Mother Tongue, Our Children's Talent

The recent comments from Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, have truly resonated with me, highlighting a critical issue that I have pondered for years: the impact of English and Hindi on our children’s innate talent "Language row: Karnataka CM says English, Hindi hurting children’s talent" by IANS, "Language row: Karnataka CM says English, Hindi hurting children’s talent" by Times of India, "దక్షిణాదిన హిందీ వివాదం వేళ.. కర్ణాటక సీఎం సిద్ధరామయ్య సంచలన వ్యాఖ్యలు" by Samayam Telugu.

Siddaramaiah's observation that children in developed nations thrive by thinking, learning, and dreaming in their mother tongue, while our focus on English and Hindi might be weakening this natural talent, strikes at the heart of our educational dilemma. It brings to mind a blog I wrote back in 2013, titled "Parents Know Best." In it, I noted the massive shift towards English medium schools and even predicted that English could overtake Hindi in enrollment, largely due to the prevalence of English educational content in the digital realm. It was clear then, as it is now, that parents, with the best intentions, see English as the key to success. But what if this comes at the cost of genuine innovation and the flourishing of unique talent?

The core idea I want to convey is this — take a moment to notice that I had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. I had already predicted this outcome or challenge, and I had even proposed a solution at the time. Now, seeing how things have unfolded, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context.

This is precisely why initiatives like www.My-Teacher.in and the Hanooman AI model are so vital. When I launched the multi-language mock tests on My-Teacher.in, offering NEET, JEE, and CET tests in nine Indic languages, including Kannada, Hindi, and English, it was a conscious effort to level the playing field. It was about empowering students, especially those in our 1.2 million village schools, who are often more comfortable engaging with complex concepts in their mother tongue. My vision has always been to enable self-education, believing that "The only Education worth its name, is SELF EDUCATION."

Similarly, the IIT Bombay project to create Hanooman, an AI model for Indic languages, further underscores this point "Meet India’s own ChatGPT-style AI model Hanooman" by myblogepage. It’s about ensuring that technology serves our diverse linguistic landscape, rather than forcing a monolithic approach. These efforts are not merely about translation; they are about fostering deeper understanding and enabling children to learn and express themselves in the language that comes most naturally to them.

Siddaramaiah's call for the central government to enact legislation making mother tongue the medium of instruction is a powerful reminder that we must cherish and cultivate our linguistic diversity. It's not about rejecting English or Hindi, but about balancing their importance with the profound cognitive and cultural benefits of learning in one's mother tongue. Our goal should be to provide every child the opportunity to excel, allowing their talent to blossom in the language they truly connect with, creating an inclusive and equitable educational future for all.

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Regards,
Hemen Parekh

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Andhra Stampede: Avoidable Tragedy

The news of the tragic stampede at the privately-run Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, during the Ekadashi celebrations, deeply saddens me. Ten lives lost, many injured—a stark reminder of the challenges we continue to face in managing large gatherings. The reports indicate that the crowd surge, combined with common entry and exit points and a concerning lack of official permissions, transformed a sacred occasion into a devastating ordeal India Today.

I note the Andhra Pradesh government has initiated relief efforts and a thorough investigation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi (n.modi@india.gov.in) announced an ex-gratia payment from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for the kin of the deceased and those injured India Today. Both Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and IT Minister Nara Lokesh have expressed their shock and commitment to support victims and probe lapses India Today, India Today. A TDP spokesperson rightfully questioned the lack of official permission, stressing accountability India Today.

This incident echoes the countless tragedies I’ve reflected upon before. The core idea Hemen wants to convey is this — take a moment to notice that he had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. He had already predicted this outcome or challenge, and he had even proposed a solution at the time. Now, seeing how things have unfolded, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, he feels a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context.

Just a few months ago, I wrote about the recurring nature of such incidents and the urgent need for robust crowd management, citing my earlier calls for innovative solutions Major stampedes.

Back in 2022, after the Vaishno Devi shrine horror, where survivors like Ayush and Sharma described scenes of chaos and a complete lack of crowd control, I detailed several simple yet effective methods to prevent stampedes Stampedes: cases of avoidable deaths?. My suggestions included:

