institution. It was almost like a second home for me. A sense of comfort seemed to take over whenever I entered the neighborhood or the campus. It was a feeling that do not worry  you are protected from the rest of world. 

One of my favorite spot on campus was the steps of low library, where resides in her grandeur the great Alma Mater, silently being a witness to endless events. Alma has been a witness to all my trials, tribulations, and triumphs. Shared with her are the most sacred aspects of my life. When I fell in love I sat with her, when I fell out I was on the steps, when I was dejected she comforted me, when I was ecstatic she celebrated with me. These feelings and incidences are a secret and will remain a secret not because I am ashamed of them but because they are too sacred to be shared. Yes that is the thought in the orient i.e. all that is precious in life is a secret. The sure instinct of a person is to keep them withdrawn in the innermost recesses accessible to few - perhaps to none. So the experience of being with her can only be described in a very inadequate and misunderstood word called LOVE. Love in its purest form i.e. free of any kind of expectations and attachements. 

Who knows what will happen in future but the skills I have imbibed will remain with me and make me work harder, so looking back ALMA can be proud of her product.

Goodbye

Anurag