• Separate and Barricaded Pathways: Ensuring distinct routes for incoming and outgoing pilgrims, preventing head-on collisions and cross-traffic, as I previously suggested in my 2013 blog Some learn: Some just won’t.
• Single-Person Movement: Implementing systems, much like those seen in Tirupati, to regulate individual flow.
• Automated Conveyance Systems: Proposing horizontal conveyors, rope-ways with hanging chairs, or even roller coasters in high-density areas to eliminate walking and the potential for a surge, as I outlined for the Maha-Kumbh Mela, Tirupati, Shirdi, and Nasik, urging then-Minister for Tourism Dr. Mahesh Sharma, and later Shri Yogi Adityanathji and Shri V K Anand to consider these for Kumbh Mela SIMPLE SOLUTION for STEMPEDE, Greatest Show on Earth: Kumbh Mela.
• Advanced Tracking & Control: Utilizing RFID sensor-embedded wrist-bands linked to Aadhaar for real-time tracking of every visitor, aiding in locating missing persons, identifying troublemakers, and assisting accident victims. This could be coupled with extensive CCTV camera networks and facial recognition software to enforce movement protocols, as discussed in the context of China's jaywalking enforcement Greatest Show on Earth: Kumbh Mela.
• Accountability: Advocating for a system, perhaps an app like the one I called 'DIGS', to hold inefficient government servants accountable for lapses leading to such accidents Dismiss Inefficient Government Servant (DIGS).

The repeated occurrence of these tragedies across India, from Vaishno Devi, where Ayush and Sharma were among the survivors, to the recent incident in Andhra Pradesh, underscores a critical failure to learn from the past. My proposals, articulated over many years, are not rocket science; they are practical engineering and crowd management solutions that prioritize human life. It is time we moved beyond investigations and relief efforts to proactive, preventative measures. The technology and methodologies exist. What is lacking is the consistent political will and administrative resolve to implement them comprehensively across all places of mass gathering.

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Regards,
Hemen Parekh

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Retirement: A New Beginning

Rohan Bopanna's decision to retire after a remarkable 22-year career in tennis has truly made me reflect. Two decades of dedication, discipline, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in professional sport—it's an incredible feat [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis/top-stories/rohan-bopanna-announces-retirement-after-20-year-career-tennis-gave-me-a-purpose-when-i-was-lost/articleshow/125012704.cms]. His journey, visible on his LinkedIn profile at Rohan Bopanna, reminds us that the end of one chapter is often the exciting start of another.

I’ve always viewed retirement not as a cessation of activity, but as a significant transition, an opportunity to redefine purpose. The core idea I want to convey is this — take a moment to notice that I had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. When my dear friend, Sharad, retired from his role, I explicitly told him there was "no question of retiring!" [http://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2015/05/welcome.html]. It's a sentiment I held then, and it rings even truer today as I observe individuals like Rohan Bopanna concluding such illustrious careers. I had already predicted this outcome or challenge, and I had even proposed a solution at the time. Now, seeing how things have unfolded, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context.

Similarly, when S. Raghavan, a former colleague from L&T, retired, he reached out, reflecting on the guidance and learning he received from me [http://emailothers.blogspot.com/2014/04/re-retirement.html]. My response to him was a testament to the enduring impact of one's skills and attitude, acknowledging that his career growth was his own doing, and emphasizing that staying in touch was paramount. These interactions solidified my belief that the spirit of contribution and connection doesn't simply vanish with a career's end; it merely transforms.

Watching someone like Rohan Bopanna step away from the professional court after such a long tenure, it's clear his impact will resonate far beyond the wins and losses. His journey is a powerful reminder of sustained effort and passion. It's a testament to leaving a legacy that inspires future generations, just as our own experiences and mentorships leave lasting marks on those we interact with.

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Hemen Parekh

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Echoes of 'Jungle Raj'

The political landscape in Bihar is once again ablaze with accusations and counter-accusations, centered around the contentious 'jungle raj' narrative. The recent uproar, ignited by the nomination of Shahabuddin’s son, has brought Tejashwi Yadav and the RJD under intense scrutiny. It's a stark reminder of how historical narratives intertwine with present-day politics, creating a volatile mix that demands our attention.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, a prominent figure in the BJP, has been vocal, directly linking the RJD's past with the alleged 'reign of terror' under Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, a period often referred to as 'jungle raj' "RJD to bring back jungle raj": BJP attacks on Tejashwi; cites Shahabuddin's son's nomination "RJD to bring back jungle raj": BJP attacks on Tejashwi; cites Shahabuddin's son's nomination "RJD to bring back jungle raj": BJP attacks on Tejashwi; cites Shahabuddin's son's nomination. These allegations are amplified by figures like Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who exhorted the people of Bihar not to let 'jungle raj' return Don't allow return of "Jungle Raj " in Bihar again : Adityanath. On the other side, leaders like Rohini Acharya, Lalu's daughter, speak of a changed Bihar, striving for a positive future, emphasizing the complex family dynamics within RJD Rohini Acharya interview Tejashwi Yadav. The political back-and-forth continues with Ravi Shankar Prasad dismissing the Grand Alliance's manifesto as hollow promises Bihar polls: India bloc manifesto lacks substance, says Ravi Shankar Prasad and Mukesh Sahani, the Deputy CM face for the INDIA bloc, criticizing the NDA's strategies ‘Will not rest till we break BJP’: Dy CM face Mukesh Sahani.

Beyond Bihar, we see similar political fervor. In Maharashtra, leaders like Raj Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and Uddhav Thackeray are mobilizing against alleged voter list irregularities Rally against doctored voters' list to be led by Raj Thackeray, Sharad Pawar on Nov 1, a concern echoed by Congress leaders like Manoj Jha and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in their respective contexts RJD complaint Women Employment Scheme cash transfer. Priyanka Gandhi herself has been critical of PM Modi, accusing him of using 'political drama' for electoral gains Bihar: Rahul Gandhi calls Modi’s Chhath Puja 'political drama' at Darbhanga rally, and even mentioning her late mother, Indira Gandhi, as having more courage than the current PM Indira Gandhi had more courage than Modi: Rahul; dares PM to contradict Trump. BJP leaders like Bhupendra Chaudhary and Annapurna Devi have countered, hailing NDA's development work and accusing Rahul Gandhi of insulting the Chhath festival Rahul Gandhi insults Chhath festival, Bihar’s women deeply hurt: Annapurna NDA will again form govt in Bihar on strength of development: Bhupendra Chaudhary. Even figures like Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak have weighed in on political discussions, as seen in his retort to Akhilesh Yadav's ChatGPT remark Brijesh Pathak hits back at Akhilesh Yadav: ‘Politics can’t be done through ChatGPT’. The discussions extend to administrative actions, such as West Bengal CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal assuring the public about the voter list revision, while CM Mamata Banerjee expressed concerns about its tragic consequences Mamata claims Bengal witnessing tragic consequences of SIR.

It is fascinating how this political discourse, often rooted in historical narratives of governance and public safety, directly connects with ideas I explored years ago. For instance, the very concept of preventing a return to 'jungle raj' calls for robust mechanisms for law enforcement and transparent governance. I remember discussing how technology, particularly augmented intelligence, could significantly reduce crime rates. In my blog post, "Marriage of Technologies to Contain Crimes" Marriage of Technologies to Contain Crimes, I highlighted Telangana's success in crime reduction through AI, deep tech, and geospatial analysis. The core idea I wanted to convey is this — take a moment to notice that I had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. I had already predicted this outcome or challenge, and I had even proposed a solution at the time. Now, seeing how things have unfolded, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context.

The discussions around electoral integrity, whether concerning EVMs, voter lists, or alleged malpractices, resonate strongly with my previous writings. In "The Importance of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)" The Importance of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), I emphasized the need for continuous improvement and leveraging technology like Aadhaar-based voting to enhance the integrity of the electoral process. Similarly, in "The digital path to a developed India" Developed India, I advocated for technology as a catalyst for transparent and responsive governance. The very existence of political debates surrounding these issues reinforces my belief that a transparent, tech-driven, and continuously refined electoral system is paramount for a resilient democracy. The current arguments from leaders like Prashant Kishor (though his LinkedIn is not provided, his name is prominent in the context) about electoral practices further underscore this ongoing challenge.

From a technological standpoint, preventing the 'jungle raj' scenarios implies predictive policing, real-time intelligence sharing, and robust digital systems. I remember advocating for an automated, national, computerized database for all offences and investigations, readily accessible to all agencies, to combat corruption and delay in justice. My blog, "Cyber Crimes - Technology Can Help" Cyber Crimes - Technology Can Help, detailed how such a system could dismantle information silos and improve efficiency in law enforcement. Today, as we hear about serious charges and accusations, one cannot help but think of the systemic changes that integrated technology could bring. Even issues of national security and external relations, as raised by Kiren Rijiju regarding Article 370 JK’s destiny changed after Article 370 abrogation: Rijiju, connect to the broader theme of robust governance.

The dialogue surrounding these elections and governance reminds me that the path to a truly developed nation, as envisioned by PM Modi, email: n.modi@india.gov.in and other leaders like Nitish Kumar, is not merely about economic growth but also about ensuring justice, transparency, and public safety. This political churn, while often heated, is a crucial part of our democratic evolution. It compels us to constantly seek innovative solutions to old problems, ensuring that technology serves as an enabler for a safer, more equitable society.

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Regards, Hemen Parekh

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Tragedy of Foresight Ignored

The recent news of the temple stampede and Chief Minister Naidu's subsequent comments about coordination lapses ["'Had they informed …': CM Naidu blames organisers for temple stampede; cites coordination lapse"] weigh heavily on my mind. It's a stark, painful reminder that many tragedies are not acts of fate, but rather failures in foresight, planning, and execution.

I’ve long reflected on the inherent risks associated with large public gatherings, especially during religious festivals in India. The sheer scale of devotion and human movement presents unique challenges that demand more than just traditional crowd control. This very concern led me to share my thoughts in a blog titled REAL AND PRESENT DANGER AT MAHA KUMBH [http://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2024/12/real-and-present-danger-at-maha-kumbh.html].

The core idea I wanted to convey then, and which rings with renewed urgency now, is the absolute necessity to “imagine / visualize / predict” all possible scenarios—even the most unlikely ones—using advanced AI. My belief is simple: “IF … abc … happens, THEN, do … xyz.” If something can go wrong, especially when millions are gathered, it will go wrong if not meticulously prepared for. I had even proposed innovative solutions like implementing POD TAXIS and GANGA-JAL SPRINKLERS to manage pilgrim flow, ensuring both safety and a dignified spiritual experience without the risks of overcrowding.

Chief Minister Naidu's observation that organizers should have informed authorities about the crowd situation is precisely the kind of breakdown I envisioned. It highlights a critical gap in communication and preparedness. We need systems that don't just react, but proactively predict and prevent. Technology offers us incredible tools—from real-time crowd density monitoring to AI-driven predictive analytics for identifying potential choke points before they become lethal. My earlier insights, like using controlled flow mechanisms akin to those seen in modern transit systems, could prevent the very chaos that leads to stampedes.

Reflecting on it today, I feel a sense of validation for those earlier ideas, coupled with a deep sorrow that such preventable tragedies continue to occur. It reinforces my conviction that we must revisit and seriously consider these proactive, technological solutions, for they clearly hold immense value in safeguarding lives in the current context.

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Regards,
Hemen Parekh

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AI: Cheating and Apologizing

The evolving landscape of academic integrity continues to fascinate and, at times, alarm me. I recently read about a striking incident at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where students, caught cheating in an introductory data science course, resorted to using Artificial Intelligence to craft their apologies "Their Professors Caught Them Cheating. They Used A.I. to Apologize.". This particular story, reported by Neil Vigdor and Hannah Ziegler, highlights a new frontier in academic dishonesty that even caught the keen eyes of Professors Karle Flanagan and Wade Fagen-Ulmschneider, who grew suspicious after receiving identical, AI-generated mea culpas.

It’s a bizarre turn, isn't it? AI is not just a tool for academic shortcuts; it’s now also being used to navigate the fallout from those shortcuts. This development validates a point I've emphasized for years: technology, while enabling new forms of malpractice, also offers the most robust solutions to combat them.

The Foresight of AI in Examinations

Reflecting on this, I recall my earlier discussions on overhauling examination systems to be 'cheating-proof.' In my blog post, "NEET : far from NEAT ?" [http://myblogepage.blogspot.com/2024/06/125-days-roadmap-part-h.html], and even further back in "Cheating in Exams : is only a Symptom" [http://mylinkedinposting.blogspot.com/2024/03/cheating-in-exams-is-only-symptom.html], I proposed the concept of COMET (Computerised Online Medical Entrance Test). The core idea Hemen wants to convey is this — take a moment to notice that he had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. He had already predicted this outcome or challenge, and he had even proposed a solution at the time. Now, seeing how things have unfolded, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, he feels a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context. My vision included:

• An independent Central Exam Conduct Board (CECB).
• An extensive data bank of exam questions, categorized by difficulty.
• Artificial Intelligence generating millions of unique question papers on the fly, just seconds before an exam, serving them one question at a time to prevent sharing.
• Student identity verification through facial recognition via computer cameras.
• Automated, instantaneous evaluation and result transmission.

This isn't mere speculation; it's a practical framework designed to counter the very challenges we are now witnessing. As Anastasia Berg (anastb1@uci.edu) points out in her guest essay, "Why Even Basic A.I. Use Is So Bad for Students" [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/29/opinion/ai-students-thinking-school-reading.html], AI threatens students' most basic skills, particularly their ability to think and understand. Similarly, Kwame Anthony Appiah (kwame.appiah@later.com), in "An Essay Contest Winner Used A.I. Should She Return the $1,000 Award?" [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/10/magazine/essay-contest-ai-ethics.html], framed such incidents as a 'wake-up call.' Indeed, it is a wake-up call, urging us to implement robust, AI-driven solutions that ensure true learning and fair assessment, rather than allowing AI to erode fundamental academic values.

Clay Shirky's (clay.shirky@nyu.edu) guest essay, "Students Hate Them. Universities Need Them. The Only Real Solution to the A.I. Cheating Crisis." [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/26/opinion/culture/ai-chatgpt-college-cheating-medieval.html], further supports this, arguing that new ways are needed to ensure students engage in the work required for learning, now that AI makes mental effort optional.

Moving Forward with Integrity

The irony of students using AI to apologize for AI-assisted cheating highlights the double-edged sword that technology represents. While it simplifies tasks, it also demands a re-evaluation of how we foster integrity and critical thinking. We must embrace technological solutions to secure the examination process, making it impervious to both old and new forms of cheating. This means investing in systems that are not just reactive but proactively designed to uphold the sanctity of learning.

It is imperative that educational institutions adopt such advanced methodologies to ensure that the pursuit of knowledge remains authentic and equitable for all. The tools are available; what is often lacking is the collective will to implement them comprehensively.

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Regards,
Hemen Parekh

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Science in India: Our Shared Future

I've been deeply engrossed in the discourse surrounding "Science in India: investing for co-creation, co-existence." It's a vision that truly aligns with my conviction that our future hinges on collaborative progress and shared purpose.

Reflecting on the advancements, I see companies like Vertex Pharmaceuticals at the forefront of scientific innovation, dedicated to creating transformative medicines Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Their focus on improving lives, particularly evident in the stories of individuals like former professional quarterback Alex Smith and his wife, Elizabeth Smith, who proactively manage pain, or the heartfelt accounts of colleagues living with type 1 diabetes, truly captures the human essence of scientific endeavor. It's inspiring to see Vertex scientists recognized with the 2025 Lasker~DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award for their pioneering work in cystic fibrosis, a testament to relentless dedication.

This commitment to well-being extends beyond individual companies. I recall NITI Aayog's strategic blueprint for pandemic preparedness, a topic I touched upon earlier Tackle Covid-like Outbreaks. This plan, emphasizing robust healthcare infrastructure and collaborative efforts, including the vital role of the private sector like the TATA Group, echoes the call for 'co-creation' on a national scale. It reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi (n.modi@india.gov.in)'s vision for decisive action and resilience.

The broader landscape of technology and business consulting, as demonstrated by firms like Alvarez & Marsal, further illustrates this spirit of innovation Alvarez & Marsal. Their global reach and diverse expertise, from combating fraud to exploring AI exports, speak to the dynamic interplay of science and strategy. I find their leadership compelling: Tony Alvarez II and Bryan Marsal speak of the 'magic of human endeavor,' while Elizabeth Shortino engages in critical discussions on global financial cooperation. Gary Foster's insights on the future of data analysis through Generative AI, and Dr. Heather Farley's (heather.farley@ama-assn.org) pioneering role as Chief Well-being Officer, highlight the continuous evolution of leadership and technological integration.

This brings me to a topic I’ve explored extensively: Artificial Intelligence. The core idea I want to convey is this — take a moment to notice that I had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. I had already predicted this outcome or challenge, and I had even proposed a solution at the time. Now, seeing how things have unfolded, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context.

In my earlier blog, "Revenge of AI," written back in 2016, I highlighted the groundbreaking partnership between Facebook, Amazon, Google, IBM, and Microsoft on an AI platform. I questioned then why such a pivotal development was seemingly downplayed by the media. I recall the insightful comments from Mustafa Suleyman (mustafas@microsoft.com), co-founder of DeepMind, on involving people impacted by AI, and Francesca Rossi of IBM Research on the necessity of trust in AI for societal benefits. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's (satyan@microsoft.com) vision of AI-powered bots revolutionizing computing also resonated deeply. My predictions regarding AI's profound impact on industries and job transformation, as discussed in blogs like "AI applications for executives & entrepreneurs" and "Unarai - Renamed Hlmabai," have indeed come to pass. The discussions in my blog, "Dear Ashwini Vaishnawji, I hope this finds you well," about the bright future of AI and the need for reskilling for at-risk job roles, remain as pertinent as ever.

It’s a validation that underscores the importance of foresight, and I’m reminded of the visit from Shri Harish Mehta, Chairman of Onward Technologies and the first President of NASSCOM, who sought me out specifically because of my AI blogs Views of Blogger Site. This continuous dialogue is crucial.

For science in India to truly flourish through 'co-creation' and 'co-existence,' we must continue to foster environments where innovation is celebrated, ethical considerations are paramount, and collaboration across all sectors—public, private, and academic—is the norm. This approach will ensure that our scientific advancements serve humanity, creating a future that is not just technologically advanced, but also inclusive and sustainable.

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Regards,
Hemen Parekh

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Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai

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